TILLER, Ore. - This is a wildfire emergency alert from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. This is an UPGRADE from a Level 1 to a Level 3 – GO NOW! for the following areas: East side of Tiller Trail Hwy 34000 to 36760 block. Also, Tison Road, Diamond Elk Road, Joe Hall area.

Level 3 – GO NOW means leave without delay, it is unsafe to stay and threatens the safety of you, your family, and emergency responders.

Emergency services personnel may not be available to help you if you choose to stay.

• Do not stop to gather your belongings or protect your home. Follow your emergency plan.

• Leave as fast as safely possible. Drive carefully. Turn on your headlights. Follow traffic safety warnings and instructions from local authorities.
 

Use TripCheck.com (Road & Weather Conditions Map | TripCheck - Oregon Traveler Information) or call 511 for road closure information.

After you evacuate:

• Do not return to the area until public safety officials announce the area is safe. • Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio.

• An interactive wildfire evacuation map can be located at: www.dcso.com/evacuations

• Once you are safe, check with friends and family.

On September 5th at about 5:10 p.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a report of an assault involving a firearm that had just occurred in the 91200 block of Marcola Road. A witness was able to relay a license plate from a vehicle that had fled the scene. 

Deputies responded to the area to contact the involved persons and search for the vehicle. A Sheriff’s Office sergeant quickly located the vehicle in Marcola and initiated a traffic stop. Deputies detained the driver, Tracy Scott Starr, 60, of Springfield, and secured a firearm from the vehicle. 

After conducting their investigation, deputies arrested Starr and lodged him at the Lane County Jail for Assault in the 3rd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Menacing, and a contempt of court warrant. 

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will meet on Thursday, September 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (PT). This public meeting will be conducted via teleconference.

The meeting agenda, including call-in information, is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/about/govboard/boardagenda_9_19_2024.pdf

The DOGAMI Governing Board sets policy, oversees general operations, and adopts a strategic plan every six years. The Board meets at least quarterly. As active members of their communities, Board members provide an important connection between Oregonians and DOGAMI’s mission of providing earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous.
 

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SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Discuss vacant industry representative position
• Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) one-pager
• Protection Division update
• Protection messaging and prevention
• Board of Forestry update
• Discuss upcoming meeting schedule and agenda topics

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 24 hours before the meeting by emailing estlands@odf.oregon.gov">committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF webpage.

On September 5th at about 1 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a crash in the 300 block of River Loop 2, Eugene. A vehicle had driven through a hedge, through a yard, and into the front of an occupied residence. 

Deputies located the driver, Kevin Francis Rogers, 54, nearby at his residence. He was visibly intoxicated. Deputies arrested Rogers and lodged him at the Lane County Jail for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, and Hit & Run - Property Damage. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone on the road: there is never an excuse for intoxicated driving. This crash very easily could have had a far more tragic result for someone who was in the safety of their own home. 

Don’t drink & drive, get a ride. 

Released B-Roll: https://dvidshub.net/r/es7lpp

Portland, Ore. - The remains of World War II U.S. Army Pvt. William E. Calkins were brought home to his Oregon relatives with planeside honors Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Portland International Airport. He will be laid to rest Sept. 13 at noon at Fir Lawn Memorial Park in Hillsboro.

 

The Lane Education Service District Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, September 10, at 6:00 p.m.  The Board of Directors will conduct a work session prior to the regular meeting, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The meeting will be held at Lane Education Service District, 1200 Highway 99 North, Eugene.   The meeting agenda can be found at www.lesd.k12.or.us.

The meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs that was scheduled for September 11 at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles has been canceled due to lack of quorum. 

The next meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee is expected to be held virtually in December 2024. More information about this meeting, including date, location and online registration information will be posted at a later date. 

Information about the Veteran Advisory Committee and meeting materials can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx. 

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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September 6, 2024

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Devil’s Lake

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Devil’s Lake in Lincoln County. OHA issued the advisory Aug. 28.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Devil’s Lake are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

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) Blooms 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, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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The Umpqua Community College Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on September 11, 2024. The meeting will begin at 5:00pm in room 17 of Tapʰòytʰaʼ Hall (TAP). Instructions for virtual access to the meeting and other pertinent meeting information can be found at https://umpqua.edu/ucc/about/governance-operations/governance/board-of-education/board-meetings/

SALEM, Ore. -  The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing its Blue Incident Management Team and several task forces to the Rail Ridge Fire in Grant and Crook counties and the Shoe Fly Fire in Wheeler County. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the conflagration act for both fires Friday.  

The Rail Ridge Fire is estimated at 107,371 acres and three percent contained as of Friday morning. The lightning-sparked fire was detected on September 4 and grew rapidly, pushed by extremely hot, dry, and windy conditions over the last few days. 

The OSFM Blue Team will be in unified command with California Team 10, a complex incident management team, which took command of the Rail Ridge Fire Friday morning. Earlier this week, the OSFM mobilized two task forces from Central Oregon and Marion County through Immediate Response. These task forces will be joined by three others later this evening.  

“The conditions we are seeing on the ground are very dynamic with several fires burning in the region and a cold front is expected to pass through. There’s no real relief in the forecast over the weekend and into early next week,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “The Oregon fire service has been extremely busy over the last few months, and I cannot thank them enough for being ready to respond to help their fellow Oregonians when they need it.”  

The Shoe Fly Fire is estimated to be 24,188 acres and six percent contained. It was reported on September 2. The OSFM mobilized two task forces from Clackamas and Multnomah counties through Immediate Response earlier this week. The OSFM Blue Team will work with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1, which is assigned to the Shoe Fly Fire to provide structural protection support.  

These conflagrations mark the 15^th and 16^th invoked this summer. With extreme heat expected across the state into the weekend, the Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds all Oregonians and visitors to pay close attention to the conditions and take the necessary steps to avoid sparking a wildfire.  

About the Emergency Conflagration Act 
The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property. 
 
The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. 

SALEM, Ore. — On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) invites the public to visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. 

The academy hosts a permanent display of artifacts from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, including more than 400 firefighters and law enforcement officers. In addition to the lives lost in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, hundreds of first responders have died due to illnesses contracted while engaged in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

Guests are welcome to view the memorial to honor the victims and all whose lives were impacted by the attacks, including the firefighters, police officers and rescue workers whose heroism prevented further loss of life. The gates of the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy. SE in Salem, will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for drop-in viewing. The memorial is located in the lobby of the Academy; guests should follow the signs for the main entrance.

Artifacts displayed at the 9/11 Memorial include:

• A floor beam from either 5 or 6 World Trade Center, both of which sustained heavy damage in the September 11 attacks as the towers fell.
• A section from the base of 1 World Trade Center, also known as the North Tower.
• A strap used to support mechanical systems in the towers
• A smaller floor beam from above the 50th floor of one of the Twin Towers
• A piece of aluminum used in the outer “skin” of one of the towers
• A piece of limestone fascia from the outer wall of the Pentagon, taken from near where the aircraft impacted the building

The artifacts are accompanied by a video tribute to the first responders and victims, and a painting by artist Ricardo Salazar, “Memoriam,” which depicts the attacks on the World Trade Center.

“As we approach the anniversary of September 11, we invite the public to join us in honoring the sacrifices of the first responders who selflessly served that day and those who have since lost their lives due to related health complications. This memorial is a chance for Oregonians to come together, remember their bravery, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten,” said DPSST Director Phil Castle.

In addition to the 9/11 Memorial, the Oregon Public Safety Academy campus is home to memorials honoring the state’s fallen first responders. The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial honors 196 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860’s, and the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial honors 179 fire service personnel who have died in the line of duty since 1881. Memorial ceremonies are held annually to honor the officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.

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About DPSST

The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals. DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

Español a continuación

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Families arrive at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration on August 31, 2024 / Familias entrando al evento de WIC en 31 de agosto de 2024.

The Oregon Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program turns 50 this year, and Benton County WIC celebrated with a free community event on August 31 in honor of World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month.

The Benton County World Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration event was aimed at promoting and supporting breast/chestfeeding, and highlighted Benton County WIC’s work bringing supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education to the region’s low-income families.

“The people that serve WIC clients are also serving our entire community. When we take every action possible to make sure infants, children, and people have access to food, nutritional information, and resources – we are making it more possible to have a healthy community for generations.

Benton County WIC Program Manager, Barbara Christianson

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WIC Program Manager, Barbara Christianson (pictured center) at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Ubicada en medio, la gerente del programa de WIC, Barbara Christianson, en el evento de la celebracion del programa.

Families served by the WIC program, partner organizations, and community members attended the event at Corvallis Community Center where they enjoyed free food, music, and prizes.

The event included a resource fair where participants engaged with local organizations focused on early childhood and family health to receive free information and resources. Resource fair partners included the Pollywog Family, Samaritan Health Services, Community Doula Program, 211info, Old Mill Center for Children and Families, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, Corvallis Birth and Wellness Center, OSU Extension, Charlie Health, Benton County Health Department, and more.

Welcome Waggers brought therapy dogs for attendees to interact with.

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Families enjoy refreshments at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Familias disfrutando de refrigerios en el evento de celebracion de WIC.

The event served as an opportunity to celebrate the 50 years of services offered by WIC. Oregon WIC opened in April 1974 and supported 2,500 women, infants and children within five pilot programs. Last year, more than 114,000 participants were served in 36 Oregon counties.

“I am so grateful to each of our WIC staff here at Benton County. Brooke joined us in January 2024 as our Registered Dietician and Program Coordinator – her presence has provided enormous support for our high-risk clients as well as the program itself.”

Barbara Christianson

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Brooke Green, WIC Program Coordinator & Registered Dietician at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Brooke Green, Coordinadora del Programa de WIC y Dietista Registrada durante el evento de WIC.

Benton County WIC offers breastfeeding care and nourishing WIC foods, such as whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

The services WIC provides are covered in four pillars:

• Nutrition education – WIC offers state-of-the-art health and nutrition support through participant-centered counseling and group education. Participants learn what to eat during pregnancy and while breastfeeding; how to shop for healthy foods and cook meals; and how to get more whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lower-fat dairy into their diets.
• Breastfeeding support – WIC offers top-quality breastfeeding support and personal advice from professional and trained WIC staff, which helps thousands of Oregon families reach their infant feeding goals.
• Nourishing food – WIC provides specific foods to ensure good health, growth and development. WIC food benefits can be used a grocery stores and farmers’ markets for fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
• Health care referrals – WIC helps families’ access the services needed to stay healthy. Referrals help improve health outcomes; ensure infants’ and children’s normal growth; reduce anemia levels; increase access to regular health care; keep children up to date on vaccinations; and ensure prenatal care for pregnant individuals.

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A family enjoys the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Una familia disfrutando del evento de celebración de WIC.

The results of these services are improved health behaviors – WIC helps develop health lifestyle habits for the entire family – and improved health outcomes. Studies show those on WIC have fewer premature births, fewer low birth-weight babies, seek prenatal care earlier, and eat healthier. Children participating in WIC are more likely to arrive at school ready to learn because WIC provides key nutrients throughout critical growth periods.

“One of the things I so appreciate is if there are special needs or considerations for a client regarding their nutrition needs during pregnancy or for their baby/child – our staff goes the extra mile to find the most up to date information. They will reach out to myself, local or online resources, and connect with community partners to ensure the client receives the best possible service. They work closely with each other, our County staff, and community partners to refer clients to the most helpful resources, programs, and providers.”

Barbara Christianson

Statewide, WIC is known for its dedicated workforce that supports parents and families during a transformative period of their lives and provides access to a professional workforce, including registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs).

“We are truly so fortunate to have this incredible team of people working together to make sure WIC services continued despite the barriers of the pandemic and the ongoing recovery of our community.”

Barbara Christianson

Juana Little, Benton County WIC Certifier / Juana Little, Certificadora del Programa de WIC.

Benton County WIC staff are invested in the health and lives of participants and have spent years developing and honing motivational interviewing and participant centered skills. WIC staff are embedded in the community and collaborate with various partners to ensure WIC families are supported beyond their nutrition needs.

“Our WIC certifiers provide such caring and expert service to our clients, Mercedes for over 25 years and Juana for over 5 years.”

Barbara Christianson

Mercedes Magaña was first introduced to WIC as a mother receiving the services in 1987.

“The program was so beneficial to my family at that time. It taught me so much, as a young mother I learned how to feed my children.”

Mercedes Magaña

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Benton County Health Navigator & WIC Certifier, Mercedes Magaña / Mercedes Magaña, Navegadora del Salud del Condado Benton y Certificadora del Programa de WIC.

In 1996 Mercedes started working for the WIC program as a bilingual certifier.

“It was my turn to teach and be of support to everyone. But reaching out the Hispanic community, it was a plus in my career.”

Mercedes Magaña

As a Health Navigator now, Mercedes continues to provide the best possible care and services for those families in need.

“I’m very fortunate to be able to provide medical insurance resources to all pregnant women under Oregon MothersCare and provide WIC services at the same time.”

Mercedes Magaña

In addition to infants and children served in our two Benton County WIC clinics, the program supports dads, grandparents, foster parents or legal guardians that have kids younger than 5. The program offers state-of-the-art health and nutrition support through personal counseling and group education.

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Victoria Flores, WIC Client Services Representative, greets attendees at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Victoria Flores, Representante de Servicio al Cliente, le da la bienvenida al público que asistió al evento de WIC.

“This program wouldn’t be here in Benton County without the presence and commitment of our WIC staff. Victoria is our client services representative extraordinaire, and she is the one who makes sure our clients are enrolled and scheduled as soon as possible, along with everything else she does. We are thankful to everyone who joined us in celebrating them as we celebrated WIC’s 50^th anniversary.”

Barbara Christianson

A full photo album from of the event is available online, and for more information about the Benton County WIC program, visit their website or call or text 541-766-6812.

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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 the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Español

El Programa de WIC del Condado de Benton celebra el 50 aniversario del programa de nutrición suplementaria de
Oregón

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Families arrive at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration on August 31, 2024 / Familias entrando al evento de WIC e 31 de agosto de 2024.

El Programa para Mujeres, Bebés y Niños (WIC por sus siglas en inglés) de Oregón cumple 50 años este año, y el programa de WIC del Condado de Benton lo celebró con un evento comunitario gratuito el 31 de agosto en honor a la Semana Mundial de la Lactancia y el Mes Nacional de la Lactancia.

El evento de Celebración Mundial de la Lactancia Materna del Condado de Benton tuvo como objetivo promover y apoyar la lactancia/amamantar y destacó el trabajo del programa de WIC del Condado de Benton al ofrecer alimentos suplementarios, referidos a servicios médicos y educación nutricional a las familias de bajos ingresos de la región.

“Las personas que dan servicios a los clientes de WIC también prestan servicios a toda nuestra comunidad. Estamos haciendo mas posible tener una comunidad sana y saludable por generaciones cuando tomamos todas las medidas posibles para garantizar que los bebés, los niños y las personas tengan acceso a alimentos, información nutricional y recursos.”

Barbara Christianson, Gerente del Programa de WIC del Condado de Benton

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WIC Program Manager, Barbara Christianson (pictured center) at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Ubicada en medio, la gerente del programa de WIC, Barbara Christianson, en el evento de la celebracion del programa.

Las familias que participan en el programa de WIC, organizaciones y miembros de la comunidad asistieron al evento en el Centro Comunitario de Corvallis, donde disfrutaron de comida, música y premios gratis.

El evento incluyó una feria de recursos donde los participantes recibieron información y recursos gratis de organizaciones locales enfocadas en la salud familiar y de niños. Las organizaciones de la feria de recursos incluyeron Pollywog Family, Samaritan Health Services, Community Doula Program, 211info, Old Mill Center for Children and Families, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, Corvallis Birth and Wellness Center, OSU Extension, Charlie Health, el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton y más.

Welcome Waggers trajo perros de terapia para que el público interactuaran con ellos.

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Families enjoy refreshments at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Familias disfrutando de refrigerios en el evento de celebracion de WIC.

El evento sirvió como oportunidad para celebrar los 50 años de servicios ofrecidos por el programa de WIC. Oregón WIC abrió sus puertas en abril de 1974 y apoyó a 2,500 mujeres, bebés y niños dentro de los cinco programas iniciales. El año pasado, se les dio servicios a más de 114,000 participantes en 36 condados de Oregón. 

“Estoy muy agradecida con cada uno de nuestro personal de WIC aquí en el Condado de Benton. Brooke se unió a nuestro equipo en enero de 2024 como nuestra dietista registrada y coordinadora del programa; su presencia ha brindado un enorme apoyo a nuestros clientes de alto riesgo, así como al programa en sí”.

Barbara Christianson

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Brooke Green, WIC Program Coordinator & Registered Dietician at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Brooke Green, Coordinadora del Programa de WIC y Dietista Registrada durante el evento de WIC.

El Programa de WIC del Condado de Benton ofrece apooyo y servicios para la lactancia y alimentos nutritivos de WIC, como cereales integrales y frutas y verduras frescas. Los servicios que ofrece WIC se basan en cuatro pilares:

• Educación nutricional: WIC ofrece apoyo nutricional y de salud dealta calidad a través de asesoramiento centrado en el participante y educación en grupo. Los participantes aprenden qué comer durante el embarazo y la lactancia; cómo comprar alimentos saludables y cocinar; y cómo incorporar más cereales integrales, frutas, verduras y lácteos bajos en grasa a sus dietas.
• Apoyo a la lactancia/amamantar: WIC ofrece apoyo a la lactancia de alta calidad y asesoramiento personal por parte del personal profesional y capacitado de WIC, lo que ayuda a miles de familias de Oregón a alcanzar sus objetivos de alimentación infantil.
• Alimentos nutritivos: WIC ofrece alimentos específicos para garantizar una buena salud, crecimiento y desarrollo. Los beneficios alimentarios de WIC se pueden usar en supermercados y mercados de agricultores para comprar frutas, verduras, cereales integrales y productos lácteos bajos en grasa.
• Referidos a servicios médicos: WIC ayuda a las familias a tener acceso a los servicios necesarios para mantenerse saludables. Los referidos ayudan a mejorar los resultados de salud; garantizar el crecimiento normal de las personas lactantes y los niños; reducir los niveles de anemia; aumentar el acceso a la atención médica rutinaria; mantener a los niños al día con sus vacunas; y garantizar la atención prenatal a las personas embarazadas.

Los resultados de estos servicios son mejores comportamientos de salud (WIC ayuda a desarrollar hábitos de estilo de vida saludables para toda la familia) y mejores resultados de salud. Los estudios muestran que quienes reciben WIC tienen menos nacimientos prematuros, menos bebés con bajo peso al nacer, buscan atención prenatal mas temprano y comen de manera más saludable. Los niños que participan en WIC tienen más probabilidades de llegar a la escuela listos para aprender porque WIC ofrece nutrientes importantes durante los períodos críticos de crecimiento.

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A family enjoys the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Una familia disfrutando del evento de celebración de WIC.

“Una de las cosas que aprecio mucho es que, si hay necesidades o consideraciones especiales para un cliente durante el embarazo o para su bebé/niño, nuestro personal hace un esfuerzo adicional para encontrar la información más actualizada. Mi equipo se comunica conmigo misma, con recursos locales o en línea, y se conectan con organizaciones de la comunidad para garantizar que el cliente reciba el mejor servicio posible. Trabajan en colaboración entre ellas mismas, con el personal de nuestro condado y con las agencias de la comunidad para referir a clientes a los recursos, programas y proveedores necesarios.”

Barbara Christianson

En todo el estado, WIC es conocido por su fuerza laboral que esta dedicada para apoyar a los padres y las familias durante un período transformador de sus vidas y ofrece acceso a una fuerza laboral profesional, incluyendo dietistas nutricionistas registrados (RDN) y por la Junta internacional de consejeros de lactancia certificados (IBCLC).

“Somos realmente muy afortunados de tener este increíble equipo de personas trabajando juntas para garantizar que los servicios de WIC continúen a pesar de las barreras de la pandemia y la recuperación continua de nuestra comunidad”. 

Barbara Christianson

https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/53974213859_4357067f9f_c-e1725579818640-254x300.jpg 254w" sizes="100vw" width="380">

Juana Little, Benton County WIC Certifier / Juana Little, Certificadora del Programa de WIC.

El personal de WIC del Condado de Benton está comprometido con la salud y la vida de los participantes y ha pasado años desarrollando y perfeccionando entrevistas motivacionales y habilidades centradas en los participantes. El personal de WIC está integrado en la comunidad y colabora con varias agencias para garantizar que las familias de WIC reciban apoyo más allá de sus necesidades nutricionales.

“Nuestras certificadoras de WIC brindan un servicio tan atento y de calidad a nuestros clientes, Mercedes tiene más de 25 años con nuestro programa y Juana desde hace más de 5 años”.

Barbara Christianson

Mercedes Magaña conoció WIC por primera vez como madre que recibió los servicios en 1987.

“El programa fue muy beneficioso para mi familia en ese momento. Me enseñó mucho; como madre joven, aprendí a alimentar a mis hijos”.

Mercedes Magaña

https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/53973006457_58f92a0f96_c-e1725574968814-204x300.jpg 204w" sizes="100vw" width="368">

Benton County Health Navigator & WIC Certifier, Mercedes Magaña / Mercedes Magaña, Navegadora del Salud del Condado Benton y Certificadora del Programa de WIC.

En 1996 Mercedes comenzó a trabajar para el programa WIC como certificadora bilingüe. 

“Me tocó a mí enseñar y ser de apoyo para todos. Pero ayudar a la comunidad hispana fue una ventaja en mi carrera”.

Mercedes Magaña

Ahora, como Navegadora de Salud, Mercedes continúa brindando la mejor atención y servicios posibles a las familias necesitadas.

“Soy muy afortunada de poder ofrecer recursos de seguro médico a todas las mujeres embarazadas bajo el programa de Oregon MothersCare y brindar servicios WIC al mismo tiempo”.

Mercedes Magaña

Además de los bebés y niños atendidos en nuestras dos clínicas de WIC del Condado de Benton, el programa apoya a papás, abuelos, padres adoptivos o tutores legales que tienen niños menores de 5 años. El programa ofrece apoyo de salud y nutrición de calidad a través de asesoramiento individual o educación en grupo.

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Victoria Flores, WIC Client Services Representative, greets attendees at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration / Victoria Flores, Representante de Servicio al Cliente, le da la bienvenida al público que asistió al evento de WIC.

“Este programa no estaría aquí en el Condado de Benton sin la presencia y el compromiso de nuestro personal de WIC. Victoria es nuestra extraordinaria representante de servicios al cliente y ella es quien se asegura de que nuestros clientes estén inscritos y programados con cita lo antes posible, aparte de todo lo demás que ella hace. Estamos agradecidos a todos los que nos acompañaron para celebrar el 50 aniversario de WIC”.

Barbara Christianson

Un álbum de fotos del evento está disponible en línea, y para obtener más información sobre el programa de WIC del Condado de Benton, visite el sitio web o llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 541-766-6812.

El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Polk County, Ore. 3 Sept 24- On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 12:54 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on HWY 22, at the intersection with HWY 51, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Lincoln MKZ, operated by Michael Robert Hine Jr. (76) of Otis, was stopped on HWY 51 and made a left turn onto westbound HWY 22. The Lincoln entered the path of an eastbound Honda motorcycle, operated by David Lee Sterrett (69) of Dallas, causing the Honda to impact the driver's side door of the Lincoln.

The operator of the Honda (Sterrett) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Lincoln (Hine Jr.) and passenger, Diana J. Marlin (76) of Otis, suffered reported minor injuries and were transported to treatment.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Fire, and ODOT.

# # # 

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

TILLER, Ore. - This is a wildfire emergency alert from Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Level 1 BE READY to evacuate from the following areas: East side of Tiller Trail Hwy 34000 to 36760 block. Also Tison Road, Diamond Elk Road, Joe Hall area.

 Level 1 - BE READY to evacuate means:

Be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. Check local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio for updates. View wildfire information map at www.dcso.com/evacuations

• Make plans and prepare to evacuate. Gather necessary supplies for health, safety, and identification.
• Act early if you are older, have children, disabilities, or limited access to transportation. Consider moving pets and livestock early.
• Plan possible evacuation routes. Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.
   
• If you can do so safely, check with your neighbors and share information. Ask for help if you need it. Offer help if you can give it.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. If conditions change, you may receive a Level 2 - BE SET or Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation notice. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.

An interactive wildfire evacuation map can be located at: www.dcso.com/evacuations

Photo: Bull elk left to waste (graphic image) 

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 5 Sept. 2024 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for public assistance to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful killing and waste of a 5x5 bull elk in Linn County.  

Fish and Wildlife troopers from the Albany Area Command responded to a report of a bull elk shot with a centerfire rifle sometime between August 30-31, 2024. The bull elk was shot near the Lulay and Roaring River mainlines of the Snow Peak permit area east of Lebanon. The animal was gutted, partially skinned, and left to waste.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact an Albany Fish and Wildlife trooper through OSP dispatch at 800-442-2068 or by dialing OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please refer to case number SP24285185. Those with information may remain anonymous and a TIP reward for cash or preference points will be offered for information leading to a citation or arrest in the case.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators  
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.  

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

Preference Point Rewards 
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep 
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat 
5 Points: Moose 
5 Points: Wolf 
4 Points: Elk 
4 Points: Deer 
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope 
4 Points: Bear 
4 Points: Cougar 

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling licenses or tags, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging. 

Cash Rewards 

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards: 
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose  
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope  
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf 
$300 Habitat destruction  
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags 
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s) 
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish 
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers 
$200 Spotlighting 
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag 

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards: 
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey 
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox 
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)  

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards: 
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020. 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:  
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) 
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 
For more information, visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx  

# # # 

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

Veneta, Ore.-- Purple martins, bats, bees and other common and uncommon wildlife are seeing benefits of a high-elevation meadow in the Oregon Coast Range established by a joint effort between the Oregon Department of Foresty (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

The four-acre Walker Meadows site is located about 13 miles west of Veneta and is at an elevation of 2,300 feet. 

“It’s at the top of Walker Point where there are three communication towers and an ODF smoke detection camera,” said Randy Smith, ODF Wildlife Biologist.  “The 2020 wildfires prompted discussion for options to remove timber to reduce fire risk and also limit damage to infrastructure from falling trees from the 84-yar old timber stand on the point.”

The local district office and area biologists came up with a plan for a timber sale to remove six acres of trees.  But after safety concerns were addressed for the critical communication towers, they also wanted to improve habitat for wildlife in the area. 

“Of special interest to us were retaining three patches of larger diameter conifer trees,” said Smith. “These trees were topped during harvest operations to create replacement snags for a nearby small colony of western purple martins whose existing snag habitat was quickly degrading.  They nest in those snags after woodpeckers create cavities, so they are critical.”

While the timber harvest was underway, ODFW asked if there were any suitable sites for an upland meadow at a regular end of season meeting between the two departments.

 “It was great timing,” said Jason Kirchner. ODFW district biologist. “Many different species, including numerous Oregon Conservation Strategy species, are supported by montane grassland habitats. Pollinators, such as the Western Bumblebee and other invertebrates, rely on Kincaid’s Lupine, Nelson’s Checkermallow, and other rare endemic wildflower species found in montane grassland.”

However, to turn a timber harvest area into a montane grassland-type meadow required a lot of work.

“The district coordinated the timber sale,” said Chet Behling, ODF Assistant District Forester based in Veneta. “We burned the slash piles and other unwanted woody debris then chemically treated the noxious and invasive plants. Typically, after a timber harvest all the stumps are left to naturally decay.  But in this case, they had to be removed—something we seldom do.”

ODFW applied for and received grant funding to remove the stumps.  A contractor removed 4.3 acres of stumps and leveled the ground to make the area ready for replanting.

“ODF applied to the Xerces Society for some free Oregon Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Kits—and we were successful in obtaining 120 potted plants for the new meadow habitat,” said Smith.  “Staff from both agencies got together and did the planting.  ODFW staff then seeded the rest of the meadow with a native pollinator/grass seed mix.”

All the planting and seeding was done last October, and the meadow is looking good this year.

“Multiple species, including Western Bluebirds, Pileated Woodpeckers, Olive-sided Flycatcher, California Myotis, Fringed Myotis, Hoary Bats, and Silvered-hair Bat, have all been documented exploiting the forest openings for feeding,” said Kirchner.  “Also, meadows like this have optimal forage for small and large mammals such as moles, voles, rabbits, bobcats, Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, mountain lions, and black Bears.”

Although the meadow supports a wide range of species Smith has a special interest in the purple martins that nest nearby.

“They are the largest member of the swallow family in North America,” said Smith.  “They rely on cavities in snags to nest so that is a big limiting factor on their population.”

To aid in the birds nesting, boxes were placed on the snags in the meadow area. The boxes are easily removable for maintenance and to aid in the potential banding of the birds.

“Little is known about their winter migration until recently,” said Smith.  “In 2020 a martin was banded and fitted with a GPS tag in Florence and recaptured in 2021. The data was amazing—the bird made an 8,000-mile trip from the Oregon coast to southeast Brazil and back.” 

Smith hopes to establish a colony at Walker Meadow and continue the research.

“A future goal is to band and track birds that nest here,” said Smith.  In 2023 we had birds in the area, but none nested.  This year many more martins have been observed in the area, but none have been documented nesting.  We do, however, have western bluebirds and tree swallows nesting this year.”

Both ODFW and ODF see this meadow as a model project that can be used as a guide to create more critical habitat.

“Our hope is that other local ODF districts can create more places like this for all our wildlife,” said Smith.  “Often, people do not realize how hard ODF works to monitor, protect and enhance habitat for, not just threatened and endangered species, but for all the wildlife in our state forests.

For more information on ODF’s efforts see the State Forests webpage under the heading of “Conservation and Restoration” 

For more information on ODFW see their Wildlife Division website.

For more on the mission of the Xerces Society see their website.

A wildfire has started near Milepost 98 on Interstate 5, which has resulted in the following evacuation notices. 

LEVEL 3 - GO NOW! Evacuate immediately is in effect for the following areas:

All homes in the 100-7000 block of Ritchie Road, Canyonville.

Level 3 - GO NOW means Leave Immediately!

There is extreme danger in your area - evacuate now. Leave without delay, it is unsafe to stay and threatens the safety of you, your family, and emergency responders. Your life could be in great danger. Emergency services personnel may not be available to help you if you choose to stay.

• Do not stop to gather your belongings or protect your home. Follow your emergency plan.

• Leave as fast as safely possible. Drive carefully. Turn on your headlights. Follow traffic safety warnings and instructions from local authorities.

• Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.

LEVEL 2 - BE SET to evacuate from the following areas:

All homes in the 100-950 block of Canyon Creek Road, Canyonville

Level 2 - BE SET to evacuate means:

• There is significant danger in your area - be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

• Time to act - follow your emergency plan. Grab your go-kit of essential supplies for health, safety, and identification.

An interactive evacuation map can be found at ww.dcso.com/evacuations

Over the past two weeks the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) has executed search warrants at several massive illegal marijuana production sites in Douglas County.  As stated in previous reports, it's important to explain there are legal ways to produce and consume marijuana in Oregon.  However, in recent years Oregon has been overrun with massive illegal grow sites that have been devastating to our local environment and water supply.  Many of these sites are operated and staffed by foreign organized crime organizations.  

These organizations have demonstrated a complete disregard for our local laws, and environmental protections, creating incalculable damage to our local ecosystems.  It is common to see improper use of toxic chemicals or in many cases using banned chemicals, unpermitted and/or overuse of water resources, water and land pollution, dangerous working conditions, human trafficking, and many other associated problems.  The size of these operations can be difficult to describe.  Many of these sites can produce millions and in some cases hundreds of millions of dollars worth of illicit, black market marijuana.  This black market marijuana is sold locally, around our nation, and is even shipped around the world. 

In recent years DINT has investigated grow sites run by criminal organizations from all over the world, to include places like China, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, The Honduras, Laos, and many others.  There are also some sites run by domestic criminal organizations either on their own, or in partnership with foreign groups.

On August 15th, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 200 block of Mobley Drive in Azalea.  There detectives seized approximately 668 marijuana plants, 35 pounds of processed marijuana, and 256 pounds of marijuana edibles.  27 year old Luis Flores-Melendez or Rogue River, and 34 year old Paul McCausland of Largo, Florida were both arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of Marijuana.  

On August 22nd, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 8,000 block of Hwy 99S in Dillard.  Detectives seized approximately 154,000 marijuana plants, along with some other marijuana products.  29 year old Jose Tejeda was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Possession and Manufacture or Marijuana.  

In a related case on August 27th, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 600 block of Dillard Gardens Road in Dillard.  Detectives seized another approximately 75,000 marijuana plants from this property, as well as a small amount of methamphetamine.  Both cases in Dillard are connected, run by the same organization.  These are two of the biggest grow sites ever seen in Douglas County.  The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are anticipated.  

On August 29th, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 1,300 block of Backside Baldy Lane, Yoncalla. Approximately 9,500 marijuana plants were seized, along with approximately 500 pounds of processed marijuana.  26 year old Eduardo Reyes was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of Marijuana.  

On September 4th, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 4,000 block of Goodrich Hwy, Oakland.  DINT seized approximately 1,700 marijuana plants and other associated evidence.  Four persons were arrested at this site: 40 year old Youfu Wu, 49 year old Shinan Li, 42 year old Jiaming Wei, and 51 year old Weinan Fu, all males of unknown origin.  They were lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of Marijuana.  

On Wednesday, September 4^th, 2024, at approximately 1130 hours Lincoln City Police Officers contacted two vehicles, including a retired yellow school bus that had been retrofitted as a motor home, regarding illegal parking blocking a fire hydrant in the area of NW Oar Place near NW 22^nd Street in Lincoln City.

During the investigation, a subject in the bus fired at least three gunshots from inside the bus at Lincoln City Police Officers. Officers did not return fire into the bus. The male then fled the scene in the bus, eventually stopping in the parking lot of the Sea Gypsy Motel.

Officers secured the area around the bus and learned from witnesses that a male subject fled from the bus on foot and ran to the beach prior to officers’ arrival. LCPD requested assistance from area law enforcement agencies and multiple agencies responded, including Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police, and Grand Ronde Tribal Police. LCPD K9 Nix and the Oregon State Police K9 team conducted a search of the area. Attempts to communicate with anyone who may still have been in the bus were unsuccessful, and Lincoln County SERT had to port several of the bus’s windows in order to ensure the bus was unoccupied.  

An OSP SWAT-K9 tracked the suspect to a residence at 1905 NW Jetty Avenue. Further information was developed that led investigators to believe the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Walter O. Anderson of Nevada, was inside the residence. Because of the possible dangers involved, the OSP SWAT team was requested and responded to the scene. Over the course of several hours, OSP SWAT negotiators made numerous attempts to communicate with the suspect, as well as issuing verbal commands through the public address system, in an attempt to resolve the situation peacefully and without injury. Unfortunately, the attempts to negotiate with the suspect to surrender peacefully were unsuccessful, and he began firing out through the windows of the residence. A fire was started inside the residence, and the suspect exited the residence with a firearm. SWAT issued commands for the suspect to drop his weapon, but he refused and was ultimately shot. SWAT personnel attempted to render medical aid, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene.  

The investigation into this incident at the residence is being conducted by members of the Lincoln County Major Crime Team with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office assuming the lead investigator role. Assisting in the investigations are Detectives from the Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Team, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office. 

The Lincoln City Police Department acknowledges that these events caused a significant disruption to area businesses, community members, and visiting citizens, and we would like to express our gratitude to everyone for their patience and understanding while these events unfolded. In addition, we would like to thank the citizens who provided the responding Officers with tips and information that helped us attempt to locate the suspect. Lastly, we express our appreciation to the Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police Department, Grand Ronde Tribal Police, Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue for their quick response and all of their assistance with this incident. 

Submitted By: Lieutenant Jeffrey Winn

Beaverton, Ore., August 30, 2024 – Parkinson's Resources of Oregon (PRO) will host its annual Sole Support for Parkinson’s Walk September 29th at Alton Baker Park, marking the 20^th year of fundraising and awareness for the local Parkinson’s disease community.  

The family friendly event brings people whose lives are impacted by a Parkinson’s diagnosis together with a caring and supportive community for a walk along the riverfront spreading awareness about this neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Funds raised remain in the local community to help people living with the disease through exercise, education, and wellness programs offered at no charge.  

Among the 300 or so expected participants will be Eugene resident, Lynn Smith, who is back fundraising with her team for her 3^rd year.  Ms. Smith was diagnosed in 2020 during the pandemic when it was difficult to connect with others with Parkinson's. Once she was able to safely get out and join the Eugene PD community she has never looked back.  

“I’m grateful every day for the support from my friends, family, Parkinson’s Resources and the Eugene PD community.” said Smith. “It has been such a positive experience to participate with my supporters in a way that makes a difference for others.”  

Sunday, September 29, 2024 

Alton Baker Park, Picnic Shelters 1 & 2 

Onsite registration and check in opens at noon – Walk begins at 1:30pm  

~1k and ~5k routes are walker and wheelchair friendly 

Registration is free – fundraising is encouraged. 

To register, find out more, or donate, go to: www.solesupport.org or call 800.426.6806   

About Parkinson’s Resources:  

Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a donor supported non-profit with the sole mission of advancing the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers. With three office locations (Bend, Eugene, Beaverton), PRO provides direct care and support of thousands of families in Oregon and SW Washington. Working to address issues faced by Parkinson’s patients and their families, we can significantly improve the quality of life for all touched by this disease.  

To find out more about PRO's services or to support our programs, go to: www.parkinsonsresources.org or call 800.426.6806 

Send confidential or anonymous tips through SafeOregon.
 

Safe Oregon Back to School video


SALEM, Ore. 5 Sept. 2024 – SafeOregon and the Oregon State Police remind students, parents, school staff, and community members that everyone plays a role in school safety. SafeOregon is a school safety tip line to report potential threats against students and schools confidentially or anonymously. 

SafeOregon asks that if you see or hear something concerning to let someone know. Tips may be submitted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week: 

• Call or text: 844-472-3367
• Email: tip@safeoregon.com
• Website: www.safeoregon.com
• Download the mobile app 

All tips are immediately received by a tip line technician and are forwarded to designated school personnel or law enforcement to respond to reported incidents. 

SafeOregon receives tips focused on school safety, including:

• Safety threats
• Violence or threats of violence 
• Fights
• Drugs, alcohol, or weapons on campus
• Bullying, harassment, or intimidation 
• Cyberbullying 
• Friends or peers discussing self-harm or suicide

Call 911 for situations requiring an immediate emergency response. It is a violation of Oregon law to make false reports to SafeOregon. For more information about SafeOregon, visit our website at safeoregon.com. 

# # #

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

Lincoln County, Ore. 5 Sept. 24 – On Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, just after midnight, Oregon State Police SWAT responded to a Lincoln City residence to assist the Lincoln City Police Department with a barricaded suspect. Responding officers made multiple attempts to negotiate with the suspect who fired at police and refused to comply with commands.  The suspect was ultimately shot by responding police and died at the scene.  

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at approximately 12:42 p.m., the Lincoln City Police Department requested assistance from local law enforcement agencies regarding an incident involving a suspect shooting at police officers while investigating a parking violation. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle and later on foot. 

Oregon State Police (OSP) responded and deployed a SWAT K-9 unit. The K-9 tracked the suspect to a residence at 1905 NW Jetty Ave. in Lincoln City. Occupants exited the residence and knew the suspect but denied seeing him that day. It was later confirmed the male suspect was within the residence and a search warrant was granted. 

OSP SWAT personnel were activated and responded to the scene. Negotiators made numerous attempts at communicating with the suspect as well as issuing verbal commands through a public address system. The suspect made numerous threatening statements and at 2:45 a.m. the suspect began to shoot through windows from within the residence. For unknown reasons, a fire started within the residence. As the fire spread the suspect exited an upstairs window to the roof carrying a rifle. He refused commands to drop the rifle. Shots were fired and the suspect fell from the roof to the ground below. 

OSP SWAT personnel secured the suspect’s firearm and pulled him away from the burning residence to render medical aid. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. 

Four OSP SWAT members were determined to have fired rounds during the incident. 

The Lincoln County Major Crimes Team was activated in accordance with the Lincoln County Deadly Force Plan. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is assuming the lead investigator role and is being assisted by detectives from the Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, and Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Division. 

# # #

  
About the Oregon State Police

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

Salem, OR— The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind Oregonians that with weather fluctuating across the state, fire is still on the landscape and fire season is still in effect. Oregon is still experiencing one of the worst seasons we’ve seen in the past decade, and the department warns the public against complacency. 

“East winds are very common around this time of year, making now the time to prevent the next large wildfire. There is still potential for more fire starts and the season isn’t over yet.” Chris Cline, Fire Protection Division Chief, said. “The fewer human caused fires we have, the less strained our resources will be.”

East winds come to the Pacific Northwest every year around the end of August and last through the fall months. They occur from the crest of the Cascades to the Oregon/ Washington coast. Though the winds come annually, significant east wind “events” do not occur every year. If an event does occur, it usually lasts about 48 hours. 

Current low humidity combined with sustained winds can increase fire behavior and risk west of the Cascades. 

Conditions this week are a mix of warm temperatures, wind, and dry fuels, increasing the risk of wildfire. So far this year, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, there have been 1,697 fires in Oregon that have burned 1,535,304 acres. Within 24 hours this past weekend, the department deployed two incident management teams to assist with fast growing fires in Klamath (Copperfield Fire) and Wheeler (Shoe Fly Fire) Counties. 

If the Oregon Department of Forestry knows that an east wind event is going to happen, which can be determined at least 5 days in advance, the agency will preposition resources, adjust schedules, and take necessary precautions to respond to new starts or increased fire behavior quickly.

“With the approaching fall like conditions, it’s easy to think that fires are lessening. However, we are still seeing new fire starts daily throughout the state of Oregon.” Cline said. 

Wildfire prevention means:

• Debris burning is prohibited during fire season without a permit. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is over. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn later, during wet fall and winter conditions.
• Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced.
• Dispose of your cigarette using designated receptacles, and NEVER discard butts on the ground or in vegetation outdoors.
• Check local restrictions before lighting a campfire.

Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger levels recently. Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips. 

September 5, 2024

Media Contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir (Cundiff Slough)

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir (Cundiff Slough) due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure. The waterbody is in Baker County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir (Cundiff Slough) and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the reservoir affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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(Salem) - The application deadline for the new Summer EBT program has been extended to midnight Sept. 30, 2024. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. Eligible families should act now.

Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) urge families to check their eligibility and apply before the extended deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, they must be used within 122 days. 

Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:

1. Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
2. Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
3. Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level 

Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT. 

However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children enrolled in a school during the 2023-2024 school year who were eligible for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.

Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “We are grateful to our federal partners for making this extension. The extra time is so important for us to reach families who may be eligible because we know access to nutritious food is critical.” 

“Staying engaged in school and active in life requires proper nutrition,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “We know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit and this important extension boosts our opportunity to reach them.”

Since June 28, 2024, more than 336,198 eligible school-aged children have been issued $40.3 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.

Act now and don't let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before midnight Sept. 30, 2024.

To learn more:

1. Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
2. Visit sebt.oregon.gov.

Those who enjoy traveling the back roads of our private timber lands may have found locked gates or restricted access. This leaves some people to believe private timber companies deny access to their lands simply because they don’t want private citizens on their property. This is not the case. 

With the exception of active commercial use such as logging or harvest of other forest products, the closures are in reaction to the ever-increasing incidents of offensive littering, abandonment of vehicles, theft of forest products, and acts of criminal mischief. Some common acts of criminal mischief include destruction of property caused by 4X4s and ATVs riding in unapproved areas, destruction of road access gates, and more.

Damage and theft detract from the natural beauty of our forests and incurs costs for cleaning, repairing, and removal of vehicles and garbage. These costs are passed onto private timber companies as well as taxpayers in the county.

What can each of us do to stop the defacing of our forests and waterways? During your visit and when you leave forest lands and waterways:

• Read signs posted at entry points into private & public lands – signs include important information including log truck activity.
• Report criminal acts to law enforcement.
• Report located dump sites or abandoned vehicles.
• Stay informed of possible land use restrictions. This information is usually posted at each access.
• When in doubt about access, contact the landowner or your Lincoln County Sheriff’s office Forest Patrol at (541)-265-4277.
• Do not discard glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter other than in receptacles provided for these items.
• Report anyone observed hauling trash or debris into our forests.
• Consider bringing a trash bag or two to pick up trash you observe.
• Do not discard any glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter in any waters of the state.
• Do not drain, cause, or permit to be drained, sewage or the drainage from a cesspool, septic tank, recreational or camping vehicle waste holding tank or other contaminated source, upon the land of another without permission of the owner, or upon any public way.
• When target shooting, be sure to pick up brass, targets, and anything else used during your visit.
• Do not permit any rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or other refuse to be thrown from a vehicle you are operating.

Our forestlands, public and private, should be treasured and protected by everyone. Through our efforts, we can strive to regain the trust of the private timber owners. The challenge for each of us is to take pride in where we live and work and clean up our county.

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

 

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Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has finalized the rate decisions for 2025 health insurance for the individual and small group markets. The division reviews and approves rates for these markets through a detailed and transparent public process before they can be charged to policyholders.

This transparent process includes actuarial analysis provided to the public, public hearings, and a public comment period. Annually, insurance companies submit rate filings for the upcoming plan year. These filings are rigorously reviewed by division actuaries during a monthslong public review process. That process is now final and Oregonians will see an average rate increase of 8.3 percent in the individual market and a 12.2 percent increase in the small group markets.

The final rates in the individual market came in 1 percent lower than the original rate requests from companies and the small group market came in one-tenth of 1 percent lower than originally requested. The lowered rate averages were driven by an actuarial review by the division that found several components of the company rate filings to be above division actuarial parameters. DFR has the authority to review and revise rates to ensure they are “reasonable and not excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory,” under ORS 743.018 (4).

“We work hard to find any way we can to save Oregonians money throughout this process,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “The health insurance market is competitive with five carriers offering plans in every Oregon county 2025, which gives Oregonians more options to shop for plans to fit their budget.”

Moda became the fifth company to offer health insurance in every county in Oregon after expanding into Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties. Moda joins BridgeSpan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence as health insurance companies who provide coverage in all parts of Oregon. It will be the first time that five insurers have offered plans in every county.

In the small group market, which serves small businesses with one to 50 employees, eight insurance companies submitted health insurance rates with a weighted final average increase of 12.2 percent. The average increase range is now 5.7 percent to 16.3 percent, for a weighted average increase of 12.2 percent. The increase was due in large part to medical costs and inflation.

DFR’s review also showed that the Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to help stabilize the health insurance market and keep rates lower. This program works to offset risk experienced by insurers, ultimately lowering premiums. Reinsurance lowered rates by at least 6 percent for the seventh straight year. In fact, this year it saved consumers 8.4 percent.

See the attached chart for the full list of rate change requests.

The division has created a Consumer Guide to 2025 Health Insurance Rate Filings to explain how rates were arrived at and the adjustments made. This guide provides comprehensive detail as to the key components of the 2025 rates and an explanation to adjustments made by the division.

The division has also created a general Consumer Guide to Health Insurance Rate Review to help explain how rates are determined each year.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024

BEND, OR — Rick Bartow: Animal Kinship, an exhibition from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation by one of Oregon’s most celebrated artists, will open September 20, 2024 at the High Desert Museum.

This is the third art exhibition in a yearlong series of collaboration with the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation exploring the complex relationships between humans, animals and the world we share. The first was Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species, followed by Near, Far, Gone, which closes September 8, 2024.

Artist Rick Bartow (Mad River Band of the Wiyot Tribe, 1948-2016) was born in Newport, Oregon, where his family’s roots run deep, and grew up with close ties to the Siletz community. Though he traveled the world extensively in his lifetime, Bartow always returned to his family’s coastal home, and it was here that he eventually became one of the Northwest’s best-known and most celebrated artists. Bartow was a self-taught artist who considered himself a mark maker above all else. He is also highly regarded as a colorist. His application of color, like many of his processes, was intuitive and helped illustrate moments of transformation — between animal and self, light and dark, and dream and spirit.

“Rick Bartow’s diverse experiences enabled him to incorporate traditional Native themes and images into contemporary works that connect us with both the past and present issues facing Native nations. Bartow, through paintings, prints, or sculptures, is a master of the art of expressing his voice and contributing to the legacy of Native art and culture,” said renowned art collector Jordan Schnitzer.

Twenty-four artworks, including two-dimensional and sculptural pieces, have been selected for the exhibition. The works span the final three decades of Bartow’s career. Drawing from Indigenous stories and his interest in nature, Bartow moves freely between human and animal representations in his depictions. Coyotes, bears and birds are recurring subjects in the exhibition.

Themes of resilience, transformation and identity emerge as Bartow processes the most difficult aspects of humanity — war, trauma, loss and addiction. Through these works visitors to Animal Kinship will consider how their human identities are both shared with and derived from the animals that inhabit the landscape we share with one another.

Bartow’s sculptural process employs both traditional methods and his intuitive approach. “There are instances when I begin with a sketch and end as I wish,” he said in 1989. “There are also times when the wood directs and cuts and a human face becomes an owl, or a coyote becomes some other character.”

Bartow’s creative process was open to influence from around the world. An avid traveler and voracious reader, he studied varied spiritual, artistic and cultural practices. He describes Bear with Humor (2004, mixed media and wood), like many of his works, as an amalgamation of influences and processes. At the very top, a carved bear head, clad in hammered lead, smiles. Scarecrow hands combine to suggest a great belly laugh. 

Although widely celebrated for his paintings and works on paper, Bartow’s sculptural work also garnered significant recognition. His carving The Cedar Mill Pole was displayed in 1997 in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden at the White House, and his 2012 sculpture We Were Always Here, a pair of 20-foot-tall carved poles, is on permanent display in front of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian overlooking the National Mall. 

“We’re proud to highlight the role of art in exploring the natural world with this very special exhibition of the works of the late Rick Bartow, one of Oregon’s most revered artists and one of the most important leaders in contemporary Native American art,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D.

Rick Bartow: Animal Kinship, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, will be on view through February 9, 2025.

It’s made possible by Bend Magazine, the Ford Family Foundation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund with support from The Jackson Foundation, Oregon ArtsWatch and Travel Oregon.

About the High Desert Museum

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

About the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation

The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation’s contemporary art collection is one of the most notable in North America. The Foundation has shared its art with millions across the U.S. and internationally through groundbreaking exhibitions, publications, and programs. Founded by ARTnews Top 200 Collector Jordan D. Schnitzer—whose passion for art began in his mother's contemporary art gallery in Portland, Oregon—the Foundation has organized over 180 exhibitions from its collection and additionally loaned thousands of artworks to over 120 museums at no cost to the institutions. Schnitzer began collecting contemporary prints and multiples in 1988 and today is North America’s largest print collector. His Foundation’s collection consists of more than 22,000 works of art including a wide variety of prints, sculptures, paintings, glass, and mixed media works. To learn more visit JordanSchnitzer.org and follow us on Instagram. 

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Salem – A three-day event in southern Oregon will feature a variety of workshops and presentations designed to help employers and workers improve on-the-job safety and health. Topics include fall protection, hazard recognition, safety committees, excavation safety, and injury prevention.

In addition to addressing many standard safety and health topics, the Southern Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference – to be held Oct. 15-17 at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites in Ashland – offers a professional development workshop on safety culture, leadership, and business; a pre-conference workshop on drug and alcohol reasonable suspicion for supervisors; and first aid and other emergency training. 

The conference is a joint effort of the Southern Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals and Oregon OSHA.

The three-day event will feature keynote speaker James Boretti, president and CEO of Boretti, Inc., a professional safety, health, and environmental firm in California that provides technical and business safety solutions. Boretti has more than 33 years of experience with an extensive background in occupational safety and health. He has been a certified safety professional since 1997. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Boretti’s keynote presentation, “The Business of Safety: Intersection of Organizational Needs with Safety Values,” will explore the challenges of understanding three key components of all organizations: business, culture, and leadership.

Other conference topic areas include:

• Construction safety
• General industry safety
• Human resources
• Health, wellness, and industrial hygiene
• Safety Committee University

Conference registration fees include early-bird pricing and discounts (fees increase Oct. 1), as well as different pricing for workshops and conference days (ranging from $65 to $210). More information, conference options, programs, and registration are all available online. Register now. For more information about upcoming workplace safety and health conferences, visit Oregon OSHA online.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

For Immediate Release - Sept. 4, 2024

CONTACT: Lorren Sandt, ren@caringambassadors.org">lorren@caringambassadors.org;  Dianne Danowski Smith, info@answer2cancer.org  

PORTLAND, OREGON –A group of community-based disease and patient health organizations coming together to share their concerns about the Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s (PDAB) direction and work plan, are saying a grateful ‘thank you’ to the Board’s chair and its seven voting members for its June 26 unanimous decision to halt its current schedule of nine drug reviews. 

In the June 26 board meeting of the Oregon PDAB, Chair Shelley Bailey called on her colleagues to “pause our current affordability reviews.” Patient and health groups express appreciation to the board members for this opportunity to better collaborate. 

In her address to the board, Oregon PDAB Chair Shelley Bailey stated about her proposal the need to “implement additional processes’ improvements. We restart our efforts later in the year.” Chair Bailey added, “This is crucial for several reasons and I believe it will enhance the quality and impact of our work for years to come."

“We are grateful and encouraged, and we acknowledge this important decision will create the space we’ve been asking for to increase incorporation of patient input, experiences, and voices as well as expert clinical review in PDAB’s decision making,” said Lorren Sandt, executive director of Caring Ambassadors. “This was a courageous and timely decision, and it was the right thing to do.” 

Sandt is providing leadership to dozens of patients, advocacy groups and health organizations who have attended community forums, PDAB board meetings, solicited patient and caregiver engagement and reached out to the PDAB staff directly to support strategies of patient, caregiver and expert clinician input into the affordability reviews. 

The Oregon PDAB was created by the passage of the 2022 Senate Bill 844 with its mandate: The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is established in the Department of Consumer and Business Services to protect residents of this state, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in this state and other stakeholders within the health care system in this state from the high costs of prescription drugs.

Advocates and patients have noted there is no verbiage in the legislation that specifically states how the PDAB’s work will directly impact out-of-pockets costs for consumers’ and patients’ much-needed medications and therapies. 

In mid-June, Caring Ambassadors and more than 20 patient organizations and health groups shared concerns about PDAB deliberations and its work plan, and about whether the PDAB efforts could create meaningful impact in lowering the cost of prescription drugs or improving patient access. Many of these patient and health organizations together submitted a letter last December (https://dfr.oregon.gov/pdab/Documents/20231213-PDAB-public-comment.pdf ">here on see pages 19-21). 

“Feedback and specific information from patients, families, caregivers, advocates, medical professionals and health organizations is crucial to address these affordability reviews,” said Sandt. “With the board’s pause, we are working hard to garner this crucial input. We are especially focused on those in vulnerable and/or diverse populations.” 

On June 26, PDAB Chair Bailey noted by pausing the review process, there is recognition of the work ahead. She said, “We faced significant challenges since our inception. We’ve been laser focused on meeting the timelines identified in statute. However, all the while working on the affordability reviews themselves, we’ve needed to create a structure for the board, learn about the supply chain, identify a list of drugs that may present affordability challenges, and pare down the list of drugs to conduct these affordability reviews. This has placed enormous pressure on our volunteer board members and has led to process challenges that could have been avoided."

The groups working together on this important issue include ALS Northwest, Answer2Cancer Inc., Caring Ambassadors Program, Chronic Disease Coalition, Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute, Disability Rights Oregon, Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living, HIV Alliance, International Cancer Advocacy Network (ICAN), National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation, Oregon Bioscience Association, Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders, Partnership to Improve Patient Care, Project Access Northwest, Project Access NOW, The Community for Positive Aging, Biomarker Collective, MET Crusaders, Exon 20 Group and PDL1 Amplifieds. 

Many health organizations and patients who have spoken out believe the board needs to create opportunities for genuine stakeholder engagement in the affordability reviews, not just public comment. This lack of direct patient engagement is starkly different from other states' PDAB operations, such as Washington state's PDAB, where stakeholder and patient inclusion is a specified key priority. 

Other states have called out engagement of patients and people with disabilities as a priority, such as in Washington state where it is listed on the website’s home page. In Oregon, there is no explicit or formalized process for patient engagement nor a stakeholder advisory council as in other states. 

Said Sandt, “We look forward to working with Oregon not only on meaningful engagement processes, but also on ensuring that input from patients and people with disabilities effectively translates into improved and transparent PDAB Board decisions.” 

#oregon #healthcare #pdab #mymedsmychoice #mymedsmyvoice

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Scammers are posing as officials from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) in an effort to scam community members out of money. Deputies have once again begun receiving reports from people contacted by phone by individuals posing as DCSO employees. 

The scammer will tell the intended victim they have missed some court appearance, failed to appear for jury duty, they owe fines or have a warrant for their arrest and eventually demands payment. The victim is often directed to immediately make payment or they face consequences including arrest. These are tactics that are never utilized by legitimate law enforcement agencies. 

It is critically important for our community to be aware of these tactics and to share them with their friends and family members, especially those who may be vulnerable to falling victim to the scams, such as the elderly members of the community. However, we also wish to remind the community not to focus too much on specific scam tactics; scammers often change their methods over time:

• Scammers can easily obtain new phone numbers and will change them often.
• Scammers may use “spoof” programs to make the Caller ID show an agency’s actual phone number.  
• Scammers may use the names of actual DCSO employees to make the call seem legitimate.  
• Scammers may obtain personal information about a victim online including their name, address, phone number, and the names of others in the home. 
• Scammers may initially contact victims by mail, email, or through social media.

Due to the technology used in the scam – and the fact that scammers can be located anywhere in the world – it is virtually impossible to track the scammers or to get money back.

“If anyone has any question about a possible scam call, they should call dispatch at (541) 440-4471 and ask to speak to a deputy,” said Lieutenant Brad O'Dell.  “The most important thing is to not send any money or agree to meet someone to make payment.”

Tours/Interviews/Visuals/Audio: Media opportunities this week

MEDIA CONTACT: Dianne Danowski Smith, dianne@publixnw.com; m: (503) 201-7019

WHAT/WHY

Back to School: New Campus Expansion Opens at Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth in Vancouver Capturing Acoustics, Light and Awe – This week, deaf and hard of hearing students and staff are stepping and stomping into their new, accessible and innovative learning  and athletic spaces at the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth‘s Washington School for the Deaf.

• Students at this school ‘hear’ each other with their feet and their hands
• Come: Tours of the brand-new campus expansion/construction showing acoustics, sensory awareness and light for Deaf/HoH students and staff to learn and communicate.
• See: How floor acoustics are used to share and get attention – for example, the new state-of-the-art gymnasium where students ‘hear’ with foot stomps. See how the new wider hallways allow for side-by-side sign language. See the unique sensory-aware playground. See the new athletic center where the students will ‘hear’ through the floor.
• Meet: The principal/executive director and the students who helped plan these new spaces and the design and building experts who brought this special campus to life.
• Note: September is Deaf Awareness Month.

“This expansion means two brand new and much needed spaces for improved learning and for athletics in this unique student environment,” says Shauna Bilyeu, executive director at the CDHY, which is the state agency that oversees the Washington School for the Deaf. “The design and construction work here has ranged from the use of mass timber, acoustically-friendly flooring, important visual improvements with abundant natural lighting, wider-set hallways for active sign language communication and so much other care and concern for the needs of our unique community.”

WHAT/WHERE

Friday, Sept. 6 between 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Students, staff and design/building leads will be available for tours/interviews/visuals (to include sign language interpreters) at campus of the Washington School for the Deaf/Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth - 3107 E. Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver, Washington. Park in the open lot along E. Evergreen and proceed toward the covered walkway. Drone footage and still photos are available upon request.

WHO

• Shauna Bilyeu, Executive Director at the Washington School for Deaf and Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY) and student ‘ambassadors’ (+ their interpreters)
• Alan Halleck, Project Executive, Skanska, Co-lead on design-build team
• JoAnn Hindmarsh Wilcox, Mithun, Co-lead on design-build team

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Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a grass fire off the Fern Ridge bike path behind the wear Eugene Target.  Firefighters were called at 4:23 PM on September 4th to reports of an individual lighting a fire near the bike path.  Responding crews found a fast moving fire along the path and called for additional resources and water.  The fire was stopped at approximately one acre and the cause is under investigation. 

Over night ESF also responded to a brush fire near Hwy 99 & Bethel Dr that injured one and threatened a business.  Firefighters were called to reports of a brush fire in the vicinity of Bethel Dr at 11:49 PM on September 3rd.  Firefighters arrived to find a fast moving fire extending through blackberries.  When sizing the fire up Engine 7’s crew called for additional help as the fire was threatening an area business.  The crew came across an occupied tent with two individuals who could not escape through the front of the tent.  The E7 Captain used his once to cut an exit through back of the tent.  One of the individuals was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.  The cause is under investigation. 

Eight minutes after the brush fire call at 11:57 PM ESF was called to a house fire in the 3000 block of West 15th Ave.  callers reported a fire in the ceiling of the bathroom area.  Everyone safely evacuated from the home and the fire was quickly contained.  

At 2:07 AM, Firefighters were called to a fire in the trees at Hwy 99 and Barger Dr.  Crews made a quick knock down of the fire and the ESF Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. 

EUGENE, Ore.—A Lane County, Oregon, diesel repair shop and its owner were sentenced in federal court today for knowingly and intentionally tampering with pollution monitoring devices on at least 184 vehicles in violation of the Clean Air Act.

Diesel & Offroad Authority, LLC, located in Veneta, Oregon, and its owner and operator, Christopher Paul Kaufman, 39, were each sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay $150,000 in criminal fines. In addition, the sentencing court ordered Kaufman to include a disclaimer on his company’s website declaring that Diesel and Offroad Authority no longer provides “delete and tune” tampering services because they are illegal.

“The defendants in this case illegally tampered with the onboard diagnostics systems and removed the emissions control components from hundreds of diesel trucks,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division in Oregon. “Their actions directly contributed to the release of significant amounts of dangerous air pollutants, which leads to serious health conditions such as respiratory diseases like asthma. Today’s sentencing demonstrates that individuals and their companies will be held criminally responsible if they deliberately threaten human health and the environment by violating our nation’s environmental laws.”

According to court documents, beginning in at least 2018 and continuing through 2022, Diesel & Offroad authority tampered with and disabled emissions control systems of at least 184 diesel vehicles in violation of the Clean Air Act. Diesel & Offroad Authority charged its customers approximately $2,300 each for the emissions modifications and collected more than $378,000 for the unlawful services over an approximately four-year period.

As owner of Diesel & Offroad Authority, Kaufman oversaw and participated in the illegal modification of vehicles, including by procuring various automotive parts used in the process and engaging in and directing employees in the removal of emissions control equipment.

On March 12, 2024, Diesel & Offroad Authority and Kaufman were charged by federal criminal information with violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with pollution monitoring devices. 

On April 10, 2024, Diesel & Offroad Authority and Kaufman pleaded guilty.

This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Gwendolyn Russell, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency.

If you witness an environmental event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, please call 9-1-1. After alerting local emergency authorities, please also report incidents to the EPA’s Report a Violation website (https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations) or by calling the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

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Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on Sunday, September 1, dispatch was made aware of an injured backpacker at Duffy Lake. 

The patient was a 16-year-old male from Portland who sustained a broken leg. The patient's mother sent a nearby backpacker to hike out and call 911. The good Samaritan made it to Maxwell Butte Sno-Park and contacted Linn County Dispatch at 4:00 PM. Linn County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) immediately began to mobilize a ground team. The Search and Rescue team worked with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management to coordinate support from the National Guard for a helicopter. 

The National Guard accepted the mission, but due to thunderstorms near Duffy Lake, they had to wait an hour for the weather to clear. In the meantime, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office sent a hasty team of ground SAR members, as well as medically trained SAR-EMTs, and a SAR-Paramedic. They arrived at the trail to Duffy Lake and began their hike to the patient at 5:55 PM.

Additional SAR members arrived and hiked in at 6:30 PM, contacting the patient and prepared the patient for transport by the National Guard. The National Guard successfully operated a hoist rescue and, at 7:52 PM, transported the patient to St. Charles Hospital in Bend.

All SAR members made it back to the Duffy Lake Trailhead at 12 AM on Monday, September 2. 

Sheriff Duncan would like to thank the SAR volunteers and the National Guard for their support. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office SAR is primarily comprised of volunteers, and with their support, these rescues are possible.

SAIF’s board of directors has announced a $60 million dividend for its policyholders today. This continues a 15-year tradition of providing dividends, marking the 27th instance since 1990.

SAIF stands out as one of the few insurance providers in Oregon that consistently returns dividends to its customers. As a not-for-profit company with a public mission to make workers’ compensation coverage available, affordable, and accessible, it’s an important part of our value to policyholders.

“Our commitment to serving our customers with expertise and heart remains unwavering,” said Chip Terhune, president and CEO of SAIF. “After careful consideration of the uncertainty in the current economic landscape and medical trends, we believe offering this dividend to our policyholders is the appropriate thing to do.”

The decision to issue a policyholder dividend is based on various factors, including capital levels, claim trends, and the overall economic conditions.

SAIF's robust financial health, successful claims management, and effective safety and health services enable us to offer this year's dividend.

“Beyond dividends, we pride ourselves on our focus on workplace safety and having the largest network of safety professionals of any insurance company in Oregon,” added Terhune. “Our goal is to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work, and we value our policyholders' dedication and partnership to ensuring their workers' safety.”

This year, 51,288 policyholders will receive the dividend, which will be calculated based on the premium for policies that ended in 2023 and will be distributed in October. 

About SAIF 

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 110 years, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.

Salem, OR- Today, Berri Leslie, director of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and state chief operating officer announced the hire of the new state chief economist, Carl Riccadonna (pronunciation: Rick-ah-DAWN-ah). 

Carl (he/his) has worked as a top economist on a global scale for over two decades, including at Deutsche Bank, Bloomberg L.P. and most recently at BNP Paribas. Carl received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) from Princeton University, where he studied Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, finance and economics. 

The teams Carl has led have been highly ranked among economic forecasters in a broad array of categories including monetary policy, labor market dynamics and inflation. Carl takes pride in distilling complex economic analysis into an engaging message for non-economists. An avid gardener, soccer fan and father of three, Carl is thrilled to transition to the public sector and to relocate to the Pacific Northwest from the New York City area.

“I am so happy to welcome Carl to Oregon state government in this critical role,” said Berri Leslie. “Economic forecasts are critical to the work that we do and having someone with Carl’s expertise and background will benefit people all across the state.”

The state chief economist oversees the Office of Economic Analysis within the Department of Administrative Services and provides objective forecasts of the state’s economy, revenue, populations, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used across state government, and by the public for a variety of reasons, notably to inform the state budgeting process. For more information about the Office of Economic Analysis and recent forecasts visit https://www.oregon.gov/das/oea/pages/index.aspx. 

Carl begins on September 9.

Josh Lehner, interim state economist, has accepted a position outside of state government. We warmly thank him for his years of service.

Salem, Ore., – Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed September Preparedness Month in Oregon.

“I want to call out the extraordinary work of local and state leaders who made sure our state was prepared for this year's unprecedented wildfire season," Governor Tina Kotek said. "As firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fires burning across the state, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management effectively mobilized shelters, evacuation support, and identified the resources each community needed."

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) will observe preparedness month by launching a new community-based initiative designed to help individuals and their communities prepare for emergencies and practice their skills as a group. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to individual and community resiliency.  

The digital version of the kit is available at Oregon.gov/OEM and is offered in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese, with American Sign Language videos coming soon.

“As director of OEM, it’s a top priority for me to help people living in Oregon be ready for disasters,” Erin McMahon, said. “The Be 2 Weeks Ready program helps foster a culture of preparedness within established community groups such as faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations, local 4-H clubs, schools, and workplaces.”

Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that being two weeks ready doesn’t have to be expensive or happen all at once. There are a lot of effective and low-cost to no-cost actions your community can take today to be ready for tomorrow. You can find more details about these on FEMA’s preparedness site Ready.gov, but here are a few:

• Visit ORAlert.gov to sign up to receive local emergency alerts or update your contact information
• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone.  
• Understand Oregon's evacuation levels and know the evacuation routes in your area.  
• Familiarize yourself with TripCheck.com.  
• Make go bags with survival essentials for every member of your family, including pets.
• Store copies of important information or documents in a password-protected online drive or on a flash drive in a waterproof container in your go bag.

Also, look to your local leaders for additional tips on how your community is preparing. Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff's office, or Tribal police and follow them on social media to stay up to date during quickly changing emergencies.  

When a disaster strikes, you are the help until help arrives. By working together, communities can enhance their collective resilience and ensure everyone is equipped to handle emergencies.  

In addition to the Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit, people interested in helping their communities and deepening their basic disaster response skills can join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and learn from peers.

There are four types of CERT programs: Community, Workplace, Campus, Teen. Each program is supported by a sponsoring organization. A sponsoring organization can be any government agency, such as a fire department, emergency management agency or city council.

In the end, OEM wants to help people feel empowered, not frightened, when thinking about how they will respond in an emergency. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit and CERT programs can help individuals build meaningful connections with one another that will lead to better outcomes for everyone when disaster strikes. 

_________________________________________________________________________

More than 50 active CERT programs exist in Oregon. People can find contact information for teams in their area on the Oregon Department of Emergency Management website.

People who are interested in becoming a Be 2 Weeks Ready program coordinator or want to find a program near them can email eparedness@oem.oregon.gov">community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov.

Photo caption: OEM Community Outreach Coordinator Kayla Thompson presents at the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Fair in Rainbow, Oregon. 

Traffic crashes throughout the country tend to increase during the summer months. To help make our roadways safer, the Lincoln City Police Department partners with Oregon Impact to utilize grant funding and increase traffic enforcement during this time period. LCPD utilized these funds to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Event in August, as well as additional DUI enforcement shifts over the Labor Day weekend.

On August 24^th, multiple LCPD Officers took part in a planned Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Event at the marked crosswalk at the intersection of SW 50^th St & S Highway 101. Ten citations were issued to drivers who either Failed to Stop for a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk or Passed a Stopped Vehicle at a Crosswalk. One cited driver even returned to the crosswalk to speak with the Officer in charge. Once the operation was explained, that driver requested the Enhanced Enforcement be conducted in other parts of the county as well. We would like to remind drivers that in Oregon, all intersections, marked or unmarked, are crosswalks in which the Pedestrian has the Right of Way unless there are signs specifically indicating otherwise.

Over the 2024 Labor Day weekend, grant funding supported an additional 13 hours of dedicated DUI enforcement in Lincoln City. During these shifts one driver was arrested for Reckless Driving and Eluding police after a pursuit, a second driver was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants after striking an object while operating their vehicle. 

LCPD plans on utilizing further grant funding over the Christmas and New Year’s season to support additional traffic safety enforcement. We strongly encourage drivers to drive sober and drive safely, as their own lives and the lives of other innocent people on the roadway depend on it.

Benton County will begin accepting online plan reviews as required by House Bill (HB) 2415 on Jan. 1, 2025. HB 2415 ensures statewide consistency in electronic processes for reviewing plans, issuing permits, and performing field inspections.

Community members can currently upload plans for review on the State of Oregon’s website at: aca-oregon.accela.com/oregon. This option will also be made available on the County’s newly designed website on Jan. 1, 2025 at: cd.bentoncountyor.gov/building-division, which provides information about building permits, permit statuses, inspections, codes, zoning, and applications.

“Our department is pleased to provide this service online. The technology is far more efficient for both our customers and plans review process,” reported Interim Community Development Director Petra Schuetz.

The community can use the County's website to request commercial electrical inspections and plumbing inspections at: cd.bentoncountyor.gov/inspections, also a requirement of HB 2415.

• Commercial electrical inspections are performed on Wednesdays and Fridays and must be scheduled 24 hours ahead of time.
• Commercial plumbing inspections are performed on Fridays and must be scheduled 24 hours ahead of time.
• Inspection requests are accepted 24 hours per day online at: aca-oregon.accela.com/oregon or by phone at: 888-299-2821.
  • Inspections requested before 7:00 a.m. are conducted on the date requested when possible.
  • Inspection requests received after 7:00 a.m. will be accomplished the following day unless a later date is requested.

These significant upgrades reflect the County’s commitment to adhering to Oregon law, being innovative, and providing accessible services to the public. With enhanced functionalities, the site offers improved navigation, making it easier for users to find information, access services, and engage with the County online.

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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 the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man who served as the head men’s basketball coach at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison today for persuading a child to send him sexually explicit images.

Nathan Ezell Bowie, 38, was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison and 20 years’ supervised release. 

According to court documents, in November 2021, Bowie conducted a basketball camp at an Oregon high school. Bowie asked students at the camp to connect with him online, and the victim sent Bowie a message asking for basketball drills. Bowie continued communicating with the minor, eventually persuading the victim to send sexually explicit images. In January 2022, another coach learned of the communications and alerted law enforcement. 

On March 15, 2022, Bowie was charged by criminal complaint with sexually exploiting a child, coercion and enticement, and receipt of child pornography. 

On May 15, 2024, Bowie pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and FBI Portland’s Eugene Resident Agency. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

The FBI CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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NEWPORT, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene Sept. 17 and 18 in Newport to discuss the budget, real estate, recommendations for grant awards, park improvement projects and proposed increases in rate ranges to keep pace with increasing costs. 

On Sept. 17, commissioners will tour ocean shore locations and hold a work session on drones, ocean shore policy, a review of construction impacts on the ocean shore and the state of the ocean shore past, present and future from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Hallmark Resort, 744 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport. 

On Sept. 18, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:15 a.m., at the Hallmark Resort in Newport, to discuss real estate acquisition priorities and opportunities and potential litigation. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be open to the public.

Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment related to any items not on the agenda. Registration is required to speak at the meeting if attending online, and is available online at bit.ly/registerseptember2024commission. 

The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 16. No advance registration is required to speak in person at the meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Sept. 16 to katie.gauthier@oprd.oregon.gov. 

The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. 

Notable requests: 

• Approval of the recommended grant awards for 2024 Local Government Grant Program:
  • Small grants totaling $884,226
  • Large grants totaling $31,733,800
  • Planning grants totaling $301,990
• Approval of rate range increases for campsites, amenities, day-use parking fees and group sites to keep pace with increasing costs. The rate ranges will give the director the flexibility to increase rates over time as needed. Rates will not start at the top of the range. More information is available on the OPRD website.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance: burton@oprd.oregon.gov">denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-779-9729. 

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state. 

LANE COUNTY, Ore. 3 Sept. 2024 – On Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10:34 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Hwy. 99 near milepost 10 in Lane County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, David Paul Burns (39) of Creswell, was walking northbound on Hwy. 99 in the travel lane when he was struck by a black Toyota Tundra, operated by Gary Ralph Clark (62) of Creswell.

The pedestrian (Burns) was declared deceased at the scene. 

The Toyota operator (Clark) was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation. 

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

Oregon State Police was assisted by South Lane EMS, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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About the Oregon State Police

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

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. 3 Sept. 2024 – On Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 2:19 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 99 at Scenic Avenue near Central Point. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Nissan Rogue, operated by Marjett Charlem Schille (76) of Central Point, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 99 when it attempted to make a left turn on Scenic Avenue against a flashing yellow light. A tan Chevrolet C25, operated by Michael Anthony Culmone (21) of Gold Hill, was entering the intersection heading southbound on Hwy. 99 on a green light when the vehicles struck nearly head-on, leaving the roadway and crashing into a pedestrian pole. 

The operator of the Nissan (Schille) and a passenger, Robert Michael Lewis (75) of Central Point, were transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The passenger (Lewis) sustained life-threatening injuries and died at the hospital on Sept. 2, 2024. The operator (Schille) sustained serious injuries. 

The operator of the Chevrolet (Culmone) was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

The Nissan operator was cited for failing to obey a traffic control device.  

Oregon State Police was assisted by Jackson County Fire District 3 and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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

MARION COUNTY, Ore. 3 Sept. 2024 – On Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 3:34 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy. 214 near milepost 25 in Marion County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated that a white Chevrolet U-Haul pickup truck, operated by David Dale Legan (35), whose residence city is unknown, was traveling westbound on Hwy. 214 when it left the roadway on a downhill corner for an unknown reason. The vehicle struck a large tree head-on and came to rest on its side. 

The operator and sole occupant of the vehicle (Legan) was declared deceased at the scene and was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Drakes Crossing Fire District, Woodburn Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

# # #

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

This morning at about 7:20 a.m., deputies responded to a residence in the 33800 block of E. River Drive, Creswell, after South Lane Fire & Rescue advised it was fully engulfed in flames. A car belonging to the resident, Nicholas Rex Snyder, 32, was seen leaving the area around the time the blaze started. The vehicle is a gray 2016 Toyota Carolla, Oregon plate 311MXY. 

Deputies had been at the residence last night for a disturbance and attempted to contact Snyder. They did not receive a response from the house, and it was unknown if he was still at the location. 

Deputies and detectives are investigating, with assistance from the State Fire Marshal. Anyone with information about Snyder’s whereabouts is asked to call Dispatch at 541-682-4141 and avoid approaching or contacting him.

On August 31st, 2024 at about 7:38 am, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-vehicle, head-on crash at approximately milepost 1.7 on Logsden Road, outside Siletz, OR. First Responders determined that one of the drivers involved, operating a 2002 Honda CRV, was deceased. Deputies identified the driver of the second vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet pickup, as 35-year-old Michael Eller of Logsden, OR. Fire and EMS determined that Mr. Eller was uninjured. There were no other occupants in either vehicle.  

Deputies, including a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) with 23 years of DRE investigative experience, conducted a DUII investigation after determining that Mr. Eller exhibited signs and symptoms of impairment. Mr. Eller was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was charged with DUII and Criminally Negligent Homicide.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to our agency partners in responding to this incident, and especially for the Oregon State Police in performing the crash reconstruction. The family members of the deceased have been notified and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has extended our sincere condolences for their loss. Members of the public with any information related to this crash are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number NPS24015277.

MONMOUTH, Ore. –The Western Oregon University Foundation released its annual report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The report includes total contributions to the Foundation for 2023-2024, and recent budgetary year results on Endowment, Scholarships, and Competitive Grants.

Contributions totaled $5,137,525 for the fiscal year–one of the strongest fundraising years in the Foundation’s history– and include all new outright or committed private gifts and grants made to the WOU Foundation. The Foundation received gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations, and contributions increased almost 78 percent in the 2024 fiscal year from the prior year.

Scholarships and student aid awards surpassed $1 million for the fifth year, with the WOU Foundation investing $1,259,233 back to students with emergency or financial needs, academic merit, athletics participation, and more.

Katie Wojke, vice president of advancement and executive director of the Western Oregon University Foundation shares that growth in areas that positively impact students is made possible due to each and every generous contribution. “Private philanthropy and volunteer service are critical to supporting students during their higher education journey. Thank you to each and every donor and volunteer who is making an impact and lifting up Western and its students.”

The Foundation and University have also seen an increase in the number of volunteers who are giving back to Western in creative ways. 

“It has been 37 years since I graduated, and the more time that passes the more I value the education and experience I received. I volunteer at WOU out of a sincere desire to give back to an institution that has given me so much,” says Doug Ladd ‘88, chair of the WOU Alumni Board.

View the 2023-2024 Annual Report.

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About The Western Oregon University Foundation

The Western Oregon University Foundation was founded in 1965 and is the fundraising arm of Western Oregon University. A nonprofit corporation, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees with IRS 501(c)3 status, the WOU Foundation’s scholarship program includes more than 250 donor-funded scholarships. In addition, the foundation manages nearly 300 funds for academic and student programs.

Salem - En noviembre, Oregon OSHA presentará la cuarta conferencia en español sobre seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo, y los derechos de los trabajadores mientras laboran. Los participantes aprenderán cómo hacer valer sus derechos a un lugar de trabajo seguro y saludable, cómo proteger su seguridad y salud en el trabajo y en el hogar, cómo protegerse contra el robo de salarios, y más.

La conferencia gratuita, titulada “Seguridad, Salud y sus Derechos en el Trabajo”, se celebrará de 9 a.m. a 4:15 p.m. el martes 5 de noviembre en el Wingspan Event Center, ubicado en el 801 NE 34th Ave. en Hillsboro. Los ponentes incluirán, profesionales de la seguridad y la salud en el lugar de trabajo y otros expertos. El evento contará con almuerzo gratuito y exposiciones.

“Esta conferencia subraya el profundo compromiso de Oregon OSHA de continuar llegando a aquellos que se encuentran entre los trabajadores más vulnerables de Oregon, ofreciendo un lugar para proveer información crucial sobre seguridad y salud laboral, proporcionada totalmente en el idioma de muchos de estos trabajadores”, dijo Renée Stapleton, administradora de Oregon OSHA. “El enlace comunitario es de gran valor para nosotros. Queremos escuchar a los habitantes hispanohablantes de Oregon, y proporcionarles recursos para ayudarles a satisfacer sus necesidades en materia de seguridad y salud laboral.”

Los interesados en asistir a esta conferencia gratuita deben preinscribirse antes del miércoles 30 de octubre. La inscripción está disponible en español y en inglés. Para más información, visite la página web de la conferencia, envíe un correo electrónico a egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov, o llame al 503-947-7413.

Los temas que se ofrecerán en la conferencia incluyen:

• Cómo hacer valer su derecho a un lugar de trabajo seguro
• Cómo proteger su salud en el trabajo y en casa
• Identificación y tratamiento de los riesgos habituales en el lugar de trabajo 
• Seguridad y salud en:
  • Agricultura
  • Construcción
  • Servicios (jardinería, hospitalidad, cuidados de personas) 
  • Fabricación
• Papel del supervisor en la seguridad laboral
• Cómo protegerse del robo de salarios
• Programa de protección a denunciantes
• Gestión de riesgos para pequeñas empresas

La conferencia pone de relieve el compromiso continuo de Oregon OSHA para ampliar sus esfuerzos de alcance comunitario, rompiendo las barreras del idioma, conectandonos con más trabajadores y empleadores sobre los recursos gratuitos de seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo, y avanzando en la seguridad y salud en el trabajo para todos los trabajadores en Oregon. 

Visite los cursos de capacitación en línea en español de Oregon OSHA y conozca el programa PESO de la división, un programa bilingüe que ayuda a los empleadores que no hablan español a entrenar y hablar con los trabajadores de habla hispana sobre temas de seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo.

Los trabajadores tienen derecho a un lugar de trabajo seguro y saludable. Esto incluye el derecho a plantear sus preocupaciones sin sufrir represalias y a presentar una queja ante Oregon OSHA, la cual promueve la seguridad de todos los trabajadores de Oregon a través de servicios técnicos, de vigilancia, asesoría, educación pública y de formación. La Oficina del Ombuds para Trabajadores de Oregon (Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers), es un representante independiente que ofrece ayuda a los trabajadores para que conozcan sus derechos dentro de las normas de seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo, así como sus derechos dentro del sistema de compensación para trabajadores. El teléfono gratuito de la oficina es el 800-927-1271.

Por otra parte, el Programa de Comunicaciones Multiculturales del Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios (DCBS) proporciona información a las comunidades con un dominio limitado del inglés. Este programa incluye información sobre seguridad y salud en el trabajo. El programa incluye un número de teléfono gratuito para los habitantes de Oregon de habla hispana, llame al 800-843-8086.

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Acerca de Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA hace cumplir las normas estatales de seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo y trabaja para mejorar la seguridad y la salud laboral de todos los trabajadores de Oregon. La división forma parte del Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios, la mayor agencia de protección del consumidor y regulación de negocios en Oregon. Visite osha.oregon.gov y dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem – In November, Oregon OSHA will present the fourth Spanish-language conference addressing workplace safety and health, and workers’ rights while on the job. Attendees will learn how to assert their rights to a safe and healthy workplace, protect their safety and health at work and home, protect against wage theft, and more.

The free conference, titled “Safety, Health, and Your Rights at Work,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the Wingspan Event Center, 801 NE 34th Ave. in Hillsboro. Presenters include workplace safety and health professionals and other experts. The event will feature lunch and exhibits.

“This conference underscores Oregon OSHA’s deep commitment to connecting with those who are among Oregon’s most vulnerable workers by offering a place where crucial workplace safety and health information is provided entirely in the language of many such workers,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “We place a high value on community engagement. We look forward to listening to Spanish-speaking Oregonians and providing resources to help them meet their safety and health needs.”

Those interested in attending this free conference must preregister by Wednesday, Oct.  30. Registration is available in Spanish and English. For more information, visit the conference webpage, send an email to egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov, or call 503-947-7413.

Conference topics include:

• Asserting your right to a safe workplace
• Protecting your health at work and at home
• Identifying and addressing common workplace hazards 
• Safety and health in:
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Service (landscaping, hospitality, caregiving) 
  • Manufacturing
• Role of the supervisor in workplace safety
• Protecting yourself from wage theft
• Whistleblower protection program
• Risk management for small business

The conference highlights Oregon OSHA’s ongoing commitment to expanding its outreach efforts, breaking down language barriers, connecting with more workers and employers about free workplace safety and health resources, and advancing on-the-job safety and health for all workers in Oregon. 

Visit Oregon OSHA’s Spanish-language online training courses and learn about the division’s PESO program, a bilingual program that helps English-speaking employers train and talk about workplace safety and health issues with Spanish-speaking workers.

Workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. That includes the right to raise concerns free from retaliation and to file a complaint with Oregon OSHA, which advances safety for all Oregon workers through enforcement, consultation, technical, and public education and training services. The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers, an independent advocate, offers workers help in understanding their rights within workplace safety and health rules, and their rights within the workers’ compensation system. The office’s toll-free phone number is 800-927-1271.

Moreover, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Multicultural Communications Program provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach includes information about on-the-job safety and health. The program includes a toll-free phone number for Spanish-speaking Oregonians at 800-843-8086.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prepare your household now for more extreme weather events and natural disasters. 

Take action now during National Preparedness Month to get ready for emergencies

[PORTLAND, Sept 3, 2024] The American Red Cross Cascades Region is encouraging everyone to take critical action during National Preparedness Month this September to be ready for worsening disasters. Deadly storms, raging wildfires and extreme heat are becoming more frequent and intense and families are experiencing the effects.

“Disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, changing lives forever in just minutes,” says Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer Jonathan Seibert.“ As our climate changes, it’s critical to help protect your loved ones and National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies.”

HOW TO PREPARE Get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies:

1. Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
2. Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
3. Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
4. Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
5. Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies. 

CLIMATE CRISIS EFFECTS.  This summer, a record-breaking 1.5 million acres have been burned by wildfires in Oregon. We've opened more than 20 shelters for level 3 “Go Now” evacuations since June.  

So far in 2024, nationwide, 2.7 million more acres of land have been burned by wildfires compared to all of 2023.  In July, Hurricane Beryl broke records as the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded and in early August, Hurricane Debby brought widespread flooding to much of the East Coast. Plus, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record according to experts. Altogether in 2024, the U.S has experienced 19 climate disasters, each with losses of over a billion dollars — more than double the average from the last 40 years.

When these disasters happen, the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter and comfort to ensure no one faces this difficult time alone. To help families better cope with this worsening climate crisis, the Red Cross is also enhancing our support for those who need it most and increasing our capacity to respond to non-stop disasters. 

“The best defense during an emergency is to be prepared, and that’s true for both our individual families and our entire community,” said Red Cross Cascades Region CEO Priscilla Fuentes. “During National Preparedness Month, consider donating to help people affected by disasters big and small, or making an appointment to give blood. If you have the time, take a first aid class or put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer.”

Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.

B-roll:

Prepare for emergency with Red Cross Emergency App 

Don't forget items for your pets in your prepare kit. 

Footage of emergency kit items in home. 

Footage of son packing an emergency kit in home. 

Footage of mom packing emergency kit in home

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; 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 follow us on social media.

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This notice is for the fourth and final road closure which is expected to be complete around September 30, 2024.

Lane County will be performing construction work to replace failing culverts under Row River Road to mitigate the risk of future landslides. The work will take place at four different locations between spring and fall of 2024. Each culvert replacement will require a full road closure of 4-6 weeks.

TripCheck will be updated regularly as dates may change as construction progresses.

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SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change that would add Brookings to the list of cities where overnight camping is prohibited along the ocean shore within city limits.

The proposed rule change was requested through a petition from residents living near Mill Beach in Brookings. They identified concerns over public health, risks to public safety and impacts on the marine ecosystem along the ocean shore as reasons for proposing the closure of camping on the ocean shore within city limits.

Currently, overnight camping is prohibited on the ocean shore within the city limits of Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Bandon and Gold Beach. Camping is also prohibited on the ocean shore in Clatsop and Tillamook counties, under different rules within OPRD's division 30, which are Special Regulations Affecting Ocean Shores Adjacent to Coastal Cities within Oregon Revised Statutes. 

that include special regulations affecting ocean shores adjacent to coastal cities. Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. October 15, 2024, and can be submitted:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2024-BrookingsOceanShores.aspx
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov
• Public Hearing: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Southwestern Oregon Community College- Community Room, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings, OR 97415

Once the public comment period ends, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will consider possible adoption at a meeting in the fall or winter.

SALEM, Oregon— The Recreational Trails Program is accepting grant applications through Nov. 15 for the approximately $1.6 million in grant funds available for the 2024 grant cycle. 

Grants are available for trail construction, heavy restoration, trailhead facilities, trail building and maintenance equipment, land or easement acquisitions, safety and education, trail assessments for accessibility or maintenance and water trails.

The federally funded reimbursement grant program provides matching grants to construct, expand or improve public trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent via https://oprdgrants.org by Sep. 30. Applications due Nov. 15.

An optional webinar is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 11 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YcBVw4OpQseoi6GZQgYffg#/registration. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the Recreational Trails Program web page shortly afterward at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx

The grant program is open to local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, other public land managers, and nonprofits.

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Since 1993, the program has funded over 550 projects across Oregon.

Information about the program, including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule, is on the Recreational Trails Program web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx

Questions can be directed to Jodi Bellefeuille, Recreational Trails Program coordinator, at ellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov">jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.

This is an update to reflect the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked on Sunday evening, not Saturday.

SALEM, Ore. – On Sunday night, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Copperfield Fire east of Chiloquin off Sprague River Road in Klamath County. As of 8:00 Saturday night, the fire was estimated between 1,500 to 2,000 acres. Gusty winds near 40 miles per hour pushed the fire to rapidly grow. 

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has levels 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place. Those near the fire should follow the sheriff’s office for any changes to evacuation levels.  

Southern Oregon is under a Red Flag Warning through tomorrow evening. 

“The weather drove this fire, and Oregon will continue to face challenging weather conditions over the next three weeks. Fire season isn’t over yet and I encourage everyone to stay vigilant,” Chief Deputy Travis Medema said. “I cannot thank our incident management teams and task forces headed to this fire enough. They have had a busy season and responded no matter the time, no matter the situation.”   

The OSFM Red Incident Management Team and eight task forces are being mobilized to the fire. Two task forces from Lane County and Central Oregon are part of the response and were sent through Immediate Response earlier Sunday evening.  

The OSFM Red Incident Management Team will be briefed Monday at 10 a.m. and will be in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3.  

For the latest on the fire, please follow the South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.