The Lincoln City Police Department plans on using the first of their 2024-2025 DUII Enforcement Grant funds during the up-coming Christmas / New Year’s holiday season. These enforcement operations are part of the national “High Visibility Enforcement,” which runs from December 11, 2024 through January 1, 2025.  The national High Visibility Enforcement events are designed to increase the number of patrol officers on the streets nationwide with an emphasis on seeking out drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and removing them from the roadways. The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it is also a time when increased numbers of impaired drivers may be on the roadways. The Lincoln City Police Department is pleased to be joining forces with other law enforcement agencies across the nation to crack down on impaired drivers. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries. Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk; if you drive drunk, you will be arrested.

DUII Enforcement Grant funds from the previous grant allocation were last used during the 2024 Labor Day weekend, resulting in one driver being arrested for DUII and several citations issued for various traffic violations. 

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors, and these grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. These grant funds are made possible through Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Submitted By: Lieutenant Jeffrey G. Winn

Grant County, Ore 3 Dec 24- On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 8:06 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 26, near milepost 128, in Grant County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Ford Crown Victoria, operated by Anthony Montague (62) of John Day, lost control while attempting to pass another vehicle, left the roadway, went down an embankment, sheared a power pole at the base, and rolled onto its top. 

The operator of the Ford (Montague) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Josephine County, Ore 22 Nov 24- On Friday, November 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., Josephine County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police responded to stabbing on Grave Creek Road, near milepost 7, in Josephine County.

Daniel Wayne Finney (34) of Wolf Creek was located near his vehicle with multiple stab wounds. Finney was able to communicate with the reporting party prior to passing away at the scene. Investigators arrived on scene and located additional evidence of the crime before identifying Keandra Demetrius Blanding (29) of Springfield as the primary suspect. 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office requested the Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section lead the investigation. At approximately 12:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 23, detectives located Blanding's vehicle in White City. At approximately 1:00 a.m., Blanding was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

Blanding was arrested for Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. On November 24, Blanding was indicted by a grand jury in Josephine County.

OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, State Medical Examiner, and the OSP Forensic Services Division.

Due to the on-going criminal prosecution, no further information is available for release.

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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. 

Douglas County, Ore 2 Dec 24- On Monday, December 2, 2024, at 11:43 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 161, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Volvo commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Sargis Sargsyan (51) of Glendale (CA), left the roadway for unknown reasons and struck the rear end of a parked Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, occupied by Oleksandra Kepina (29) and Ihor Vasylevskyi (36) of Rockville (MD). 

The operator of the Volvo (Sargsyan) was declared deceased at the scene.

The occupants of the Peterbilt were reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was the primary investigating agency.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

December 4, 2024

Media contact: Media Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

OHA accepting applications for community review boards

(Portland, Ore.) – OHA’s Health Care Market Oversight (HCMO) program is seeking applicants for two community review boards for a proposed Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)-Legacy Health (Legacy) transaction and a separate, but related, transaction involving Legacy and PacificSource.

Through the HCMO program, OHA reviews proposed health care business transactions to make sure they support Oregon’s goals of health equity, lower costs, increased access, and better care.  Community review boards provide input about transactions and make a recommendation to OHA about whether a transaction should be approved. Board members can include people who live and work in affected communities, consumer advocates, health care experts and health care providers. Board members may not be employed by any of the entities involved in the transaction or by any similarly sized competitors.

Applications for the community review boards are due January 10, 2025. OHA expects to convene the community review boards in the first quarter of 2025. Selected members need to be available for up to ten virtual meetings and two virtual public hearings. For more information about the selection process, member expectations and qualifications, visit the OHA OHSU-Legacy and Legacy-PacificSource transaction pages.

OHSU-Legacy

OHSU is proposing to buy Legacy. If approved, this means that Legacy would be a fully owned business of OHSU, and Legacy would be fully integrated into the OHSU system. People interested in participating in the community review board for the OHSU-Legacy transaction can apply here.

Legacy-PacificSource

Legacy is proposing to transfer its 50% ownership of PacificSource to the Legacy Health Foundation, which would become an independent organization if approved. Those interested in joining the community review board for the Legacy-PacificSource transaction can apply here.

Public comments

Anyone can submit a public comment about these transactions. OHA will accept and post public comments throughout the review periods for both transactions. Public input is crucial to help OHA understand potential impacts on the cost and quality of health care, access to services and health equity. Public comment can be provided through one of the following ways:

• Fill out the public comment form
• Email hcmo.info@oha.oregon.gov
• Call 503-945-6161

If your public comment is regarding the Legacy and PacificSource transaction, include the word “PacificSource” in your message. If your public comment is regarding the OHSU-Legacy transaction, include the word “OHSU” or “OHSU-Legacy” in your message.

Launched in 2022, the HCMO program reviews proposed health care transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, to make sure they support statewide goals related to cost, health equity, access, and quality.  Information about the program can be found on the HCMO website. Subscribe to receive program updates here.

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Salem, Oregon – Three eye-catching sculptural artworks, including a giant microscope, now grace exterior locations at the newly renovated and updated Department of Administrative Services North Valley Complex in Wilsonville. The works were commissioned through Oregon’s Percent for Art in Public Places program.

The artwork trio includes “MegaScope” by Pete Beeman of Portland, “Interconnected” by Sue Taves of Langley, Washington, and “Ballads of Small Worlds” by Crystal Schenk and Shelby Davis of Milwaukie, Oregon.

Beeman, a large-scale sculpturer, chose a microscope as the classic symbol of scientific scrutiny to represent the many labs on site at the North Valley Complex. His 32-foot-tall “MegaScope” is slightly off-kilter and built of rusting steel. “The style and design of the sculpture is intended to give it both monumentality and majesty,” Beeman explained. The sculpture is topped off with a Megarhyssa wasp, which is known to feed on invasive borer beetles in Oregon and, through research, have been encouraged to help manage a problematic beetle infestation.

Taves, a stone carver, tries to capture the natural essence of stone through design and to discover cohesive forms that use shape and texture to translate feelings, create moods and invite people to be drawn in. About her “Interconnected,” piece she said: “It’s a meditation on place and purpose, weaving the flow of the Willamette River with the cycles of nature and growth. The first view of the sculpture is the stylized river – its polished curves and textured folds capture the dual essence of nature, constant yet ever-shifting.” A parade of insects along the sculpture’s base serves as a reminder that “the ecosystem comprises both the grand and the minute, and we are part of this chain.”

“Ballads of Small Worlds,” the metal sculpture collaboration between Schenk and Davis, comes out of a shared interest in storytelling, history and symbolism. The husband-and-wife team said, “Inspired by hidden worlds discovered under magnification, this artwork reflects natural growth systems – pulling imagery from beehives, cells, plant structures and molecular architecture. With their fanciful shift of scale, the pattern of each sculpture zooms in on these intricate forms, mimicking them and creating new perspectives on what isn’t always visible to the naked eye.”

Multiple state agencies will be housed within the North Valley Complex and will make use of the building for offices, laboratories and warehousing, including the Department of Agriculture.

The goals of the Percent for Art in Public Places Program are to:

• Acquire engaging and enduring artworks that are valued by Oregon’s diverse communities;
• Encourage dialogue, creativity and a sense of place by integrating art experiences into people’s everyday lives;
• Incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices into art acquisition and collection management;
• Advance and support artists’ development, recognition and economic stability;
• Enliven and enhance state buildings through the arts; and 
• Promote public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the arts.​​​​​

​​The Arts Commission promotes access to the collection through a publicly searchable database of artworks​.

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.

‘Tis the season to give thanks and Lane County commissioners took time during their December 3 meeting to do just that in honor of retiring State Representative Paul Holvey. 

Representative Holvey has represented House District 8, which includes portions of Eugene, Springfield and South Lane County, since 2004. 

Notably, Representative Holvey helped bring significant investment into the local community to support wildfire recovery, rehabilitation and seismic upgrades of key infrastructure, housing production, public safety and emergency communications, and more. 

Commissioners presented Representative Holvey with a commemorative “crystal bridge” and certificate of thanks after offering individual comments about Representative Holvey’s long service to the community. 

To watch, please visit Lane County’s public meetings YouTube channel.

In the attached photo from left to right: Commissioner Pat Farr, Commissioner Ryan Ceniga, Chair Laurie Trieger, Representative Paul Holvey, Commissioner Heather Buch, and Vice Chair David Loveall.

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Update Mr. Cox was located by deputies and is safe and uninjured. Thank you to all the community for sharing. 

Deputies are searching for a missing 91-year-old male who has memory loss. Mr. Lee Cox was last seen around 1 PM today, he was last seen near Auburn Rd NE, Salem. Mr. Cox is described as a white male, 5'10", thin build, last seen wearing a jacket, and blue jeans. If you see Mr. Cox, please keep him in sight and call 911 to let us know.

Portland, OR — The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation (ORHF) is thrilled to announce that it has entered into a sales agreement to acquire the Oregon Pacific Railroad (OPR), marking a significant step forward in our mission to preserve and celebrate Oregon’s rich railroading heritage. This acquisition will open the door to an exciting array of new experiences for our community, including increased rail excursions, expanded volunteer roles, and fresh opportunities to connect with Oregon's rich rail history.

Continuing a Legacy of Railroad History

The Oregon Pacific Railroad has a celebrated history of serving Portland and surrounding communities, dating back to 1904 when the Oregon Water Power and Railroad Company first built the line to connect local towns and attractions. Thanks to Richard “Dick” Samuels, who revitalized the line in the late 20th century, OPR preserves the last five miles of Portland's historic rail network, which once extended to places like Oregon City, Gladstone, and Estacada. Under Samuels’ leadership in the 1990s, the line thrived again, launching memorable excursions like the “Samtrak” route between OMSI and Sellwood.

By bringing OPR into the ORHF family, we are honored to continue this legacy and enhance our organization’s capacity to engage, educate, and inspire visitors and volunteers alike. With the railroad now under ORHF’s stewardship, we’ll be able to operate more frequent and diverse excursions, providing guests with unique opportunities to ride the rails on historic Oregon lines.

Expanding Volunteer and Engagement Opportunities

This acquisition also paves the way for many new ways to get involved. Volunteers can participate in hands-on rail work, including track maintenance and rail yard support roles, creating valuable experiences for anyone passionate about rail preservation. These new volunteer positions will be essential in operating and maintaining the railroad and will play a key role in keeping our rail lines active, accessible, and well-preserved.

Investing in Oregon’s Rail Future: Your Help Matters

As a non-profit organization, ORHF relies on the generous support of donors, members, and volunteers to bring our mission to life. To finalize this purchase and expand the scope of our offerings, we need your support. Your donation will help us complete the acquisition, fund essential track upgrades, and support increased excursion services.

Join us in making this vision a reality! Your contributions will ensure that the Oregon Pacific Railroad thrives as a dynamic piece of Oregon’s rail history. Donations of any size are invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Visit orhf.org to donate or learn more about how you can help.

About the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation

The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation (ORHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Oregon’s rail history and inspiring future generations through education, hands-on experiences, and public engagement. ORHF operates the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland, showcasing historic locomotives and hosting community events that connect people to the region’s rich railroad heritage.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training will be live streaming all public meetings via YouTube. Meetings will no longer be streamed on Facebook. To view the Applicant Review Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

1. Introductions

2. Approve November 20, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Arturo Aguilar, DPSST No. 65775; DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Chesterlein Green, DPSST No. 65576; Bureau of Emergency Communication

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Inquiry Closure Memos - Informational Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

6. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – January 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

YouTube Video Link: Name Our K-9: Violet and Millie 

Oregon State Sr. Trooper Scott Show needed an official name for his new drug-detection K-9. He had the idea to let Oregon elementary school students name the two-year-old female Belgian Malinois. On Oct. 17, 2024, OSP launched the “Name Our K-9” contest. At the time, no one knew we would end up with a very special name for one family.   

After almost 800 entries and a week of online voting, the winning entry of “Millie” was selected. Receiving almost half the votes cast, the winning entry was submitted by five-year-old Violet of Winston in honor of her twin sister Millie, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year. 

Kylee Stewart, Violet and Millie’s mother, said, “Millie and Violet were inseparable. Although they were complete opposites, they shared a love of animals. When we came across the “Name Our K-9” contest, Violet knew she wanted to enter her sister’s name.”

“Nobody planned for there to be this much meaning behind naming the K-9,” said Sr. Trooper Show. “To have our dog end up with a name that’s got some significance and is meaningful to this family is really wonderful.” 

K-9 Millie is certified through the Oregon Police Canine Association as a drug-detection dog. She and Sr. Trooper Show are assigned to the Albany Patrol Office for drug interdiction along Interstate 5 and throughout the state. As an ongoing tribute, OSP will recognize K-9 Millie’s drug seizures, when possible, with a special nod to the little girl who inspired her name.   

“On behalf of myself and the entire Oregon State Police family, it is an honor to be part of this special memorial to Millie Melton,” said Superintendent Casey Codding. In recognition for winning the naming contest, Violet received a letter and certificate from Superintendent Codding and an OSP uniform patch. She also received a Belgian Malinois plushie personalized with the OSP logo and the name “Millie” generously donated by Hero Industries. 

OSP is continuing to recognize the contest finalists with presentations to students across the state. We send a heartfelt thank you to the 778 students who submitted entries in the “Name Our K-9” contest. “K-9 teams play an important role in keeping our communities safe and it was exciting to have so many students participate in the contest in such an engaging and meaningful way,” said Superintendent Codding. 

Contest finalists: 

• “True” submitted by Michael B. from Creswell Christian Academy in Creswell. 
• “Showtime” submitted by KariAnn G. from Eastwood Elementary in Roseburg. 
• “Pearl” submitted by Bailey P. from Jefferson Elementary in Medford. 
• “Mable” submitted by Mrs. Moles's second-grade class from Prairie City Elementary in Prairie City. 
• The school with the most entries: Hillcrest Elementary in North Bend. 

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Note to media partners: The family graciously allowed Oregon State Police to tell their story. However, they request privacy for their family and do not wish to participate in additional interviews. Media outlets may request a copy of the video without music or titles by emailing osppio@osp.oregon.gov. 

About the Oregon State Police
The 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. 

State Land Board to meet December 10 in Salem

Agenda items include rules on leasing land for communication site facilities and annual program updates

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet on Tuesday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of State Lands building in Salem.

Agenda items the Land Board will consider include: 

• Adopt new and amended rules that guide how communication site facilities are leased on State-owned land.
  Communication site facilities lease lands managed by the Department, and the leases generate revenue for the state’s Common School Fund. These facilities support wireless cellular service, internet service, emergency communications, technologies that detect wildfires or seismic activities, cable and radio broadcast, local radio users, and more. New and expanded rules are needed for this complex and rapidly evolving industry.
   
• Adopt amended rules that authorize special uses on State-owned land. 
  As a result of adopting a new division of rules specific to communication sites in OAR 141-126, it’s necessary to also amend OAR 141-125 to remove reference to those rules.
   

The Land Board will also hear the annual report of our aquatic resource management program, as well as guest presentations from the Oregon State Treasury regarding the performance of the Common School Fund investments and a presentation from the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries on geologic carbon sequestration.

Meeting Details and Agenda 

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
Department of State Lands
Land Board Room
775 Summer St. NE, Salem

The full meeting agenda and materials are available on the DSL website. The meeting will be livestreamed to the DSL YouTube channel. 

The public may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony (in person, by video, or phone) during the meeting. Advanced sign-up is required, and the deadline is 10 a.m. on Monday, December 9.

If you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or in.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov">arin.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov at least two working days prior to the meeting. 

Visitors are not permitted to bring backpacks, bags, or large purses into the Department of State Lands building prior to, during, or following Land Board meetings. Purses, medical bags, and diaper bags are permitted, but may be subject to inspection by the Oregon State Police.

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

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www.oregon.gov/dsl

Forming in 2019 from a cross-section of our community, the HOPE Advisory Board (Home, Opportunity, Planning and Equity) was tasked with developing recommendations for responding to issues related to homelessness in our community. In 2021 the HOPE Advisory Board offered their recommendations, including prioritizing collaboration and coordination of providers and partners with routine meetings for improved care coordination. The foundation of this recommendation was based on work done in other communities using the Situation Table model that has become widespread in Canada and is growing in the United States.

The Situation Table is a risk-based, rapid triage model that regularly brings together multiple human service providers to address situations where individuals and/or families are experiencing acutely elevated risk. The well-structured process focuses on evaluating risk factors and identifying a team of community partners to connect that person or family with services to help them with their specific needs. The response team is tasked with contacting the at-risk individual or family within 24 to 48 hours to help engage them with services if possible. Captain Joel Goodwin with the Corvallis Police Department shared, “the strength of the Situation Table model is that it utilizes resources we already have in our community, tailoring a solution to meet the specific needs of the person or family at risk rather than waiting for them to navigate getting help on their own.”

The CORE Team (Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement), which pairs a Corvallis Police officer with a Benton County Qualified Mental Health Practitioner, was identified to facilitate the weekly meetings of the Situation Table since they would be likely to both encounter people at acutely elevated risk and respond as part of the engagement team.  IHN-CCO generously funded the training, which took place on October 19^th and 20^th, 2023. The first Corvallis/Benton County Situation Table was held on October 29^th, 2023, and continues to meet on a near-weekly basis. Dan Easdale, the Program Director for Corvallis Housing First, recalls, “I admit I was a little skeptical. However, the Situation Table has proven to be a valuable community tool, breaking down silos in our community.”

During the first year, over 25 local agencies have participated the Corvallis/Benton County Situation Table, reviewing a total of 54 situations. Data from this first year shows:

• 70 people were supported
• Each situation had an average of nine risk factors
• Families were identified as at risk in 15% of situations, 85% as individuals
• Half of the people served were in the 40-60 age range
• Most common risk factors included homelessness, mental health, physical health, a criminal nexus (as a victim and/or offender), and substance use
• Outreach teams were able to lower risk in nearly 60% of situations

Once the person or family is connected with services to reduce their risk, the involved community partners take over case management consistent with their agency procedure “The Situation Table is really about getting people to the starting line, then each agency can then help people get to the finish line – which could take months or even longer,” Captain Goodwin said.

The initial success of the Corvallis/Benton County Situation Table has also contributed to a new Situation Table starting in Albany last month. With expected service overlaps, some agencies are planning on supporting both Situation Tables. As service providers continue to learn of people experiencing acutely elevated risk, they will continue to bring those situations forward to the Situation Table to work towards solutions. Ty Pos, the Director of Contracts and Outreach for Community Outreach Inc. (COI) sums up the work of the Situation Table as “…experienced providers who handle the toughest cases in our community” and has come to see the effort as “compassionate souls trying to bring light into darkness.”

People who live in certain Oregon counties and lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the Nov. 19-20, 2024, severe weather event have 30 days to request replacement benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

Households who live in the following counties now have until Dec. 18, 2024, to request replacement food benefits:

• Benton
• Clackamas
• Clatsop
• Coos
• Deschutes
• Douglas
• Jackson
• Jefferson
• Josephine
• Klamath
• Lake
• Lane
• Lincoln
• Linn
• Malheur
• Marion
• Multnomah
• Polk
• Tillamook
• Umatilla
• Washington
• Yamhill

ODHS received federal approval to waive the usual 10-day replacement benefit request deadline to help support people impacted by the strong winds and heavy rainfall that caused power outages for more than 25,000 households. Households who live outside the counties listed above must follow the usual process and request replacement benefits within 10 days of the loss.

Anyone who disposed of food bought with SNAP that was destroyed due to a disaster can request replacement benefits for the cost of the lost food. Requestors should be prepared to provide the total cost of the food lost and may have to provide proof of the event that destroyed the food if they don’t reside in one of the approved counties.

Replacement SNAP benefits may be requested by:

• Calling 800-699-9075
• Filling out a request form and emailing it to egon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov">oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Visiting a local ODHS office

Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The maximum replacement amount is the cost of the food lost, not to exceed the household's normal monthly SNAP benefit.

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: Visit oregonfoodbank.org
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit adrcoforegon.org.
• Find more resources near you: Dial 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211info.org

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Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 in 5 eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Individuals in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov.

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of an electrical emergency near the old University District Hospital near Downtown Eugene. At 7:19 AM on December 3rd crews were called to 1255 Hilyard for arcing issue in a large vault of high voltage switches.  Engine 1 arrived reporting a significant electrical issue and called EWEB who cut power to the area.  Crews are systematically reenergizing circuits to identify the problem and ensure safety.  There are emergency vehicles in the area with lane closures on Hilyard. Truck rescued an individual trapped in an elevator after power was cut, but there were no injuries from the incident. 

Clatsop County, Ore 30 Nov 24- On Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 3:46 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 32, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Honda Shadow, operated by Wesley Dalton Leraas (30) of Gearhart, and Yamaha V-Star, operated by Daniel Walter Whitehouse (45) of Bay City, were attempting to pass a northbound vehicle and entered the southbound lane. The motorcycles were passing in a curved area and encountered a southbound GMC Sierra, operated by Daniel Ray Mullins (71) of Rockaway beach. The motorcycles made contact with each other as they attempted to reenter the northbound lane. The operator of the Honda lost control and struck the GMC head-on. The operator of the Yamaha temporarily lost control but was able to reenter the northbound lane and avoid a collision with the GMC.

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

The operator of the Yamaha (Whitehouse) was reportedly not injured.

The operator of the GMC (Mullins) and passengers were reportedly uninjured.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The primary cause of the crash being considered is unsafe passing and speed.

OSP was assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Cannon Beach Fire, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

From November to early December 2024, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office used decoy social media accounts for online child luring investigations.  During the investigation, Deputies posed as underage children on various online social media platforms and were contacted by an adult male who was offering to meet for sexual encounters. 

On December 2nd, 58-year-old Danny Hicks, of Dallas, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of Luring a Minor, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the second degree, Encouraging Sexual Abuse of Animals, and Attempted Using a child in display of sexually explicit conduct.  At the time of his arrest, Danny was already lodged at the Lincoln County Jail with similar charges stemming from a similar investigation conducted by the Lincoln City Police Department.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office wants to encourage parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and discuss with them the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in an effort to reduce criminal activity and to further enhance the safety of our community.

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Lottery will return more than $947 million to the state for the 2024 fiscal year – a $48 million increase from the previous year. Lottery generated $940 million in profit and reduced reserves nearly $8 million, enabling the higher return. Unclaimed prizes for the year totaled $8 million and will also go back to the state. The funding directly benefits state parks and natural habitats, public schools, veteran services, outdoor school, and economic development. Oregon Lottery is self-funded through the sale of games, not tax dollars, and voters and the Legislature designate where the money goes. 

“Oregonians help support the state programs they care about by playing our games,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We continue to celebrate the wins of our players, the retailers who sell our games, and the public programs lifted up by these funds in our communities.”       

Lucky lottery players earned payouts totaling nearly $16 billion for the year. Including a record-breaking $1.3 billion Powerball win in the spring, 13 players took home prizes worth $1 million or more. Prizes big and small account for about 92% of the Lottery dollars played. 

Sales commissions on Lottery games also support retailers, many of whom are small business owners. The 3,800 Lottery retailers across Oregon collectively earned close to $310 million in commissions this year.  

Since 2016, Oregon Lottery has maintained the highest level of accreditation for responsible gambling from both the National Association of State and Provincial Lotteries/National Council on Problem Gambling and the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) Responsible Gambling programs. Oregon is one of only eight lotteries in the U.S. to reach this level by the WLA. 

The Lottery’s financial year runs from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. A final audited report is posted to Oregon Lottery’s website under “Proceeds and Financials.”

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

Dec. 3, 2024  

Contact: Colin Fogarty 

Director of Communications 

ty@oregoncf.org">cfogarty@oregoncf.org  

SOUTHERN WILLAMETTE VALLEY, SOUTH COAST NONPROFITS RECEIVE $1.2M FUNDING BOOST 

Oregon Community Foundation Distributes Record Investments in 2024, Announces New Grant Opportunities for 2025 

EUGENE, Ore. – Child care and parenting resources. Services to homeless youth. A stronger mobile health unit for rural communities. These are just a just some of the projects and programs in the Southern Willamette Valley and South Coast receiving a $1,171,200 boost from the 2024 Fall Cycle of Community Grants from Oregon Community Foundation. The statewide funder has distributed 50 new grants in the Southern Willamette Valley and South Coast to support capacity building, small capital and new or expanding projects by nonprofits.  

The announcement comes on #GivingTuesday, an international day of generosity that follows Thanksgiving. 

Statewide, the new round of funding includes 248 grants for nearly $5.8 million. That brings the total awarded in Community Grants by OCF to a record $11.1 million for the year, including funding previously announced in the spring.  

"As a statewide foundation, OCF supports community-driven solutions and opportunities in every part of Oregon,” says Julie Manning, who represents the Southern Willamette Valley on the OCF Board of Directors. She’s a retired communications professional in Corvallis.  

“In the Southern Willamette Valley and South Coast, our nonprofit partners are serving Oregonians through programs that provide child care, support for young people experiencing homelessness, and mobile health care to rural communities. That’s just to name a few. This is what responsive grantmaking looks like.”   

The grants are possible because of the generosity of Oregon Community Foundation donors. 

Just as the new funding reaches Oregon nonprofits, OCF has opened the next round of Community Grants to be distributed in spring 2025. The deadline is Jan. 14, 2025. Find details here. The goal is to provide equitable access to flexible funding for organizations serving communities’ most pressing needs throughout Oregon. 

Find the full list of fall 2024 grantees here. The list below of representative grants demonstrates the breadth of impact the funding has on nearly every aspect of life for Oregonians.  

Waterfall Clinic, Inc | North Bend | $20,000  

To hire and support a Mobile Health Unit Coordinator to better serve members of under resourced communities. 

“Waterfall’s Mobile Health Unit hosts care team members to provide fully integrated healthcare services for our community. Patient education, primary care, health screenings, vaccines, and social health efforts are just a few of the uses for this amazing resource! The Mobile Health Unit allows for both in-person and remote access to complex medical analysis tools and providers in our clinics, or even across the state when needed. Waterfall is excited to hire a Mobile Health Unit Coordinator to strengthen community partnerships and increase utilization, so the community gets the most benefit out of Mobile Health Unit!”  

~Lance Nelson, CEO 

Contact: Courtney Acosta, Waterfall Community Health Center 

541-756-6232, Ext. 192 

cacosta@wfall.org 

Curry County Master Gardener Association | Corvallis | $25,000 

To develop a demonstration greenhouse and garden in Curry County.

“OSU Master Gardener volunteers are excited about expanding their sustainable gardening education activities and the additional opportunities for community engagement. Watch for educational workshops to begin in spring of 2025.”  

~Debbie Carroll, Co-President 

Contact: Julia Bott 

650-520-5673 

jbott@batnet.com 

McKenzie Little Eagles Childcare Center | Vida | $25,000 

To provide childcare and parenting resources. 

“Everyday we strive to create, move, sing, discuss, observe, read, play! These are seven things I am thankful that we do in our classroom. It brings your children joy!” 

~Kelli Stockford, Little Eagles Preschool Instructor 

“Our family greatly appreciates the staff. They are amazing and it truly makes the program what it is. We love the skills the teachers possess and value the opportunity for newer teachers in the field to grow. The focus on social emotional learning is greatly appreciated as this is one of the most important developmental areas at this age, in my opinion. Your program excels in sharing our child’s growth through having parent teacher conferences.” - Megan Weiss, Little Eagles Parent 

~Lacey Joy, Special Programs Director 

McKenzie School District 

541-822-1110 

Community Outreach through Radical Empowerment | Eugene | $15,500 

For organizational capacity building efforts. 

"At CORE, we are dedicated to the belief that young people are the experts in their own lives. If we operate from this understanding, our job as a community is to create spaces for young people's voices to be heard without shame, stigma or preconceptions."  

~Dylan Weil, Executive Director of Community Support 

dylan@coreeugene.org 

Coquille Library | Coquille | $20,000 

To expand Junior programming for children grades 2nd - 6th 

“I am fortunate to be able to live and work in a community that is supportive of our library. The City just completed a $2.8M project that renovated an old bank into a new, modern public library. The new library has an upstairs perfect for library programing. We received a grant from Americorps for a service member to develop and implement an afterschool program. This is a new program is designed to catch kids at a vulnerable age from falling through the educational cracks. The elementary school has chosen 30 students who will benefit most from our program and will bus them to the library afterschool, giving parents the peace of mind that their latchkey child is safe and getting the extra homework help they need. Thank you so much for helping the children of Coquille!” 

~Teresa Lucas, Library Director 

(541)396-2166 

esa@coquillelibrary.org">teresa@coquillelibrary.org 

Total for Fall 2024: 248 grants of $5,789,074 

• Southern Willamette Valley: $965,200  
• Central Oregon: $394,562 
• South Coast: $206,000 
• Southern Oregon: $545,000 
• Eastern Oregon: $322,617 
• Portland Metro: $2,349,889 
• North Coast $265,806 
• Northern Willamette Valley: $700,000 
• Out of State: $40,000 
   

About OCF’s Community Grants Program  

For 27 years, OCF’s Community Grants program has invested in community livability and vitality by listening and responding to people closest to innovating opportunities they want to advance. As Oregon has grown, so too has the complexity of issues facing so many Oregonians. Compounding these challenges is a history of systems that have not benefited everyone equitably. OCF recognizes this reality. The Community Grants program continues to provide funding for nonprofits addressing the pressing needs of communities across Oregon, informed by the voices of people who know their communities the best. 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF strengthens communities in every county in Oregon through grantmaking, scholarships and research. In 2023, OCF distributed $225 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.  

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With the holiday season here, BRING encourages residents to clear out their old, reusable items to make room for the new. This year, Lane County residents can donate directly at the Glenwood Transfer Station, where BRING recently opened a donation site in partnership with Lane County Waste Management and St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County. This site offers residents a convenient one-stop solution for donating, recycling, and disposing of household and building materials, promoting reuse while reducing landfill waste.

With increased holiday activities, waste generation can increase by as much as 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. BRING and Waste Wise Lane County—a part of Lane County Waste Management—encourage the community to consider sustainable practices like reuse, especially during high-waste times of the year. BRING’s new collection site allows residents to easily donate gently used building materials, garden supplies, furniture, tools, and more, helping these items find new life and reducing their environmental impact.

“We are excited to expand our services to the Glenwood Transfer Station,” said Sonya Carlson, BRING’s executive director. “With this new location, we aim to make it convenient for people to donate reusable building materials that might otherwise end up in the landfill. Items like bricks, windows, doors, fencing, lumber, sinks, and tiles can all be repurposed into new projects, helping both our environment and community.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that construction and demolition (C&D) debris accounts for more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste, with 600 million tons of C&D debris generated annually in the United States. BRING’s efforts at the Glenwood site and its main location are part of a larger initiative to help Lane County achieve its goal of recovering 63 percent of its waste stream through reuse, recycling, and composting.

Since the Glenwood donation site opened in August, BRING has already diverted 32,579 pounds of reusable materials from the landfill. By donating at this auxiliary location, community members can contribute to BRING’s Planet Improvement Center, which provides affordable, environmentally-friendly options for local DIYers, contractors, and residents looking to repurpose quality materials.

Residents planning renovations or holiday declutter projects are encouraged to gather reusable materials for donation and save a trip by combining it with their visit to the transfer station. For a full list of accepted items or to learn more about the waste reduction initiative, visit www.bringrecycling.org.

About BRING:

BRING is a Eugene-based home and garden thrift store committed to recovering construction waste and building materials from the waste stream, providing environmental education to Lane County communities, and highlighting the importance of reuse. Today, we focus on the urgent issues of consumption, climate change, and community resiliency. Through these initiatives we fulfill our mission to provide vision, leadership and tools for living well on the planet we share. BRING has consistently been voted one of the “100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon.”

About Waste Wise Lane County

Waste Wise Lane County— a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—empowers residents, schools, and businesses with education, tools, and resources that can be used to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. For more information, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.

Multimedia

Video footage available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/160m-1DYdd74R-xm71koWsNYviazpdlNQ/view?usp=sharing

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Yamhill County, Ore 1 Dec 24- On Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 9:41 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 18, near the intersection with Hwy 99 at McDougall Rd, in Yamhill County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Mercury Grand Marquis, operated by Francisco Nava (45) of Newberg, turned onto westbound Hwy 18 from southbound Hwy 99 and lost control after traveling a short distance. The Mercury spun into the eastbound lane of Hwy 18 and was struck at the rear end of the vehicle by an eastbound Chevrolet Bounder RV, operated by Terra Wippert (45) of Browning (MT).

The operator of the Mercury (Nava) was transported for medical treatment and was later declared deceased. 

The operator of the Bounder RV (Wippert) was reportedly not injured. A female juvenile (5) passenger reportedly suffered minor injuries and was transported for evaluation. A female juvenile (15) and a male juvenile (3) were reportedly uninjured.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Dayton Fire Department, McMinnville Fire Department, and ODOT.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Albany, Oregon – December 2, 2024 – Today, the Albany Police Department proudly announces the launch of MyPDConnect, a cutting-edge online reporting platform designed to allow you to report low-level crimes online right from your phone, tablet or desktop!

MyPDConnect empowers victims of crime to quickly and easily report crimes directly to local law enforcement without having to wait for an officer response or spend unnecessary time calling dispatch.

Key Features of MyPDConnect:

 

• Report Crime Easily: Report low-level crimes such as Damaged Property, Theft, Graffiti, Shoplifting and other crimes right from your mobile device, tablet or desktop.
   
• Upload Unlimited Pictures, Videos and Documents: An unlimited number of pictures, videos and documents can be uploaded with each report to easily provide information to law enforcement.
  
   
• Multi-Language Support: Submit the report one of the available languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, Korean and Chinese. Additional languages available!
  
   
• Instant Notification: Receive text and e-mail updates when your report has been processed and completed.
  
   

You may text the word report to 541-981-5860 to receive a text link to file a report, or you scan a QR code on our website. 

“We are thrilled to launch MyPDConnect, a platform that will truly enhance the way we can serve our community,” said Chief Marcia Harnden. “With MyPDConnect, we are providing additional ways for the community to connect easily with our department to report crime and receive faster service.”

You may visit https://albanypd.mypdconnect.com to report a crime at any time.

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Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a structure fire at Best Inn in West Eugene.  Firefighters were called to the motel at 700 Hwy 99 North at 3:50 PM on Monday December 2^nd.  Engine 8 arrived in under 4 minutes after dispatch and the quick response kept the fire contained to the unit of origin.  The fire unit did experience extensive damage, but there were no reported injuries.  The cause is under investigation. Please use caution in the area until emergency vehicles clear. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Hospital Association of Oregon applauds Gov. Tina Kotek for including funding in her 2025 budget to support maintaining health care services in Oregon. Taking action to fully fund the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and increasing OHP payments to community hospitals is critical for protecting access to vital health services, such as maternity care, in communities across the state. 

“Adequate funding of the Oregon health plan is not just about access to care for vulnerable Oregonians, but about the availability of services for us all,” said Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon. “Absent meaningful steps like these to help hospitals cover the cost of providing care, Oregon’s community hospitals will be forced to make tough decisions about what services they can provide.” 

For the past five years, Oregon’s community hospitals have struggled to cover the cost of providing care. About half of Oregon hospitals consistently lose money and many more barely make ends meet. The state’s insurance program, OHP, contributes to hospitals’ financial distress by paying hospitals only 70 cents for every dollar of care they provide to OHP members. 

 “As enrollment in OHP continues to grow, it is becoming more urgent for the state to commit to covering the cost of this program. The governor’s recommended budget is a step in the right direction,” Hultberg said.

Since 2020, OHP enrollment has grown from 1.1 million to more than 1.4 million, making it Oregon’s largest insurance provider. OHP covers one in three Oregonians, including 56% of Oregon kids.

“Unfortunately, we’re reaching a point in our state where having health insurance doesn’t mean you have access to care,” Hultberg said. “We urge legislators to take important actions like the ones outlined in the governor’s budget to help stabilize our community hospitals and protect Oregonians’ access to the services they and their families rely on.” 

December 2, 2024

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for South Tenmile Lake Dec. 2

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for South Tenmile Lake due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and microcystins above recreational use values for human and animal exposure. The lake is in Coos 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 South Tenmile Lake 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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MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University’s College of Education has been awarded a $650,000 Latinx Student Success Grant from the Oregon Department of Education, to enhance partnerships with Central School District and the communities of Monmouth and Independence, to expand resources and programs for bilingual education.

The grant will facilitate a range of initiatives within Central School District, including:

• Equity-Centered Professional Development: Planning and delivering training for educators to promote equity in the classroom.
• Advisory Board Establishment: Creating a student and family advisory board to ensure community input.
• Peer Mentoring Program: Establishing a mentoring program that pairs high school students with elementary students to foster academic growth and support.
• Community Events: Organizing events that promote literacy, school attendance, and post-secondary education opportunities.
• Coaching in ESOL and Bilingual Education: Providing targeted coaching for educators in English for Speakers of Other Languages and bilingual education.
• Policy Evaluation: Conducting evaluations with the district’s equity team to enhance educational practices and policies.
• MECHA Programming Expansion: MECHA is a Mexican-American student organization that promotes unity and empowerment through civic engagement. It will expand its program to middle schools, promoting cultural awareness and academic success.
• Afterschool Literacy Support: Offering support for afterschool programs focused on literacy development.
• Grow Your Own Multilingual Future Teachers Program: Establishing a program to cultivate future multilingual educators within the community.
• Post-Secondary Connections: Creating peer-tutoring opportunities and connections between MECHA and Latiné college students at Western Oregon University.

Professors Jessica Dougherty, Marie LeJeune, and Mandy Olsen, all co-PI’s who will manage the grant, look forward to collaborating with colleagues and community partners to implement impactful strategies that empower Latiné students. “This grant represents a significant investment in the future of Latiné students in the region and reflects Western's commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment,” they shared. 

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About Western Oregon University

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

See original post

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE: December 2, 2024 | 1115

Death investigation ruled homicide, suspect in custody

Apartment fire leads to suspicious death investigation

Update: Detectives arrested a California man for his role in the death of a Salem resident in his apartment early Saturday morning.

The victim, Kristopher Douglas Stokes was found deceased inside his dwelling unit after firefighters responded to a blaze at the apartment building. An autopsy performed by the State Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of Stokes’ death as a homicide. 

The investigation led detectives to a suspect in the case, David James Damon Alexander, age 45. Alexander was spotted in the 700 block of Commercial ST NE by a Salem Police officer. He was taken into custody without incident.

Alexander is lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and third-degree robbery.

No further information regarding the investigation which led to Alexander’s arrest is available for release. 

The cause of the fire remains an ongoing investigation.

# # #

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 12/01/2024 | 1330

Apartment fire leads to suspicious death investigation

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police detectives are currently investigating the death of a Salem man in a fire at residential apartment building yesterday, November 30.

At approximately 2:45 a.m. Saturday morning, Salem police and firefighters responded to an apartment fire in the 1100 block of Chemeketa ST NE. Personnel located a deceased 38-year-old man in one of the units.

Due to the suspicious nature of the victim’s death and origin of the fire, the incident is being handled by the Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit as a suspicious death investigation. Separately, the cause of the fire is being investigated in conjunction with the Salem Fire Department.

No further information is being released in either case.

# # #

Portland, OR — Kick off the holiday season on Sunday, December 8 at Holiday Cheer: A Celebration of Oregon Authors. Visit with more than 60 local writers as you sip on hot cocoa, listen to carols, and get a jump on your holiday shopping!  

For 55 years, OHS has celebrated the state’s rich literary talents at this annual book signing event. This year, some of the Pacific Northwest’s most prominent authors will be at OHS selling everything from children’s books to guidebooks to mysteries to histories! View a full list of participating authors at ohs.org/holidaycheer.

To add to the holiday cheer, The Dickens Carolers will be strolling through the museum performing lively holiday songs from 1:30pm–2:30pm, and Santaland is back on view!  Visit this nostalgic vignette, which features items from the original Meier & Frank Santaland including Rudolph, animatronic elves, holiday decor, a model of the famous monorail, and even the famous Cinnamon Bear costume! Each year, our museum team adds a new “Easter egg” to the display; can you spot the difference this year?

Book sales at Holiday Cheer support the Oregon Historical Society’s mission to preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to everyone in ways that advance knowledge and inspire curiosity about all the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon.

Holiday Cheer begins at noon and authors will be signing until 4pm. Admission is free to both the book sale and to visit museum exhibitions, with OHS’s galleries open until 5pm. In addition to Santaland, current exhibitions include A Fountain of Creativity: Oregon’s 20th Century Artists and the Legacy of Arlene Schnitzer and Crossing Boundaries: Portraits of a Transgender West.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For nearly 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

At 2:43 a.m. on December 2, 2024, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported small transient fire next to a commercial structure located at 1693 W. Harvard Avenue. The reporting party had noted the fire was close to a commercial structure located on the property. 

Firefighters arrived on scene to find an active fire on the exterior portion of the commercial structure, which had extended into the interior portion of the structure.  The commercial structure houses multiple businesses, although the fire occurred at the portion of the structure occupied by Harvard Shoe Repair.  Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and stopped the forward spread of the fire to the remaining portion of the commercial structure. Firefighters completed a search of the structure and determined no occupants were inside the structure at the time of the fire.  

While firefighters were handling containment of the fire at 1693 W. Harvard Avenue, a secondary fire was reported to Douglas County Dispatch, as being in a nearby dumpster located at 1739 W. Harvard.  Firefighters with Central Douglas Fire and Rescue located the fire and assisted with extinguishment of the secondary fire inside the dumpster.

The commercial structure at 1693 W. Harvard Avenue sustained structural, smoke, and water damage.  Firefighters remained on scene to complete overhaul.  A fire investigator was on scene and the cause of both fires remains under investigation.  Ten firefighters assisted with firefighting operations.  Other agencies assisting with the fire included Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Police Department, Avista Utilities, and Pacific Power.  Thank you again to Central Douglas Fire & Rescue for the assistance with extinguishing the dumpster fire that occurred simultaneously.

For the latest information regarding the City of Roseburg Fire Department, please visit our website at www.cityofroseburg.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roseburgfire.

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at noon on Monday, Dec. 9 in the Clatsop Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• 2024 Year in review
• 2025 Work Plan
• Discuss amphibians research questions package

The meeting is open to the public to attend in person and online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

(Note: You can also find this release at https://www.usa.skanska.com/who-we-are/media/press-releases/285353/Skanska-USA-Building-names-Trevor-Wyckoff-as-new-Executive-Vice-President-and-General-Manager-for-Oregon--Southwest-Washington/)

----Press Release----

December 2, 2024

Skanska USA Building names Trevor Wyckoff as new Executive Vice President 

and General Manager for Oregon and Southwest Washington

From Skanska intern to General Manager, Wyckoff’s skills and experience propelled him to new role

Portland, Ore. – Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, has named Trevor Wyckoff, a 24-year company veteran, executive vice president and general manager overseeing its building operations in Oregon and Southwest Washington. 

In this role, Wyckoff will develop and implement Skanska’s business plan in Oregon, driving strategic growth statewide and throughout the region, while remaining committed to excellence, safety, integrity, sustainability, and creating places that make a positive contribution to our communities. 

“Trevor brings a wealth of both operational and strategic experience to his new role,” said Jim Link, Regional Executive Officer, Skanska USA Building. Throughout his career, he has consistently proven himself to be a strong communicator and partner, qualities that will serve him well as he steps into this leadership role. I am confident Trevor will continue to build on the legacy we’ve established in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest as a whole, and we are excited to see where he will lead us.”

Wyckoff’s work with key business leaders in the construction and built environment community has solidified his reputation in the industry, earning him the respect of major decision makers who are shaping the future of the city. As a Portland native, Wyckoff has a deep understanding of the community’s needs and is fully committed to improving the neighborhoods in which Skanska does business. 

“Skanska has been my home for almost 25 years and as someone who started my career here as an intern, I can’t think of a more exciting job than leading this office into the future,” said Wyckoff. “We have a fantastic team here in Oregon and as I take on this new role, I look forward to helping us grow and build new opportunities for our organization.”

In addition to Oregon, Wyckoff has managed projects in Arizona, California, and Washington and as an active member of Skanska’s Healthcare Advisory Council and the National Operations Leadership Council, he has developed a solid reputation across the company. 

Wyckoff started his career as an intern in Skanska’s Portland office in 1998 before joining the company full time as a Project Engineer in 2000. He most recently served as Senior Vice President and Account Manager for Skanska in Portland, spearheading several marquee projects for key Skanska clients in the healthcare, education, and commercial sectors, among others. 

Wyckoff is a graduate of Beaverton High School and Washington State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management.

For further information, please contact:

Dianne Danowski Smith, Publix Northwest PR + PA, dianne@publixnw.com, (503) 201-7019

Daniela Arellano, Skanska USA, 213.317.4977, ellano@skanska.com">daniela.arellano@skanska.com

This can also be found at 

https://www.usa.skanska.com/who-we-are/media/press-releases/285353/Skanska-USA-Building-names-Trevor-Wyckoff-as-new-Executive-Vice-President-and-General-Manager-for-Oregon--Southwest-Washington/. Skanska's news can always be found at https://www.usa.skanska.com/who-we-are/media/.

About Skanska

Skanska uses knowledge -and foresight to shape the way people live, work, and connect. More than 135 years in the making, we’re one of the world’s largest development and construction companies. We operate in select markets throughout the Nordics, Europe and the United States. Skanska in the U.S. is headquartered in New York City with 28 offices around the country. In 2023, construction in the U.S. generated $7.1 billion in revenue, and as a developer in the U.S., Skanska has invested a total value of $4.6 billion in commercial and multi-family projects. Together with our customers and the collective expertise of our 6,500 teammates in the U.S. and 27,000 globally, we create innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime. To learn more, visit Skanska in the US | www.usa.skanska.com.

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SILVERTON, Oregon— Enjoy guided nature hikes, seasonal crafts and educational activities at the Silver Falls State Park Winter Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15. 

Visitors will have a chance to learn about the park in winter including the changing landscapes and habitats for resident and migratory birds and animals. 

Activities include guided walks and classes; building bird nest boxes; making bird feeders and paper bird crafts and creating wreaths. All activities will be held in South Falls day-use area. 

Schedule of Activities:

• Make a wreath at the Evergreen Picnic Shelter 
• Build a bird nest box at the Creekside Shelter
• Make a bird feeder or paper bird craft in the Stone Kitchen Shelter
• Attend a guided walk at the South Falls Lodge Courtyard:
  • 11 a.m.: Winter Tree ID hike (1-hour hike)
  • 12 p.m.: Mushroom ID hike (1-hour hike)
  • 2 p.m.: Mushroom ID hike (1-hour hike)
• Visit discovery tables to learn about the waterfalls in winter, the winter solstice and other seasonal topics
• Earn a commemorative Silver Falls ornament from taking part in at least six of the above activities

All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $5 per day; annual permits, normally $30, are on sale for $25 in the month of December and are available at the park. For more information, visit the event page on our calendar at stateparks.oregon.gov or call 503-874-0201.

ROSEBURG, Ore., Dec. 2, 2024 — Danielle Haskett, dean of Academic Services for Allied Health, has been promoted to the role of Chief Academic Officer at Umpqua Community College effective Dec. 2, 2024.

As Chief Academic Officer, Danielle will oversee a broad spectrum of initiatives across the College: Allied Health, General Education & Transfer, Career & Technical Education, Community Workforce Training, College and Career Readiness, and Early College partnerships. Her leadership will support student success enhancing a dynamic learning environment and ensuring that the curriculum meets the evolving professional and industry needs.

"Umpqua Community College provides life-changing opportunities for our students and community. I'm excited to use my experience, passion, and dedication to lead the Academic Services work into the future. UCC truly is the heart of Douglas County, and I’m honored to lead and support the vital work of Academic Services at our college," said Chief Academic Officer, Danielle Haskett.

Haskett will oversee UCC's academic initiatives with a focus on key strategic areas:

• New medical careers programs
• A remodeled Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Hub
• Workforce Development in forestry, welding and engineering
• Strengthening K-12 collaborations
• Ensuring strong university transfer pathways to reduce the cost of college

“We like to grow our own local talent at UCC and Danielle is a fantastic example of the wealth of smart folks doing amazing work who grew out of our local schools and community. I feel fortunate that Danielle is stepping into this role at such an important time when enrollment is strong, and we have ambitious plans for how we will serve Douglas County. Her dedication to student success makes her the perfect fit to guide Academic Services into the future,” said Rachel Pokrandt, president of UCC.

Haskett most recently served as dean of Academic Services for Allied Health and was instrumental in expanding academic programming to address community workforce needs. Her efforts led to the development of a variety of programs, including medical assisting, phlebotomy, and the expansion of registered and practical nursing. She also played a key role in securing the national accreditation for emergency services, dental, and nursing programs, ensuring high standards of education for our students.

Haskett is a proud graduate of Roseburg High School, UCC Alum and began her employment at UCC in 2009 within the Student Services Division. This role provided her with a deep understanding of departments including, Registration and Records, Advising, Financial Aid, Mental Health Counseling and Academic Services. She later transitioned to dean of Learning Support Services, overseeing significant projects such as remodeling the library and managing the student success grant. She holds a master's degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in business.

About Umpqua Community College
Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities. For more information, please visit us online at www.umpqua.edu.

Salem, Ore. - The Oregon State Fire Marshal is extending its incentive program to help Oregonians pay for defensible space projects in more communities in Oregon. The 2024 wildfire season comes as a reminder of the importance of defensible space and completing projects at home and at the community level to be better protected.

While supplies last, home and property owners in select wildfire-vulnerable communities may be eligible to receive a $250 payment following a defensible space assessment by the agency or a participating fire agency. The assessments are free and can be easily scheduled online at oregondefensiblespace.org. 

“On the heels of a record-breaking wildfire season, we know that now is the time to prepare our homes for next season,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We strongly encourage home and property owners to schedule an assessment. Taking this first step can make a significant difference in protecting your home and neighborhood from wildfire risks."

Defensible space is the area around your home and buildings managed to keep embers from having a place to land and catch fire. Creating and maintaining defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect a home during a wildfire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal understands that money may be a barrier to complete these projects and the incentive is designed to encourage people to implement the recommendations received during their assessment.

The OSFM’s defensible space program is a crucial step toward building more fire-adapted communities in the face of increasing wildfire risks. By empowering Oregonians to take proactive measures, we will reduce the impact of wildfires on lives, property, and the environment.

Eligible communities were chosen based on their vulnerability to wildfire to get money to those who need it the most. After the assessment is complete, those who qualify will receive the payment in the mail. For a full list of communities and eligibility requirements, click here.

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. 30 Nov. 2024 – On Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at about 5:13 p.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy. 213 southbound near milepost 10.5 in Clackamas County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Mazda MZ6, operated by Delfino Palacios Navarro (54), of Molalla, was traveling southbound when it crossed into the northbound travel lanes while attempting to negotiate a curve. The Mazda struck a white Ram CS5, operated by Ryan Lynch (37) of Oregon City. The impact caused the Ram to turn into the southbound lane and crash head-on into a silver Ford Escape, operated by Stacy Flintjer (60) of Mulino. 

The Mazda is believed to be the same vehicle associated with a driving complaint reported a few minutes before the crash. The driver of the Mazda (Navarro) was transported by air ambulance to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

The driver of the Ford (Flintjer) was transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation by OSP’s Collision Reconstruction Unit.  
 

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Molalla Fire Department, Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office, Life Flight, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. Members receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. 30 Nov. 2024 – Oregon State Police responds to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Hwy. 213 near Mulino. 

On Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at about 6:57 a.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 213 northbound near milepost 10 in Clackamas County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Ford Focus, operated by Lyndsey Gail Mohler (23) of Molalla, was heading southbound on Hwy. 213 when the driver lost control of the vehicle negotiating a curve and entered the northbound lanes. The vehicle collided head-on with a blue Subaru Crosstrek, operated by Shelby Ray Edwards (28) of Gresham, headed northbound.  

The operator of the Ford (Mohler) was declared deceased at the scene. 

The driver of the Subaru (Edwards) and a passenger were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation by OSP’s Collision Reconstruction Unit.  

OSP was assisted by Clackamas Fire, Molalla Fire, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. Members receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 29, 2024

NOW Showing: “Quilts & Christmas”

New Exhibit Open at the Douglas County Museum

            (Roseburg, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Chris Boice, Tim Freeman, and Tom Kress, in conjunction with staff at the Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History are pleased to announce that a new limited time exhibit at the Douglas County Museum festively titled “Quilts & Christmas,” is now open and encourage all our citizens, young and old alike to visit.  The exhibition will feature quilts, Christmas ornaments and toys from the museum’s extensive collection. The temporary exhibit is slated to run through February 2025.

The "quilt" portion of the exhibit will showcase a diverse collection of hand-stitched family quilts, each with its own unique story and craftsmanship. These quilts date back to the mid-1800s, with several having traveled along the Oregon Trail, a testament to their role in preserving warmth and comfort during one of the most significant migrations in American history. The “stars of the show” are four crazy quilts from the 1890’s to early 1900’s.  The exhibit will also highlight a stunning contrast with a modern "Graffiti" quilt from 2002, blending traditional quilting techniques with contemporary artistic expression. Hand-stitched quilts represent a rich legacy of ingenuity and provide interesting historical documentation from the earliest days of our country to the present.  These quilts, often passed down through generations, not only serve as functional items but also carry the stories and culture of the people who made them. In the earliest days of our country, quilts were essential for warmth, using available materials, often scraps of fabric, to create something both practical and beautiful. As an art form, quilting evolved significantly over time. Early American quilts were typically made with simple designs, sometimes in traditional patterns like "Log Cabin" or "Nine-Patch," reflecting the practical needs of pioneer life. In contrast, modern handstitched quilts may showcase intricate designs, personalized embroidery, and a broader array of materials. Each quilt tells a story—whether it's the history of a particular family, a cultural expression, or an artist's personal narrative. These quilts can also serve as historical documentation, reflecting the socioeconomic conditions of their time, the evolution of textile production, and the influence of changing fashion trends.  Today, both quilt makers and the public find inspiration in quilts, whether for their craftsmanship, their use of color, or their historical significance. Museums, exhibitions, and quilting communities continue to preserve and celebrate this form of artistic expression, ensuring that it remains an important part of our cultural heritage.

The "Christmas" portion of the exhibit will display a curated selection of antique and noteworthy Christmas ornaments and toys from the museum's extensive collection. Visitors will be transported through time, with delicate glass ornaments, handcrafted decorations, and vintage toys that capture the holiday spirit of past eras. These cherished items, some dating back to the early 20th century, offer a glimpse into the traditions and joys of Christmas celebrations through the years, showcasing the evolution of festive decor and the sentimental value placed on holiday treasures.  The exhibit will also showcase a selection of the 6,000 handmade ornaments created for the 2002 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. In addition, the exhibit will feature photographs capturing the journey of the tree, commemorating the year when Douglas County was chosen to provide the annual Christmas tree to the White House in Washington, D.C. This significant event in our history will be beautifully illustrated, offering visitors a glimpse into the pride and tradition behind this remarkable contribution to the nation's holiday celebrations. 

For more than 50 years, curators of the Douglas County Museum have been collecting, preserving and exhibiting natural and cultural history items.  Historically our local communities have relied on the mining, fishing, farming, transportation and timber harvesting to thrive in Douglas County.  Our museum links the connections between natural resources and these industries in their exhibits and cultural events to make history come to life.  From the snowcapped peak of Mt. Thielsen nestled in the Cascades Mountain Range, through the Umpqua River Valley, to the Coastal Mountain Range to the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean at Winchester Bay, Douglas County traverses an amazingly wide range of elevations and environments.  It is Douglas County’s ecological diversity that is showcased in Oregon’s largest natural history exhibition – “The Land of the Umpqua’s”.

The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History is located at 123 Museum Drive in Roseburg, Oregon (conveniently located off I-5 Exit 123 and adjacent to the Douglas County Fairgrounds).  It is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  It can take 1-3 hours to tour the museum depending on your pace.  The Lavola Bakken Research Library is open Tuesday through Saturday 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm. Admission is free for members, ages 0-4 are free, students 5-17 are $2.00, adults are $8.00, seniors and veterans are $5.00.  The "Museum Mercantile," the museum gift shop, offers the area’s leading source of books on Douglas County’s natural and cultural history, as well as a wide range of Oregon souvenirs and other great gift items including educational and historic toys. 

Click here for more information or to find out about volunteering at our Douglas County Museum of History & Natural History or call the Douglas County Museum at (541) 957-7007.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

The December 3, 2024  Lane ESD meeting of the Board will be held on the Lane ESD Main Campus and will begin at 5:30 p.m.  A reception will precede the Regular meeting at 5:00 p.m.  The agenda can be found at Lane Education Service District Public View - BoardBook Premier

The meetings will be conducted in-person.  Members of the public can click the link below to view the regular meeting: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82246099036

Or One tap mobile :

    +19712471195,,82246099036# US (Portland)

    +16027530140,,82246099036# US (Phoenix)

Note regarding public comment:
Procedures for Oral Public Comment
The Board establishes the following procedures for public comment at Board meetings held in open session. The information will be accessible and available to all patrons accessing or attending such a Board meeting.

1. Public comment is limited to its designated place on the agenda and while time allows.
2. A person wishing to provide public comment, if an opportunity is provided by the Board during a meeting open to the public, do so as directed prior to the Board meeting.  A request to give public comment in-person or electronically does not guarantee time will be available.
3. A person speaking during the public comment portion of the meeting may comment on a topic not on the published agenda.
4. A person speaking during the public comment portion of the meeting should state their name, whether they are a resident of the ESD, and, if speaking for an organization, the name of the organization. A spokesperson should be designated to represent a group with a common purpose.
5. A person giving public comment is limited to an established time limit of three minutes. Statements should be brief and concise. The Board chair has discretion to waive time limits or extend the overall time allotted for public comment. Additional time will be allocated in a fair and equitable manner. If a person has more comments than time allows or is unable to comment due to time constraints, the person is encouraged to submit additional written comments to the Board through the ESD office as directed.
6. Inquiries from the public during the designated portion of the agenda will not generally be responded to immediately by the Board chair, and may be referred to the superintendent for reply at a later date. The Board will not respond to inquiries that are expected to be addressed during another designated portion of the agenda.

The Board will not hear public comment at Board work sessions.  Topics raised during the public comment portion may be considered for inclusion as agenda items at future Board meetings.

Written comment can be submitted via email to supt-office@lesd.k12.or.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: November 29, 2024

One deceased in single-vehicle crash on the parkway

Salem, Ore. — At approximately 7:30 a.m. today, officers and other emergency personnel responded to a collision on the Martin Luther King JR Parkway. 

Witnesses reported the driver of a pickup truck traveling southbound slowly drove off the roadway after passing through the intersection at Broadway ST NE. The truck struck a tree and traveled back onto the roadway where the vehicle stopped. Passersby attempted to provide medical aid to the unresponsive driver before the arrival of paramedics. 

The driver, 37-year-old Brett David Dhone of Canby, was transported to Salem Health where he later died. 

The Traffic Team’s preliminary investigation indicates Dhone suffered a medical event prior to the collision. 

The parkway was closed for approximately two hours between Liberty and Broadway STS NE with the assistance of an Oregon Department of Transportation traffic control crew.

The investigation into the collision is ongoing, and there are no other details available for release.

Today’s traffic incident is the twentieth fatal collision of 2024. In all, these collisions have resulted in 21 deaths, a marked increase when compared to the same time frame in 2023 which had 11 deadly crashes resulting in 12 fatalities.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Angel M. Gomez, died November 28, 2024. Gomez was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Gomez entered DOC custody on August 16, 2024, from Multnomah County with an earliest release date of March 27, 2025. Gomez was 72 years old. 

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

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

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DRIVING DROWSY

It is always important to stay alert while driving, especially during this time of year when weather conditions can rapidly become hazardous. Driving while drowsy or tired is especially dangerous. Sleepiness slows your reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs your judgment just like drugs or alcohol. People who are very sleepy behave in similar ways to people who are drunk. Below are several safety tips to keep in mind before hitting the road. 

To remain alert and avoid drowsiness:

• Getting plenty of sleep the night before a long trip.
• If you are tired, find a safe place to stop and take a nap or have an alert passenger drive.
• Traveling at times when you are normally awake and staying overnight rather than driving straight through.
• Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles.
• Stop driving if you become sleepy. Someone who is tired could fall asleep at any time. Fatigue impacts reaction time, judgment, and vision, causing people who are very sleepy to behave in similar ways to those who are drunk.
• Avoid working all day and then driving all night.
• Drink a caffeinated beverage. Since it takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter the bloodstream, find a safe place to take a 20-30 minute nap while you’re waiting for the caffeine to take effect.
• Avoid sleepy times of day. Take a mid-afternoon nap and find a place to sleep between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Traveling with an awake passenger.

You are too tired to drive if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Having trouble keeping your eyes open and focused.
• The inability to keep your head up.
• Daydreaming or having wandering, disconnected thoughts.
• Drifting from your lane or off the road or tailgating.
• Yawning frequently or rubbing your eyes repeatedly.
• Missing signs or driving past your intended exit.
• Feeling irritable and restless.
• Being unable to remember how far you have traveled or what you have recently passed.

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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