(Portland, OR – April 2024) The Lemelson Foundation is pleased to announce the national debut of an award-winning documentary that celebrates innovation, curiosity, and resilience. American Public Television (APT) proudly presents Pathways to Invention, a documentary that follows modern inventors of diverse backgrounds and their journeys as they develop life-changing innovations.

Produced by Maaia Mark Productions in association with the Lemelson-MIT Program (and with funding from The Lemelson Foundation, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Engineering, and the University of California at Berkeley), the 60-minute special explores whether inventors are born or made through a series of engaging, up-close profiles while examining the tangible impact they’re making across a variety of disciplines including biotech, medical diagnostics and prosthetics, sustainable agriculture, food production, software development and materials science. The documentary's featured inventors were all recipients of the prestigious Lemelson-MIT Student Prize. The program will premiere in May on PBS stations nationwide, available for streaming in the PBS app and on PBS.org as well as on WORLD™. A companion website with related learning resources for all ages will launch on May 1st at pathwaystoinvention.org. 

PATHWAYS TO INVENTION explores the lives of twelve inventors – overcoming obstacles to achieve success - in cities across the country. Each shares their insightful perspective inspiring audiences to discover their own pathways to realizing their goals. Journeying through the workshops, garages, laboratories, and offices of these entrepreneurs, the film considers what it really means to take “leaps of faith” as the accomplished innovators present a realistic approach of persevering through overwhelming odds and obstacles, taking risks, and inevitably experiencing failures before achieving success and discovering that the essence of invention is collaboration, lifelong learning, and resilience. 

“We all have the power in our minds and hands to shape the world,” said Levi C. Maaia, the film’s director, a former high school educator and co-founder of Maaia Mark Productions with Noah Mark, a veteran showrunner and Executive Producer. “The goal of PATHWAYS TO INVENTION is to inspire others to think about new ways they can create solutions to benefit their own lives and humanity at large.” 

Together, Maaia and Mark have collected more than a dozen awards for the film. At the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards (LAIFFA) in the summer of 2022, it was recognized as the season's best documentary feature; Mark and Maaia as best producers; Maaia as best director of a documentary feature; and, composers Michael Mark and Jon Cobert for best original musical score.

The film seamlessly weaves together the distinctive paths of each inventor working to achieve similarly meaningful results such as:

• David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Innovation Officer and Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education for the Government of Sierra Leone, who witnessed those around him struggle with ill-fitting prosthetics that were uncomfortable to wear and designed next-generation wearable mechanical interfaces that improve comfort for amputees. 
• Nicole Black, a materials scientist whose experience growing up as a little girl grappling with hearing loss due to a perforated eardrum led to the groundbreaking formulation of a 3D-printed material – a near-perfect scaffold for the regrowth of human eardrum tissue. 
• A Fulbright Scholar visiting Uganda, Paige Balcom was inspired to develop a small-scale community recycling process in Gulu employing street-connected, at-risk youth. This supposedly “impossible” initiative was the genesis of Takataka Plastics, where Paige now serves as co-founder and is currently working to expand to five towns across Uganda, and eventually scale to other developing countries.
• Since becoming obsessed during college with the programmability of living things at a microscopic level, Geoff von Maltzahn has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to date to fund groundbreaking biotech and life sciences research. Through the management of microbes and the DNA programming of organisms big and small, Geoff and his colleagues are focused on eliminating plant pesticides, creating drought-tolerant crops, sequestering carbon, and eliminating disease.

“The key takeaway to keep in mind about the film is that it’s never too late – or too early – to get on the pathway to invention. We are all aware of problems in our daily lives, and we have what it takes to become collaborative problem-solvers and to invent solutions that can make the world a better place,” replies Stephanie Couch, PhD, Executive Director of the Lemelson-MIT Program.

Championing the idea that most inventors do not emulate the storied life of Thomas Edison nor follow the financial trajectory of Elon Musk, PATHWAYS TO INVENTION brings a relatable aspect to the journeys of each inventor. 

“We all are born curious; we all like to study the world. We like to understand it. That’s the innate curiosity that we all have, and sometimes it’s the environmental factors that drive it out of us,” says Josh Siegel, assistant professor at Michigan State University and inventor whose work focuses on designing platforms for collecting and analyzing vehicle data. “Inventing has taught me to be persistent; inventing has taught me to be creative; inventing has taught me to trust myself as I have never trusted myself before. It’s okay to be imperfect, so long as you’re better than you were. We can invent things, we can invent products, we can invent services. We can create new capabilities; we can create new knowledge. But at the end of the day, what we’re really doing is reinventing ourselves.” 

PATHWAYS TO INVENTION will launch nationally in May on public television and WORLD™ as well as will be available for streaming in the PBS app in conjunction with the release of online learning resources for educators, parents, and students at www.pathwaystoinvention.org. 

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About Maaia Mark Productions: Maaia Mark Productions is a Los Angeles-based film and TV production company focused on amplifying the voices of innovative people doing extraordinary things. By addressing systemic issues through individuals’ narratives, Maaia Mark showcases diverse contemporary innovators, artists, designers, and creators. Central to the company’s mission is spotlighting science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) and amplifying voices from historically underrepresented communities. Through engaging storytelling, Maaia Mark Productions aims to connect with a diverse audience, highlighting the social impact and transformative power of creativity and innovation. Learn more at maaiamark.com.

About Lemelson-MIT: The Lemelson-MIT Program is a national leader in efforts to prepare the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs. Their work focuses on the expansion of opportunities for people to learn ways inventors find and solve problems that matter to improve lives. Its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion aims to remedy historic inequities among those who develop inventions, protect their intellectual property, and commercialize their creations. Jerome H. Lemelson, one of U.S. history’s most prolific inventors, and his wife Dorothy founded the Lemelson-MIT Program at MIT in 1994. The Lemelson-MIT Program is funded by The Lemelson Foundation and administered by the MIT School of Engineering.

About The Lemelson Foundation: The Lemelson Foundation uses the power of invention to improve lives. Established by prolific U.S. inventor Jerome “Jerry” Lemelson and his wife Dorothy in the early 1990s, and guided today by the Lemelson family, the Foundation believes invention can solve many of the biggest economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time. A private philanthropy located in Portland, Oregon, and operating globally, The Lemelson Foundation has provided over $300 million in grants and other investments to hundreds of organizations around the world. For more information, visit http://www.lemelson.org.

About American Public Television: American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performances, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, The Indian Doctor, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Front & Center, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create^®TV — featuring the best of public television’s lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science, and documentary channel. To find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org.

Pathways to Invention: website, local listings, and trailer - pathwaystoinvention.org

On Sunday, April 28, 2024, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to the Coburg area to assist the Coburg Police Department and Lane County Sheriff’s Office with a reported shooting. The shooting in Coburg critically injured one of the involved individuals and a search ensued for the other involved suspect.

At approximately 6:00 p.m., a vehicle of interest in the Coburg shooting was reported as a driving complaint. The vehicle was located by Linn County Deputies, Lane County Deputies, and Oregon State Troopers.  A pursuit ensued northbound on Interstate 5 from exit 209. After a successful deployment of spike strips to stop the suspect vehicle, the vehicle crashed along the shoulder of Interstate 5. At the crash scene, an officer-involved shooting occurred, involving the Linn County Deputies and OSP Troopers from the pursuit.

The driver of the suspect vehicle is deceased. A passenger in the suspect vehicle was also injured during the officer-involved shooting and was transported for treatment.

No law enforcement members were injured during these incidents.

The Oregon State Police Major Crimes Team is investigating the Coburg shooting.

Pursuant to Linn County Use of Deadly Force (SB 111) protocols, the Albany Police Department is investigating the officer-involved shooting on Interstate 5, and any involved law enforcement members have been placed on paid administrative leave by their respective agencies. Any further information will be released by the Albany Police Department.
 

Linn County, Ore. 28 April 2024-

Oregon State Police and Linn County Sheriff’s Office Pursue Coburg Shooting Suspect – Results In Officer-Involved Shooting. 

On Sunday, April 28, 2024, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to the Coburg area to assist the Coburg Police Department and Lane County Sheriff’s Office with a reported shooting. The shooting in Coburg critically injured one of the involved individuals and a search ensued for the other involved suspect.

At approximately 6:00 p.m., a vehicle of interest in the Coburg shooting was reported as a driving complaint. The vehicle was located by Linn County Deputies, Lane County Deputies, and Oregon State Troopers.  A pursuit ensued northbound on Interstate 5 from exit 209. After a successful deployment of spike strips to stop the suspect vehicle, the vehicle crashed along the shoulder of Interstate 5. At the crash scene, an officer-involved shooting occurred, involving the Linn County Deputies and OSP Troopers from the pursuit. 

The driver of the suspect vehicle is deceased. A passenger in the suspect vehicle was also injured during the officer-involved shooting and was transported for treatment.

No law enforcement members were injured during these incidents.

The Oregon State Police Major Crimes Team is investigating the Coburg shooting. 

Pursuant to Linn County Use of Deadly Force (SB 111) protocols, the Albany Police Department is investigating the officer-involved shooting on Interstate 5, and any involved law enforcement members have been placed on paid administrative leave by their respective agencies. Any further information will be released by the Albany Police Department.

Members of the media are invited to an announcement regarding the winner of the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot from the April 6 drawing. 

WHEN: Monday, April 29, 1 p.m. 

WHERE: Oregon Lottery headquarters lobby, 500 Airport Road SE, Salem 

There will be parking marked and reserved for media at the north end of the lot. Media members are also welcome to park in open spots.  

WHAT: The jackpot winner will be revealed and available to answer brief questions. Oregon Lottery officials will also be available. 

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Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a fire in a downtown business in Eugene Sunday night. Firefighters were called to 191 E Broadway where a business owner reported seeing a fire starting on their security camera and called 911.  Thanks to the early notification, Firefighters were able to arrive quickly and contain the fire to a workbench without damaging the structure.  Preliminary information suggests the fire was caused by a lithium battery, but the Fire Marshal’s office will investigate further.  

On April 27, 2024, at approximately 1:11 PM a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a dark-colored minivan driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed traveling east on Highway 20 near Crystal Creek Loop in Eddyville. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the vehicle yielded. The driver of the vehicle immediately exited and was uncooperative and refused to follow the deputy’s commands. The deputy deployed a Taser, which struck the driver but was ineffective. The driver returned to his vehicle and fled from the deputy east on Highway 20. The deputy pursued the vehicle east to the Lincoln County line and into Benton County. Multiple times during the pursuit the driver was observed throwing items from his vehicle. Spike strips were deployed several times, but the driver swerved around them.

Benton County Sheriff’s Deputies took over the pursuit as the vehicle continued to flee east into the City of Philomath. The vehicle turned around and fled west on Highway 20 back into Lincoln County. 

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies took over the pursuit and the vehicle continued to attempt to elude deputies. The vehicle’s tires were eventually deflated by a spike strip deployed at Highway 20 and Pioneer Mountain Loop by a Sergeant with the Oregon State Police. The pursuit terminated on Highway 20 west of Pioneer Mountain Loop. 

Once the vehicle was stopped, the driver, later identified as 33-year-old Gregory Noll of Vancouver, Washington, refused to exit the vehicle. After a short time, Noll exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. 

After being medically cleared at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, Noll was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail. His charges include Reckless Driving, Attempt to Elude, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Endangering, Interfering with a Police Officer, and Offensive Littering. No injuries to the suspect or officers were reported.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank the following agencies for their assistance during this incident: Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, City of Newport Police Department, and the City of Toledo Police Department. 

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Update

Shortly before 6:00 am this morning, April 27, 2024, deputies were dispatched to the report of a shot being fired inside of a home in the 4800 block of Buffalo Drive SE in the unincorporated area of East Salem. Sheriff’s Office SWAT was called to the scene after one of the people refused to exit the home. Deputies were able to get the involved 58-year-old female to surrender peacefully.

There were no injuries during this incident and investigators are continuing to process the scene. Due to this being an active investigation, no additional information is available at this time. 

Due to heavy police activity, the Marion County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to stay out of the 4800 block of Buffalo Dr. SE at this time. 

Update  

The road is now reopened.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is advising a road closure from Delaney and Parrish Gap to Parrish Gap and Hunsacker until further notice. We will advise as soon as the road closure is clear. 

Update  

The road is now reopened.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is advising a road closure from Delaney and Parrish Gap to Parrish Gap and Hunsacker until further notice. We will advise as soon as the road closure is clear. 

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On April 26, 2024, at about 1:45 pm, detectives from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) made contact with the suspect of a recent hit and run on Highway 20 near Hyak Park that killed pedestrian Deborah Rosemary Haikkila, of Albany.

Brenda Lopez Lopez, 24, of Albany, was arrested and charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Criminal Negligent Homicide, Aggravated Driving While Suspended, Assault in the Third Degree, and Fail to Perform Duties of Driver to Injured Persons. Lopez Lopez was booked and lodged at the Benton County Jail.

BCSO would like to thank the community for their support and tips generated during this investigation and continues to seek information from witnesses for this incident by calling 541-753-TIPS (8477) or email BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.

###

By fingerprints, BCSO detectives identified the female as Deborah Rosemary Haikkila, of Albany; she had not been reported missing.

BCSO asks the community to continue to call in tips on black Toyota Corolla Cross and similar vehicles with damage to the front passenger side to 541-753-8477.
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April 25 @ 11:11 am
CORVALLIS, Ore. – BCSO investigators have identified the victim in this recent incident. The 29-year-old female’s name is being withheld pending contact of next of kin.

Investigators are seeking information on a newer model black Toyota Corolla Cross that may have been involved. The vehicle should have recent front-end passenger-side damage.

Please call 541-753-8477 or email entonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov">BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov if you have information that may lead detectives to the driver.
###

April 24, 2024 @ 7:50 pm
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is currently investigating a possible hit and run involving a deceased unidentified female estimated to be between 20-40 years old. 

The involved vehicle is currently unknown but could be a black Toyota, unknown model, with potential damage to the front passenger side.

The incident occurred on Highway 20 near Hyak Park, between Albany and Corvallis.

At about 3:00 p.m. today, law enforcement was notified of the deceased female by a local farmer.

Investigators believe the incident took place sometime within the last couple of days.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact BCSO at 541-766-6858 or call their tip line at 541-753-8477(TIPS) to remain anonymous.

Further details will be provided as they become available.
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May 3, 2024

The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2024. This will be a virtual meeting. You can find all relevant meeting materials on our website. The Housing Stability Council helps to lead OHCS to meet the housing and services needs of low- and moderate-income Oregonians by:

• Establishing and supporting OHCS’ strategic direction
• Fostering constructive partnerships across the state
• Setting policy and issue funding decisions
• Lending their unique expertise to the policy and program development of the agency

Register in advance for this meeting. Please note the new public hearing process:

Public comment is limited to council decisions on awarding loans, grants, or funding awards. Commenters will be allotted five (5) minutes per topic unless time is extended by the chair. (ORS 456.561)

In the event public hearing time expires and you are unable to speak or you have comments regarding another topic not related to the agenda items, please submit your comments in writing via ilityCouncil@hcs.oregon.gov">email or USPS.

To mail in comments, please use this address:

Oregon Housing and Community Services
Attn: Oregon Housing Stability Council Assistant
725 Summer St. NE Suite B
Salem, OR 97301​

AGENDA

9:00: Meeting Called to Order

9:05: Report of the Chair

9:15: Report of the Director

9:30: Housing Stabilization Division (pg. 4)
          Liz Weber, Interim Director of Housing Stabilization Division

• Youth Emergency Housing Assistance (YEHA): Judy Hui-Pasquini, Homeless Services Policy Strategist

10:00: Homeownership Division (pg. 12) 
            Keeble Giscombe, Director of Homeownership Division

• Public Hearing comments in accordance with ORS 456.561
• Homeownership Development NOFA Recommendations: Jessica MacKinnon, Senior Homeownership Development Program Analyst

10:30: 15-minute break

10:45: Affordable Rental Housing Division (pg. 28)
           Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Director of Affordable Rental Housing Division

• Public Hearing comments in accordance with ORS 456.561
• Transactions: Tai-Dunson Strane, Assistant Director Production
  • College View Apartments
  • Cypress Hills
  • MountainView Townhomes
• Renaissance Commons (f.k.a., REACH Argyle) Bond Refunding and Reissuance and Bond Charge Recommendations: Hattie Iott, Production Manager; Tai-Dunson Strane, Assistant Director Production
• Funding Resources & Set-asides Recommendation: Mitch Hannoosh, Senior Operations and Policy Analyst; Roberto Franco, Assistant Director Development Resources; Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Director
• Evaluation Standards Recommendation: Mitch Hannoosh, Senior Operations and Policy Analyst; Rick Ruzicka, Assistant Director Planning and Policy
• Construction Loan Guarantee Framework Recommendation: Mitch Hannoosh, Senior Operations and Policy Analyst

12:00: Meeting Adjourned

April 26, 2024

Media Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi meets with Portland Metro-area health leaders as part of regional tours

PORTLAND, Ore. — Sejal Hathi, M.D., MBA, director of Oregon Health Authority (OHA), deepened her engagement with Portland's health care community this week, visiting several key organizations including the Miracles Club, Virginia Garcia Wellness Center and Central City Concern.

Her visit is part of a broader, months-long state tour to identify and center the priorities of all Oregon communities in OHA’s strategic planning.

One of Dr. Hathi’s first stops was at the Miracles Club, a Measure 110 grantee that provides peer support and sober housing to Portland’s Black community.

“This is an organization exclusively dedicated to serving a population that has, for too long, gone unserved,” she observed. “They understand the judgment and  stigmatization this population faces. And still they carry that, and meet them where they are, by investing in peers with lived experience, by building relationships, and by intentionally fostering community, which we know is foundational to sustained recovery.”

Watch a video of what Dr. Hathi observed during her Portland visit. 

Discussions with leaders from local public health, mental health agencies, and Trillium Community Health Plan emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration across health services.

"We need to do a better job integrating health care with public health – across data systems, programs, and funding streams – to more effectively address the most pressing local needs around behavioral health, homelessness and poverty," Dr. Hathi said.

The following day, Dr. Hathi visited the Virginia Garcia Wellness Center, touring its facilities and a custom mobile clinic that delivers medical and dental care to community sites. She also participated in a roundtable discussion with the Oregon Primary Care Association about the challenges faced by federally qualified health centers delivering vital safety-net care amid workforce shortages.

Dr. Hathi's tour concluded at Central City Concern, which provides behavioral and physical health care to nearly 14,000 individuals in the Portland metro area toward a goal of ending homelessness. Dr. Hathi pointed to Central City Concern’s Mobile Health program, which uses custom-made vans to deliver primary care, behavioral health and community health outreach services to the unhoused population, as one of many examples of the “spirit of innovation” that first drew her to Oregon. But there’s more work to do.

“I know we can do more to support one another, to bridge our silos and to work together as county and state, to better serve vulnerable Oregonians, especially those grappling with behavioral health crises,” she said.

Dr. Hathi will spend the next month making the final few visits of her statewide listening tour – meeting with and talking to community leaders, health care providers, Tribal leaders, local public health officials, and non-profit partners about their biggest needs from the state and OHA – to ensure those needs are represented and addressed as she shapes the agency’s next chapter.

Here is a link to B-roll footage, an audio file and still pictures from Dr. Hathi's most recent trip

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: April 26, 2024

Salem man arrested in child sex abuse case

Salem, Ore. — A Salem man is in custody in Illinois on child sex abuse charges stemming from an incident earlier this month at a northeast Salem business.

Jason Patrick Mikel, age 28, was arrested Thursday, April 25, as part of an investigation into the sexual abuse of a small child at a variety store in the 2700 block of Lancaster DR NE on the evening of April 1, 2024.

The child’s mother reported that while shopping, she lost sight of her daughter and found the three-year-old in Mikel’s arms. The mother confronted the unknown suspect, who put the child down and fled the store. Through a forensic interview conducted by Liberty House, a child abuse assessment center, Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives learned the child had been harmed in the encounter.

Investigators identified Mikel as the suspect and presented their findings to a Marion County Grand Jury on April 19. Mikel was indicted on the following charges:

• Attempted unlawful sexual penetration, first-degree
• Sex abuse, first-degree
• Attempted kidnapping, first-degree

Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined Mikel fled Oregon to the village of Minooka, a small suburb of Chicago, Illinois. With assistance from the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office Proactive Unit, and the Minooka Police and Channahon Police Departments, Mikel was arrested without incident. He is currently lodged at the Grundy County Jail and awaits extradition to Oregon.

Salem Police thanks the FBI, the deputies of the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, and the police officers from the communities of Minooka and Channahon for their assistance in apprehending Mikel. 

Gratitude is also extended to the staff of Liberty House. The organization is an essential partner in law enforcement’s work to investigate and bring justice to the most vulnerable of our community. We invite residents to learn more about the organization’s work and resources.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018 

PORTLAND, OR (April 26, 2024) - PacifiCorp became the first entity in the Western United States to formally commit to a regional coordinated energy market by signing an implementation agreement this week with the California ISO for its Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM).

The EDAM is a voluntary day-ahead electricity market designed to deliver significant reliability, economic, and environmental benefits to balancing areas and utilities throughout the West. Tariff changes allowing the EDAM were approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in December 2023, and the market is on track to become operational in 2026.

PacifiCorp, a Portland-based grid operator that serves customers in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, was also the first to publicly announce its intent to join the EDAM in December 2022 to expand on benefits it currently realizes from participation in the ISO’s real-time Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM).

“We are excited to formalize our agreement to become a participant in the EDAM,” said Cindy Crane, chief executive officer for PacifiCorp. “A modern, coordinated day-ahead market in the West is vital to optimizing the region’s energy resources so we can continue to provide reliable and affordable power to our 2 million electricity customers across six states.”

“The momentum we are seeing for participation in the EDAM is very encouraging, and PacifiCorp’s formal commitment brings better definition to the vision of a regional day-ahead electricity market,” said Elliot Mainzer, president and CEO of the ISO. “This is a major piece of a truly collaborative effort to support reliability and affordability for electricity customers by leveraging resource diversity and transmission connectivity across the footprint of the Western grid. We now look forward to continue working with additional valued partners in the West to take the next steps in a fully integrated regional market.”

The WEIM is a real-time energy market that was established by PacifiCorp and the ISO in 2014. It has produced more than $5.6 billion in cumulative economic efficiencies and enhanced reliability by leveraging transmission connectivity and resource diversity across a broad geographical footprint covering 22 entities in 11 states. The market now represents 79 percent of the electricity load in the Western Interconnection. 

WEIM participation has delivered more than $745 million in savings to PacifiCorp customers. 

The WEIM optimizes the energy imbalances throughout the West by transferring energy between participants in 15-minute and 5-minute intervals throughout the day. The proposed EDAM builds on this real-time market by expanding to a high volume of resource commitments made a day in advance, unlocking far greater market efficiencies and value.

The PacifiCorp implementation agreement is a provision of the ISO tariff, and became effective upon signing of both parties on April 25. PacifiCorp is expected to begin participation in the EDAM in spring 2026.

Currently, four entities have informed the ISO of their interest in joining the EDAM: PacifiCorp, Balancing Authority of Northern California, Portland General Electric, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. A fifth entity, Idaho Power has indicated it is leaning toward the EDAM as its preferred day-ahead market.

For more information, visit the newly launched EDAM webpage on the westerneim.com website.

# # #

Join us for a springtime train ride in vintage and open air rail cars along the Willamette River in the heart of Portland. Spring brings out the best in Oregon’s landscape and wildlife, offering an opportunity to glimpse of a bevy of deer!

Snacks and adult & kid-friendly beverages will be available for purchase. Onboard activities for kids of all ages.

Saturday, May 11 – 1:00pm, 2:30pm and 4:00pm

Tickets: $20 for adults and $15 for kiddos 3-12. $18 for military and seniors. Children 2 and under ride free (on lap)

45-minute round-trip train rides pulled by the BNSF 3613 diesel locomotive will depart from the Enginehouse at 2250 SE Water Avenue in Portland.

In addition, we will have a steam locomotive displayed on the turntable and will offer demonstrations of a full rotation every hour beginning at 1:00pm.

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Cave Junction, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to more than 14 years in federal prison Thursday for illegally possessing methamphetamine and 12 firearms while on state supervision.

William Thomas Gillespie, 39, was sentenced to 173 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

“This lengthy prison sentence is a just outcome for a man who poses a significant danger to the community. We thank our partners on the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team for their dedication and commitment over many months to bringing Mr. Gillespie to justice,” said Nathan J. Lichvarick, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices.

“With Mr. Gillespie’s lengthy criminal record involving drug distribution, illegal firearms, and flight from supervised release, this significant sentence is well warranted,” said Jonathan Blais, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division. “ATF will always investigate those who endanger our communities and citizens through their illegal actions.”

According to court documents, on April 6, 2020, Gillespie was arrested in White City, Oregon attempting to deliver approximately 174 grams of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, he possessed six baggies of methamphetamine and a digital scale. After Gillespie consented to a search of his residence, investigators located and seized 12 firearms, including an AR-15 and multiple AK-style rifles. Three of the firearms were found to be stolen and one had an obliterated serial number.

On November 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Gillespie with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, illegally possessing a short-barrel rifle, and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

On June 23, 2021, Gillespie was released from custody pending trial, and, on August 1, 2022, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

On January 2023, Gillespie absconded from his supervised release and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On September 13, 2023, Gillespie was located and arrested in Bandon, Oregon.

This case was investigated by the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team (RADE), a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. RADE includes members from Oregon State Police, the Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Probation & Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

This case was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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On April 25^th, 2024, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of an assault that had just occurred at an adult foster care facility in the 90700blk of Prairie Rd. in Eugene. Deputies learned that a resident, 46-year-old Levi Nelson, was being violent with other residents and had intentionally struck another resident in the face. 

Upon arrival, deputies attempted to speak with Nelson at which time he tried to grab one of the deputy’s tasers from her duty belt.  The deputy took hold of his arm at which time he pulled away and then began striking her in the head/neck area with a closed fist.  Nelson grabbed hold of another deputy’s holstered firearm as they struggled to get him under control.  Deputies were able to eventually overpower Nelson and get him into custody without any serious injuries being sustained by any of the involved parties. 

Nelson was transported and lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including Physical Harassment and two counts of Assault on a Public Safety Officer.

The Oregon State Marine Board held its quarterly hybrid meeting in Astoria and by Microsoft Teams on April 24, 2024. The Board approved policy options to include in the agency’s recommended budget and statewide boating facility grants.

Agency leadership discussed the 2025-2027 budget and policy development processes. The agency will focus on improving customer service and seeking approval to increase waterway access funding limitation to meet the volume of Waterway Access Grant requests.  

A total of seven facility grant applications were received for the agency’s Cycle 2 grant opportunity. The grant applications identified $2.6 million in project needs and applicants requested $1,547,500 from the agency’s funding for the 2023-2025 biennium. The Board conditionally approved the projects where Waterway Access Grant dollars were requested. The agency will be asking the E-Board for more spending limitation of available funds for the conditionally approved projects.

• Bend Park & Recreation District, Miller’s Landing: Install an accessible nonmotorized boat launch with a transfer bench, maneuver area, and a life jacket loaner station. The Board conditionally approved $300,000 in Waterway Access Grant funds combined with a cash match of $395,734 for a total project cost of $695,734.
  
   
• City of Tigard, Cook Park: Replace the 27-year-old wooden boarding docks with new aluminum boarding docks. The Board conditionally approved $51,465 in Waterway Access Grant funds and $22,035 in Boating Facility Grant funds, combined with $388,700 of applicant match, for a total project cost of $462,200.
  
   
• Port of Bandon, Port Marina: Construct a restroom with stalls for the public and a shower room for marina users The Board conditionally approved $27,000 in Waterway Access Grant funds, $50,000 Boating Facility Grant funds, and $50,000 in federal Boating Infrastructure Grant funds, combined with $246,327.50 of applicant match for a total project cost of $351,596.50.
  
   
• Port of Columbia County, Scappoose Bay: Purchase one nonmotorized boat launching dock with a transfer bench, non-slip decking, and grab bars. The Board conditionally approved $65,000 in Waterway Access Grant funds, combined with $100,000 of applicant match for a total project cost of $165,000.
  
   
• Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department, Mongold State Park: Replace and install self-adjusting boarding docks. The Board approved $103,125 in Boating Facility Grant funds, combined with $494,375 of applicant match for a total project cost of $597,500.  
  
   
• Jackson County, Emigrant Lake West: Replace and install self-adjusting boarding docks. The Board approved $51,250 in Boating Facility Grant funds combined with $233,750 of applicant match for a total project cost of $285,000.00.
  
   
• City of St. Helens, Courthouse Docks: Repair the short-term tie-up docks and improve tie-up capabilities to maximize dock space and replace one section of the debris boom. The Board conditionally approved $61,000 in Boating Facility Grant funds, combined with $139,000 of applicant match for a total project cost of $200,000. 

To view the meeting replay and materials, visit the Marine Board’s Public Meetings page. 

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Lane County Public Health (LCPH) has confirmed a new case of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) in a recent uptick in cases. This new case closely follows 12 recently reported cases and brings the total to 13 pertussis cases in April 2024. Several of the recent cases are not linked.

These recent cases indicate community spread of pertussis in Lane County. LCPH strongly recommends staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations. This is very important for infants, young children, those with underlying medical conditions and their close contacts. We want to protect these vulnerable groups who are more likely to develop severe whooping cough.

Pertussis vaccination can usually be obtained from a primary care provider such as a pediatrician, family physician, internal medicine physician, or nurse practitioner. Calling ahead to confirm pertussis vaccine availability is recommended. Those who do not have a primary care provider can contact a pharmacy or their health plan. For those without insurance, contacting a federally qualified health center may be a good option. 

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It can cause severe coughing fits (up to 10 weeks or more), followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in. Vomiting and exhaustion may also follow. Pertussis can lead to serious complications, especially in infants, such as pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and brain damage. Some infants may not cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) or struggle to breathe.

See a doctor as soon as possible if you or your child is experiencing symptoms, such as runny nose, fever and coughing violently and rapidly.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or your child is:

·        Struggling to breathe

·        Turning blue or purple

The best way to protect you and your loved ones is to stay up to date with recommended pertussis vaccines, DTaP and Tdap. It is recommended that infants and children complete a series of DTaP doses, while adolescents should receive one dose of Tdap, preferably at age 11 or 12 years old. Women should get a Tdap dose during the third trimester of each pregnancy to help protect their babies early in life. Those regularly around young infants such as family and household members should especially ensure they are up to date with recommended pertussis vaccines.

With Lane County’s vaccination coverage rate declining since the pandemic, there is increased risk for continued disease spread in our community. Parents who are hesitant about vaccination are encouraged to discuss their concerns with their child’s healthcare provider.

If you are diagnosed with pertussis, take antibiotics as prescribed and avoid contact with others until you are no longer contagious. People can spread the bacteria from the start of the very first symptoms and for up to three weeks after coughing fits begin. Taking antibiotics early in the illness may shorten the amount of time someone is contagious. If you are interested in learning more about symptoms and treatment access the CDC website.

LCPH recommends practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause pertussis and other respiratory illnesses:

·        Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

·        Throw away used tissues in a waste basket right away.

·        Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow if you don’t have a tissue. Never cough into your hands as germs can be spread this way.

·        Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

·        Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

For more information about pertussis (whooping cough), please visit the CDC website., at https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html

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ALLEGANY, Oregon— Join park rangers for the first Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area spring clean-up event 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18.

Volunteers will help clean up the parking area and conduct trail work at the park, which is about 25 miles northeast of Coos Bay. There will be something for everyone to help with. Lend a hand and help get the park ready before summer begins. Please sign up at https://form.jotform.com/240576122083047. 

Participants should be prepared to travel a short distance on uneven ground and trails to the service site. Service will take place outdoors, and volunteers should be comfortable wearing work gloves and using hand tools.

Dress for the weather. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Remember to bring a water bottle, sack lunch and work gloves if you have them (some will be provided if not). Snacks will be provided. 

If you have questions about the event, email ranger Jess at d@oprd.oregon.gov">jess.hayward@oprd.oregon.gov.

If you need to contact staff on the day of the event, please call park ranger Jake at 541-294-0644 or Ranger Jess at 541-888-3732.

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of River Rd and Ruby Ave in North Eugene Thursday night.  Two people were transported to the an area hospital with serious injuries.  Expect delays for investigation and clean up.  

On April 18^th, 2024, Lincoln City Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police, Toledo Police, and Oregon State Police conducted joint investigations into Child Luring crimes in Lincoln County. During the investigations, officers posed as underage children on various online social media platforms and were contacted by two separate adult men who were offering to meet up for a sexual encounter. The following arrests were made during the course of these investigations:

Jagdeep Singh, age 23 of Salem, was arrested after attempting to meet with a child for sex at an undisclosed location in Lincoln City. Singh was charged with Luring a Minor and Online Sex Corruption of a Child 1^st Degree, and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail.

Alec Adams, age 27 of Depoe Bay, was arrested after offering to meet with a child for sex at an undisclosed location in Lincoln County. Adams was charged with Luring a Minor and Online Sex Corruption of a Child 2^nd Degree, and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail.

The Lincoln City Police would like to express our thanks to all the local law enforcement agencies who took part in this joint operation working together in partnership to keep all of our Lincoln County citizens safe. A special thank you is also sent out to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Lake Oswego Police Department for their assistance with the operation. 

The Lincoln City Police 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.

Submitted by: Lieutenant Jeffrey Winn

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Richard L. Kerns, died the morning of April 25, 2024. Kerns was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Kerns entered DOC custody on May 3, 2005, from Lane County with an earliest release date of February 14, 2030. Kerns was 86 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 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.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE MORAL FITNESS

WORKGROUP MEETING

SCHEDULED

Notice of Scheduled Meeting

The DPSST Criminal Justice Moral Fitness Workgroup will meet at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 6, 2024, in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Jennifer Howald at 503-551-3258 or .howald@dpsst.oregon.gov">jennifer.howald@dpsst.oregon.gov.

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST

Agenda Items 

1. Introductions

2. Ineligibility Periods
    Carried over from March 30, 2024

3. Recent Legislation and Current Practices
    Carried over from January 29, 2024 & March 30, 2024

4. Administrative Closure Criteria

5. Policy Committee Case Review Processes

6. Next Workgroup Meeting: TBD

Administrative Statement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law. This meeting is being streamed live on the DPSST YouTube page and will be recorded in the form of minutes. Discussion of issues will only be conducted by workgroup members. Please be mindful of comments and side conversations.

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada — The Northwest Wildland Fire Protection Agreement (NW Compact) is excited to announce the addition of the State of Hawaii as its newest member.

The NW Compact was created in 1998 and is one of eight forest fire fighting Compacts currently operating across North America. The purpose of the NW Compact is to promote effective prevention, suppression, and control of forest fires in the Northwest wildland region of the United States and Western areas of Canada. It provides an efficient way for member states, provinces, and territories to cope with wildland fires that might be beyond the capabilities of a single member agency, through information sharing, technology and resource distribution.

The NW Compact is operated by member states, provinces and territories, who include:

• Alberta
• Yukon Territory
• Saskatchewan
• Northwest Territories
• British Columbia
• Alaska
• Idaho
• Washington
• Oregon
• Montana

And now, Hawaii.

Despite being a sub-tropical island chain with lush tropical forests, wildfire in the State of Hawaii  is an increasing problem, especially with climate change affecting temperatures, rainfall patterns and extreme events like the powerful winds that led to the catastrophic fires in August 2023. In Hawaii, the proportion of land area burnt on an annual basis is comparable to that in western states.  

Hawaii also has a unique biota that evolved without the frequent occurrence of wildfire, which today is often fueled by land use changes and introduction of invasive species. The compact will be another way for Hawaii to address this increasing threat to its environment and communities.

Hawaii’s decision to join the NW compact was due to the need for additional firefighting resources in the state. The compact enables the exchange of resources with other compact members to improve wildfire response capacity in Hawaii.  It will allow Hawaii-based wildland firefighters to gain experience by assisting with wildland firefighting efforts on the North American continent while also allowing the state to call on assistance from other members in the compact, thereby benefiting all compact members.

(Springfield, Ore.) April 25, 2024—PacificSource Community Solutions, part of the PacificSource family of companies that provides Medicaid services, has provided a $4 million low-interest loan to help Homes for Good Housing Agency increase the production of affordable housing across Lane County. The funding, sourced from PacificSource’s Lane County Coordinated Care Organization’s reserves, will support a wide array of pre-construction actions, including land acquisition, design services, cost estimating, and environmental reviews. 

The loan terms include a low interest rate of 0.33%, to be repaid annually. This loan coupled with other Homes for Good funds that are dedicated to housing production will increase Homes for Good's capacity to deliver affordable housing production to address the housing crisis in Lane County. 

“This transformational loan is the result of a dynamic partnership between Homes for Good and PacificSource Community Solutions to address health disparities experienced by low-income Lane County residents by building more affordable housing. Access to flexible pre-development funding is crucial to increasing housing production in our community,” said Homes for Good Executive Director Jacob Fox. 

PacificSource Community Solutions has been working closely with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) over the past several years on a plan to allow Coordinated Care Organizations to utilize cash reserves and execute a loan with a local housing entity to support housing efforts.

“OHA is proud to be part of this first-of-its-kind local partnership utilizing Medicaid reserves to support more affordable housing to people in Lane County and lift up the work that Homes for Good is doing,” said Dave Baden, deputy director for programs and policy. “Looking for ways to support local efforts through flexible policy and investing in health-related social needs like housing is vital to improving health outcomes in Oregon.”

“We extend our gratitude to the OHA for their instrumental role in facilitating this loan program, a pivotal initiative aligning with our overarching mission to enhance the well-being of our communities. Housing stands as a cornerstone of this endeavor, and their support underscores its critical importance in fostering thriving, resilient communities,” said Erin Fair Taylor PacificSource’s vice president of Medicaid plans. “Most importantly, these funds will help address social determinants of health needs for the community, provide housing security for low-income residents, and target housing development in areas with access to jobs, schools, health care, and transportation.”

About PacificSource Community Solutions:

PacificSource Community Solutions is part of the PacificSource family of companies that provides Medicaid services to Central Oregon and the Columbia Gorge, as well as Lane, Marion, and Polk Counties. 

Founded in 1933, PacificSource Health Plans is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. PacificSource has staff that live and work locally to serve our members throughout Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs more than 1,900 people and serves over 600,000 individuals throughout the Greater Northwest. For more information, visit PacificSource.com.

About Homes for Good:

Homes for Good is Lane County’s housing agency and our primary work is to help low-income residents with the logistics of affordable housing. At a higher level, we are neighbors united to get every Lane County resident who needs help, into a home. For more information visit HomesforGood.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: April 25, 2024

Man arrested in domestic assault, kidnapping case

Salem, Ore. — Early this morning, a Salem man was arrested today in northeast Salem as part of a domestic assault and kidnapping investigation. 

Agustin Caldaza Sierra, age 25 of Salem, was sought in an incident that occurred on April 18 in which he assaulted a former girlfriend, then forced her and her children into his vehicle. The woman reported being able to escape from the vehicle as the suspect drove. The children were later found safe, however, the suspect fled. 

Through the investigation, detectives located Sierra and arrested him without incident at an apartment in the 4100 block of Satter DR NE.

Sierra is lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

• Kidnaping in the first degree, three counts
• Strangulation
• Burglary in the first degree
• Menacing
• Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
• Coercion
• Assault in the fourth degree
• Harassment
• Custodial interference
• Stalking

All further inquiries into this investigation should be directed to Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

If you know of someone experiencing domestic abuse, reach out to a victim advocate with the Salem Police Domestic Violence Response Team for information and connection to helpful resources in our community. Call 503-588-6499 or find more information online.

# # #

Please see attached

PUC SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON PACIFIC POWER’S 
PROPOSED RATE INCREASE
Spanish translation services available

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting a virtual event for the public to comment on Pacific Power’s general rate case filing that proposed an increase to electricity rates. This event, held Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. PDT, provides the opportunity to speak directly to the commissioners about the proposed rate increase. Customers may also submit comments in writing or by phone through June 14, 2024.

Pacific Power, which provides electric services to 627,000 Oregon customers, filed a request to increase overall revenues by $322.3 million or approximately 17.9% for all customer types combined. If approved, residential single-family customers using an average of 950 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month would see a bill increase of $30.66. For a residential customer in a multi-family home using an average of 650 kWh per month, bills would increase by $18.51. Actual percentage increases will vary depending on customer type and usage. 

Pacific Power’s proposed impacts for the different customer types due to the general rate case filing are noted in the chart below

 Pacific Power identifies several reasons driving the general rate case filing, including investments in transmission infrastructure, wind generation to serve customer load, upgrading the customer service system, increased costs of capital to reflect updated market conditions and risk, and wildfire and vegetation management related costs. The company also proposes an insurance cost adjustment and funding for a proposed catastrophic fire fund. 

Pacific Power’s general rate case filing is undergoing a nearly year-long review and will be fully investigated on behalf of electricity customers by the PUC, the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, and others. This public comment event is part of that investigation, which will conclude in December when the Commissioners rule on the request. The Commissioners may approve or modify Pacific Power’s request and will only approve rate increases if fully justified by the company. New rates, if approved, are expected to go into effect January 1, 2025. 

In a separate filing, which would also go into effect January 1, 2025, Pacific Power proposed an update to its annual power costs, which is currently forecast to be a decrease in rates of about 1%.

Comment via Zoom or phone on April 30

When:        Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. PDT
This meeting may go beyond the scheduled end time to allow more people to comment, so please log in before 7 p.m. 

Access the Zoom link and phone-in details at: https://bit.ly/44bnMi6

Spanish translation services are available for community convenience at no cost. For those needing translation services, log into the Zoom platform and select English or Spanish on the bottom of the page. Translation services are not available for the meeting phone-in option.

Submit comments directly to the PUC by June 14, 2024

• Public Comment Form online
• email licComments@puc.oregon.gov">PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov  
• Call 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted) 
• Mail comments to: Oregon Public Utility Commission, Attn: AHD – UE 433, PO Box 1088, Salem OR 97308-1088
   

Stay Informed

To stay informed throughout this case, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify Docket No. UE 433 in the request.

# # #

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.

Having visible house numbers to identify your address is important for guests, mail delivery, and of course, emergency personnel. It is much harder for emergency responders to find your home if your house number is not clearly displayed. Depending on the lighting and placement, your house numbers may not be visible from the street, especially at night. A poorly placed number can cost precious time in an emergency. Consider the following guidelines to help increase visibility as you display your house number.

On Your House

1. The number should be posted so that it is visible from both directions of street travel.
2. Trees, bushes, and other debris should not block visibility from the road.
3. Numbers should be placed above eye level, near the front door and well-lit at night.
4. Avoid placing numbers away from the front door such as above garage doors.

On Your Mailbox

1. Remember to mark both sides and the front of your mailbox. Do not use your mailbox as the only means of identification for your house. Numbers on the mailbox door may be great for your mail carrier, but they can be difficult to be seen by drivers during an emergency.
2. The numbers on the mailbox need to be highly visible. Remember to use high-contrast stickers or paint when adding your numbers to the mailbox. White numbers on a black mailbox are a great choice for visibility. Shiny silver numbers on a black mailbox are NOT very visible.
3. Another high-visibility option is to mount a sign above or below the mailbox. Again, use contrasting colors such as white on black.
4. If your mailbox is not in front of your house or near your driveway, emergency responders cannot use this to locate you. To help emergency responders locate your house faster, place your house number on your house or on a signpost in your yard.

Address Signs

1. The bigger, the better. The numbers should be at least four inches tall if displayed on a house or sign. Use boldface type that is wide.
2. Address signs should be placed about two feet from the driveway in the direction of the house.
3. Pick a color that will contrast with the background. If your house is a dark color, the address sign should be light so that the number stands out and can be viewed from the street. For example, a black number is perfect on a white house. A white number will also show clearly on a brick house.
4. Ensure the address sign is well-lit, especially at night.
5. Use caution with brass or bronze numbers as they are difficult to see on many backgrounds.

Following these guidelines can save valuable time in the event of an emergency by allowing emergency responders to find your home faster. Help us help you!

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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Over the past two days, Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives have responded with our partners to three high profile events: the rescue of a kidnapped baby by a double homicide suspect; the homicide of a woman outside of Junction City; and the homicide of a woman in the River Road area.  Due to resource levels, many of the of the same Deputies and Detectives responded to all three events.  

Today, April 25^th at noon, the Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a press event to discuss these incidents.  The press-only event will be held at the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, 125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene.  For more information, contact the number below.  

UPDATE - Suspect arrested for murder in California

Early this morning, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office was advised by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office in California that they arrested Kelley on our warrant for Murder in the Second Degree.  He was arrested without incident and the involved vehicle was recovered.  Kelley is being held pending extradition to Oregon.  

We would like to thank the Oregon State Police, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, and many other partners who assisted on this case.  

--
On April 24^th 2024, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a deceased adult female at a residence in the 28000 block of Hwy. 36 south of Junction City. Upon arrival, investigators observed the deceased had suspicious injuries that may have contributed to her death. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 49-year-old John Jay Kelley of Eugene.  He is considered a person of interest at this time. Kelley is described as a white male adult with brown hair, green eyes, weighing approximately 220 pounds and standing approximately 5’08” tall.  Kelley is possibly driving a silver 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV bearing Oregon license plate #532PMQ.

Kelley is considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone aware of his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him. 

The vehicle depicted is similar in make and model but not the actual vehicle driven by the person of interest in this case

EUGENE, Ore.—A North Bend, Oregon man suspected of abusing multiple children has been indicted in federal court.

Christopher Jay Young, 39, has been charged in a two-count indictment with attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and attempting to coerce and entice a minor.

According to the indictment, on or about January 20, 2024, Young is alleged to have knowingly and intentionally persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and record the conduct. Young’s crimes involving one minor victim, as alleged in the indictment, are part of a broader series of similar abusive crimes he is suspected to have committed involving multiple other children during a similar timeframe.

Between April 4 and 8, 2024, the FBI applied for and obtained multiple federal search warrants for Young’s person, home and vehicles. On April 11, 2024, special agents and deputies from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Oregon State Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrants and arrested Young.

Five days later, on April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Young. He was arraigned on the indictment Wednesday in federal court in Eugene by a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Young pleaded not guilty and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

Attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct is punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison with a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. Attempted coercion and enticement of a minor is punishable by up to life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence.

This case is being investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

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

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

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Members of the Lebanon Fire District responded Wednesday evening to a reported house fire in the 100 block of Taylor Street. Initial dispatch report was fire coming from vents in the kitchen. The Incident Commander arrived to find smoke coming from the residence. After preforming a walk around of building the IC declared an offensive attacked and ordered the first arriving engine to pull an attack line through front door and begin suppression efforts. Once initial crews made their way through the structure, it was determined that the fire was coming from underneath the house. After making access underneath the house in the rear of the structure, firefighters quickly extinguished the fire.   

The investigation found the cause of the fire undetermined. The Lebanon Fire District responded with 18 personnel on 4 Engines, 2 ALS medic units, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Heavy Rescue and 3 Chief officers. The district was assisted by 4 patrol officers by Lebanon Police Department.

The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind the community of the importance of working smoke alarms and having a plan of escape in the case of a fire. 

JOHN DAY, Oregon— Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site welcomes visitors to its Interpretive Center and Museum for the 2024 season starting May 2. 

The Kam Wah Chung building and museum is a National Historic Landmark that preserves the home and businesses of two Chinese immigrants, Ing "Doc" Hay and Lung On. For more than 60 years the building was a social, medical and religious center for Oregon's Chinese community.

The Interpretive Center will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday with tours of the museum running at the top of every hour, the last one beginning at 4 p.m. The Museum and Interpretive Center will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday through May and possibly into June due to staffing. 

The free, 45-minute museum tour begins at the Interpretive Center at 125 NW Canton Street in John Day. Staff added a tour from noon to 1 p.m. this year to provide additional viewing opportunities. Space is limited to 8 people per tour. 

For more information or questions about tours and operating hours, please call the park office at 541-575-2800.

Even if you can't visit this heritage site in person, you can learn more about the history through these online resources:

• Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project
• Oregon College of Oriental Medicine: Kam Wah Chung Medical Archive
• National Historic Landmark Nomination: Kam Wah Chung Company Building
• Oregon Encyclopedia: Chinese Americans in Oregon and Kam Wah Chung and Co.
• Oregon Historical Society: Beyond Chinatown: Uncovering Oregon’s Rural Chinese History and Centering Chinese History in Oregon and Herbs & Roots: A History of Chinese Doctors in the American Medical Marketplace

GARDINER, Ore. - A Gardiner man has been arrested in a burglary of the Gardiner, Reedsport, and Winchester Bay (GRWB) Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) hatchery. 

The investigation began on Monday, April 22, 2024, when deputies were alerted that someone had forcibly made entry into the hatchery building. Once inside, the suspect had poured a chemical substance into one of the rearing ponds causing the death of approximately 15,000-20,000 smolt chinook salmon. Deputies processed the scene and began conducting a follow up investigation. 

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, around 6:30 p.m., a deputy patrolling the area observed a male walking south along Highway 101 near milepost 210. A short time later the deputy walked into the hatchery and observed that same male behind the locked gate and no trespassing signs. The male, identified as 20-year-old Gardiner resident Joshua Alexander Heckathorn, was contacted and interviewed by the deputy. During the interview, Heckathorn admitted to trespassing on the property and entering a storage location and handling the chemical bottle on Monday. 

Deputies arrested Heckathorn and lodged him at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Burglary II, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief. Due to the number of smolt chinook salmon that were killed in the incident, the Sheriff's Office is collaborating with the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife unit on the case. 

“Solving this case is the result of collaboration and good policework,” Sheriff John Hanlin remarked. “I am proud of the work done by the deputies and have full confidence that the investigation will aid in holding those responsible accountable for their actions."

The Sheriff's Office was also assisted by the Reedsport Police Department. 

UPDATE 4/24/24 - Suspect lodged on manslaughter, assault charges

The female victim in this case passed away from her injuries.  Her identity is being withheld at this time.  Our deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends.

Detectives identified the suspect as Izyk Paul Bartlett, 20, of Eugene.  He was lodged in the Lane County Jail this evening on charges of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  The investigation is ongoing.  

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Eugene Police Department, Coburg Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and Oregon State Police for their assistance on this case.  

--
On April 24^th at about 3 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a dispute with shots fired in the 1000 block of Cinnamon Avenue, Eugene. Eugene Police officers in the area responded with Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies.  A female was located at that scene with a gunshot wound. Investigators were quickly able to determine the identity of the suspect and located his vehicle in the 1000 block of Abbie Lane. Eugene Police SWAT responded and assisted in apprehending the suspect.  All involved have been accounted for and there is no known continuing threat to the public related to this event.  More information will be released as the investigation continues.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: April 24, 2024

Early morning collision results in motorcyclist fatality

Salem, Ore. — The 4300 block of Commercial ST SE was closed this morning for the investigation of a traffic collision resulting in the death of a motorcyclist.

Just after 7:00 a.m. today, multiple callers reported a collision between a car and motorcycle. Passersby stopped and acted quickly to render aid to the injured motorcyclist along with help from a Salem police officer. Ultimately, the rider was pronounced deceased by paramedics.

The preliminary investigation by the Salem Police Traffic Team indicated that a sedan traveling southbound on Commercial ST initiated a turn east into the parking lot of a business when the motorcycle rider collided into the car.

The motorcyclist is identified as Zachary Hendrickson, age 32, of Salem. The driver of the car, Shannon Evans, age 54 and also of Salem, remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

Commercial ST between Hilfiker LN and 12^th ST Cutoff was closed for approximately three-and-a-half hours for the scene investigation.

There is no further information available at this time, including that of citations or arrest, as the incident remains an active investigation.

This morning’s traffic fatality is the tenth to occur in Salem since the start of the year.

# # #

UPDATE - Photo added of Sgt. OJ Johnson with Roman Santos. 

The following statement was provided at this evening's news conference in Eugene. 

Captain Kyle Kennedy, Oregon State Police

I want to start by sending our heartfelt support to the community in West Richland, Washington, a community dealing with senseless tragedy. My prayer is their community will come together to provide support and strength during this grievous time.

The conclusion of this search has been the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners in Washington and Oregon, as well as federal contributors. Since the start, our goal has been simple—to bring Roman Santos home safely. We did it. Roman is in the care of Oregon officials.

Last evening, the Oregon State Police issued an AMBER Alert at approximately 11:35 p.m. at the request of the Washington State Patrol. This AMBER alert was in response to the murder of two women in West Richland, Washington, and the kidnapping of a 1-year-old infant - Roman Santos.  The suspect in these murders and kidnapping was identified as Elias Huizar. The suspect was reportedly driving a 2009 Toyota Corolla with Washington plates.

Today, at approximately 2:40 p.m., Oregon State Police troopers were observing Interstate 5 for the suspect when he located the vehicle southbound near milepost 221. OSP initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle fled southbound. Two troopers engaged in a pursuit with the suspect vehicle at high speeds heading southbound.

Near milepost 209, there was a minor collision and the suspect vehicle lost control. An exchange of gunfire occurred prior to the vehicle fleeing again southbound. No known injuries occurred as a result of the gunfire.

Near milepost 197, the suspect crashed into a stopped CMV and stopped in the median. As troopers contacted the suspect vehicle, he was deceased of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The infant was located uninjured and removed from the vehicle.

Involved in the exchange of gunfire, was Superintendent Casey Codding and Sergeant Orly Johnson of the Oregon State Police.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has been asked to lead the investigation.

We are very proud of the efforts of the troopers involved in this pursuit today. Their dedication and courage are a hallmark of the character of an Oregon State Trooper. Their efforts today were paramount in bringing Roman home safely.

I want to thank our partners:

WASHINGTON: Kennewick PD, Paso PD, Richland PD, Prosser PD, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Benton Fire Districts 1 and 4, FBI, US Marshal’s, Fish and Wildlife

OREGON: PPB, OSP, Hillsboro, and Portland FBI.                     

PURSUIT: OSP, Linn County Sheriff's Office    

ON SCENE: Lane County Sheriff's Office, Eugene Police Department, Coburg Police Department

JCSO Case 24-2209

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies arrested two suspects yesterday after an early-morning burglary in rural Central Point. Yesterday morning, a JCSO Community Service Deputy took a report from ECSO Dispatch just after 8 a.m. of a burglary in the 5700 block of Upton Road. Through the investigation, JCSO deputies identified several suspects and tracked them to an address in the 100 block of Laurelhurst Street, also in rural Central Point. 

JCSO deputies obtained a search warrant for the property and identified a female suspect on scene. During the initial search of the property, deputies located an additional suspect hiding under a shed. The man did not respond to commands to come out and barricaded in the crawl space. After a lengthy standoff, deputies persuaded the man to give up through the use of pepper spray and a K9. 

JCSO Criminal Investigations Division (CID), and Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives responded to assist in the arrest and search of the property. During the search, investigators discovered 10 firearms including a stolen pistol, and an AR-style rifle with no serial number. Deputies also found body armor, an illegally-manufactured silencer, methamphetamine, heroin, Butane Honey Oil (BHO), 35 lbs. of processed cannabis, and 58.3 grams of fentanyl. Deputies also uncovered nearly $19,000 in cash. 

The first suspect was Kelli Margaret Hernandez, 44, of Medford. She was arrested for conspiracy to commit second-degree burglary, and hindering prosecution. She was booked and lodged at the Jackson County Jail.

The second suspect was Mickey Ray Galatz, 28, of Central Point. He was arrested on 15 charges related to the incident, in addition to five outstanding warrants. The new charges include second-degree burglary, first and second-degree theft, second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree trespass, interfering with a peace officer, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of body armor, possession of a prohibited firearm, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful distribution of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of heroin, and unlawful distribution of heroin. For the fentanyl Galatz was charged with unlawful possession of a schedule II-controlled substance – substantial quantity, and unlawful distribution of a schedule II-controlled substance. The outstanding warrants include probation violations for felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of felony unlawful possession of heroin, attempting to elude police by vehicle, and a Klamath County warrant for first-degree burglary and first-degree aggravated theft. Galatz is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. 

This case is under further investigation with deputies following additional leads. There is no more information for release at this time. 

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MALHEUR COUNTY, Ore. 24 April 2024 – On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 4:25 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 20 near milepost 235 in Malheur County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer, operated by Hunter Brucker (22) of Redmond, was traveling eastbound when it entered the westbound lane to pass an eastbound commercial motor vehicle. A westbound Ford Maverick, operated by a 17-year-old male, swerved onto the westbound shoulder to avoid a collision with the Chevrolet. The Chevrolet also swerved onto the westbound shoulder and collided with the Ford Maverick. 

The driver of a Ford Maverick (a 17-year-old male) was pronounced deceased at the scene. A juvenile passenger (a 13-year-old female) was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with reportedly serious injuries. 

The driver of the Chevrolet (Brucker) sustained minor injuries and was not transported for medical care. 

The investigation into the crash is ongoing. 

OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Treasure Valley Paramedics, Vale Fire and Ambulance, Life Flight, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

# # #

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

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 24 April 2024 – On Monday, April 22, 2024, at 5:39 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 101 near milepost 143 within the Newport city limits. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo was driving southbound on Hwy. 101 when it crossed the middle lane into the northbound lane for unknown reasons and collided with a white Honda Odyssey. 

The driver of the Chevrolet, Heidi Fay Rock (74) of Waldport, was transported to a local hospital where she later died from injuries sustained during the crash. 

The driver of the Honda, Celeste Diana Paulson (38) of Newport, and two juvenile passengers (a 6-year-old and a 4-month-old) were transported to a local hospital with reportedly minor injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours. 

OSP was assisted by the Newport Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

# # #

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Central Oregon drug trafficker who conspired with others to traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine to Madras and Redmond, Oregon, and surrounding areas, was sentenced to federal prison today.

Israel Sarabia, 30, of Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, as part of a joint drug trafficking investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE), investigators learned that a Central Oregon drug trafficking organization was using a courier to transport bulk quantities of drugs from either Southern California or Mexico into Oregon. On December 10, 2022, investigators located and stopped the courier in Klamath Falls, Oregon. While searching the courier’s vehicle, investigators located three packages containing approximately 30,000 counterfeit Oxycodone pills that later tested positive for fentanyl.

Further investigation revealed that the courier was traveling to Sarabia’s residence and that he had been tasked by Sarabia with bringing him fentanyl from Southern California or Mexico. On March 15, 2023, investigators located and arrested Sarabia near his residence in Culver. On the same day, investigators located and seized 519 grams of methamphetamine, more than 1,000 fentanyl pills, 41 grams of cocaine, and nine firearms from the residence of a co-conspirator who was working for Sarabia and storing drugs on his behalf.

On March 15, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Sarabia and an accomplice with conspiring with one another to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine. A third individual was also charged with conspiracy. 

On August 21, 2023, Sarabia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by DEA and CODE. It was prosecuted by Lewis S. Burkhart, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. CODE includes members of the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sunriver, and Black Butte Police Departments; the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department; the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices; the Oregon State Police; the Oregon National Guard; DEA; and the FBI.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: April 24, 2024

Local man arrested, guns and drugs seized

Salem, Ore. — A 35-year-old Salem man was arrested yesterday afternoon on gun and drug possession charges.

Daniel Ralph Northcutt was arrested at a hotel in the 3300 block of Astoria WY NE at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Officers observed Northcutt in the area when he then fled into the hotel. 

Initially, Northcutt refused to exit the room but subsequently surrendered without incident. A search warrant was obtained for Northcutt’s rented room and his vehicle in the parking lot of the business. Seized in the search were two firearms, a handgun and a sawed-off shotgun, as well as 1.5 ounces and 50 pills of a drug suspected to be fentanyl and $1,000 in cash.

Northcutt, who also has outstanding warrants in other cases, is lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

• Felon in possession of a firearm, two counts
• Unlawful possession of a short-barreled firearm
• Unlawful possession of a Schedule II controlled substance
• Unlawful delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance

Given Northcutt’s in-custody status, all further media inquiries concerning this investigation should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to torture, mutilate, and murder monkeys, and then produce and distribute videos of those acts in exchange for money raised by an online animal abuse group.

David Christopher Noble, 48, of Prineville, Oregon, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

“The victims in this case cannot speak for themselves, but the impact of the grotesque violence brought upon them is unmistakable. At the direction of David Noble and his co-conspirators, the producers of these animal abuse videos not only killed monkeys but did so in a way that extended their pain and suffering as long as possible,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices. “Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in this heinous conduct that they will be held responsible for their crimes.”

“David Noble's depraved actions not only inflicted unspeakable agony upon innocent creatures but also tainted the very essence of humanity’s moral fiber,” stated Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Under Noble's direction, the production and distribution of grotesque animal abuse videos represented a dark descent into the abyss of cruelty and exploitation. Today’s sentencing underscores our unwavering commitment to holding individuals like Noble accountable for their reprehensible crimes against compassion and decency.”

According to court documents, from January 2022 through February 2023, Noble conspired with others in the District of Oregon and elsewhere to send multiple online payments to co-conspirators overseas to fund the production of videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Noble administered an online group wherein members would raise funds to produce, discuss ideas for, and share animal abuse videos.

In Noble’s messages to the group, he expressed his enjoyment of videos depicting the torture and murder of long-tailed macaques, which members of the group, including Noble, referred to as “rats.” In one message to the group sent in June 2022, Noble expressed that the only thing he did not like in abuse videos was when the torturers “kill the rats too quickly,” and he further expressed a desire that they “keep it alive make it suffer make sure it knows to fear you and that you end its existence at any time.” In another message, Noble claimed “the noises they make from pain and abuse are some of my favorite sounds.”

In 2006, Noble, a former United States Air Force officer, was dismissed from the Air Force and ordered to serve six months in military custody following a court martial for fraud and an unprofessional relationship. In early February 2023, following the investigation in this case, investigators executed a search warrant on Noble’s residence and found approximately 50 videos depicting animal abuse, along with several firearms and ammunition.

On May 18, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Noble with conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos, creating animal crush videos, and illegally possessing a firearm as a dishonorably discharged person.

After his home was searched, Noble relocated from Prineville to Henderson, Nevada, and, on June 13, 2023, was arrested in Henderson. The next day, he made his first appearance in federal court in Las Vegas and was ordered detained pending his transfer to Oregon. On July 21, 2023, after arriving in Oregon, Noble was again ordered detained based on the nature of his offenses, including the extreme violence associated, and his possession of firearms.

On January 10, 2024, Noble pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and prosecuted by William M. McLaren and Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

###

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James T. Birchard, passed away April 22, 2024. Birchard was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. 

Birchard entered DOC custody on September 5, 1989, from Umatilla and Morrow Counties with no parole date. Birchard was 70 years old. 

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women 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.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

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A message from Sheriff Cliff Harrold:

It’s National Volunteers Week and I’m excited to highlight the outstanding work being done by our very own Lane County Sheriff’s Office volunteers! Although our volunteers steadfastly work all year long, this specific week gives us an opportunity to step back and recognize these hardworking individuals who dedicate their time, efforts, talents and passion to serve the people of Lane County.

Our public service extends beyond the reach of our paid employees in the Corrections, Police Services, and Operations Support Divisions. Our volunteers give their time through a variety of ways, all with the same goal of serving the residents of Lane County. We currently have well over 300 volunteers donating thousands of hours to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and community.

To put the hard work into numbers, our volunteers donate more than 28,000 hours annually, encompassing search and rescue missions, trainings, cold case investigation, public outreach, crime prevention, main office greetings and information, jail library, support groups, and religious services provided to adults in custody. I have listed below several of the programs to give a better idea of the vital functions being handled day in and day out by our volunteers who greatly improve the quality of service we are able to deliver to the Lane County community.

Cold Case Team
Mounted Posse
Reserve Deputy Sheriffs
Cadet Program
Search and Rescue
Crime Prevention Team
Corrections Library/Groups/Religious Services
Main Office Information
Chaplains

We are honored and so fortunate to have every single volunteer as a member of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office family. Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your commitment to serve!

- Cliff

For more info on the many ways to serve our county with us, visit www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers Lane County

Douglas County Parks Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2024

PROJECT START - TEMPORARY CLOSURE NOTICE

Lower Day Use Area – Whistler’s Bend County Park

(Douglas County, Ore.)  The Douglas County Parks Department is excited to announce that they have started Phase One of a much anticipated park rehabilitation project at Whistler's Bend County Park & Campground.  Effective immediately, and as a part of the rehabilitation project, the Parks Department has temporarily closed the lower day use area at the park.  Additionally, they anticipate a few intermittent closures around the upper campground area as the project progresses, but traffic control will be in place to redirect traffic during these temporary closures.  Phase One of the rehabilitation project is expected to take four to six weeks to complete. As with any project, unforeseen delays due to weather, equipment and material availability could possibly extend the anticipated project timeline.

Phase One improvements to the day use area and portions of the upper campground at Whistler’s Bend County Park are a part of a two-phase rehabilitation project funded in part by a grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) through their Local Government Grant Program.  The grant funds from OPRD were matched by Douglas County and utilized to begin the project. Phase One rehabilitation includes replacement of two single non-accessible vault  restrooms with two ADA accessible vault restrooms; installation of a pavilion for public use and special events next to the Whistler’s Bend Disc Golf Course parking lot; resurfacing of the lower parking lot and access roads to improve river access; installation of a walking path along the river, resurfacing the playground with rubber tiles, and paving of the upper campground access road and group sites.  Phase Two will focus on paving the upper campground, adding more full hookup sites to the upper campground, and replacing three single vault toilets in the lower campground with ADA accessible ones. Phase Two rehabilitation also aims to enhance the Whistlers Bend Disc Golf Course with the addition of a small pavilion and a new restroom in the middle of the course, as well as furnishing the course with additional benches and garbage receptacles throughout. Phase Two is being funded in part by a grant from the County Opportunity Grant Program through ORPD and is slated to commence after Labor Day 2024.

Please note that the upper day use area, parking lot, disc golf course and campground area will remain open during the project for public use.  However, safety is always a priority for the recreating public, and we ask citizens to use extreme caution when visiting this area during the closure and project time frame.  We ask that you please follow all posted signs, warnings, and work crew instructions.  We understand that our County Parks are popular destinations for day use activities such as fishing, swimming, picnicking, disc golf, camping and BBQs, park patrons are encouraged to also consider checking out our large inventory of Douglas County Parks during this temporary closure and improvement project. 

Whistler's Bend County Park & Campground is located 15 miles east of Roseburg near the community of Glide on the oxbow peninsula of the North Umpqua River off Oregon Hwy 138 at 2828 Whistlers Park Road. This park provides a plethora of recreational activities.  The Douglas County Parks Department appreciates the public’s patience as they continue to improve your recreational experience in our county parks. For more information, or to locate a park, campground or boat ramp near you, log onto the Douglas County Parks Department’s page on the Douglas County, Oregon Government Website at: https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.

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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

Photos Attached: ©K.Trenkle/Douglas County

April 24, 2024

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), in partnership with Neighborhood Partnerships (NP), announce $11.5 million in funding to support the Individual Development Account Initiative statewide. 

An Individual Development Account (IDA) is a matched savings account, where the money participants save is multiplied up to five times by the program. As Oregonians face inflation and rising housing costs, IDAs provide a crucial resource for those with lower incomes to address financial needs such as down payment savings, higher-education costs, microenterprise investments, emergency savings, and investment in other wealth-building assets, supported by financial education and literacy. 

IDAs are offered by a statewide network of community organizations, housing authorities, schools, and colleges.

“The Oregon Individual Development Account Initiative serves as a powerful example of collaboration between state governments and community-based organizations to build more inclusive, resilient, and equitable communities across the state,” said Andrea Bell, OHCS executive director. “The additional investment underscores the state’s commitment to facilitate solutions that advance social and economic mobility.”

To date, the IDA program has empowered more than 17,000 Oregonians in 35 of the state's 36 counties, distributing $68 million in matching dollars to savers. Through its network of providers, the Initiative makes IDAs accessible to Oregon residents who have been excluded from opportunities to build lasting financial stability, including residents from Black, Native American, Latinx, and Asian communities throughout the state.

“As the longtime administrator of the Oregon IDA Initiative, Neighborhood Partnerships and our network of community-based partners are thrilled to receive an additional $5 million from the Legislature, which will be used by Oregonians with lower incomes to increase the power of their own savings to reach self-determined financial goals, including first-time homeownership, higher education, and entrepreneurship,” said Luke Bonham, IDA program manager.

This funding is being distributed through fiduciary organizations to aid Oregonians in achieving their financial goals through matched savings. The addition of $5 million in General Funds allows a two-phased funding approach in 2024-25 to help support the IDA Initiative’s continued growth and success. The approach aims to increase reach in underrepresented counties, graduate BIPOC savers at rates that promote racial equity in asset building.

For more information about the IDA Initiative and how to get involved, please visit https://oregonidainitiative.org/.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)  

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.  

24 de abril de 2024 

El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios junto a Neighborhood Partnerships anuncian que $11.5 millones apoyarán a ahorradores con una Cuenta de Desarrollo Individual   

SALEM, Ore. — El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregón (OHCS, por sus siglas en ingles), junto a Neighborhood Partnerships, anuncian que $11.5 millones serán destinados para apoyar la Iniciativa de Cuenta de Desarrollo Individual en el estado. 

Una Cuenta de Desarrollo Individual (IDA, por sus siglas en inglés) es una cuenta de ahorro igualada, en la que el dinero que ahorran los participantes es multiplicado hasta cinco veces por el programa. A medida que los habitantes de Oregón se enfrentan a la inflación y al aumento de los costos de la vivienda, las cuentas IDA constituyen un recurso crucial para que las personas con ingresos más bajos puedan hacer frente a necesidades financieras como el ahorro para el pago inicial para una vivienda, la educación superior, las inversiones en microempresas y el ahorro de emergencia, con el apoyo de la educación financiera. 

Los programas IDA son ofrecidos por una red estatal de organizaciones comunitarias, autoridades de vivienda, escuelas y universidades.

"La Iniciativa de Cuenta de Desarrollo Individual de Oregón sirve como un poderoso ejemplo de colaboración entre los gobiernos estatales y las organizaciones comunitaria para construir comunidades más inclusivas y equitativas en el estado", dijo Andrea Bell, directora ejecutiva de OHCS. "La inversión adicional muestra el compromiso del estado para facilitar soluciones que promuevan la movilidad social y económica". 

Hasta la fecha, el programa IDA ha apoyado a más de 17,000 residentes de Oregón en 35 de los 36 condados del estado, distribuyendo $68 millones en fondos igualados a los ahorradores. A través de su red de proveedores, la Iniciativa hace que las cuentas IDA sean accesibles a los residentes de Oregón que han sido excluidos de las oportunidades de construir una estabilidad financiera duradera, incluidos los residentes de las comunidades afroamericana, nativa americana, latina y asiática.

"Como administrador desde hace mucho tiempo de la Iniciativa IDA de Oregón, Neighborhood Partnerships y nuestra red de socios comunitarios están muy contentos de recibir $5 millones adicionales de la Legislatura, que serán utilizados por los residentes de Oregón con ingresos más bajos para aumentar el poder de sus propios ahorros para alcanzar sus objetivos financieros, incluyendo la compra de la primera vivienda, la educación superior y el convertirse en empresarias", dijo Luke Bonham, director del Programa IDA de Neighborhood Partnerships. 

Estos fondos se distribuyen a través de organizaciones fiduciarias para ayudar a los habitantes de Oregón a alcanzar sus objetivos financieros mediante ahorros igualadas. La adición de $5 millones en fondos generales permite un enfoque de financiación en dos fases en 2024-25 para ayudar a apoyar el crecimiento y el éxito continuo de la Iniciativa IDA. El enfoque tiene como objetivo aumentar el alcance del programa en los condados donde la participación es baja, y graduar a los ahorradores de comunidades de color a tasas que promuevan la equidad racial en la construcción de activos.

Para más información sobre la Iniciativa IDA y cómo participar, visite https://oregonidainitiative.org/. 

Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS)   

OHCS es la agencia de financiación de viviendas de Oregón. La agencia estatal proporciona apoyo financiero y de programas para crear y preservar oportunidades de vivienda a precio asequible y de calidad para los habitantes de Oregón con ingresos bajos y moderados. OHCS administra programas que proporcionan estabilización de la vivienda. OHCS ofrece estos programas principalmente a través de subvenciones, contratos y acuerdos de préstamo con organizaciones locales y proveedores comunitarios. Para obtener más información, visite: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

EUGENE, Ore. – In response to the pressing need for educators across the state of Oregon, Bushnell University’s School of Education has embraced an innovative approach to tackle the ongoing educator shortage. Over the past 18 months there has been a significant increase in the hiring of teaching and school counseling candidates before they complete their licensure programs. Bushnell candidates have been at the forefront of this trend, stepping into roles to meet the demands of school districts statewide. 

This proactive approach not only addresses the immediate need for qualified educators but also provides invaluable hands-on experience for Bushnell candidates, enhancing their professional development while still enrolled in their licensure programs. Moreover, Bushnell University has established a collaborative partnership with local school districts, focusing on “growing your own” efforts, supplemented by scholarships, to develop and support existing employees wishing to pursue a career as a professional educator.  

For these individuals, holding a dual role as educator and college student can be quite rewarding and demanding. To help ensure success in both arenas, Bushnell works jointly with school-based personnel to ensure candidates are afforded regular opportunities to engage in meaningful and reflective conversations with their mentor and Bushnell supervisor, can strategically prioritize competing responsibilities, gain valuable field experience beyond the position they hold, and can strengthen their professional background knowledge both in the field and through their coursework. This strategic partnership aims to collaboratively support educator candidates toward successful program completion and a positive professional experience for the purposes of filling vacancies within the district while nurturing and growing future educators from within the local school community.   

Associate Dean of the School of Education, Suzanne Price, M.Ed., expressed enthusiasm about the impact of this initiative, stating, “Our partnership with local school districts demonstrates our commitment to addressing the educator shortage in Oregon. By supporting our candidates in securing employment while still in their licensure program, we not only fulfill immediate staffing needs but also foster lasting connections within the school community.” 

This collaborative effort between Bushnell University’s School of Education and the local school districts not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by the statewide educator shortage but also lays the groundwork for sustained community engagement and support for future educators. Bushnell University remains dedicated to building strong relationships within the school community and preparing educators who are equipped to meet the evolving needs of students and districts alike. 

To learn more about Bushnell’s School of Education, visit our website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 24, 2024

FINDINGS OF FACT MEETING

DOUGLAS COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

April 25, 2024

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2024, to approve and sign a Findings of Fact and Decision from the previous meeting.

The virtual meeting will be held at 5:30 pm, and will be conducted via Zoom, where members of the Planning Commission will join via computer or call-in on the telephone to convene on the Colin Wright Findings of Fact agenda item only (postponed from 4/18/2024).

Because the Planning Commission has made their decision and the record is closed, public input would not be appropriate, and there for it will be not taken at this meeting.  We are required to make these proceedings open to the public and in compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to listen to the proceedings.

Please contact the Planning Department for information on how you can join the proceedings via Zoom.  The agenda and additional information can be found on our website at:  www.douglascountyor.gov.

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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

North Bend School District Public Meetings – April 2024 

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

 

April 4, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

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

835 California Ave., North Bend, OR

APRIL 18, 2024

Board Work Session 

Hall of Champions at 6:00 p.m.

2323 Pacific St., North Bend, OR 

April 25, 2024

Board Work Session

Hall of Champions at 10:00am

2323 Pacific St., North Bend, OR

The schedule is subject to change.

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

April 24, 2024

Media contacts:

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

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

One year after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, Oregon among top states keeping people covered

More than one million people are keeping their Oregon Health Plan benefits due to Oregon’s efforts to expand coverage options

SALEM, Ore. — With more than 90 percent of the state’s 1.5 million renewals complete, more than 4 out of 5 Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits.

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), which ended one year ago in April 2023, the federal government allowed states to keep people on Medicaid benefits. This ended when the pandemic emergency ended, so over the last year Oregon has been making sure everyone on OHP is still eligible.

At this point in the PHE unwinding process:

• Just 1,078 members, about 0.07 percent, still need to respond to renewal requests 9,573 members, about 0.65 percent, have responded to their renewal but are awaiting state action on the response.
• The remaining renewals, about 8.72 percent of the total, will occur over the summer.

Oregon’s 81.8 percent renewal rate continues to be the third highest in a national comparison of state renewal rates by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy organization. Oregon’s high renewal rates are due to proactive efforts by the state to keep people covered, including extended response timelines, and adding the upcoming OHP Bridge program for adults with higher incomes.

Members who have not received a renewal yet should:

• Keep their address and contact information up to date.
• Check their mail or ONE Online account for their renewal letter.
• Do what the renewal letter asks as soon as possible. Anyone concerned they missed their letter should get help with their renewal via one of the ways to find help listed below.
• Members who did not respond to renewals can still re-open their case three months after it closes if they are still eligible, and they can reapply at any time.

Although most people are keeping coverage, approximately 240,000 people will lose or have reduced medical benefits and need to consider other coverage options.

• People who do not have coverage through an employer or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and get financial help. Most people who enroll through HealthCare.gov qualify for this help.
• The Marketplace is sending information to people who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits, advising of other potential coverage options.
• People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until November 30, 2024, or within 60 days of their benefits ending.
• For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare, or employer coverage, see “What to do if OHP is ending” below.

Remaining renewals

On Feb. 13, 2024, the federal government approved a revised plan for Oregon’s remaining 126,000 post-pandemic renewals.

Many of these renewals were affected by a federal request for more than 30 states to review automated renewal processes or restorations of some Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) benefits. A May 2024 technical update to Oregon’s ONE Eligibility system  will enable Oregon to use the new automated  process  for the remaining renewals.

Renewal letters will be sent to members in four waves between June and September. Members will still have 90 days to respond, and 60 days’ advance notice before any termination or reduction in benefits. This means the final responses would be due in December 2024, and the final closures will happen in February 2025.

Data about pandemic unwinding renewals appears in the Medical Redeterminations Dashboard.  The dashboard data and these press releases will not include renewals for OHP members who have already renewed early in the unwinding process, who are coming up for renewal again. Over time, Oregon is switching to renewing most OHP members every two years instead of annually.

April OHP renewal data

As of March 19, 2024, 1,317,810 people have completed the renewal process. This represents 90.6 percent of all OHP and Medicaid members.

• 1,077,765 people (81.8 percent) were renewed and kept their benefits.
• 226,042 people (17.2 percent) were found ineligible.
• 14,003 people (1.1 percent) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.

Find help renewing your benefits

1. Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
2. Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m.
3. Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
4. Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda(Spanish).

What to do if your OHP is ending:

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

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

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

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians as the agencies continue to track the programs. Check our ONE Eligibility Operations Dashboards for more frequent updates on medical renewal data and wait times for callers to the ONE Customer Service Center.

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BEND, OR — Calling all writers! Submissions for the 10th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize close May 1, 2024. This prestigious award, a program of the High Desert Museum, celebrates proposals for outstanding literary nonfiction dedicated to the literal and figurative exploration of desert landscapes. 

This year’s winner will receive a $3,000 cash award and be recognized with a reception and reading at the Museum in Bend, Oregon on September 26, 2024. Tickets are available now at highdesertmuseum.org/2024-waterston-ceremony. The winner and finalists will be selected by the 2024 guest judge Sam Waterston – renowned actor and brother of Prize founder Ellen Waterston.

Known for his work in theater, television and film, Sam Waterston gained stardom portraying DA  Jack McCoy on the NBC crime series Law & Order (1994–2010, 2022–), for which he has received a Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe Award and Emmy Award. Waterston will announce the 2024 winner and address attendees during the Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremonies either on video or in person alongside the 2024 Prize winner and the 2024 keynote speaker, Tucker Malarkey, who will attend in person.

Nationally bestselling author of the critically acclaimed and national bestselling novels An Obvious Enchantment and Resurrection, Malarkey’s first major work of nonfiction, Stronghold, describes one man’s journey to save salmon habitat in the U.S. and Russia. Stronghold was an editor’s pick for The New York Times, National Book Review, Outside and Forbes. With a career that began at The Washington Post, Malarkey’s love of human culture and wilderness have since taken her all over the world.

The Prize was established in 2014, inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s love of the High Desert — a region that has been her muse for more than 40 years. The Waterston Desert Writing Prize celebrates writers whose nonfiction book proposal reflects a similar connection to a desert, recognizing the vital role deserts play in ecosystems and the human narrative.

Emerging, mid-career and established nonfiction writers who illustrate artistic excellence, sensitivity to place and desert literacy with the desert as both subject and setting are invited to apply. The award supports literary nonfiction writers who are completing, proposing or considering the creation of a book-length manuscript. It is recommended that the writing sample submitted is part of the proposed project or closely represents it in content and style.

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize and how to submit an entry, visit highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize. The Prize is possible with support from The Source Weekly. Submissions will be accepted through May 1, 2024.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

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

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The new board will guide management of the nation’s largest research forest, shaping research, conservation, and economic outcomes 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of State Lands is accepting letters of interest for the Elliott State Research Forest Board of Directors. 

Ensuring accountability, transparency, and meaningful engagement is critical to establishing and operating the Elliott as a public research forest. In April 2024, the State Land Board approved a research forest oversight structure that includes appointment of an ESRF Board of Directors. 

The ESRF Board will guide management of the research forest, with authority to shape management, research, conservation, economic and social outcomes of relevance at the local, statewide, national, and international level.  

The ESRF Board will consist of seven or nine voting and one nonvoting member designated by the ESRF’s lead research entity. Voting members are appointed by the State Land Board. The DSL Director will review letters of interest and develop a list of candidates for State Land Board consideration at its June 11, 2024, meeting. 

Individuals interested in being considered for the ESRF Board should review the recruitment flyer and submit the required interest materials no later than Sunday, May 12, 2024. 

At 4:29 P.M. on Tuesday afternoon, units from Douglas County Fire District No. 2 were dispatched to the report of a fishing boat in distress near Amacher Park in Winchester.  Shortly after arriving, the crews located an aluminum boat with a single occupant that had become lodged in the rapids.  The Technical Rescue Team from Douglas County Fire District No. 2 established command, set up crews downriver for safety, and launched their paddle raft.  They were able to free the boat from the rapids without issue and no injuries occurred.

Douglas County Fire District No.2 responded to this incident with 1 engine, 2 Rescue Units, 1 Ambulance, and a command unit with a total of 11 personnel.  Crews were assisted by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. 

With 2nd strike looming, nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services speak out hours ahead of contract mediation with PeaceHealth executives. 

Nurse Solidarity Action and Press Conference
Wednesday, April 24 at 9 a.m.
Public sidewalks near PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend’s main entrance
3333 Riverbend Dr, Springfield, OR 97477

WHAT: Home health and hospice nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services, elected leaders and community allies are holding a solidarity action April 24 to speak about the importance of local home care services ahead of a contract mediation session with PeaceHealth executives. Nurses have spent more than a year fighting for a fair contract to address record turnover and job vacancies at PeaceHealth’s home health and hospice agency–the region’s largest home health service provider. 

On April 16, nurses voted to authorize an open-ended strike against PeaceHealth to protest PeaceHealth’s unlawful unfair labor practices (ULPs) and reach a fair contract agreement that improves community healthcare. Wednesday’s solidarity action precedes a scheduled contract mediation session between Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) nurse leaders and PeaceHealth executives at Riverbend. Nurses and local elected officials will speak and take media questions at the event. Members of Oregon’s Congressional delegation have also taken action to support nurses and sent a letter to PeaceHealth executives on April 23 calling for a “fair settlement that demonstrates the respect that healthcare workers deserve.”

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24 at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Public sidewalks near PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend’s main entrance. (3333 Riverbend Dr, Springfield, OR 97477). Near the intersection of Cardinal Way and MLK Jr. Pkwy.

WHO: ONA nurses with PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services and Riverbend, elected officials and community allies are scheduled to speak, including 

• Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis
• Lane County commissioner Laurie Trieger
• Lane County commissioner Heather Buch
• Springfield city councilor Kori Rodley
• Eugene Springfield IAFF Local 851 trustee Brett Deedon
• ONA bargaining unit chair Jo Turner, RN, hospice nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services
• ONA bargaining unit chair Chris Rompala, RN, nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend

WHY: Local home health and hospice nurses have endured 45+ contract bargaining sessions with PeaceHealth executives since Feb. 2023 including six sessions with a federal mediator. After holding a limited duration strike Feb. 10 - 24, nurses have voted to approve an open-ended strike to protest PeaceHealth’s unlawful unfair labor practices (ULPs) and reach a fair contract agreement that improves community healthcare. Despite nurses and community leaders’ best efforts, PeaceHealth executives continue demanding local nurses accept nearly 5% lower pay than PeaceHealth pays hospital nurses in Eugene/Springfield and hospital and home care nurses in Florence–despite both groups of home care nurses sharing managers and staff meetings and regularly caring for the same patients. 

PeaceHealth’s continued disrespect towards local nurses and their patients is driving nurses to leave–threatening our community’s health and exacerbating the care shortage. The nurse bargaining team intends to work towards a positive resolution in mediation but will call for a strike if they believe it is necessary to move PeaceHealth to meet the needs of patients, providers and our community. If a strike is called, ONA will provide our community and PeaceHealth with a 10-day notice to allow PeaceHealth executives adequate time to connect patients to alternate care options or to join us at the table and reach a fair agreement. 

The ONA represents more than 90 frontline nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services and nearly 1500 nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend. 

UPDATE

OSP is setting up to stream the news conference on Facebook and will send a news release following the news conference. 

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/OSPsocial/

OSP News Conference regarding AMBER Alert suspect from Washington

Date: April 23, 2024 at 6 p.m. 

Location: Public Safety Building, Harris Hall, 125 E 8th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401

Media may begin staging at 5:45 p.m. for the 6 p.m. news conference. OSP will provide an overview of the incident. It's uncertain whether OSP will take any questions at that time. 

Salem, OR – It’s a day to remember those who died on the job. It’s a day to grieve with families, friends, and communities. It’s a day to renew our responsibility to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces for all workers in Oregon.

Oregon workers who died on the job will be honored with a ceremony at noon Friday, April 26, in Salem. The Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) – part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) – and Oregon AFL-CIO invite all Oregonians to attend the Workers Memorial Day observance.

The event will take place at the Fallen Workers Memorial outside the Labor and Industries Building, 350 Winter St. NE, on the Capitol Mall. The memorial service, coordinated by Oregon AFL-CIO, will feature remarks from union leaders, safety and health advocates, and elected officials.

“Every day, people across Oregon leave their homes and go to work to provide for themselves and their families – and to help make the state a thriving place to live,” Gov. Tina Kotek said. “Today, we honor the Oregonians whose lives were tragically lost doing their job and offer our deepest condolences to their families. Going forward, we will continue our efforts to make working conditions safer, so all workers are better protected.”

During the ceremony, Sen. Deb Patterson and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman will read the names of Oregon workers who died on the job in 2023.

Oregon OSHA Administrator Renée Stapleton and Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor will serve as event speakers. The event will also include remarks from PCUN Representative Liz Marquez Gutierrez and a reading of Gov. Kotek’s proclamation by Vince Porter, the governor’s deputy chief of staff for public administration. 

Oregon workplaces are safer and healthier today than in previous decades. Yet, there are still far too many preventable on-the-job deaths each year. 

“Every worker and their family deserves to know, without question, that they will return home safely at the end of a shift,” Trainor said. “This year, we read the names of 56 fallen workers, which is an increase from last year and the absolutely starkest reminder that workplace safety must be taken seriously. Oregon unions will advocate for safety improvements on the job until there are no names to be read aloud on Workers Memorial Day. This is our most critical mission, and, while we’ve made significant progress, we must always strive for perfection when it comes to keeping working people safe on the job.” 

Through a partnership of labor, business, and government working together to bolster workplace safety and health, Oregon’s fatality and injury and illness rates have steadily declined for decades.

Nevertheless, there is room for improvement.

“As we honor the memories of the lives tragically taken from us, we must also summon our courage, skill, and ethical duty to rekindle our commitment to protecting the safety and health of all workers in Oregon,” Stapleton said. “Everyone who plays a role in the safety and health of Oregon workplaces – employers, managers, safety and health professionals, employees, co-workers – must do this with urgency and clarity. Through our actions and words, we must carry the message forward that workers have an indisputable right to a safe and healthy workplace and that employers are obligated – not just legally, but morally – to protect their workers from harm.”

The annual Workers Memorial Day serves as a nationwide day of remembrance. The observance is traditionally held on April 28 because the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act on that date in 1970.

Resources are available to workers and employers to advance on-the-job safety and health in Oregon, including:

Oregon OSHA

• Rights and responsibilities
• Protect against retaliation 
• Keeping employees safe
• Education and training

DCBS Multicultural Communications Program

• Providing outreach to communities with limited English proficiency

Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers

• Independent advocate for Oregon workers, including guidance on workers’ rights and responsibilities in workers’ compensation and workplace safety and health

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Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit Oregon OSHA. 

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit DCBS. 

The Oregon AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of affiliated unions, representing more than 300,000 working Oregonians.  For more information, visit Oregon AFL-CIO.

Over 4,000 SOLVE volunteers celebrated Earth Day across 126 Oregon Spring Cleanup events over the span of ten days

Portland, Ore., April 23, 2024 – The Oregon Spring Cleanup, in partnership with Portland General Electric, concluded on Earth Day yesterday with resounding success. Between April 13 and April 22, more than 4,000 volunteers across Oregon and SW Washington gathered for a celebration of Earth Day, where they collectively picked up 21,981 pounds of litter and marine debris and removed 21,900 square feet of invasive plant species such as English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry. Families, community members, neighborhood associations, youth groups, and environmental enthusiasts once again made the Oregon Spring Cleanup the highlight of SOLVE's annual calendar. 

Oregon Spring Cleanup History

Rooted in SOLVE's longstanding traditions, the Oregon Spring Cleanup merged two of the organization's most cherished events—the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup, dating back to 1986, and SOLVE IT for Earth Day, which began in 1990.

Oregon Spring Cleanup event highlights

SE Portland Eco-Disco: Litter Cleanup & Silent Disco, April 20th:

In collaboration with Heartbeat Silent Disco, this unique Earth Day celebration, in partnership with Portland General Electric, drew 114 volunteers to Portland’s Central Eastside. Following the cleanup in the Buckman neighborhood, where 800 lbs of litter got collected, the festivities continued with a free silent dance party, adding an extra layer of celebration to the cleanup efforts. Volunteers were provided with wireless headphones with personal volume control and adjustable fit, allowing everyone to enjoy the music while respecting the natural surroundings.

Cityscape Sparkle: Earth Day Cleanup at Sport Oregon, April 22nd:

This litter cleanup event took place on Earth Day and went beyond tidying up the neighborhood streets. 100 participants came together for a day of community, cleanliness, and local love at Sport Oregon to foster a sense of unity and enhance the local environment. 

“Once again, we were thrilled to witness the vibrant array of events orchestrated by our community, showcasing the power of collective action in honoring Earth Day," enthuses Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "This annual event series continues to serve as a beacon, drawing together volunteers and SOLVE partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a joyous celebration of our planet. From the shores of Oregon’s northernmost tip in Astoria, down the coast to Brookings, and extending to riverside locations such as Cascade Locks, Sandy, and Breitenbush, as well as reaching Baker City in Eastern Oregon, the spirit of Earth Day resonated through every cleanup endeavor." Carico highlights the diverse range of initiatives, including the impactful efforts of the Portland chapter of Women Who Explore, bringing together 20 women for a Pre-Earth Day Riverside Cleanup at Kelley Point Park. A Girl Scout group also picked up trash along the Molalla River in Clackamas County and the Clark County Master Gardener group held an impactful Service Day in Vancouver, Washington. "These events exemplify the spirit of community and environmental stewardship that lies at the heart of SOLVE," Carico adds. 

Photo Contest

There is still time for volunteers and event leaders to send in the pictures they have taken during their cleanup events and habitat restoration projects. Everyone who submits their photos and videos by 
April 28 will enter the SOLVE photo contest with chances to win a 1-year AAA membership. Ways to enter include tagging SOLVE on Facebook or Instagram, using #OregonSpringCleanup2024, or sending us their footage via email to info@solveoregon.org. SOLVE likes to see volunteers in action, before and after cleanup shots, the largest and tiniest items you've picked up, and most importantly, your smiling faces!

Anyone who couldn’t attend an Oregon Spring Cleanup event this year can support SOLVE by individual giving. A donation of any size helps SOLVE to host more events year after year and to provide volunteers with free supplies, event leader training, and all the support they need to run a successful event.

Oregon Spring Cleanup Sponsors 2024

Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Oregonian, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, TriMet, PepsiCo, and Wells Fargo.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

Over 4,000 SOLVE volunteers celebrated Earth Day across 126 Oregon Spring Cleanup events over the span of ten days

Portland, Ore., April 23, 2024 – The Oregon Spring Cleanup, in partnership with Portland General Electric, concluded on Earth Day yesterday with resounding success. Between April 13 and April 22, more than 4,000 volunteers across Oregon and SW Washington gathered for a celebration of Earth Day, where they collectively picked up 21,981 pounds of litter and marine debris and removed 21,900 square feet of invasive plant species such as English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry. Families, community members, neighborhood associations, youth groups, and environmental enthusiasts once again made the Oregon Spring Cleanup the highlight of SOLVE's annual calendar. 

Oregon Spring Cleanup History

Rooted in SOLVE's longstanding traditions, the Oregon Spring Cleanup merged two of the organization's most cherished events—the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup, dating back to 1986, and SOLVE IT for Earth Day, which began in 1990.

Oregon Spring Cleanup event highlights

SE Portland Eco-Disco: Litter Cleanup & Silent Disco, April 20th:

In collaboration with Heartbeat Silent Disco, this unique Earth Day celebration, in partnership with Portland General Electric, drew 114 volunteers to Portland’s Central Eastside. Following the cleanup in the Buckman neighborhood, where 800 lbs of litter got collected, the festivities continued with a free silent dance party, adding an extra layer of celebration to the cleanup efforts. Volunteers were provided with wireless headphones with personal volume control and adjustable fit, allowing everyone to enjoy the music while respecting the natural surroundings.

Cityscape Sparkle: Earth Day Cleanup at Sport Oregon, April 22nd:

This litter cleanup event took place on Earth Day and went beyond tidying up the neighborhood streets. 100 participants came together for a day of community, cleanliness, and local love at Sport Oregon to foster a sense of unity and enhance the local environment. 

“Once again, we were thrilled to witness the vibrant array of events orchestrated by our community, showcasing the power of collective action in honoring Earth Day," enthuses Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "This annual event series continues to serve as a beacon, drawing together volunteers and SOLVE partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a joyous celebration of our planet. From the shores of Oregon’s northernmost tip in Astoria, down the coast to Brookings, and extending to riverside locations such as Cascade Locks, Sandy, and Breitenbush, as well as reaching Baker City in Eastern Oregon, the spirit of Earth Day resonated through every cleanup endeavor." Carico highlights the diverse range of initiatives, including the impactful efforts of the Portland chapter of Women Who Explore, bringing together 20 women for a Pre-Earth Day Riverside Cleanup at Kelley Point Park. A Girl Scout group also picked up trash along the Molalla River in Clackamas County and the Clark County Master Gardener group held an impactful Service Day in Vancouver, Washington. "These events exemplify the spirit of community and environmental stewardship that lies at the heart of SOLVE," Carico adds. 

Photo Contest

There is still time for volunteers and event leaders to send in the pictures they have taken during their cleanup events and habitat restoration projects. Everyone who submits their photos and videos by 
April 28 will enter the SOLVE photo contest with chances to win a 1-year AAA membership. Ways to enter include tagging SOLVE on Facebook or Instagram, using #OregonSpringCleanup2024, or sending us their footage via email to info@solveoregon.org. SOLVE likes to see volunteers in action, before and after cleanup shots, the largest and tiniest items you've picked up, and most importantly, your smiling faces!

Anyone who couldn’t attend an Oregon Spring Cleanup event this year can support SOLVE by individual giving. A donation of any size helps SOLVE to host more events year after year and to provide volunteers with free supplies, event leader training, and all the support they need to run a successful event.

Oregon Spring Cleanup Sponsors 2024

Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Oregonian, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, TriMet, and PepsiCo.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

April 23, 2024

Media Contact: Erica Heartquist, ica.j.heartquist@oha.oregon.gov">erica.j.heartquist@oha.oregon.gov, 503.871.8843

Report: As health care costs increase, Oregon patients are paying more in deductibles and copays

Oregon Health Authority furthers commitment to helping make healthcare more affordable across state

(PORTLAND, Ore. –) According to an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report out today, the amount that Oregonians with commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance paid in deductibles, copays and co-insurance increased more than 17 percent from 2015 to 2022. As health care costs continue to grow, the amount that people with health insurance pay for their care – known as patient responsibility or patient cost sharing – is also rising.

On average, in 2022, people in Oregon with commercial health insurance were responsible for 13.4% of their total health care costs, and people with Medicare Advantage insurance were responsible for 9.1% of their total health care costs. This does not include how much people pay for their health insurance premiums.

Over the past several years, patient cost sharing increased by 17.4% for commercially insured Oregonians and 17.7% for those with Medicare Advantage insurance. That growth was driven primarily by increasing deductibles in the commercial market and co-insurance for prescription drugs in the Medicare Advantage market.

At least 28 percent of Oregonians were considered underinsured in 2021, meaning that even though they have health insurance, it was too expensive for them to use.

“Too many Oregonians are struggling to afford their health care, even as more than 95 percent of people in the state now have health coverage,” said OHA Director, Dr. Sejal Hathi. “This report provides more information about how much people in Oregon are paying for health care and the reasons for those cost increases. Health insurance should open the door to care, but instead, we know that even moderate increases in cost sharing can thwart access for those who need it most. OHA will continue to work both to rein in health care costs and to protect and expand access to care.”

What is Patient Cost Sharing?

When an individual or a household buys healthcare insurance, they agree to a certain set of arrangements for services are covered by the health plan and how much of the cost the health plan will pay. The portion of the cost of covered services that the patient is responsible for is “patient cost sharing.”

Unlike health insurance premiums, which are paid to the health plan whether any services are used or not, cost sharing only applies when services are used. Examples of patient cost sharing are deductibles, copays and co-insurance.

Report Findings

The report shows that people in Oregon with commercial health insurance paid for 13.6% of their total health care costs on average in 2022, with more than half of that going toward deductibles. Commercial deductibles grew 31.9% between 2015-2022, faster than the growth in commercial co-insurance (19.2%) and copays (4.3%).

This is in part due to the increase in number of people who have a high-deductible health plan. People with high deductible health plans are responsible for 22.9% of their total health care costs, even though their average annual health care costs were lower.

The report also shows that in 2022, people in Oregon with Medicare Advantage insurance paid 9.1% of their total health care costs, on average. More than 60 percent of Medicare Advantage cost sharing was in the form of copays and less than 5 percent was paid in deductibles.

In the commercial market, almost 40% of the cost sharing in 2022 was for professional services like a doctor’s visit. In the Medicare Advantage market, almost 40% of the cost sharing in 2022 was for prescription drugs, with people paying increasingly more in co-insurance for specialty drugs.

For More Information

OHA presented preliminary findings on patient cost sharing in an educational webinar in March. The recording from that webinar is available online here. View the patient cost sharing analysis webinar slides here.

The Cost Growth Target Advisory Committee meets each month to discuss and plan strategies for increased health care affordability.

Explore the patient cost sharing data in an interactive online dashboard and find the full patient cost sharing report online  here.

On April 23rd at about 2 a.m., a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy was responding from the Eugene area to an urgent call for service. The deputy was driving eastbound on Beltline Highway near Delta Highway when the deputy’s vehicle struck a slow-moving vehicle. The deputy and two occupants of the other vehicle were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  At the request of the Sheriff’s Office on-duty supervisor, the Eugene Police Department responded and will handle the crash investigation.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently added a new position of Assistant Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives in its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support efforts to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution. After a search, Cristian Mendez Garcia has been selected for this role and officially started on April 22. 

Mendez Garcia's journey began in the early 1990s when he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, settling in the Monmouth-Independence community. His educational path led him to Western, where he pursued his passion for art, graduating with a degree in graphic design and fine art photography. As the son of migrant workers, Mendez Garcia deeply appreciates the transformative power of higher education in opening doors to a brighter future. Drawing from his own experiences, he has dedicated his career to advancing opportunities for others. With a wealth of experience in the business sector, Mendez Garcia served as a business operations manager for T-Mobile, honing his skills in strategic planning and project management. In addition, he played a pivotal role as the Chapter Chair for T-Mobile’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in the Oregon region, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. His dedication to Western extends beyond the classroom and workplace. Mendez Garcia has served on the WOU Foundation board and most recently held the position of Trustee member on the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees, where he continues to champion initiatives aimed at enhancing the university's mission and impact.

“I am incredibly thrilled to continue my work with Western Oregon University and am proud of our emerging HSI status,” shares Mendez Garcia. “Higher education is transformative and I love being in a position where I can help WOU achieve its HSI designation to help our students and the institution succeed.”

“I am excited to have Cristian join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support our university efforts to become a Hispanic Serving Institution,” says Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dominique Vargas. “Cristian has a broad scope of diversity, equity, and inclusion experience combined with strategic planning, community engagement, and program development. He also has a clear passion for and investment in the Western Oregon University community. We will collaboratively vision our path forward as an emerging Hispanic institution, and work across stakeholder groups to better serve our students and community.” 

This Friday, April 26, Western is hosting its third annual Hispanic Serving Institution Summit, where state and national partners join the university and greater community to share ideas and best practices and discuss why becoming an HSI is critically important to student success and the greater community. This year’s summit will feature two keynote presenters, Patrick L. Valdez, Ph. D., and Marissa Vasquez, Ph. D., who will focus on the history, policy, and current context of Hispanic Serving Institutions, and discuss operationalizing servingness. There will also be a student panel, an afternoon of concurrent sessions, and networking time for attendees.

Learn more about the summit.

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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.  Together we succeed.

Salem, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard’s Biak Training Center, in Powell Butte, is scheduled to host active-duty Army rotary wing night training missions, outside of normal operations hours over April 24-29, 2024. The visiting unit is located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in Tacoma, Washington.

Army rotary wing aircraft are scheduled to conduct intermittent nighttime air operations at Biak’s

Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training site in order to maintain pilot and crew proficiency necessary to support real world military operations. 

“Night training missions are a critical component for pilots to maintain their readiness for real-world missions,” said Michael Paul, Biak Training Area Manager. “We understand that this type of training can be disruptive to the local community and appreciate their support for mission readiness.”

Night flying operations will occur from sundown until approximately midnight and may include low-level flying and refueling stops at the Redmond Airport.

Information regarding Biak Training Center may be found on the Oregon Military Department website at https://www.oregon.gov/omd/programs/Pages/Biak-Training-Center.aspx

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Salem, Ore. – Tucked away with a stack of other tickets in a Tupperware container was this year’s $1 million Raffle ticket. Leslie Carr, 52, of Portland claimed the prize on Monday after she brought her pile of tickets to the retailer where she buys them – the Fred Meyer in Happy Valley. 

“I had no idea I was the winner,” said Carr, who works as a medical receptionist. “If it weren’t for the billion dollar Powerball winner making news, I would have forgot. We don’t check our tickets.”

After scanning a few dozen tickets for other draw games in the store, the last one was the winning Raffle ticket, drawn on March 15. When the machine came up with a message that she needed to go an Oregon Lottery office, she asked a staff member at the store to double check. 

“I heard him say, ‘Oh, I can’t cash this because your prize is worth over $1,000,’” she said. “That’s when I started getting butterflies.” 

Carr plans to use the money to pay off the mortgage on the home she shares with her husband, calling it “a dream come true.” A new truck to replace the one she currently drives with a broken windshield is also on her wish list, along with a vacation to Hawaii. 

Carr said she regularly plays the annual Raffle and has never won. Prizes for the Raffle include the $1 million top prize, along with 300 prizes of $500, and 1,500 prizes of $100. The Raffle offers the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game to win $1 million – 1 in 250,000. Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 138.8. The Oregon Lottery’s Raffle game went on sale December 31, 2023, and all 250,000 tickets were sold out by March 8, 2024. 

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. 

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. 

Lebanon Fire District responds to shed fire in Lacomb. At approximately 1212am Lebanon Fire was dispatched for the report of structure fire in 33000 block of Ford Mill Rd. Initial reports stated that there was a shed on fire with livestock inside. BC31 was the first arriving unit and found a 20X30 shed that was fully involved and spreading to a vehicle that was parked close by. The first arriving Engine was able to make a quick knock down on the fire and keep it form spreading to other parked vehicles. Lebanon Fire District responded with 2 Engines, 3 Water Tenders, 2 Ambulances and a Battalion Chief Vehicle. Totaling 13 people.  Lebanon Fire District was assisted by Albany Fire Department for City coverage while the fire was being extinguished. 

Lebanon Fire district would like to remind everyone to use caution when using portable heat sources. It is important to make sure that the heat source is secured and away from placed a safe distance from combustible items. 

WHAT
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is hosting its eighth annual Oregon Prepared Conference for the emergency management community this Tuesday through Thursday in Sunriver.

WHY
The annual conference serves as a vital gathering for emergency management professionals, providing a forum for stakeholders from various sectors to exchange ideas, discuss current trends, and share information about the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security. Attendees include partners with a role in preparedness, response, recovery and resilience from tribes, counties, cities, special districts, state and federal emergency management agencies, public safety and health preparedness sectors, non-profit organizations, and private sector businesses.

WHO
Oregon Department of Emergency Management Director Erin McMahon and Deputy Director Patence Winningham will be available for interviews about the state of emergency management in Oregon. Media may also visit a workshop session for B-roll footage.

WHEN
Media Avail from 9:45-10:15 a.m., Today, April 23

WHERE
Great Hall Conference Center
Sunriver Lodge
57081 Great Hall Loop, Sunriver, Oregon

OTHER INFORMATION
Website: Oregon Prepared Emergency Preparedness Workshop
Program: Oregon Prepared Emergency Preparedness Workshop Program

SOCIAL
@oregonOEM on Facebook, X and LinkedIn

ONSITE MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Crabb (she/her)
OEM Public Affairs Officer
971-719-0089 (talk or text)
Please text upon arrival

Devon was located this evening just moments ago. He is safe back home and uninjured. Thank you for the public assistance.  

Devon Whiteshell, age 14 walked away from his care home near Ward Dr NE / Lancaster Dr NE in Salem around 5:40 p.m. this evening.

Devon is 5’02” tall, skinny build. He was last seen wearing a gray zip-up jacket, dark blue/black jeans, and carrying a small book.

If you locate him, please keep him in your sight and call 911.