OSP Investigating Officer Involved Shooting- Polk County

The Oregon State Police major crimes section is actively investigating an officer involved shooting at the request of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office- in accordance with SB111 protocols.

On Saturday, September 30, at approximately 1:30 A.M., an Independence Police Officer initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle fled.  The pursuit ended after officers deployed spike strips, disabling the vehicle, and the suspect fled on foot. Law enforcement officers responded to the area and located the suspect as he attempted to flee the area in another vehicle. The suspect opened fire on responding officers, striking a Polk County Deputy and law enforcement officers discharged their weapons in response. 

As a result of the gunfire exchange, one suspect is deceased, another is injured, and the original suspect has been arrested. 

There is no reason to believe there is any danger to the public at this time.

Due to the on-going investigation, further details are currently unavailable.  All future releases will come from the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2023

Notice of Meeting

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

(Douglas County, Ore.) The next meeting of the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) will take place on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 11:30 am, in Room 310 at the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon. 

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch the meeting via video conference or listen via phone.  Members of the public who wish to watch or listen to this meeting can do so by accessing the options listed on the attached agenda.  For more information about the LPSCC program click here to access their webpage on the county website at or contact Koree Tate at ee.tate@douglascountyor.gov">koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov or call (541) 957-7790.

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at www.douglascountyor.gov.

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Program Contact:ee.tate@douglascountyor.gov">Koree Tate | LPSCC Program & Partnership Coordinator | Douglas County Juvenile Department Phone: (541) 957-7790 | Email: ee.tate@douglascountyor.gov">koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

UPDATE: This release includes updated information about where they are believed to be. They are now to be in the Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; or Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Salem) – Declan Colby Duckett, a newborn, went missing with his mother Markishia Duckett and her partner Declan Harris from Portland on Sept. 5. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division still believes that he may be at risk and is searching for Declan Colby Duckett to assess his safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Declan Colby Duckett. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of him or his parents should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). 

They are believed to be in the Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; or Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Name: Declan Colby Duckett
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Aug. 31, 2023
Height: 20 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Hair: Black
Eye color: Brown
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2000188

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

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

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JCSO Cases 23-1656, 22-7462, 22-0731, 22-1482, 22-4223

ROGUE VALLEY, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force arrested five separate suspects today on 42 encouraging child sexual abuse felony charges. Investigations led the task force throughout the Rogue Valley including addresses in Medford, Central Point, and Grants Pass. Although the cases are not connected, total felony charges included 32 counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, 10 counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, 16 counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy, and a felon in possession of a firearm.

Six local and federal law enforcement agencies assisted SOCET with today’s arrests including Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF), Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF). 

Each investigation began when SOCET received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led to subpoenas, followed by search warrants at the respective residences. Investigators seized digital devices during the searches and applied for additional warrants to examine the devices. Once the additional search warrants were signed, SOHTCTF forensically examined the devices for further evidence of child exploitation. At that point SOCET took each case through a Grand Jury hearing and the courts issued warrants for each suspect’s arrest. 

The first arrest came when SOCET received a tip that a suspect was leaving his residence in the 60 block of Jeanette Avenue in Medford. The task force located and arrested Steven Wesley Rambo, 60, of Medford, on nine felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Investigators have reason to believe Rambo may have other child victims. If you have any information on the suspect, contact investigators through the Sheriff’s App “Submit a Tip” feature. Download the App here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a72997501. You can also call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 22-7462.

Next, the task force located a suspect’s vehicle near his residence in the 20 block of Washington Street in Medford. The task force arrested Michael David Robertson, 45, of Medford, for three felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and 16 counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to serve a search warrant at Robertson’s former residence in the 800 block of Forest Glen Drive in Central Point where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. During the search warrant investigators discovered a hidden camera in the bathroom of the residence which led to the invasion of personal privacy charges. During the course of the investigation there are still two unidentified victims. If you have any information about the suspect or victims, submit a tip on the Sheriff’s App or call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 23-1656.

The task force then located and arrested David Anthony Price, 40, at his residence in the 1000 block of Morgan Lane in Grants Pass, for 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to his former residence in the 700 block of North River Road in Rogue River where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail.

The next arrest came when Mark Joseph Harding, 37, of Central Point, turned himself in at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Central Point. Harding is charged with 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to his residence in the 800 block of South Haskell Street in Central Point where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail.

The final arrest for the sweep came when investigators contacted David Michael Painter, 62, at his residence in the 2500 block of Rabun Way in Central Point. Painter is charged with 10 felony counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO and HSI; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.

Benton County is thrilled to introduce its new County Administrator, Rachel McEneny, to the community. Rachel's journey to Oregon, documented through an engaging video blog alongside her father and trusty companion, Yaeger the dog, is an opportunity to learn a little about Rachel before she starts her leadership role with the County next week.

The video blog and photos offer an opportunity to get better acquainted with Rachel and provide a glimpse into her journey. View and download the photos and video of Rachel's journey on the Benton County Flickr page.

Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Benton County Administrator, and we look forward to her contributions to serving the community.

Get to know a litte bit about Rachel on her journey with dad and Yaeger: (15) New Benton County Administrator documents journey to Oregon - YouTube

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

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, at approximately 8:00 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a crash involving two commercial motor vehicles on Interstate-84, near milepost 226, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Ruslan Basarab (49) of Renton (WA), was traveling in the slow lane when it struck the rear-end of Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Francisco Rivera Atilano Jr. (20) of Hermiston.  

The primary commercial motor vehicle caught fire as a result of the collision and burned so badly it was unidentifiable. The operator was removed from the vehicle and later declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital. 

The operator of the Peterbilt was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, and ODOT.

SALEM, Ore. – Sept. 29, 2023 – Today, the Oregon Senate confirmed Erin McMahon as Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM). McMahon was appointed to the position by Governor Kotek in August.

A retired general officer for the Oregon National Guard and retired brigadier general for the U.S. Army, McMahon has two dozen years of experience advising state and national leaders on emergent and active emergencies requiring operational and civilian support. At the National Guard Bureau and the Oregon National Guard, she coordinated with other military and federal departments while working directly with all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia to provide military support when requested in support of declared emergencies and disasters.

McMahon's team supported every major disaster and national incident that impacted the nation – from wildfires to the pandemic to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. Throughout that time, she progressed from an action officer to a division chief to the chief of staff, culminating as the principal deputy general counsel for the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

“My experiences these past 24 years have culminated in this moment, with this opportunity to take OEM to the next level of efficiency and excellence; a level that captures our team’s experience and commitment and better integrates it with the expertise provided by our local, city, county and tribal partners,” said McMahon. “Together, we’ll advance our networks, update our systems, improve our preparedness and strengthen our lines of communication. My top priority is to continue supporting OEM’s mission to help the state better serve all Oregonians as emergencies become more frequent and destructive.”

One of McMahon’s first actions was onboarding Patence Winningham as OEM’s new deputy director. Winningham previously served as Lane County Emergency Manager since 2019 after having worked with the City of Eugene as an emergency management specialist for more than a decade. She has extensive experience in disaster preparedness, including leading Lane County’s response and communication with the state Emergency Coordination Center during a historic winter storm, flooding, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire and the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. She has also supported emergency planning efforts for multiple Olympic Trials and the World Athletics Championship.

“I’m honored to serve in this position at an agency I’ve worked so closely with on many emergencies,” said Winningham. “I believe my passion for helping the community and connecting with individuals and partners will help fulfill OEM’s mission and increase Oregon’s readiness and resiliency.”

Deputy Director Winningham’s extensive local knowledge will complement Director McMahon’s federal experience, providing the relatively new department with a strong executive leadership team. OEM transitioned from a division of the Oregon Military Department to a stand-alone cabinet-level department reporting directly to the governor in July 2022.

“Patence will be critical in supporting me as we work together to improve partnerships to enhance coordination for the delivery of essential services across the state in times of crisis and in preparation for our worst days,” said McMahon. “She is a capable and experienced leader, communicator, problem-solver and collaborator who has earned the respect of other emergency managers statewide. She’s also a tireless activist for disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation and other initiatives to reduce risk across the state.”

A portrait of Director McMahon can be viewed and downloaded here; Deputy Director Winningham’s portrait can be viewed and downloaded here. Learn more about OEM at www.oregon.gov/oem.
 

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Photo Captions
Oregon Emergency Management Logo
Erin McMahon is confirmed by the Oregon Senate as OEM Director.
Patence Winningham is appointed OEM Deputy Director.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Media Hotline: 503-813-5050 

Tips for a safe fall season at home

PORTLAND, Ore. (September 29, 2023) — Fall season brings on the return of pumpkin spice-everything while the leaves change across the Pacific Northwest.  Many of us consider fall the start of the holiday season. And the holidays often bring an increase in outdoor activity, whether it be from trick-or-treaters skipping up the porch steps or relatives stopping by for a Thanksgiving dinner. That’s why we should take extra care and precaution when maintaining the structures and landscaping around our home. 

“Now is a great time to prune any trees that could cause trouble once the storms start coming in,” said Joe Cissna, Pacific Power’s health and safety manager. “Winter storms bringing down branches are a big cause of power outages. Check around your property to see if any trees or branches could harm power lines if they fell. Some preventive work now could save more headaches and power outages later.

“Use caution when pruning trees. Don't use pruning tools or ladders near power lines. Always keep yourself and anything you're handling at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Never try to remove a branch that is tangled or lying across a power line. Instead, call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070. We'll be happy to remove it for you.

Some additional tips for fall safety:

• Treat all electric lines with caution.
• Use only wooden and fiberglass ladders. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Never use electrical equipment or tools near a pool or other wet areas. Additionally, make sure outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, designed to automatically disconnect if the tool comes into contact with water.
• Be aware and steer clear of overhead electrical wires when installing, removing, cleaning or repairing gutters.
• Have help when installing or adjusting a satellite dish or antenna. Make sure you’re working at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Plant trees and shrubs away from meters, switching cabinets and boxed transformers. Vegetation that blocks electrical equipment makes repairs and maintenance challenging and sometimes dangerous for utility workers.
• Underground power lines are just as dangerous as overhead ones. If your project involves digging, make sure the locations of underground power lines are marked. Call 811 to have underground utilities located and marked for free.

For more safety tips or to order free Pacific Power safety materials, call toll free at 800-375-7085 or visit pacificpower.net/safety.

SALEM, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is closing some campground operations on the Clatsop, Tillamook, and Santiam state forests as it does each year as part of its transition to winter operations. On Oct. 2 all seasonal developed campgrounds will be closing, followed by the closure of all seasonal Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) campgrounds on Oct. 31. One exception to the closure plan will be Northrup Creek Horse Camp Campground in the Clatsop State Forest, which will remain open until Dec. 1. 

The closures are primarily done for public safety and are impacted by seasonal staffing levels. “As we move into fall, keeping Oregonians safe in the forest is important. With snowfall, high winds, and heavy rainfall it’s essential that we close some campgrounds as conditions change and many become inaccessible,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Operations Manager.

Even with the closures, some camping opportunities will remain open and available through the winter months.

Tillamook State Forest

• Closing Oct. 2
  • Jones Creek Campground
  • Nehalem Falls Campground
  • Morrison Eddy Campground
  • Gales Creek Campground
  • Reehers Camp Campground
• Closing Oct. 31
  • Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground
  • Jordan Creek OHV Campground
• Open Year-Round
  • Keenig Creek Campground
  • Elk Creek Campground
  • Diamond Mill OHV Campground
  • Stagecoach Horse Campground

Clatsop State Forest

• Closing Oct. 2
  • Spruce Run Campground – Loops B & C
  • Beaver Eddy Campground
• Closing Dec. 1
  • Northrup Creek Horse Campground
• Open Year-Round Season
  • Spruce Run Campground – Loops A & D
  • Gnat Creek Campground
  • Viewpoint OHV Campground

Santiam State Forest

• Closing Oct. 2
  • Santiam Horse Camp
  • Rock Creek Campground

More information on recreation opportunities at State Forest campgrounds can be found on our website, ODF Campgrounds. 

EUGENE, Ore.—On September 28, 2023, a Baker County, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history, who fled from a traffic stop at more than 100 mph and threatened a shootout with police, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms.

Zachary Charles Persicke, 38, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in late September 2021, as part of an investigation of Persicke for dealing drugs and illegally possessing firearms, Baker County law enforcement obtained a state search warrant for Persicke’s person and an associated residence. Law enforcement observed Persicke in a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. While fleeing from police and reaching speeds of more than 100 mph, Persicke called 911, told the dispatcher he had a weapon, and threatened to engage in a shootout. After driving over a spike strip placed by law enforcement, Persicke pulled over and surrendered without incident. In a search of Persicke’s vehicle, officers located and seized more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and an assault-style rifle.

On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Persicke with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On April 5, 2023, Persicke pleaded guilty to a two-count superseding criminal information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Baker City Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Oregon State Police and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on November 1, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Wright at (503) 378-2191.

The Telecommunications Policy Committee meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST Facebook page

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

Agenda Items

1. Introductions

2. Approve March 16, 2023, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

      Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

a. Renee Elizabeth Heidy; DPSST No. 43198

    Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Telecommunicator; Basic Emergency Medical Dispatcher; and Instructor Certifications

b. Teonna Johnson; DPSST No. 56804

    Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications

4. Applicant Review Committee Member Nominations

      Presented by Chris Brodniak

5. Program Manager Updates

6. Agency Updates

7. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: February 7, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

North Bend School District Public Meetings – October 2023 

Below are North Bend School District public meetings currently scheduled for October:

October 5, 2023

Regular Board Meeting with Executive Session

North Bend City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m.

835 California Ave., North Bend, OR

October 19, 2023

Special Meeting/Work Session

North Bend School District at 6:00 p.m.

1913 Meade Ave., North Bend, OR

The schedule is subject to change.

Please email rix@nbend.k12.or.us">mbrix@nbend.k12.or.usor visit the NBSD Website: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1573 for agenda information.

PLEASE NOTE: The earlier version of this press release erroneously mentioned that Medicare Advantage includes transportation benefits. That is incorrect and has been removed from the release below.

Members will see no disruption to care or coverage—Medicare Advantage plans will automatically renew for 2024 with no action required 

(Bend, Ore.) Sept. 29, 2023—Today, PacificSource announced it has worked out an agreement with St. Charles Health System to ensure that its Medicare Advantage plans will continue in Central Oregon with no disruption in care or coverage to members. PacificSource Medicare Advantage members will automatically be reenrolled for 2024 plans with no action required. 

While St. Charles Health System had previously stated it was reevaluating its ongoing participation in Medicare Advantage contracts, PacificSource worked with St. Charles to ensure continuity of coverage and services for PacificSource Medicare Advantage members through the entirety of 2024.

“This agreement is a positive result for our region’s Medicare-eligible seniors, and also some of its most vulnerable community members,” said Dr. John “Espi” Espinola, PacificSource’s president and CEO. “PacificSource will continue to advocate for our members to make certain that they can continue to access affordable, high-quality healthcare in Central Oregon. We are pleased to have secured this successful outcome with St. Charles and will continue to work with them to improve the Medicare Advantage experience for their patients.”

Medicare Advantage is for seniors and people with disabilities under 65 and offers more benefits than Original Medicare. PacificSource has 15,500 Medicare Advantage members of which 2500 are dual-eligible seniors, who qualify for extra benefits due to health, income or disability needs. People choose Medicare Advantage because these plans offer more benefits with less cost. PacificSource Medicare Advantage plans offer vision, dental, hearing, and gym membership benefits that would cost thousands more per year with Original Medicare. Dual-eligible members of PacificSource also qualify for essential benefits such as grocery stipends. 

“As a local nonprofit serving Central Oregon for more than 25 years, PacificSource is proud of our track record of creative problem-solving to improve the health systems in our community,” said Dr. Espinola. “We are always ready to work collaboratively with our partners and never lose sight of who is most important when we discuss care and coverage—our members and their families. Serving them will remain our priority.”

About PacificSource

PacificSource is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource has local offices throughout Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs more than 1,800 people and serves over 600,000 individuals throughout the Greater Northwest. For more information, visit PacificSource.com.

September 29, 2023

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

OHA seeks input on Oregon beaches to monitor in 2024 & 2025

Public comment on proposed beach locations welcome through October 13.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) invites public comment on a list of proposed beaches to monitor for health risks in 2024 and 2025.

The list was created based on established criteria such as high recreational use, nearby pollution hazards, previously measured high bacteria levels and public input.

OBMP is a multi-agency effort with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to monitor the waters along Oregon's coastline for the presence of fecal bacteria and report elevated levels to the public. Through this program, DEQ regularly samples marine water and freshwater at 20 beaches along Oregon’s 360 miles of coastline between May and September. To protect public health, OHA issues advisories at beaches where bacteria levels are high.

This year, DEQ used the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) environmental justice screening tool to assess the potential for the OBMP efforts to benefit vulnerable and underserved populations. With this in mind, OBMP is also asking for the public to comment on the extent to which information generated from the proposed beach monitoring would serve vulnerable and underserved communities.

OHA and DEQ routinely reevaluate beaches and sampling locations to direct available resources most effectively toward public health protection. The proposed list includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon, beaches where the program has previously found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns. Based on OBMP’s evaluation criteria and preliminary environmental justice screening, OHA and DEQ propose sampling the following beaches for the 2024/2025 monitoring season:

Clatsop County

• SEASIDE BEACH – Seaside
• CANNON BEACH  – Cannon Beach
• TOLOVANA SP BEACH – Cannon Beach

Coos County

• BASTENDORFF BEACH  –  Coos Bay
• SUNSET BAY SP BEACH  –  Coos Bay

Curry County

• HUBBARD CREEK BEACH – Port Orford
• HARRIS BEACH SP – Brookings
• MILL BEACH – Brookings
• CRISSEY FIELD RECREATION SITE – Brookings (new for 2024/2025)

Lane County

• HECETA BEACH  – Florence

Lincoln County

• D RIVER SP BEACH   – Lincoln City
• BEVERLY BEACH – Newport
• AGATE SP BEACH – Newport
• NYE BEACH – Newport
• SEAL ROCK SP BEACH – Seal Rock
• SILETZ BAY – Lincoln City (new for 2024/2025)
• ONA BEACH (Brian Booth – Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock (new for 2024/2025)

Tillamook County

• SHORT SAND SP BEACH – Arch Cape
• MANZANITA BEACH – Manzanita
• ROCKAWAY BEACH – Rockaway
• TWINS ROCKS BEACH– Twin Rocks
• OCEANSIDE – Oceanside
• CAPE KIWANDA – Pacific City
• NESKOWIN SP BEACH – Neskowin

Note: Beaches marked with ‘’ refer to those with potential environmental justice communities that may be likely to recreate at the beach.

To add beaches to the list and continue to operate within available OBMP resources, DEQ would need to reduce sampling locations at other beaches. If  locations are removed from the list, it would be only locations where historical data show low risk. The three beaches proposed for addition to OBMP, which are included in the list above, are:

• ONA BEACH
• CRISSEY FIELD RECREATION SITE
• SILETZ BAY

OBMP will accept public comments and suggestions on the proposed 2024/2025 beaches through Oct. 13. Contact OBMP by email at each.Health@oha.oregon.gov">Beach.Health@oha.oregon.gov or call 971-673-0400 to submit input.

For more information about OBMP, visit the program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

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(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Nearly 250 doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants at all eight Legacy Health hospitals across Oregon and Washington are headed towards a union election. 

An overwhelming majority of Legacy Health’s hospital doctors and advanced practice providers filed union authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Sept. 29.  Health care professionals at Legacy are unionizing to improve patient care and ensure providers at the bedside have a voice in decisions that impact patient care, community health and their colleagues' working conditions. 

“The hospital works best when physicians have a strong voice. Legacy truly needs our help running the hospital and fixing its many systemic issues. Forming a union gives us the best means to do so,” said Dr. Rob Morgan, an internal medicine physician at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. “I love working at Legacy and I love our team. It's my sincerest hope to work here for the rest of my career in medicine. Through our union, I hope we can build a strong long-term relationship with hospital leadership that prioritizes our wellbeing and necessary resources for providing safe, sustainable, high-quality patient care now and in the future.”

The providers include frontline doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants at: 

• Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland
• Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland
• Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland
• Legacy Unity Center for Behavioral Health in Portland
• Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center in Tualatin
• Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham
• Legacy Silverton Medical Center in Silverton
• Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, WA

The group will be represented by the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA)—a physician and advanced practice provider union represented by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT Local 6552) and serviced by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).  

“Our pursuit in medicine has always been to deliver high-quality, equitable care to the members of our community. The climate of health care is changing and our mission is increasingly difficult to achieve. With changes to benefit infrastructure and hour requirements, it is our duty to ensure these changes are progressive and consistent with the ideals surrounding patient safety, care quality, and physician wellbeing,” said Dr. Eduardo Serpa, an internal medicine physician at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. “We are unionizing to have a significant seat at the table and to prioritize meaningful engagement regarding changes to how we operate and deliver care. Our unified voice strengthens our advocacy and in turn galvanizes our resolve towards a better future for physicians and our patients.”

The providers will meet with the NLRB in the coming weeks to confirm unit details and schedule an election date. If approved, they will join the nearly 700 ONA union nurses and mental and behavioral health professionals working in the Legacy Health system and add to the list of recent physician and advanced practice provider unionization wins in Oregon including successful organizing efforts at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and Providence Women’s Clinics in the Portland metro area; Providence Home Health and Hospice professionals who work throughout the Portland metro, North Coast, Yamhill County and the Columbia River Gorge areas; and Providence Medford Medical Center in Southern Oregon. 

Although unionized nurses have been advocating for better patient care and working conditions in Oregon for more than 100 years, new groups of Oregon health care workers are now joining or forming their own unions in large numbers. Twenty years ago, few US physicians were part of a union, but as health care systems have become larger and more corporate, doctors see collective bargaining as the best way to ensure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their profession and their patients.

• Click here for a Union 101 Fact Sheet

Legacy Health is a private nonprofit health system which operates eight hospitals and more than 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington. It recently made news after unlawfully attempting to close the Family Birth Center at Legacy Mt. Hood, the horrific acts of violence in the workplace at Legacy Good Samaritan, and its announced intent to merge with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

During the pandemic, Legacy collected more than $400 million in profits between 2020-2022 including nearly $100 million in taxpayer bailouts via the CARES Act. Prior to 2020, Legacy’s hospital profits averaged between $44 million to $79 million per year. Legacy also owns a significant $1 billion + investment portfolio. 

The Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) started as the first hospitalist-specific labor union in the United States. PNWHMA is affiliated with AFT Nurses and Health Professionals—the fastest-growing healthcare union in the country—which represents more than 200,000 members in 100 locals in 18 states and territories. 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 16,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.

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Local businesses have until October 31 to opt in to a new, reduced-cost storm drain cleaning program. Lane County’s Stormwater Management Program has partnered with Stormwater Protection Systems (SPS) to provide discounted storm drain cleaning. This voluntary program allows county businesses to clean their private storm drains for a reduced flat fee of $65 per drain. 

Stormwater often drains directly into rivers and streams without treatment, resulting in pollutants from parking lots and roadways contributing to water quality issues. Storm drain cleaning and maintenance are vital in ensuring clean waterways by removing contaminants like oil, pesticides, and fertilizers. 

Businesses are responsible for cleaning and maintaining privately owned storm drains in their parking lots. Removing debris and sediment from storm drains reduces flooding by increasing stormwater system capacity during heavy rainfall. The program aims to make this service more affordable and encourage bi-annual cleanings—improving critical streams and rivers. 

Businesses are eligible to sign up each fall and spring in anticipation of heavy rainfall and more water entering the storm drain systems. To register a company for the fall program, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP and sign up by October 31.

The $65-per-drain fee covers debris removal from standard parking lot drains, power washing in and around the drain, and disposal of all contaminated sediment. The program does not cover additional fees for jetting, repair, or oversized storm drains. 

About the Lane County Stormwater Management Program 

The Lane County Stormwater Management Program was created in 2007 to comply with Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The NPDES is a federal permit under the Clean Water Act that requires municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) operators to implement best management practices to prevent contaminants from reaching streams via stormwater runoff.  The Phase II permit requires all affected municipalities to create and implement a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP), which addresses six minimum control measures to significantly reduce pollutants discharged into water bodies. More information is available online.

About Stormwater Protection Systems

Stormwater Protection Systems offers a range of services to manage and maintain stormwater drainage systems for businesses, public agencies, and schools in Lane County. Formally known as Gibson Steel Basins, SPS has been operating locally for 20 years. In addition to storm drain cleaning, they specialize in stormwater filtration services, repair, erosion control products, site inspections, and maintenance programs to benefit local streams and rivers. For more information, visit sps-maintenance.com.

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JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Law enforcement agencies from throughout the region are participating in a joint saturation patrol on Highway 62 tomorrow (Friday, September 29) and Saturday. The coverage area will be primarily Hwy. 62 from the Big X intersection in Medford (Highways 62, 238, 99) to Shady Cove. So far this year, there have been 75 motor vehicle crashes on Hwy. 62 from the Big X to Shady Cove. These crashes led to 18 injuries and three fatalities. This joint operation is funded by a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

This joint operation will focus on the enforcement of OSP’s Fatal 5 - Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Usage, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving. These categories of traffic violations have been proven to be the primary contributors to serious injury and fatal crashes. The law enforcement agencies participating include Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police (OSP), as well as Medford, Central Point, Phoenix, and Eagle Point police departments.

Note: Contact PIO Aaron Lewis to schedule interviews, b-roll, police ride-along.

September 28, 2023

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Ross Island Lagoon Sept. 28

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Ross Island Lagoon in Multnomah County. As of today, there are no other advisories in place for the Willamette River.

OHA first issued the advisory for Ross Island Lagoon on Aug. 9.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in the Ross Island Lagoon are below recreational guideline values for people.

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

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

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

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

(Salem) – Orange Shirt Day is a day for truth and reconciliation highlighting the effects of the Indian boarding school system. It opens the door for a global conversation about all aspects of the Indian boarding school system which caused Indigenous populations to lose their cultural identities through policies of forced assimilation. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the legacy of these schools on Indigenous communities.

On Sept. 29, staff at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will wear orange to honor the survivors and victims of the federal Indian boarding school system. Orange Shirt Day falls on the final day of the annual ODHS Tribal-State ICWA Conference in Grande Ronde. The conference, held from Sept. 27-29, focuses on training and education related to ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) and ORICWA (Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act).

ODHS’ commitment to dismantling all forms of systemic racism is led by reconciliation and collaboration with all Tribal communities within Oregon and is strengthened by our Equity North Star, which is our agency wide vision that leads to a more equitable Oregon for all.

“Orange Shirt Day represents a powerful Indigenous movement throughout the United States and Canada,” said Adam Becenti, ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs Director. “Orange Shirt Day is a call to action and awareness, but more importantly an opportunity to honor the lives taken and those who survived this atrocity.”

“We will be wearing orange to honor the survivors and victims of the Indian boarding school system and to recognize the trauma it caused for generations of Tribal families and children,” said Aprille Flint-Gerner, ODHS Child Welfare Director. “In Oregon, our Child Welfare Division’s Vision for Transformation commits us to doing the work of dismantling oppressive practices that contribute to disparate and disproportionate outcomes for Tribal children. Our commitment is to repair, improve and move forward in partnership with the Nine Tribes of Oregon.”

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s 2022 investigation report, between 1819 and 1969, the federal Indian boarding school system operated more than 400 schools across 37 states or then-territories. During this time thousands of Indigenous children were separated from their families and placed in the school system, many did not survive. The investigation identified marked and unmarked burial sites at approximately 53 different schools across the school system.

The federal Indian boarding school system deployed systematic militarized and identity-alteration methodologies in an attempt to assimilate American Indian and Alaska Native children through education, including but not limited to renaming Tribal children English names; cutting the hair of Tribal children; discouraging or preventing the use of Tribal languages, religions and cultural practices; and organizing children into units to perform military drills.

As early as 1874, a boarding school was built at Warm Springs in Oregon, and others were later constructed at Siletz, Grand Ronde, Klamath, and Umatilla. Today, Chemawa Indian School, located in Salem, Oregon is an accredited high school that serves American Indian and Alaska Native students. Chemawa is the oldest continuously operated off-reservation boarding school in the United States.

For Orange Shirt Day press kit materials and stories from Indigenous Oregonians, go to the ODHS Tribal Affairs web page. 

About the ODHS Office Tribal Affairs

The Office of Tribal Affairs within the ODHS Director’s Office is a team committed to all Oregon Tribal communities thriving mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Tribal Affairs works with all five ODHS programs to create and provide Tribally appropriate programming, services, policies and support. Through Tribal consultation with Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, ODHS ensures programming, services, and policies meet the needs of Oregon Tribal communities.
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September 28, 2023

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

Tolovana State Park health advisory lifted Sept. 28

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Tolovana State Park, located in Clatsop County.

The health authority issued the advisory Sept. 26, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and avoiding runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

Since 2003, state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. State agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for summer 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each term an honor roll of undergraduate students who earn 12 or more credits which are not of a pass/no pass nature and who earn a grade point average of 3.50 or higher

The following Western students have been named to the Honor Roll List:

Mohammed Alaqlan

Zoya Altuhova  

Esmeralda Amescua

Christine Anders

Jessica Armfield

Lynzey Arp

Leela Ayres  

​​Adam Barnett                          

Yasmin Castaneda Benavides   

Larenda Bennett 

Abigail Bethke

Nicholas Beyer

Hailey Blue

Raymond Bourke

Breanne Bridge

Andrea Capellino

Alexis Chilcote

Jonathan Contreras

Christian Conway

Rachael Cox 

Parbata Dahal  

Elizabeth Doty

Johanna Easter

Sinikka Edelen

Jessie Eschweiler

Audrey Fasching

Measia Fenn

Yeudiel Alvarez Flores  

Cavan Fowler 

Aiden Grabill    

Avery Green    

Tayler Hart      

Candace Hastings

Amber Houghtaling

Ashley Hulse

Malino Jacinto 

Nora Jamal 

Megan Kaiser

Natalie Katon

Bailey Keator   

Muhammad Khan

Tyler Lane

Ashlie Lee        

Camryn Lien   

Regan Luoma  

Tia Mack

Savannah Manning    

Sydney Martin 

Maizie McCoy

Tessa McCoy

Laurel McGuigan

Christopher Means

Angela Mendoza 

Cameron Merritt

Alex Michaels  

Ririko Miyamoto

Charles Moody

Lisa Moya

Kayli Nagel

Ryan Naugle

Ashlynn Norton

Amanda Oliver 

Reyna Blaylock-Ortega 

Justice Presley

Thomas Segovia

Danielle Pastre 

Allison Peterson

Jaden Perez 

Anahi Ponce                                                                                                    

Sierra Porter    

Daniel Pruneda

Aubrey Rainville                      

Shelbie Reddick

Tyler Renfro

Dylan Renfro                                                                                                            

Elisabeth Robischon     

Mercedes Rodne

Yesenia Romero  

Katherine Russell 

Ammon Saboe  

Patricia Salinas                               

Noah Schnell

Jasmine Scott

Shyla Sell 

Brittany Smith

Lauren Smith

Jessica Smith 

Courtney Stalmann 

​​Samantha Stinson  

Grace Tallman 

Rachel Thijssen                          

Noa Thomas 

Lily Toma 

Amanda Vanderhoof  

Megan Van Krieken                                                                                                        

Kaylie Vaughan

​​Ylianna Veliz 

Amrit Virk

Hope Warrick   

Emily Webb                                                                                                                                                                                                                

James Wollenweber                                      

Macee Woods

Students from Oregon cities 

Albany

Jessica Armfield  

Yasmin Castaneda Benavides 

Alexis Chilcote  

Camryn Lien                                                                             

Tessa McCoy                         

Lisa Moya  

Reyna Blaylock-Ortega                                                                

Rachel Thijssen

Alsea

Shyla Sell

Aurora 

Breanne Bridge 

Beaverton

Jonathan Contreras

Muhammad Khan

Bend

Alex Michaels

Clatskanie

Natalie Katon                         

Grace Tallman

Corvallis 

Leela Ayres                           

Raymond Bourke                        

Rachael Johnson Cox                              

Elizabeth Doty                           

Megan Kaiser    

Cameron Merritt                   

Mercedes Rodne

Dallas 

Measia Fenn                            

Ashlie Lee                              

Allison Peterson                                  

Thomas Segovia                        

Courtney Stalmann

Lily Toma                         

Emily Webb     

Eugene

Sinikka Edelen                        

Cavan Fowler       

Falls City

Amber Houghtaling     

Forest Grove

Audrey Fasching

Avery Green

Gresham

Abigail Bethke

Hillsboro 

Christine Anders                     

Amanda Vanderhoof                             

Independence   

Lynzey Arp

Angela Mendoza                               

Elisabeth Robischon                                

Brittany Smith           

Keizer              

Christian Conway                       

Yesenia Romero     

​​Noah Schnell                        

Jasmine Scott              

Lebanon       

​​Zoya Altuhova               

Laurel McGuigan        

Monmouth

Esmeralda Amescua                                 

Parbata Dahal                          

Noa Thomas  

Myrtle Creek

Aubrey Rainville                 

Oregon City                 

Jessie Eschweiler   

Pendleton

Anahi Ponce                             

Salem              

Johanna Easter 

Yeudiel Flores 

Aiden Grabill                                                 

Nora Jamal                          

Regan Luoma

Maizie McCoy

Christopher Means 

Kayli Nagel

Jaden Perez  

Sierra Porter                          

Justice Presley                         

Katherine Russell                         

Patricia Salinas                         

Jessica Smith

Hope Warrick                          

James Wollenweber                           

Scio                 

Larenda Bennett  

Danielle Pastre 

Shedd

Kaylie Vaughan 

Sheridan

Shelbie Reddick                                 

Sherwood                    

Hailey Blue                            

Silverton                     

Adam Barnett 

Ammon Saboe       

Springfield

Ashlynn Norton                  

St. Helens                     

Nicholas Beyer   

Savannah Manning                       

Stayton            

Charles Moody      

Sutherlin

Candace Hastings    

Warren

Amanda Oliver 

Warrenton 

Tyler Lane            

Willamina                    

Andrea Capellino                                

Wilsonville                   

Megan Van Krieken                              

Woodburn                   

Ylianna Veliz

Yachats

Daniel Pruneda

Students from states other than Oregon

California 

Petaluma - Ryan Naugle

Temecula - Tyler Renfro

Temecula - Dylan Renfro

Hawaii

Lahaina - Malino Jacinto 

Wailuku - Bailey Keator 

Utah

Midvale - Lauren Smith 

Washington

Olympia - Tia Mack

Olympia - Tayler Hart

Renton - Samantha Stinson

Ridgefield - Sydney Martin 

Seattle - Amrit Virk

Vancouver - Ashley Hulse

Vancouver - Amalia Woods

International Students

Saudi Arabia

AL RASS - Mohammed Alaglan

Japan

TOKYO - Machida - Ririko Miyamoto 

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

SALEM, Ore.— The Small Forestland Grant Program received $2.5 million through House Bill 5020 to help reduce wildfire risks for owners of small forestland acreage and people can now apply for the grants.

“The Small Forestland Grant Program is offering funding for projects that reduce wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels (vegetation),” said Jenna Trentadue, Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) state initiatives grant coordinator.

The grant program is taking applications now through Nov. 3. Projects must support “small forestland owner(s)” defined as an individual, group or federally recognized Indian tribe in Oregon, who owns up to 160 acres west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains or up to 640 acres east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains.  The funding is a new allocation continuing work described in Section 24 of Senate Bill 762.

“The projects may treat multiple private ownerships as long as each owner receiving treatment meets the small forestland owner’s definition,” said Trentadue.  “It is beneficial to work together with other landowners or with a sponsor for the application, selection of a contractor, and final reporting requirements.”

Like all government grant submissions, eligibility requirements must be met for this program, here are some of the main ones:

• Projects must reduce the risk of high severity wildfire by treating hazardous fuels and at least 75 percent of project costs must go towards this.
• Total other expenses for the project, including indirect and service costs, are not to exceed 25 percent.
• Requested funding is more than $10,000 and up to $300,000.
• 25 percent leverage is strongly suggested. Sponsor in-kind expenses, landowner labor rates, fuels mitigation, and other state funds are eligible with the exception of the Landscape Resiliency Grant Program. 
• All project work would need to be completed by May, 2025.
• Project does not generate net revenue.
• Equipment costs (Equipment is considered a single item over $5,000) are applicable if it meets the intent of the grant to support small forestland owners in reducing wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels on the owners’ property, prescribed fire equipment is applicable, however fire suppression equipment is not. 

For a complete application package and all requirements visit the ODF small forestland grant website.

“Projects covered by these grants are a major step toward protecting people, their homes, and natural resources in Oregon by making private forestland healthier and more resilient in the face of changing climate and wildfire environment,” said Trentadue. “I highly encourage people to apply and take advantage of this grant program.”

A special section of the Oregon Historical Society’s Oregon Historical Quarterly highlights sea otter history in the Pacific Northwest

Portland, OR — Oregon’s nearshore waters were once the homeland to thousands of sea otters, an iconic species in the history of what is now known as Oregon. Sea otters have held a special role in the cultural, spiritual, and economic life of coastal Native American communities, with oral traditions documenting the species’ significance. Their lustrous pelts brought great wealth in late eighteenth- and nineteenth-century China, motivating Euro-Americans to broker some of the earliest contact and trade between themselves and Native American people along the Oregon coast. Over a century of zealous hunting and trading of sea otters, by Native people and Euro-Americans, eliminated the species from Oregon’s coastal waters over 100 years ago.  

In a special section of the Fall 2023 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly (OHQ), “Sea Otters in Oregon,” local scholars explore the existence and significance of the species in the region, drawing on academic work, archival records, archaeological findings, and Native oral tradition to trace the history of this now-absent ecological and cultural keystone species. Although most accounts of the extirpation of sea otters from the Oregon coast focus on the well-documented international maritime fur trade of the late eighteenth and early twentieth centuries, the authors reveal historical records that demonstrate sea otters persisted much later. 

In “Glimpses of Oregon’s Sea Otters,” Cameron La Follette and Douglas Deur introduce the history of Oregon’s now-extinct sea otter population, describing the emergence of the Chinese market that created and sustained the hunt, the British discovery of potential profits of trading sea otter pelts, and the rise of American traders. 

Douglas Deur, Peter Hatch (Hanis Coos, Siuslaw), and Hannah Wellman explore the complimentary lines of evidence of sea otters’ significance among Native oral tradition and archaeological findings in “The House Full of Otters: Recalling Human-Sea Otter Relationships on an Indigenous Oregon Coast.” Native oral traditions recall a rich history of human encounters with sea otters and speak of the species’ ubiquity, significance, and sentience. Archaeological evidence of sea otter use, found on sites along the Oregon coast, further attest to this longstanding relationship. 

In “The Invisible Slaughter: Local Sea Otter Hunters on the Oregon Coast,” Cameron La Follette, Richard Ravalli, Peter Hatch, Douglas Deur, and Ryan Tucker Jones uncover a long-ignored history of sea otters continuing to inhabit the Oregon coast, although in diminishing numbers, much later than the early nineteenth century, when well-documented accounts associated with international maritime history place their drastic decline and regional extirpation. Their research suggests that sea otter extinction on the Oregon coast (and Washington and California as well) resulted from household-scale hunting by Native Americans and Euro-American settlers from the mid-nineteenth century until around 1910. 

Many of the authors of the special section are board members or advisors of the Elakha Alliance, a nonprofit organization with a mission to “restore a healthy population of sea otters to the Oregon coast and to thereby make Oregon’s marine and coastal ecosystem more robust and resilient.” Elakha (ee-LAK-uh), a Chinook word for sea otter, was resurrected in 2018 after some inactive years by tribal, nonprofit, and conservation leaders who are aware that the sea otter is considered a keystone species, and that Oregon’s nearshore marine ecosystem has suffered as a result of their absence. 

As the journal of record for Oregon history, the Oregon Historical Quarterly publishes well-researched, well-written history about Oregon and the Pacific Northwest for both scholars and general readers. Nearing its 125th volume year, OHQ amplifies knowledge and perspectives that traditional scholarship has often silenced and sparks relevant conversations about history.

The Fall 2023 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly is now available for purchase in the Oregon Historical Society’s Museum Store for $10, and a subscription to OHQ is a benefit of Oregon Historical Society membership. Abstracts for the articles featured in this special issue are available online. 

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

SALEM, Ore. – The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 in the John Day Unit office, 415 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Operator of the Year selection
• Review forest practices technical guidance – Working group debrief
• Division updates

The public may attend in-person or online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by emailing estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.

On September 6^th, 2023, Commander Bergmann was promoted to Undersheriff and will serve as second in command of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.  He will be succeeding Undersheriff Jeff Wood, who is retiring in October 2023 after a 29-year career.  As Undersheriff, Bergmann will be responsible for overseeing the internal operations of the Sheriff’s Office, including the Community Corrections, Enforcement, Institutions, and Operations Divisions.  Undersheriff Bergmann will also represent the Sheriff’s Office and participate in numerous committees, work groups, and boards at both the local and state levels. 

Undersheriff Bergmann began his career in law enforcement in 1999 with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked as a deputy in parole and probation.  In 2003, he briefly joined the Lane County Sheriff’s Office until he arrived at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in 2004, where he worked as a Deputy Sheriff in our Community Corrections Division as a parole and probation deputy.  Undersheriff Bergmann has been an instructor for the Sheriff’s Office in Firearms, Use of Force, Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS), and Core Correctional Practices (CCP).   

Undersheriff Bergmann’s experience includes supervising our survival skills programs for eight years and serving on S.W.A.T. on the tactical team before becoming the Team Leader of the Tactical Negotiations Team from 2011-2016.  Undersheriff Bergmann worked his way up through the ranks as he was promoted to Sergeant in 2008, Lieutenant in 2015, and Commander in 2022.  As Lieutenant, he managed and led our Transition Center team and served in the Operations Division until he was promoted to Commander and returned to lead Community Corrections. 

Congratulations, Undersheriff Bergmann, on your promotion. We look forward to your leadership. 

ST. PAUL, Ore. —As the J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard marks its 50th anniversary, its impressive history of forest conservation and genetic mastery in Oregon's Willamette Valley is in the spotlight. 

Initially envisioned for a state prison, the 400-acre site near St. Paul was bought by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in 1973, becoming one of Oregon's main sources for tree seeds. Today, it aids in regrowing forests critical to the state's economy, environment, and societal well-being. 

Don Kaczmarek, ODF Geneticist, emphasized the orchard’s commitment to traditional breeding, stating, "Currently the orchard is in its third breeding cycle. The first cycle was from wild parent trees that are tested to determine which produce the best progeny, then placing them in the orchard. The second cycle crosses the best selected progenies from the first cycle. The third cycle is currently being monitored with in-place progeny tests and will be monitored for the next 10 years or so. Douglas-fir and Western hemlock are our two most advanced breeding programs." 

The orchard refrains from genetic modifications, focusing on natural traits like increased growth rates, widespread adaptability, and insect and disease resistance. Such efforts have addressed challenges like the Swiss needle cast, a disease notorious for defoliating Douglas-firs in their first and second years. 

From its inception, the seed orchard has thrived as a cooperative venture. Today, it boasts 38 separate seed orchards, with 70 percent of efforts going towards improved Douglas-fir. Each orchard is monitored and maintained for a diverse group of 28 cooperators, including federal agencies, ODF, tribes, and private companies. 

Over the last 20 years, 28,000 pounds of Douglas-fir seeds have been harvested, capable of reforesting around 1.3 million acres in the western regions of Oregon and Washington. "Roughly 95 percent of the Douglas-fir in these regions originates from improved seeds from orchards like ours," Kaczmarek said. 

Beyond seed production, the seed orchard aims to become the most cost-effective seed producer in the Pacific Northwest. Staff are refining techniques and collaborating with partners like Oregon State University to pinpoint the best genetic sources, ensuring the future of Oregon's forests remains green and resilient and is an invaluable asset to a sustainable timber industry in Oregon. 

J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard will host its 50th anniversary celebration in May 2024. The event will be hosted by Casara Nichols, J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard Manager, and seed orchard staff.

Along with the official start of fall brings comes our rainy season. For some, driving in the rain, especially in the dark, causes anxiety. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “nearly 5,700 people are killed and more than 544,700 people are injured in crashes on wet pavement” each year.

But being behind the wheel while its raining doesn’t have to be a nerve-racking experience. Here are some tips for driving in a downpour:

1. Think. Drivers need to stay alert and focused on what’s going on around them, especially during rain and other stormy weather. 
    
2. Turn on headlights. It’s the law in all states to turn on headlights when visibility is low. Many states also require having headlights on when the windshield wipers are in use. While Oregon does not require motorists to turn on headlights when wipers are used, this can help increase visibility. Well-working wipers are a essential when driving in rain.
    
3. Beware of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is what occurs when your tires are getting more traction on the layer of water on the road than on the road itself and the result is your car begins to slide uncontrollably. It’s easy enough to hydroplane: All you need is one-twelfth of an inch of rain on the road and a speed of more than 35 miles per hour. If you start to hydroplane, let off the accelerator slowly and steer straight until you regain control. Before rain, snow, or freezing temperatures begin, it is important to have quality tires for increased traction and safety. 
    
4. Turn off cruise control. On rain, snow, ice, or other slick surfaces, cruise control may cause you to lose control. If you hydroplane while in cruise control, your car will actually go faster.
    
5. Slow down. Speed limits are designed for ideal conditions. That means driving when there is little traffic and good visibility. Plan for more time to get to your destination when it is raining.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon. 

UPDATED RELEASE 09/27/2023

On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, Michael Paul Scholes was contacted by authorities in Lane County, Oregon. He is safe and is no longer considered missing. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating him. 

ORIGINAL RELEASE 09/22/2023 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating 47-year-old Michael Paul Scholes who was reported missing on September 15, 2023. Associates report he hasn't been heard from since June 17, 2023. 

He was last known to be living in his Dodge Caravan with Oregon license plate 575BQM. There is a large white/grey roof mounted cargo bin on the vehicle. Scholes is believed to be accompanied by his adult female Blue Heeler dog. He has been known to frequent the Drain, Yoncalla, and Cottage Grove communities.

Scholes is described as 5'04", 125 lbs, with brown/gray hair and blue eyes. 

Anyone who has seen Scholes or his vehicle is requested to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4464 referencing DCSO Case #23-3658.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Peter and the Wolves, a beloved Hood to Coast Relay team, is proud to mark its 32nd year of participation in this iconic Oregon event. Founded in 1991 by Peter Courtney, the team has evolved over the years into a tight-knit group of runners with strong connections to Western Oregon University (WOU).

Peter Courtney’s journey with Hood to Coast began when he joined a random team as a last-minute runner. Instantly captivated by the experience, he went on to form his own team, consisting of runners connected to WOU, including staff, students, and alumni. Today, the team boasts a roster of eight alumni and one nearly retired staff member, all bound together by their shared passion for this extraordinary race.

The Hood to Coast Relay spans 200 miles from Timberline to Seaside, and each runner takes turns covering legs ranging from three to eight miles, with each participant completing a total of three legs before reaching the finish line on the beautiful Oregon coast.

This year, Sarah Lorenzen ‘98, a dedicated member who has also served as co-captain for several years, celebrates her 16th anniversary on the team. Despite being asked to join the team only one month before race day, Lorenzen enthusiastically accepted the challenge and has been an integral part of the group since 2007. 

“Our team may not be the fastest but we've cultivated the best team that supports each other on the crazy journey from Timberline to Seaside,” shares Lorenzen.

Alongside Lorenzen, the team includes fellow co-captain Ray Jones ‘06, Annie Reed ‘15, Spencer Walsh ‘06, Chris Reed ‘11, Laura Beckert ‘07, Jeremiah Beckert ‘06, Chris Campbell, and Darin Silbernagel, who currently serves as Western’s Treasurer. These dedicated individuals, all with their unique stories and backgrounds, come together each year to tackle the relay, embodying the true spirit of camaraderie and teamwork that defines Peter and the Wolves.

Peter and the Wolves look forward to yet another exhilarating Hood to Coast Relay and are excited to continue their tradition.

If you are interested in joining the team or becoming a substitute runner, please contact the Director of Alumni Engagement at alumni@wou.edu.

UPDATE - Flick has been located by authorities.  

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The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking to contact 29-year-old Schylar Dominicq Flick. Flick is suspected of stealing a vehicle from the Ben and Kay Dorris boat ramp on September 26^th. Following the vehicle theft, Flick allegedly traveled to an area business and used the victim’s credit cards to make purchases. 

Flick is described as a white male adult standing approximately 5’10” and weighing around 190lbs with brown hair and brown eyes.  He has previous ties to the Oakridge and Eugene areas. 

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. 

Mr. Cox has been found safe.  Thank you to our community for helping, you made a difference.   

________________________________________________

Sheriff's Deputies are searching for a missing 91-year-old male who has memory loss. Mr. Lee Cox hasn't been seen for 3 hours, he was last seen walking towards the manager’s office in the Salem Greene Mobile Home Park, 4730 Auburn Rd NE, Salem. He is described as a white male, 5'10", thin build, last seen wearing an older light blue jacket, reddish colored plaid long sleeve shirt and blue jeans. If you see Mr. Cox, please keep him in sight and call 911 to let us know.

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SALEM, Ore — Oregon State Parks offers prime viewing spots for the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse. Visitors to parks within the path of annularity will watch the moon partially cover the sun, which creates a ‘ring of fire’ because the moon appears slightly smaller as it passes.

“Our park staff are ready to help visitors safely view this phenomenon,” said JR Collier, deputy of Statewide Operations.

He added that a limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available at Oregon State Parks on the day of the event. 

He also emphasizes that safety is crucial while observing an eclipse. 

Use ISO 12312-2 certified solar filters, avoid damaged filters, and consider projection methods. The eclipse glasses from the 2017 event are expired and shouldn’t be used. 

Travelers coming to Oregon should prepare for potential traffic congestion, check local weather conditions, and pack essentials, including water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Whether you're an experienced eclipse enthusiast or a first-time observer, prioritize safety, and plan your trip to witness the ‘ring of fire’ against Oregon's breathtaking landscapes and clear skies. 

For more information and updates about viewing the eclipse from an Oregon state park, please visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=327.

XXX

High Lakes Redmond Urgent Care Press Release: 

Bend, OR – High Lakes Urgent Care - Praxis Health is pleased to announce the grand opening of a new Urgent Care location that will expand our team and provide more high-quality healthcare services for our community. Beginning October 4th, 2023, the High Lakes Redmond Urgent Care location will share the same facilities as High Lakes Redmond located at 645 NW 4th St Redmond OR 97756 

This expansion marks the continued growth of Praxis Health (gopraxishealth.com), Oregon’s largest, independent medical group, recently voted Best Medical Group 2023 in Central Oregon for the sixth year in a row (The Source Weekly) and winner of The Community Choice Award of The Best Medical Group 2023 in Bend (The Bend Bulletin).  

High Lakes is focused on providing the highest possible level of compassionate, individualized care. As an organization that is family-owned and operated, we believe in the importance of delivering community-oriented care through accessible services that optimize the health and quality of life for all persons. We recognize that patients’ trust in their healthcare professionals is extremely valuable to clinical practice, ensuring that their personal needs are placed at the forefront. We are excited that this expansion will help provide on-site, team-based urgent care for all our patients. 

Praxis Health is rooted in our local communities and our goal is to remain connected to the people and places as we continue to grow. We promise to continue to deliver outstanding, personalized care to all of our patients while honoring the needs of each community that we serve. For more information about us, please visit our website at HighLakesHealthCare.com. 

Quote:

The addition of our Bend Urgent Care in 2018 has contributed to the positive experience of our primary care patients. We were able to increase access for our patients extending into the evenings and weekends; offer a lower cost option for care; and allow for seamless continuity of care and information between patients’ PCP and their immediate care services.  We are delighted to bring this same level of service to our Redmond community. We are pleased to now serve the Redmond, Sisters, and outlying areas so patients do not have to travel to Bend to receive the high level of care delivered at High Lakes Urgent Care. 

- Becca Mataya, Regional Administrator 

Sept. 27, 2023

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

Measure 110 data report show gains continued in clients served substance use treatment and other service and supports

SALEM, Ore. — Measure 110 providers reported continued increases in the number of clients served statewide in all seven network service areas, according to new program reports filed with Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Overdose prevention and peer support services accounted for the largest client gains in the quarterly reporting and over all three quarters. Substance use treatment providers reported 41 percent more clients in quarterly gains and 104 percent over the first three quarters.

The latest reporting encompasses activity from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2023 — the third quarterly reporting period since the Measure 110 networks were established.

Among the highlights:

• Over the three quarters, providers reported the largest percentage of client gains in supported employment and housing services at 365 percent and 190 percent respectively.
• Providers reported more than 7,000 people received substance use disorder treatment — a 104% increase over the three quarters.
• Providers reported more than 47,000 service encounters for people seeking substance use treatment — a 134% increase over all three quarters.

“It’s encouraging to see the reported client gains by Measure 110 service providers. It’s another sign that the statewide networks are taking hold and more people are getting treatment along with critically needed services and supports,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke.

Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) providers report the number of clients they serve, and the number of encounters they have with their clients as a measure of overall engagement. Some clients may receive multiple services within a network or within multiple service networks.

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

Also starting this reporting period, the dashboard will contain stories of how Measure 110 is working to save lives, support people in recovery, stabilize youth and families and help people find housing and employment.

The third quarter reporting shows that investments are trending away from the emphasis on capital expenditures and toward sustained treatment and recovery services.

The largest expenditures continued to be housing services at more than $8.7 million in the third quarter, representing the historic investment the Oversight and Accountability Council has made in building new recovery housing across the state.

Preliminary data also showed more client engagement among communities of color. Over the three quarters the number of people seeking substance use treatment increased by 126 percent for people identifying as Hispanic/Latino, Latina or Latinx, 49 percent for people identifying as Black/African American and 180 percent for people identifying as American Indian/Alaskan Native.

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

More than one-third of the providers credited Measure 110 funding for enabling them to expand services and decrease wait times for accessing treatment, while nearly 40 percent cited staff retention and recruiting as an ongoing challenge.

One provider cited an example of decreased wait times: “Our transitional home was opened, and we had immediate placement of one family, including a mother and her infant.”

The deadline for the next round of reporting is Oct. 2 for expenditure data and Oct.16 for operational and will cover the time between April through June 30, 2023.

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

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

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

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September 27, 2023

Media contacts:

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

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

Latest monthly data continues to show more than 7 out of 10 Oregonians keeping medical benefits as state reviews eligibility

SALEM, Ore. – The latest renewal data continues to show that more than 7 out of 10 Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits. So far, around 1 in 8 people’s benefits are ending.  

Compared with other states, Oregon has the third lowest benefit closure rate in the nation among  completed renewals. Learn more about the steps Oregon is taking to expand access to health coverage.

OHP renewals after the pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government allowed states to keep people on Medicaid and did not require annual eligibility renewals. This ended when the public health emergency ended, and Oregon is currently making sure everyone on OHP is still eligible.

Everyone who has OHP or other Medicaid-funded services and supports will receive a renewal notice by mid-2024. The notice will explain whether the member needs to provide additional information or take action to keep their coverage.

Oregon can process many renewals automatically. Some members need to provide additional information so that we can determine if they are still eligible. Additional information requested from members may include documents such as paystubs or a renewal packet they are asked to review, sign and return.

OHP renewals so far

Between April and September 21, 2023, 807,765 people have come up for renewal. This represents 55.3% of all the OHP and Medicaid members whose eligibility will be reviewed.

• 522,613 people (70.1%) were renewed. Some of these members will also need to provide information to keep their benefits; these members will be recategorized in an upcoming update to our Medical Redeterminations Dashboard .
• 96,530 people (12.0%) were found ineligible and received 60-day notices of termination. Losses of coverage began at the end of June.
• 23,770 people (2.9%) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue our Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.
• We are currently awaiting responses from 12,262 people (1.5%).
• Renewals for 109,218 people (13.5%) are awaiting state action. For instance a member has responded to their renewals and the information needs to be reviewed.

September OHP renewal requests

In September, renewal letters were sent to an additional 142,934 people. 

• 102,700 of those people (71.9%) were renewed without any action needed.
• 30,922 people (21.6%) were asked to provide some information to renew. The most common requests are for income-related proof, like paystubs, or forms of identification, like a government identification or birth certificate.
• 11,231 people (7.9%) were asked to fill out a renewal form.
• 8,123 people (5.7%) had previously reported that they no longer met income limits or other requirements, so received a notice that their benefits will be ending in 60 days.

What to do if OHP is ending:

• First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted) or find other options to connect at benefits.oregon.gov. If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings here
• Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse, or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
• If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding Medicare options, go to OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA), or call SHIBA at 800-722-4134. SHIBA counselors and insurance can help you choose the right Medicare options if you’re losing OHP coverage.

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

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

Act right away when it’s your turn to renew

Renewal notices are going out through mid-2024. If you have OHP or other Medicaid benefits, check your mail often for a letter from the state of Oregon. When receiving a letter, you should do what it asks right away to protect your benefits.

The large number of OHP renewals, along with renewals of long-term services and supports, may cause greater wait times, delays, and possible interruptions to people’s OHP benefits. OHP members are encouraged to respond as quickly as possible after they receive a request for information to avoid any possible delays. The fastest way members can provide an update is by going to benefits.oregon.gov and logging into their ONE online account. 

Find help for renewing your benefits

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

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians as the agencies continue to track the state's progress in renewing eligibility for medical programs.To learn more about the marketplace, visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).To sign up for Medicare, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or go to ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up

Home to Herman the Sturgeon, the Center is showing its age 

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore., September 27, 2023—Today marks 25 years since Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF) formally dedicated the Sturgeon Interpretive and Viewing Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, home to Herman the Sturgeon. The Center was built at the hatchery to provide a safe and comfortable habitat for Herman and serve as a venue through which hatchery visitors can learn about this unique and long-lived fish species.  

OWF raised more than $350,000 to construct the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, partly thanks to a grant from ODFW’s Restoration and Enhancement Program.  The Sturgeon Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery is one of Oregon’s top visitor attractions and a “must-see” for people visiting the Columbia River Gorge.  

“Construction of the Sturgeon Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery served the important purpose of giving Herman a safe and permanent home. Its mission to provide visitors with information about white sturgeon and their conservation continues,” said Tim Greseth, Executive Director of Oregon Wildlife Foundation. 

The Center has served its purpose and mission well for 25 years, but prolonged exposure to Columbia River Gorge weather has taken a toll on the building and the interpretive signage within it needs to speak to a present-day audience. This appraisal, on the anniversary of the Center, spurred the Foundation into action. OWF is readying a fundraising campaign to make essential repairs to the building, improvements within the pond, updated messaging regarding white sturgeon and their conservation, and improved wayfinding for people visiting the hatchery. 

“We want to ensure that the Sturgeon Interpretive Center will continue fulfilling its purpose and mission for another 25 years,” said Greseth. The Foundation, as part of its fundraising campaign, will make an appeal for public support in the near future. “We’re getting organized and hope that Herman’s fans will help us when it’s time,” said Greseth.  

Bonneville Hatchery and Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center 

The Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center is located at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, 70543 NE Herman Loop, in Cascade Locks. From I-84, take Exit 40 to Bonneville Dam/Fish Hatchery. Follow the signs to the hatchery and park in the parking lot. For more information on the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, visit www.myodfw.com/bonneville-hatchery-visitors-guide. 

Oregon Wildlife Foundation 

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information visit www.myowf.org. 

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Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS 163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires registration with the Sheriff’s Office.  Additionally, this person’s criminal history places them in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend.  This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

NAME: Adam Jackson Pryor

SID#: 16543777

DOB: 11/01/86

CURRENT AGE: 36

RACE:  W                               SEX: M

HEIGHT: 5’ 8’’                      WEIGHT:  160 lbs

HAIR: Brown                         EYES: Brown

RESIDENCE: 5333 Holly Loop SE, Turner, OR 97392

Adam J. Pryor is on Post Prison Supervision for the crime of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

This person was granted supervision on: 08/29/23

Supervision expiration date is: 08/28/25

Special restrictions include:                [X] Do not knowingly associate with any known criminals

                                                                [X] Report to PO as directed

                                                                 [X] Register as Sex Offender

Other: Mr. Pryor’s victim pool includes juvenile females known to him.  

Next week the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and South Lane Fire & Rescue will be hosting the Every 15 Minutes program at Creswell High School. 

Every 15 Minutes is a two-day underage impaired driving prevention program.  The program challenges teens to think before drinking or using drugs and operating any type of motor vehicle or riding in one after the operator has been drinking or using drugs.  The program also focuses on the impacts those decisions have on family, friends, and the people left behind when someone is killed as a result of an alcohol, drug or distracted driving crash.

Scheduled activities include student education and awareness, a mock crash scene, and school-wide assembly including a guest speaker. 

Videographer Michael Sherman of @SpringFedMedia created the attached video during the 2019 Every 15 Minutes program hosted at Elmira High School. 

SALEM, Ore. – New rule changes aimed at providing regulatory certainty for harvesting timber and to better protect fish and wildlife will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The changes came about from legislation that supported the landmark Private Forest Accord which was an agreement between the timber industry, small forest landowners, and conservation groups.   

“These are the most sweeping changes to the Forest Practices Act (FPA) since it was enacted in 1973,” said Jennifer Ward, Forest Resources Division training coordinator.  We are providing several training opportunities to help people better understand the changes and the possible impacts on their land. 

The main overview training is titled:  Forest Practices Act changes—streams, roads and more.

 “The largest changes to the FPA are with stream buffers and the construction, maintenance and inventory of forest roads,” said Ward. “We will present these new rules and more importantly take the time to answer questions related to the rule changes.”

The “other” part of the training will focus on programs specifically designed to help the owners of small acreage forestlands. 

“We will have our experts talk about the Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) grant program,” said Ward.  “SFISH helps fund projects that improve fish habitat and reduce risks to natural resources from active or abandoned forest roads. The program provides up to 100 percent of the cost for these projects.”

The training will also provide updates on the new Forest Conservation Tax Credit Program (FCTC). FCTC provides financial benefit to small forestland owners who support conservation and habitat protection by leaving a larger unharvested area next to streams as a conservation area for the protection of wildlife habitat.

“This training is geared toward landowners and operators, including small forest landowners. Anyone is welcome to attend and learn more about these new rules,” said Ward.

The FPA changes—streams, roads and more class will be held 9 a.m. to noon on the following dates and locations:

Oct. 18—Coos Bay/North Bend, The Mill Casino/Salmon Room West, 3201 Tremont Ave, North Bend.

Oct. 26—Baker City, Best Western Sunridge Inn, 1 Sunridge Lane (City center exit 304 off I-84). 

Oct. 26—Klamath Falls, Klamath County Events Center, 3531 South 6^th Street.

Nov. 7—Wilsonville, Wilsonville Holiday Inn, 25425 SW 95th Ave

Registration is available on the ODF website.

e-Notification System (FERNS) New Changes will be held virtually. 

This class is designed to help landowners and operators better understand how to file notices to harvest timber on their land.  The class will discuss new changes to the system, including how to self-certify, road requirements, after harvest completion notices, and more. The class will cover changes for all notifiers first, then will focus on small forest landowner notifications.  

The e-Notification System (FERNS) New Changes class will be held Nov. 16 at two different times.  The first class is 9 a.m.-noon, use this Zoom link.  The second class, with the same content as the first will be held 1-4 p.m., use this Zoom link.  (No registration is required).

DALLAS, OR - September 27, 2023 – City of Dallas Parks, Oregon Parks Forever and the Kids in Parks program are pleased to announce the opening of two new TRACK Trails at City Park and Roger Jordan Community Park.

TRACK Trails are a type of environmental scavenger hunt for young children and their families to get unplugged and active outdoors, offering a series of self-guided activities that turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discovery-packed adventure. Each trail will have four brochures available that help kids learn about topics such as birds, trees, flowers, ferns and animal tracks. Two of the brochures, Animal Athletes/Animales Atletas and Nature's Hide & Seek/Caminata y Busqueda de la Naturaleza, are bilingual English/Spanish. The trails also provide families with multiple opportunities to learn about the natural, cultural and historical resources at each site.

Kids who participate in the program can register their TRACK Trail adventures at www.KidsInParks.com to earn a series of prizes designed to make their next outdoor adventure even more fun and meaningful. Since the program’s inception, children have completed more than 1 million TRACK Trail adventures.

Oregon Parks Forever has set a goal of funding 50 TRACK Trails across the state of Oregon. These trails join trails already established in Madras (2), Prineville (3), LaGrande (2), Clackamas County (3) and in Newport (2), plus a disc golf trail in Clackamas County that will be added this fall.

“With each of our TRACK Trails, we hope to engage children in the joys of outdoor exploration,” said Jason Urroz, director of Kids in Parks. “Our ultimate goal is to help families fall in love with nature, so they can recognize the value our parks and public lands hold for their lives.”

"We're grateful to Kids in Parks and Oregon Parks Forever for the opportunity to bring TRACK Trails to Dallas” said Jennifer Ward, Park and Recreation Manager for the City of Dallas. Our City parks and trails are the gems of our community, and TRACK Trails gives kids a new reason to explore them. I'm excited for English and Spanish speaking families to discover (or rediscover!) Hunter Arboretum, City Park, the Rickreall Creek Trail, Roger Jordan Park, and all of the wild creatures that inhabit these beautiful public spaces."

“We are very excited to arrange funding for the growing network of TRACK Trail locations in Oregon,” said Seth Miller, executive director of Oregon Parks Forever. “Our mission is to enhance the experience and accessibility of Oregon’s Parks & Forests, and this is an important project for us.”

To learn more about TRACK Trails visit www.kidsinparks.com

To learn more about City of Dallas Parks visit https://www.dallasor.gov/publicworks/page/city-parks

To learn more about Oregon Parks Forever visit www.orparksforever.org

September 27, 2023

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

Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology and Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians seeking public comment about proposed rule changes

What: Oregon’s Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Cosmetology (COS) and Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians (CAE) are currently seeking public comment about proposed rule changes related to esthetics and advanced esthetic devices, including cross-over devices and prohibited devices.

The public comment period allows external experts, individuals, entities, advocates, and communities likely to be affected by rule changes to have their voices heard by HLO, COS and CAE during the rulemaking process.

When: Sept. 1 – Oct. 9 at noon.

Background: In 2021, the Legislature passed HB 2970, changing the scope of practice for estheticians and advanced estheticians relating to the use of certain devices. The Legislature also charged both COS and CAE to work together on defining the term “device” within both the esthetics and advanced esthetics profession.

Under HLO, the following boards filed proposed rules with the Oregon Secretary of State, both of which are published in September’s Oregon Bulletin:

• The Board of Cosmetology’s proposed rules
• The Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians proposed rules

How to comment: Reach out to Samie Patnode at Samie.Patnode@oha.oregon.gov or Carrie Edwards at rie.Edwards@oha.oregon.gov">Carrie.Edwards@oha.oregon.gov. Comments can also be submitted via regular mail to:

Health Licensing Office, Attn: Samie Patnode, 1430 Tandem Ave. NE, Suite 180, Salem, OR 97301-2192

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 team Deputy Z. Akin and K9 Ghost were participating in regional K9 training in the Albany, OR area when the Albany Police Department (Reference Albany PD Case #23-06037) were investigating an active commercial burglary of a gated storage unit complex located at 2887 Ferry St SW in Albany, OR. In the course of that investigation, 3 subjects fled the location on foot. Albany PD captured 1 subject quickly but requested assistance from the K9 teams in training to help locate the outstanding subjects. Deputy Akin / K9 Ghost deployed. Akin / Ghost picked up a scent north of the location where they had been searching and tracked the 2 subjects to another commercial building nearby and ultimately locate the subjects hiding under a loading dock. The subjects were challenged by Deputy Akin and K9 Ghost quickly surrendered to Albany PD officers on scene without resistance. For additional information, reference our case #23S-09389 and our Facebook.

Sept. 27, 2023

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459,

timothy.heider@oha.oregon.gov

New supportive and residential housing investments head toward completion throughout Oregon

SALEM, Ore. —More than 1,000 new residential and supportive housing units and beds are expected to come available by July 2025, filling a critical need in communities throughout the state, according to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) estimates.

Once completed, OHA expects the new projects to increase the state’s behavioral health housing capacity by about 20 percent.

The emerging capacity springs from more than $220 million in behavioral health investments made by the 2021 Oregon Legislature. OHA has distributed these funds to housing providers over the past two years to bolster residential treatment capacity throughout the state.

“We are seeing the results of this investment bearing fruit,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke. “These investments are a giant step toward closing the residential housing gap and will add much-needed capacity during a time of great need.”

OHA is creating a comprehensive and robust dashboard providing details of the investments by county and by program, along with an estimated occupancy timeline. The dashboard is scheduled to go live this fall.

According to the dashboard approximately $100 million grants awarded in 2021 to Oregon counties will yield 712 new units and beds. Another $123 million awarded to social service providers will boost capacity by 382. An additional 42 youth residential beds are also in development.

Timelines for such projects can typically take years to complete due to logistical considerations. The calculations include development costs such as purchasing real estate, facility renovations, not operating revenues.

There have been three completed projects to date.

• Columbia Care Twin Pines in Central Point renovated 8 new beds. The project was completed May 2022 and serves people with mental illness.
• Sequoia Mental Health Inc. renovated 5 new beds in Hillsboro. The project serves people with psychiatric disabilities.
• Shangri-La Harlow House in Eugene created 5 beds for people with serious and persistent mental illness. The project was completed in November 2022.

The dashboard shows a total capacity in all forms of residential housing of 4,908 beds and supportive housing units and a cumulative cost of more than $316 million. The largest total is in supportive housing, followed by rental assistance. More than 1,000 beds are classified as supportive housing.

The dashboard content does not yet include housing supports and services funded through Measure 110.

To date, Measure 110 providers have funded 38 supportive and transitional housing projects and have created 188 new service units and beds. Most are single-family residences or renovations that were converted into supportive housing.

OHA is currently conducting a study to determine residential mental health and substance use treatment capacity throughout the state, identify gaps and guide investments. OHA expects to complete the study by the end of the year. It will inform the state’s five-year plan to expand behavioral health treatment in Oregon.

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The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission voted to allow beach driving to continue in fall, winter, and spring at one access point in Lincoln City and to prohibit it year-round at the other starting Oct. 1 due to ongoing safety issues. 

The new rules were adopted September 20 in cooperation with Lincoln City Council, which voted earlier to support the proposal based on its staff recommendations. Fire and rescue crews encouraged the city and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to make the changes for public safety. 

“I’m grateful for our partners in Lincoln City and around Oregon who voiced their concerns and helped find a solution that balances the needs of our visitors at the Oregon Coast. This rule change provides a safer experience at the beach access points in Lincoln City,” said Central Coast District Manager Preson Phillips.

Motor vehicles will be allowed to access the ocean shore at NW 15^th Street, and drive 150 feet in either direction from Oct. 1 to April 30. Motor vehicles are prohibited at all other times except for emergency vehicles.

Motor vehicles will be prohibited year-round from driving on the ocean shore at NW 34^th Street in Lincoln City. Safety concerns included crowding, a lack of separation of pedestrians and vehicles and the risk of injury to visitors playing in the stream directly below the access point. 

OPRD will install signs that communicate the rule changes to the public. It will also work to improve signage and communication around both access locations regarding where individuals with disabilities can access the ocean shore.

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University’s annual “Embrace the Community” (ETC) Serve Day was a resounding success, as over 300 students, faculty, and staff volunteered at over 25 locations in Eugene and Springfield to engage in a day of transformative service. The event epitomizes Bushnell’s dedication to community engagement and service as a vital part of higher education.

Rev. Troy Dean, M.A., Campus Pastor and Assistant Professor, is a driving force behind ETC Serve Day. He emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “Bushnell’s fall day of service reflects our calling to education and service. We hope to be good neighbors by serving our county through partnering with amazing non-profit organizations.  As Beacons, we hope to shine a light on the needs in our community and work to help make a difference.”

Senior math major Mackenzie Hunton, who has been a passionate advocate for community service throughout her time at Bushnell, shared her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “ETC Serve Day gives us the opportunity to work with local organizations that are already doing good in the area. By doing this, we get to better the community surrounding us in Eugene and Springfield, while supporting the organizations that are already hard at work.”

Throughout the day on September 21, Bushnell volunteers engaged in various service activities, such as painting, landscaping, cleaning local areas, and serving senior residents. One notable project included collaborating with the Every Child organization. Together, students and volunteers facilitated an empowering experience for children in foster care, unhoused children, and children experiencing other crises, enabling them to “shop” in a space that allows them to make choices. Bushnell students played an essential role in sorting through donated clothing, ensuring that these young individuals received clothing options that met their basic needs, and helping them feel a special sense of belonging.

Another remarkable project included students partnering with the Hope and Safety Alliance, a leading advocate and support group for survivors of domestic violence. Students visited local businesses to distribute information about events organized by the Alliance and to request donated goods. This work effectively increased awareness about domestic violence and the local resources available to survivors.

ETC Serve Day also witnessed participants working on the renovation of a community center, creating an inviting space for residents to gather and connect. The impact of these efforts was palpable, as the volunteers labored with dedication and enthusiasm, leaving behind tangible evidence of their commitment to service.

Bushnell University is deeply grateful to the local community for their support and participation in this year’s ETC Serve Day. The university believes that by fostering connections and encouraging acts of service, we can contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Eugene and Springfield.

For those interested in future service opportunities or learning more about Bushnell University’s commitment to community engagement, please visit the university’s website at www.bushnell.edu.

PHOTO GALLERY

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Dog Control Board will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 216, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon 97470.

The agenda meeting agenda can be located at: www.dcso.com/dogboard 

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch the meeting. To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://video.ibm.com/channel/douglascountyoregon.

Please contact the Sheriff's Office located in Room 210 of the Justice Building at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1036 SE Douglas Ave. Roseburg, OR 97470 541- 440-4449, if you need an accommodation.

Sept. 26, 2023

Media contacts: Amber Shoebridge, 503-931-9586

er.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov">amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov 

Oregon State Hospital holds memorial ceremony for historical cremains

SALEM, Ore. – Fourteen families from across the country and Canada attended Oregon State Hospital’s (OSH) cremains memorial ceremony Tuesday to claim the ashes of relatives who died at the hospital or other state institutions between 1914 and 1973 and remained unclaimed – until now.

“For some of you, you may have never met or heard of the relative you are welcoming back into your family today. Thank you for opening your hearts to them,” said OSH Superintendent Dolly Matteucci at the ceremony.

David Gilliland and his cousin Rick Ewen traveled from Saskatchewan to attend the ceremony to claim the ashes of their great aunt, Mary Ann “Minnie” Gilliland Smart, who was an OSH patient from 1930 until her death in 1934.

“It’s about honoring Minnie’s memory. It seems like the right thing to do. We decided early on because there was a repatriation opportunity that we would want to bring her home,” Gilliland said.

In the past 10 years, OSH staff and volunteers have helped reunite families with the cremains of 1,052 of the 3,500 people whose ashes are in the custody of OSH. Meanwhile, efforts continue to identify the closest living relatives of those whose ashes have not been claimed.

This year, the number of remains claimed by families grew by 76. During the ceremony, the 76 names were read aloud one by one.

For some, the reasons why family in the past could not or would not claim the remains is unknown. The reasons could be loss of contact information, the inability to afford travel or burial expenses, or the stigma of mental illness at a time when sun stroke could lead to admission to OSH as easily as syphilis or morphine addiction, Matteucci said.

“What has not changed is the dedication of the staff across Oregon State Hospital to inspire hope to people at the most difficult time in their lives, promote safety and support their recovery,” she said. “What has also not changed is the resilience of those we serve and their ability to progress and recover, and our shared goal of an individual’s return to their community.”

David Baden, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) interim director, spoke of learning from the past as OHA looks towards the future. “We can and will do right by the people in our care across the behavioral health continuum. We must do everything in our power to ensure individuals with mental illness are no longer cast aside due to stigma, lack of services or support,” he said.

Until 1973, OSH operated a crematorium and became the custodian of the unclaimed cremains of nearly 3,500 people who died while living or working at OSH, Oregon State Tuberculosis Hospital, Mid-Columbia Hospital, Dammasch State Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, Oregon State Penitentiary and Fairview Training Center. In 2014, the hospital dedicated a memorial and began holding an annual ceremony to remember those whose remains are now housed in the memorial’s columbarium. During the pandemic, the event continued virtually. The service returned to an in-person ceremony on Tuesday.

A current OSH patient shared remarks about their positive experiences receiving care at OSH during the ceremony event which also featured music performed by OSH music therapists and a prayer by the hospital’s chaplain.

After the ceremony, family members in attendance claimed their relatives’ ashes. Those unable to attend will receive their cremains, along with a rubbing of their relative’s name from the columbarium wall and the original copper canister that interred their ashes.

People can visit OSH’s online cremains directory to research whether they have a family member among the unclaimed cremains.

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News Release Corvallis Police Department 180 NW 5th Street   Corvallis, OR97330 541-766-6924

09/26/2023 4:15 PM

Media Contact: 

Lt. Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6556 / cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov

Prowler Arrest on Circle Blvd

Overnight Corvallis Police Officers arrested a 65-year-old Corvallis resident after reports were received of the man peeping into windows with a flashlight. 

On September 26, 2023 at about 5:20 a.m. Corvallis Police Officers responded to the area of 755 NE Circle Blvd for a report of a male at the female callers window with a flashlight. The caller noticed the male had a plastic bag with him and when asked what he was doing, he left without responding. Officers located the male hiding behind a shed near where the caller last reported seeing him. As the lone officer was attempting to take the male into custody, he attempted to strike her with a metal flashlight several times. Several other officers arrived and safely detained the male into handcuffs. The male was identified as 65-year-old Ronald Gibson of Corvallis. The police officer was not significantly injured in this incident. Gibson was taken to jail and lodged on the following charges. 

ORS 163.208  Attempted Assault on a Peace Officer

ORS 162.247   Interfering with a Peace Officer

ORS 164.245  Trespass II

Offender:

Ronald Dean Gibson

D.O.B. 04-14-1968

Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires registration with the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, this person’s criminal history places them in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

NAME: Joshua Michael Garvin
SID#: 16902934
DOB: 11/25/1992
CURRENT AGE: 30

RACE: W                            SEX: M
HEIGHT: 5’10”                  WEIGHT: 180lbs
HAIR: BRO                         EYES: BLU

RESIDENCE: 650 LOCUST ST NE, SALEM, OR 97301

Joshua Michael Garvin is on Post Prison Supervision for the crimes of: Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Luring a Minor
 

This person was granted supervision on: 08/26/2023
 

Supervision expiration date is: 08/24/2025
 

Special restrictions include: [X] No contact with minors
                                                [X] No places where minors congregate

Other: Garvin’s offending history includes juvenile females known to him.

Sept. 26 Update: The Sept. 28 meeting is canceled because of the proximity of the Anvil Fire to Port Orford and related evacuation levels. The meeting will be rescheduled.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is working on a Trail Investment Plan for Floras Lake State Natural Area near Port Orford, and the public is invited to an informational meeting and to provide feedback Sept. 28.

OPRD has acquired additional land next to the natural area in recent years, and it anticipates increasing visitation consistent with coastal parks statewide – leading the agency to develop a basic plan for Floras Lake. The plan includes improving the trail experience and providing better connections to a nearby Curry County park as well as federal land. 

“The investment strategy for Floras Lake will aim to improve the visitor experience, especially navigating through the sensitive site, while maintaining the primitive quality that existing users highly value,” said Justin Helberg, south coast district manager.

“Resource protection is of particular concern at State Natural Areas, which are typically designated due to the unique plants and animals found in these locations,” he said. 

“Balancing the need for recreation facilities with natural resource protection is a primary goal of OPRD.”

The public can learn about the project in these early stages and provide feedback 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 28 at the Langlois Public Library, 48234 Highway 101, Langlois, OR. Information and an online survey are also available at https://bit.ly/floraslaketrailplan.

Agreement reached after almost 100 hours of bargaining over ten days

In-person media availability today from Noon - 1 p.m. at OHSU Waterfront Campus. Please contact Myrna Jensen at 907-350-6260 to schedule a time and be directed to an exact location.

(Portland, Ore.) - Nurses at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) successfully reached a tentative agreement with hospital management the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 25 capping off almost 60 hours of negotiation meetings over five days, including work with a mediator. Nearly 3200 nurses at OHSU are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).

“Nurses at OHSU care for Oregon’s most critical patients—patients who require specialized nursing care that only we can provide. We deserve a contract that reflects the expertise, compassion and skill we bring to every patient in our care. This new contract will ensure we have the tools, the workplace safety and the staffing support necessary to deliver the high-quality care our patients deserve,” said Duncan Zevetski, RN, vice president of the ONA bargaining unit at OHSU. “I am proud of the nurses who organized, fought for and won this historic contract—a contract that our union colleagues across the country can look to as an example in their own fights for improved working conditions that will support them in caring for their patients.”

Members will vote to ratify the tentative agreement from Oct. 1-5 but detailed discussions of the proposed agreement will start Friday, Sept. 29. If approved, the agreement will include historic wage increases, which are key to retaining experienced nurses at OHSU, recruiting the next generation of nurses, and ensuring safe care for our community.

Key provisions of the tentative agreement include: 

• Nurse staffing standards that align with the higher complexity patients OHSU nurses care for. 
• Minimum safe staffing standards guaranteed by June 1, 2024, including a specific plan for the Emergency Department levels, and 1:3 Acute Care (mixed IMC) ratios written into the contract. A guarantee to follow professional standards that set ratios and levels for all other areas.
• Wage increases of 15%, 6%, and 6% each year as well as a new 30-step wage scale. The average base wage will increase 37% and will average to $20.67/hr increase over 3 years.
• Major expansion of the Code Green team that includes social workers trained in de-escalation for the Marquam Hill campus and newly provided to the Waterfront campus. 
• Paid training for trauma-informed care, in-person de-escalation training/including advanced physical skills, crisis intervention and assault prevention.  
• 24/7 coverage of metal detector screenings and DPS presence in the EDs.
• Major improvements to workplace safety at OHSU, including 50% of positions for nurses and AFSCME members on a task force to allocate $10 million in funds.
• A commitment to immediately institute urgent changes to lockdown procedures, securing entrances and other workplace violence reduction.
• The right to bargain the impacts of a merger with Legacy Health system.
• Full retro pay.

Nurses were also able to secure additional contract protections requiring break-relief assignments so that patient care isn’t compromised. Data from OHSU indicates that nurses missed at least 95,000 legally required rest in the last six months. Research has clearly shown that nurses who miss breaks are more likely to make mistakes, experience exhaustion and moral injury, and are ultimately more likely to leave the bedside—adding to a critical nursing shortage. 

“AURN won strong contract language for nurse staffing across our entire institution, including care areas ranging from ambulatory to inpatient. Most importantly, the contract centers on the expertise of the nurses providing care as essential to designing and driving staffing levels. We are proud to be raising the staffing standards for high-acuity hospitals across the country,” said Erica Swartz, RN and ONA staffing committee co-chair at OHSU.

“Going into negotiations, our team was faced with the realities of what our workforce has been enduring,” said Corinn Joseph, RN and ONA bargaining team member. “Across the nation, and the world, nursing has become not only a risk to our mental health but our physical safety. We set out with the intention to build a better contract, one that would change standards. We did this not only for our nurses, but to help raise the bar for hospitals everywhere. With the help of our dedicated members, we have done just that. We can stand proud of what we have set into motion for the decades of nursing that follow! Together we create our future. Together we care for the people. Together we care for ourselves. Together we stand strong.”  

Nurses began contract negotiations in December 2022 and their contract with OHSU expired on June 30, 2023. The new agreement will run through June 30, 2026. 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union representing over 16,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org. 

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September 26, 2023

Media contacts: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, 

PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Tolovana State Park health advisory issued Sept. 26

High bacteria levels prompt OHA recommendation to avoid water contact

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Tolovana State Park in Clatsop County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:

• Stormwater runoff.
• Sewer overflows.
• Failing septic systems.
• Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.

While this advisory is in effect at Tolovana State Park, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.

For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

$15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email for coming to give blood Oct. 1-20 

Portland, OR (Sept. 26, 2023) — The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood and platelet shortage and asks the public to book a time to give as soon as possible. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets. The Red Cross offers three ways to make a donation appointment that can help save lives:

• Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App
• Visit RedCrossBlood.org
• Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

The Red Cross experienced a significant blood and platelet donation shortfall in August, contributing to the current blood and platelet shortage. To ensure the blood supply recovers, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month to meet hospital and patient needs. 

“When blood and platelet supplies drop to critical levels, it makes hospitals and the patients they are treating vulnerable – especially if there is a major accident or emergency medical procedure that requires large quantities of blood during a disaster,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross. “A single car accident victim can use as much as 100 units of blood. By making and keeping donation appointments, donors can help keep hospital shelves stocked with blood products and ensure patients have access to the timely care they deserve.” 

As a thank-you, those who come to give Oct. 1-20, 2023, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.

Unique challenges to blood supply

In late summer, the Red Cross national blood supply dropped by about 25% on the heels of one of the busiest travel seasons and the beginning of back-to-school activities. As people settle back into fall school and work routines, a unique challenge to the blood supply remains – many employees continue to work from home or in a hybrid capacity, reducing the number of opportunities to give blood at business-sponsored blood drives. In fact, before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 800,000 blood donations were made at blood drives hosted by businesses. Last year, the Red Cross saw only about 500,000 blood donations at these locations – a nearly 40% drop from pre-pandemic levels.

This, coupled with an active disaster season, is creating a perfect “storm” and challenging the organization’s ability to collect a sufficient amount of blood products to meet the needs of hospitals across the country. 

The Red Cross provides community blood drives and donation centers across Oregon and SW Washington. Those who may have previously given at a local business blood drive are encouraged to book a time to give at one of these locations by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 27-Oct. 11:

September 27

Fred Meyer, 3500 SE 22nd Ave., Portland, OR, 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Blood Donation Center, 3131 N Vancouver Ave., Portland, OR, 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

September 28

Willamette View, 12705 SE River Rd., Milwaukie, OR, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Rogue Credit Union, 1370 Center Dr., Medford, OR, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

September 30

Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 515 SW Maplecrest Dr., Portland, OR, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Blood Donation Center, 5109 NE 82nd Ave., Vancouver, WA, 7:00 AM - 03:00 PM

October 2

St Bart's Episcopal Church, 11260 SW Cabot St., Beaverton, OR, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Fred Meyer, 3805 SE Hawthorne, Portland, OR, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Blood Donation Center, 5109 NE 82nd Ave., Vancouver, WA, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Blood Donation Center, 1174 Progress Dr. Suite 102, Medford, OR, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

October 3

Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110, Bend, OR, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

October 5

Northwest Christian Church, 13405 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard, OR, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Ctr., 9900 SE Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas, OR, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

October 6

Lake Oswego City Hall, 380 A Ave., Lake Oswego, OR, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Clackamas Town Center, 12000 SE 82nd Ave., Happy Valley, OR, 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Ascension Lutheran Church, 675 Black Oak Drive, Medford, OR, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Bend Blood Donation Ctr, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110, Bend, OR, 7:00 AM - 03:00 PM

October 11

Portland Donor Center, 3131 N Vancouver Ave., Portland, OR, 12:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Bethany Family Pet Clinic, 15166 NW Central Dr., Portland, OR, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Columbia Sportswear, 13910 NW Science Park Dr. Building K, Portland, OR, 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM

To find a donation site near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org and put in your zip code.

How to donate blood 

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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PORTLAND, Ore., September 26, 2023—OnPoint Community Credit Union has donated a total of $105,603 directed to Latino Network, FACT Oregon and Rebuilding Together Portland.  The donations were made as part of the credit union’s seventh annual employee giving campaign. Each year, OnPoint provides every employee with $100 to split however they wish between three nonprofits making a difference in the community. This year’s campaign resulted in donations of $33,101 to Latino Network, $34,951 to FACT Oregon and $37,551 to Rebuilding Together Portland.

To expand its impact across the region, OnPoint divided another $25,000 among five regional nonprofits: Community Outreach through Radical Empowerment (Eugene), Yamhill Enrichment Society (McMinnville), Saving Grace (Central Oregon), Creating Opportunities (Salem) and The Giving Closet (SW Washington). 

“OnPoint has worked to improve the lives of the people in our community for over 90 years,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Supporting organizations that share similar values is something we pride ourselves in. We are honored to support Latino Network, FACT Oregon and Rebuild Together Portland and thank them for all they do for our neighbors.”

OnPoint employees have donated more than $600,000 to 23 local non-profits since the annual campaign began in 2017. Past recipients have included NAYA (Native American Youth and Family Center), Hacienda CDC and the Oregon Zoo. 

About this year’s recipients

Latino Network was founded in 1996 to advocate for the needs of the growing Latino community in Multnomah County. Latino Network addresses issues like low achievement scores, youth violence and high dropout rates by promoting early literacy, encouraging parent involvement, working with gang-involved and adjudicated youth and families and providing academic support and activities to high school-aged youth. It also builds leadership capacity for youth and adults. Visit https://www.latnet.org/ to learn more. 

"Our staff and board at Latino Network are extremely grateful for the trusted partnership we have with the team at OnPoint Community Credit Union,” said Juan Martinez, Director of Philanthropy, Latino Network. "They understand that the growing Latine community continues to face barriers to access to healthcare, education and affordable housing. OnPoint's generous support and investment to ensure a thriving Latine community is key to a brighter future for a better Oregon."

FACT Oregon is a parent-led organization that strives for disability equity, empowering families and youth navigating disability to access and advocate for the supports and opportunities they need to thrive at home, in school, and in community. Peer-delivered services include a Support Line, trainings, resources, technical assistance, community engagement, and advocacy. Since 2012, FACT Oregon has served as Oregon's Parent Training and Information Center for Special Education. To learn more, visit https://factoregon.org.

"Families navigating disability are hungry for support, resources, and action to improve opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities,” said Christy Reese, Executive Director, FACT Oregon. “We are thrilled to have the support of partners like OnPoint to help us serve families, youth, and partners across Oregon, bring family voices to decision-making tables, and further equity in our schools and communities." 

Rebuilding Together Portland has helped provide critical home repairs, modifications and improvements for low-income homeowners for more than 30 years. The organization focuses on assisting the elderly, people with disabilities, families with children and veterans at no cost to those served. Its work includes carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, flooring, home safety modifications (such as ADA and handrails or wheelchair ramps), debris removal and more. Learn more about Rebuilding Together Portland’s mission at https://www.rtpdx.org/.

"An estimated 30,000 Portland homeowners live at or below the poverty line,” said Stephanie Luyties, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together PDX. “The work we do at Rebuilding Together PDX significantly improves the lives of dozens of Portland homeowners each year, a number we're working to expand with the generosity of our local community partners such as OnPoint.”

To learn more about OnPoint’s commitment to building strong communities, visit onpointcu.com/community-giving.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 522,000 members and with assets of $8.7 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

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The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) this week published the annual maximum rent increase allowed by statute for calendar year 2024. The DAS Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has calculated the maximum percentage as 10.0%.

Following the passage of SB 608 in the 2019 legislative session and SB 611 in the 2023 legislative session, Oregon law requires DAS to calculate and post to its website, by September 30 of each year, the maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed by statute for the following calendar year. Per statute, OEA calculates this amount as 7% plus the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region (All Items), as most recently published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or 10%, whichever is lower.

The allowable rent increase percentage for the 2024 calendar year is 10.0%. The allowable rent increase percentage for the previous year, 2023, was 14.6% if the increase was issued before July 6, or 10.0% if issued after July 6. 

DAS will calculate and post the percentage for the 2025 calendar year by Sept. 30, 2024.

Information about the maximum annual rent increase percentage, as well as the provisions of ORS 90.323 and 90.600 (statutes governing rent increases), can be found on the OEA website.  

For information on the law, please see the full text of SB 608 and SB 611 at the link below. DAS does not provide legal advice regarding other provisions of SB 608 and SB 611.

Links: 

• Full text of SB 608: http://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2019R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB608/Enrolled
• Full text of SB 611: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB611/Enrolled
• OEA website: https://www.oregon.gov/das/OEA/Pages/Rent-stabilization.aspx

September 25, 2023

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

Recreational use advisory partially lifted for Willamette River

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

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

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

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

     Approve minutes from the July 27, 2023, Meeting

3. Fire Policy Committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Matthew English, Chair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

             Presented by Jennifer Howald

8. Agency Updates - Agency Director, Phil Castle

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

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

or

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

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

CLACKAMAS, Ore. (Sept. 24, 2023): Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center celebrated the return of its annual NICU Reunion event, "Heroes Unite," on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, outside the Labor & Delivery department. The heartwarming event was a celebration of strength, resilience, and the incredible journey of hundreds of families and tiny superheroes who received life-saving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this marked the first NICU Reunion since 2019, making it an extra special occasion for the entire community. Families, friends, and healthcare workers were eager to reconnect and celebrate the progress and growth of these remarkable NICU graduates.

This year's event had a superhero theme, and guests were encouraged to wear superhero costumes, capes, and masks, or simply come as they are. It's a symbolic nod to the strength displayed by these tiny fighters and the dedication of the healthcare heroes who cared for them.

NICU mom Kim Anderson, whose son, Hakan, was born prematurely at Sunnyside Medical Center in 2018, is a founding member of a new patient-partner mentor program that supports families navigating the NICU journey. "When Hakan was born prematurely, the NICU team at Sunnyside were there every step of the way to ensure his health and well-being. They inserted a feeding tube when needed and provided exceptional care during his 14-day stay. Today, as Hakan approaches his 5th birthday, he's a silly, funny, and kind boy who is excited about losing his first tooth. I'm also proud to be a part of the mentor program so I can help other families who may find themselves in a similar situation, so they don’t feel so alone during such a challenging time."

Downloadable B-Roll Footage and Interviews Available:

B-ROLL: https://vimeo.com/867983325/63534898f3?share=copy

Video and photos from the event, including children feeding the llama, petting the pony and art and educational activities.

INTERVIEWS: https://vimeo.com/867768422/d476f7dcc7?share=copy

• 00:00-04:29 Interview footage with NICU mom Kim Anderson, whose son, Hakan, was born prematurely at Sunnyside Medical Center in 2018
• 04:29-05:01 B-roll of Kim Anderson and her son showing their NICU photo
• 05:17-07:42 Interview footage with Jennifer Marsh, RN, NICU charge nurse

Photos 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9mzrqr2Ki6nztUhi7

Visuals/Activities at the "Heroes Unite" NICU Reunion include:

• A visit from a therapy llama, where attendees can feed carrots.
• Miniature horses for kids to interact with.
• Clackamas County sheriff vehicles and deputies providing educational materials.
• A firetruck and fire department personnel offering safety information.
• A variety of fun and games for children and parents, including sidewalk chalk, car-seat safety demonstrations, bike safety tips, and other pediatric information.

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A combination of favorable weather conditions and tremendous work put in by the fire teams has allowed us to lift the remaining evacuation notices related to the Lookout, Horse Creek and Pothole Fires today. 

There are no longer evacuation notices in effect related to these fires. 

Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Willamette to see a list of current US Forest Service closures within the Willamette National Forest.

Lane County residents are always encouraged to pay attention to conditions and to maintain an emergency evacuation plan.  Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University is thrilled to announce record-breaking enrollment figures for the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a monumental achievement in the institution’s history. The university has seen unprecedented growth in various enrollment categories, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and student success. 

Michael Fuller, M.S., Vice President for Enrollment and Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Planning expressed his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to witness such a continued surge in enrollment at Bushnell University. Our record number of undergraduate and graduate students reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff, the appeal of our programs, and our commitment to providing an exceptional education.” 

The record enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year includes many impressive highlights and milestones. 

Bushnell University is proud to report an all-time high in graduate enrollment, with 223 students choosing to further their education at the institution, besting the former high of 213 in 2019. This reflects the growing demand for advanced degree programs and the quality of education Bushnell offers. 

One particular program of note is the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which has achieved an extraordinary enrollment of 135 students, a significant increase from the previous high of 91. This dramatic increase showcases the university’s dedication to training mental health professionals. 

Bushnell University also continues to be a top choice for undergraduate students, with a record-breaking enrollment of 403 for the upcoming academic year, beating last year’s high of 395. The institution’s strong academic programs and vibrant campus community continue to provide strong draws for undergraduates. 

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program has also shattered previous records with an enrollment of 42 students, compared to a former high of 26. The university remains committed to meeting the demand for skilled nurses in the healthcare sector by providing a variety of pathways into the industry. 

Alongside the traditional undergraduate programs, there has also been a remarkable growth of online and evening undergraduate programs, with 88 students enrolling this year, compared to 80 last year. 

The strong growth of these varied programs highlights Bushnell’s adaptability and forward-thinking in meeting the needs of our students. The university’s commitment to supporting diverse student needs is particularly pronounced with regard to two student demographics: transfer students and student-athletes. 

Bushnell has seen the highest number of transfer students in over two decades, with 59 new transfers joining a community that strives to facilitate a seamless transition to a new academic home. 

Bushnell has also seen record-breaking enrollment in the number of student-athletes. Further, athletics now boasts all-time high rosters in baseball, men’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s track and field, and indoor volleyball. The university’s support of athletics and student-athlete development is evident in the growth of these teams. Furthermore, the diverse range of sports reflects the university’s commitment to supporting all students. 

Kacie Gerdrum, M.A., Dean of Admission, commented on the growth of these programs: “Our dedicated staff and faculty have worked tirelessly to recruit and retain a diverse and talented group of students. These record-breaking numbers are a testament to our collaborative efforts across campus in building a strong, vibrant community.” 

To learn more about Bushnell University, visit www.bushnell.edu.  

Read more stories behind Bushnell’s record enrollment figures: 

–Bushnell Launches Sports Management Graduate Program  

–Bushnell’s Master of Arts in Leadership Degree Ranked as One of the Most Affordable in Oregon 

–ABSN Enrollment Expansion and PeaceHealth Partnership 

–Douglas ESD and Bushnell Partnership Provides Expansion of Counseling and Mental Health Programs