CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office will hold a full-scale, emergency training exercise for active threats response (School Shooting) on June 22, 2019. The training will take place at the Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, Oregon.

In order to avoid any confusion, the public is being notified ahead of time. The exercise is closed to the campus community and to the public.

Traiff Warning signs will be placed in the area of the closed roads. Local residents will be able to get to their homes.  Other people are asked to avoid the area.

Traffic control will be in place at the intersections of: Crescent Valley Drive and Lewisburg Avenue, Lewisburg Ave and Highland Drive, Crescent Valley Drive and Highland Drive.

This event will help assure a coordinated, timely and effective response and recovery in the event of a major incident at schools in Benton County. “We have all seen the devastating impact to students, parents, schools and communities that have experienced threats on school campuses. “Thankfully, we have not had a major school incident in Benton County. However, it is important to train, anticipating what could happen, so that we can respond appropriately. ” said Undersheriff Greg Ridler, “I am encouraged that so many of our law enforcement and fire agencies in the county are coming together to be better prepared and work in a coordinated effort for community safety.

Local agencies participating in the training include the Corvallis Police Department, Corvallis Fire Department, Albany Police Department, the Philomath Police Department, Philomath Fire Department and the Oregon State Police.

If you have further questions or concerns about the training, please contact Undersheriff Greg Ridler or Sergeant David Iverson of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541-766-6858

 

On 6/12/2019, at 12:49 pm, Albany Police Department was advised of a dead body floating in the Willamette River near Takena landing.

After the retrieval and the securing of the body, Benton County Sheriff’s Office was established as the investigating agency.

On 6/13/2019, Detectives with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office attended an autopsy at the State of Oregon Medical Examiner’s Office.

Preliminary results of the autopsy indicate that the body was a white male, undetermined age, and had been in the Willamette River for two to three months, making a visual identification difficult. The male had been wearing a “Batman” T-shirt and an Oregon State University shirt. An indistinguishable tattoo was visible on the lower right area of the abdomen.

Initial examination of the body does not indicate obvious signs of trauma and the death does not appear to have been caused by observable homicidal violence. Toxicology results are pending but the results are not expected for several weeks or longer.

Benton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating missing person’s reports but have no immediate leads as to the identity of the male.

Anyone with information is asked to Contact Lt. Chris Duffitt of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541.766.6858.

On June 16th, 2019, at 11:17pm, Corvallis Police Department Officers were dispatched to the 400 block of SW 1st Street in Corvallis for a report of a female holding a male at knife point.  Officers arrived and found the female suspect, identified as Patricia Compton (39) of Corvallis, holding a knife to the throat of the male victim.  Compton dropped the knife when ordered by officers, and was taken into custody without incident.  The male, who is known to Compton, was not injured. 

Officers learned the incident started over an argument about a bag of empty beverage cans.  The argument escalated into Compton pulling out a folding knife and using it to threaten the victim, and attempting to stab him with the blade.  Compton was transported to the Benton County Jail where she was booked on charges of Attempted Assault I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing with a bail amount of $187,500.

https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/inmate_detail?inmate=1700004601

On June 15th, 2019, at 3:18am, Corvallis Police Department Officers, along with Corvallis Fire, were dispatched to the area of the Corvallis BMX track at 115 SE Chapman PL for a report of a large fire.  Responders arrived and found the fire burning adjacent to two illegal campsites. Corvallis Fire Department was able to extinguish the flames.  Officers determined that there had been two fires set, one of which was extinguished by a male who had been sleeping in a tent a few feet from one of the fires.  He had several items of personal property damaged in that fire, and was able to provide a suspect name.  The other fire was near a second campsite which was unoccupied at the time.  No persons were injured as a result of the fire.

Officers located a female suspect hiding in the grass nearby, identified as Kassandra Schumacher (25) of Corvallis.  The investigation determined the fires were intentionally set.  She was taken into custody without incident at transported to the Benton County Jail where she was lodged on charges of Arson I and Criminal Mischief II, with a bail amount of $112,500.  Schumacher was previously arrested on June 11th for charges of Reckless Burning, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Interfering with a Peace Officer after starting a small brush fire near the Mary’s River in the 2500 block of SW Philomath Blvd.

 

https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/inmate_detail?inmate=1700004591

On 06/13/19 at approximately 8:11am, officers responded to an address in Northwest Corvallis for a report of a burglary in progress. The homeowner, who was not at the residence at the time, reported seeing a subject inside his residence via a cloud based security camera system. The suspect left the residence prior to police arrival. Officers searched the surrounding area with the assistance of a K9 unit from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect was not located. Utilizing the video captured by the homeowner’s security cameras, officers were able to identify the suspect as Lucas Brent Foster (37) of Albany.

During the incident, Jefferson Elementary School was placed on a brief “Lock Out” as the burglarized residence was adjacent to school property. The “Lock Out” lasted approximately 10 minutes.

On 06/14/19 at approximately 10:31am , a Corvallis Police Detective was conducting surveillance of Foster’s reported residence when he saw Foster in a vehicle passing through the area. The detective followed the vehicle until it pulled into a driveway in the area of Orleans Rd SW in Linn County. Foster was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Benton County Jail.

Foster remains in custody on charges of Burglary 1, Theft 2, and Attempted Theft 1, with a bail amount of $87,500.

Jail Booking:

https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/inmate_detail?inmate=1700004586

On June 13th, 2019, at 3:47pm, Corvallis Police Department Officers were dispatched to the 3600 block of NW Samaritan Dr for a report of a fight involving a knife occurring near a city bus stop.  Both males were separated but still on scene when officers arrived.  The investigation determined that the suspect, 36-year-old Jesse Mason, of Corvallis, attempted to physically assault the victim, stole his backpack, and was armed with a serrated plastic object at the time.  The victim, who is not previously known to Mason, was not injured by the weapon.  Mason was arrested and transported to the Benton County Jail where he has been lodged on charges of Robbery I, Menacing, Attempted Assault II, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Attempted Assault IV, Harassment, and Disorderly Conduct II, with a bail amount of $312,500.

 

https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/inmate_detail?inmate=1700004581

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help with a missing person and death investigation.

In March 2015, Tiffany Bettis (also known as Melinda Smith) was reported missing. At the time, she maintained a home in Fairview, Oregon and also lived in Roseburg, Oregon. She was reportedly last seen at the Quality Inn in Gresham around March 2, 2015.

On May 20, 2019, human skeletal remains were located in the area of Northeast 223rd Avenue and Marine Drive in Fairview. The Medical Examiner's Office determined that the remains were that of Tiffany Bettis. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

According to investigators, Tiffany left behind three children and a large family. Multiple people have reported to investigators that they do not believe Tiffany would have left behind her children willingly. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is seeking any information about Tiffany Bettis, her disappearance, and her death. Foul play has not been ruled out in this case.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 cash for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters can remain anonymous.

Visit the App Store and download P3 Tips to submit secure and anonymous tips.

Online at https://www.p3tips.com/823

Call 503-823-HELP (4357)

Crime Stoppers of Oregon is funded 100% by community donations. To support Crime Stoppers with a donation, please visit https://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com/support.php

###CSO###

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - On Monday, June 17, 2019, at about 12:30 pm, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office was notified of a distress signal from a SPOT locator device. The location of the distress beacon was indicating an area of the Pacific Crest Trail on Mt.Thielsen. 

Douglas County Search and Rescue was deployed to look for the subject from which the signal was coming from and assess what type of assistance was required. The Oregon State Police and Diamond Lake Horse Corrals assisted the Sheriff’s Office with rescue efforts by providing riders on horseback.

The individual was located at approximately 5:30 pm. The male, 23 year-old Colton Cosby of Roseburg, had been hiking the past three days and became lost in the deep snow still covering the Pacific Crest Trail. The Cosby was brought down to the trailhead where he was transported to Dry Creek and met by medical personnel from Glide Fire Department and Bay Cities Ambulance. Cosby was transported to Mercy Medical Center for evaluation.

UMPQUA, Ore. - Deputies are investigating a fatal vehicle crash which occurred Monday night shortly after 4:30 pm. 

911 dispatchers received a call at 4:34 pm of a head-on collision in the 3800-block of Tyee Road. Deputies arrived to find a 2010 Toyota Camry which had crashed into a 2003 Ford F250 pickup. The investigation reveals the Camry was traveling westbound when it crossed into the oncoming path of the eastbound Ford pickup for an unknown reason. 

The Camry was operated by 83 year-old Thomas Brian Parkinson of Umpqua. His wife, 83 year-old Margaret Parkinson, was a passenger in the vehicle. Margaret was transported by Air Ambulance and was later pronounced deceased. Thomas Parkinson was transported to Mercy Medical Center by ambulance and later transferred to PeaceHealth Sacred Medical Center at RiverBend by air ambulance where he remains in critical condition.

The operator of the Ford pickup, 26 year-old Kristopher Scott Knowlton of Oakland, was uninjured. 

Deputies are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact 541-440-4471 referencing Case #19-2724.

Next of kin has been notified.

UMPQUA, Ore. - Deputies are investigating a fatal vehicle crash which occurred Monday night shortly after 4:30 pm. 

911 dispatchers received a call at 4:34 pm of a head-on collision in the 3800-block of Tyee Road. Deputies arrived to find a 2010 Toyota Camry which had crashed into a 2003 Ford F250 pickup. The investigation reveals the Camry was traveling westbound when it crossed into the oncoming path of the eastbound Ford pickup for an unknown reason. 

The Camry was operated by 83 year-old Thomas Brian Parkinson of Umpqua. His wife, 83 year-old Margaret Parkinson, was a passenger in the vehicle. Margaret was transported by Air Ambulance and was later pronounced deceased. Thomas Parkinson was transported to Mercy Medical Center by ambulance and later transferred to PeaceHealth Sacred Medical Center at RiverBend by air ambulance where he remains in critical condition.

The operator of the Ford pickup, 26 year-old Kristopher Scott Knowlton of Oakland, was uninjured. 

Deputies are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact 541-440-4471 referencing Case #19-2724.

Next of kin has been notified.

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Another wanted person is in custody thanks to the help of Douglas County Sheriff’s Office K9 Grim.

On Friday, June 14, 2019, at 8:30 pm, deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 100-block of Kestrel Ln. When deputies arrived, they located items in the yard of the residence and indications that a crawlspace cover had been removed. Deputies requested the assistance of K9 Grim. The K9 team arrived on scene and began a track which took them to a field on the property. K9 Grim located a man hiding in the nearby brush.

The man was identified as 30 year-old Washington County (OR) resident, Kaleb Ray Abraham. Abraham was wanted on two felony warrants for his arrest. He told deputies he ran when he saw the police car pulling up. He was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the warrants and a charge of trespass.

K9 Grim, a 7 year-old German Shepherd, has been with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office since 2013. Grim was purchased by an anonymous donor in the community and the Sheriff’s K9 program is supported by the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, a nonprofit organization.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense against non-payment and non-delivery scams. 

Earlier this spring, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) released the list of the most common computer-related crimes. In terms of total number of victims reporting crimes, non-payment and non-delivery frauds topped the list. In all, more than 65,000 people reported getting scammed in this way, losing more than $183 million in the process. 

So what is this crime combo? Imagine you are selling something on the internet. It could be through a popular trading platform, your favorite social media site or elsewhere. You think you have a buyer for grandma’s precious keepsakes and send them off. Either the payment sent bounces or you never receive a payment at all. That’s non-payment fraud. 

Or, imagine you are the buyer. That car, video game console or cool new toy is listed at a great price. You can’t pass that up, right? You make the deal and send the funds, but the item never shows up at your home. That’s non-delivery fraud. 

How can you protect yourself? 

• Make sure you are dealing with a reputable source. Do your homework on the individual or company to ensure legitimacy. 

• Obtain a physical address rather than simply a post office box and a telephone number, and call the other party to see if the telephone number is correct and working. 

• Send an e-mail to the other party to make sure the e-mail address is active, and be wary of those who utilize free e-mail services where a credit card wasn’t required to open the account. 

• Check online reviews and check with the Better Business Bureau from the other party’s area. 

• Don’t judge a person or company by the look of a website; flashy websites can be set up quickly. 

• Be cautious when dealing with individuals or companies from outside your own country. 

• If possible, purchase items online using your credit card, because you can often dispute the charges if something goes wrong. 

• Make sure the transaction is secure when you electronically send your credit card numbers 

If you have been victimized by this online scam or any other cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at?www.ic3.gov?or call your local FBI office. 

###

WHITE CITY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives have made three arrests in connection with a home invasion robbery that occurred in March. One suspect is still outstanding and detectives are asking for the public’s help to track him down.

On March 23, 2019, at approximately 2:12 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a robbery at a home in the 3200-block of Dodge Road. The site was previously the location of a marijuana growing operation. Deputies arrived on scene within minutes of the 911 call, but did not locate the suspects in the area.

Detectives were later able to identify four suspects involved in the robbery – two adults and two juveniles. Christian Ray Miller, 22, was arrested on June 5, 2019, when deputies served a search warrant at his home in the 9600-block of East Evans Creek Road.

Miller is currently held in the Jackson County jail on the following charges: first degree robbery (five counts); second degree robbery (two counts), aggravated first degree theft; first degree theft; first degree burglary; criminal impersonation of a peace officer (two counts); unlawful use of a weapon (two counts); menacing (two counts); conspiracy to commit first degree robbery (two counts); second degree assault (two counts); failure to report as a sex offender. Some of the charges against Miller are related to separate incidents that remain under investigation.

One juvenile male, 16, was referred to the Jackson County juvenile detention facility for charges of first degree robbery, second degree robbery, aggravated first degree theft, unlawful use of pepper spray, and third degree assault.

A second juvenile male, 17, was referred to the Jackson County juvenile detention facility for charges of second degree robbery and aggravated first degree theft.

Detectives identified the remaining adult suspect as Matthew Jay Palomino, 22, of Shady Cove. Palomino is described as a white male adult standing six feet, one inch tall, and weighing 300 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Palomino has an unrelated misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.

Anyone with information about Palomino’s immediate whereabouts is asked to call dispatch at (541) 776-7206.  Any other information can be left for detectives on the tip line: (541) 774-8333.

Case #19-5730

###

Update, 6/18/19 at 2:30 p.m.:

The decedent in this incident was identified as Steven Roy Reynolds, 18, of North Bend, Ore.  Reynolds would have turned 19 years old next week. 

Dr. James Olson of the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the death to be an accident caused by freshwater drowning.  Reynolds’ family has been notified of his death. 

A chaplain from Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains provided assistance for persons involved in the response.  JCSO wishes to thank everyone who helped at the scene and in the following hours. 

----

Original release, 6/17/19:

ASHLAND, Ore. - A man died Monday afternoon at a remote swimming area north of Howard Prairie Lake.    

On June 17, 2019, at 4:10 p.m., dispatch received a 911 call reporting that a juvenile had been found unresponsive in the water at the Keno Rock Quarry, located on Keno Access Road just south of Dead Indian Memorial Road.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and personnel from Greensprings Fire and Mercy Flights responded to the scene. Deputies determined the victim was an 18-year-old male. 

According to witnesses, the man had been swimming when he went underwater and did not surface. Bystanders pulled him from the water and began CPR. Medical personnel arrived and continued resuscitation efforts, but the man died at the scene. 

The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the cause and manner of death.  The man’s identity will be released at a later time to allow time for family to be notified. No further information is currently available for release.

Case #19-12215

###

TALENT, Ore. – Two men reported to be trespassing near Talent on Monday morning were found in a pickup reported stolen near Central Point four days earlier.  Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies arrested both men and found additional stolen property in the vehicle. 

On June 17, 2019, at 5:42 a.m., a resident in the 6800-block of Wagner Creek Road reported a suspicious vehicle parked on her property with two men inside.  Deputies responded to the scene, with assistance from Talent Police.  They found Jacob Steven Emerson, 37, and Dane Michael Burke, 24, inside the vehicle.  Both were taken into custody without incident.

The vehicle, a brown 1977 Chevrolet pickup, had been reported stolen on June 13 during a burglary at a vacant home in the 4000-block of Old Stage Road.  Items taken in the burglary, as well as other stolen property, were recovered from the vehicle.  The owners of the stolen property were contacted.

Emerson was lodged in the Jackson County jail on the following charges related to this incident:  unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; first degree burglary; first degree theft; first degree criminal trespass; second degree criminal trespass.  Emerson also had warrants for probation violation on prior convictions for unlawful distribution of methamphetamine, attempting to elude police, and reckless endangerment.

Burke was lodged in the Jackson County jail on the following charges related to this incident:  first degree burglary; first degree theft; first degree criminal trespass; second degree criminal trespass.

Deputies say this case is an example of why it’s important to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood, even if it doesn’t seem like a major case at the time. 

“You never know how it will turn out,” said JCSO Sgt. Julie Denney.  “This case started with a vehicle parked without permission on someone’s driveway, but deputies were able to clear a burglary case and return stolen property to the rightful owners.”

Suspicious activity can be reported to the non-emergency dispatch line at (541) 776-7206.  For emergencies, call 911.

Case #19-12167

###

On 06-14-19 at approximately 9:16 in the morning a male entered the Bank of the West in Lincoln City wearing what appeared to be a black balaclava, gray sweatpants, a black zip up style hoodie and gray and black hiking type shoes. The male pointed a firearm at two employees and was able to take an unknown amount of cash from the bank.

The male is described as being around 5’5” to 5’7” and weighing around 140-170 pounds with blue eyes.

If you have any information or if you saw a male matching this description in that area, please contact Det. Johnson at 541.994.3636.

The Lincoln City Police Department, in partnership with the Lincoln County School District, will be conducting Active Shooter Response training on Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25, 2019, in and around Taft Elementary School, located at 4040 SE High School Drive in Lincoln City. This training will focus on emergency response to an active shooter incident and is being coordinated by the Lincoln City Police Department. The training will involve a simulation of the police department’s response plan and procedures and will help assure a coordinated, timely and effective response in event of a major incident at the school or elsewhere in the community.

Citizens should be aware that there will be law enforcement and emergency vehicles present during the exercise and in order to avoid any confusion, the public is being notified ahead of time that this is only training and not an actual emergency. Taft Elementary will be closed to students and the general public. No students will be participating in the training. Access to the building for select school employees will be limited to those portions of the school not being used during the training. During the training, the south end of the school will be closed off to all non-participants or approved personnel for the duration of the training.

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank the Lincoln County School District for allowing us to use their facility and property for this very important training. The school district’s assistance and cooperation allows the Lincoln City Police Department to better train and prepare their officers for response to a critical incident such as this.

Submitted By:

Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

On June 15, 2019 at about 0251 hours Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies, the Toledo Fire Department, and Pacific West Ambulance responded to a report of an injury traffic crash at about MP 1.5 on 1000 Line Road, Toledo.  1000 Line Road is a gravel mountainous roadway leading from the Toledo area into the forested coastal range.  Initial responders located the caller who was also a passenger from the vehicle, Brendon Thomas age 22 of Toledo, on the roadway.  They located the vehicle, a white Ford F350 Bearing OR plate 241 JQR, resting on it’s roof approximately 300 feet down a steep hillside.  Deputies were able to climb through debris and down the hillside to the vehicle where they located, Nikolas Yost, age 25 of Toledo, partially ejected from the vehicle and deceased.

Deputies checked the area for the subject reported to be the driver and located him in the brush along the roadway a short distance from where the vehicle left the roadway. He was challenged by deputies and Lincoln County K-9 and was immediately detained without incident.  Robert Bauman, age 30 of Toledo, exhibited signs of impairment and was taken into custody. 

Both Bauman and Thomas were transported to Newport Pacific Communities Hospital where they received treatment for injuries.  Thomas suffered serious injury, but was later released and Bauman was medically cleared and then transported to the Lincoln County Jail.

The Major Crash Team (MACT) was activated and MACT members from the Lincoln County DA’s Office, Newport Police Department, Toledo Police Department, and additional members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded including the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit.  Initial investigation determined the vehicle was being operated unsafely by Bauman eastbound when he failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle tumbled down the hillside.  It was also determined that neither Yost nor Thomas were willing passengers.

The Rope High Angle Rescue Team responded to assist with the recovery and multiple tow vehicles were required to recover the vehicle due to the terrain. 

Bauman was charged with two counts of Kidnapping in the Second Degree, DUII, Reckless Driving, two counts of Reckless Endangering, Felony Failure to Perform the Duties of Injured Persons, Felony Assault in the Third Degree, and Manslaughter in the First Degree with a total bail amount of $560,000.00.

MACT will be utilizing Lincoln County collision Reconstructionists to continuing the investigation.

###

Repsectfully Submitted:

Mark Meister, Administrative Patrol Sergeant

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

225 W. Olive St.

Newport, Oregon 97365

Phone: 541-265-0684

Fax: 541-265-4917

mmeister@co.lincoln.or.us

 

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Emergency Management Division has scheduled an annual county-wide test of their emergency notification systems for June 24, 2019 between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm and has recently released new Lincoln Alerts sign-up user guides.

County Emergency Management will test all components of the Lincoln Alerts emergency notification system in preparation for the seasonal wildfire conditions.  A specific focus of the systems test will be on the Lincoln Alerts mobile app (powered by Everbridge) and the functionality of receiving information back from those who received the message.

Community members can participate in the county-wide test in the following ways:

• Pre – test date:
  • Opt-in and create a Lincoln Alerts profile for each member of your household if you have not already done so.
  • Update your current opt-in profiles to make sure your contact information and addresses are up to date.
  • Download the mobile app and log-in (must have a Lincoln Alerts account first).
• During the test:
  • Confirm the Lincoln Alerts test message on any of the devices in your profile or your residential or business landline phones.
  • Confirm the mobile app message and send back a photo through the mobile app to County Emergency Management confirming the ability to communicate to public safety officials during emergency events.
  • Monitor local media partner sites (radio, digital) during the test timeframe to confirm you received a notification through an alternative source.
• Post test:
  • Complete the County Emergency Management on-line participant survey to provide feedback on the test.

County Emergency Management has several redundancies in place to push out emergency notification messages to those who may be in harm’s way due to emerging or imminent disaster situations. The county wide test allows County Emergency Management to test all features together just as it would be in a real disaster response situation. Those features include:

• Emergency Alert System (EAS) – message over local public radio systems
• Media release to local media partners
• Lincoln Alerts to opt-in profiles
• Lincoln Alerts to residential and business landline numbers
• Lincoln Alerts message specifically for mobile app users
• Lincoln Alerts message to community information Keyword subscribers
• Posting of emergency notification banner on county website (test message)

County Emergency Manager, Jenny Demaris, remarked

“Having the ability to test all of our emergency notification features and receive feedback from those we communicate to is incredibly important to County Emergency Management. It provides us a way to evaluate our systems, improve upon our processes and ensure we are ready when our communities need us.”

As part of the test, County Emergency Management is sponsoring a contest for users of the Everbridge mobile app. App users who respond with a photo from one of the categories below will be entered to win a NOAA Weather Alert Radio sponsored by the National Weather Service. Six individuals will be randomly selected as winners.  Winning photos will be shared on the Lincoln County Emergency Management Facebook page (@lcemergencymanagement).

• Mobile Phone App Photo Categories
  • Disaster Go Bags
  • Disaster home/work caches
  • Your NOAA Radio
  • Any tsunami evacuation signage, maps, etc.
  • Pets
  • Family
  • Co-workers
  • Summer activity

 

Lincoln Alerts New User Guides Released

Lincoln County Emergency Management recently updated their Lincoln Alerts sign-up website page to include 3 easy to follow user guides. The guides are intended to outline the steps needed to sign-up for Lincoln Alerts, download the mobile app and sign-up for the community keyword text messages. The user guides can be found at the Lincoln Alerts page at www.co.lincoln.or.us/alerts.

 

###

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia "Jenny" Demaris
Emergency Manager
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Emergency Management
225 W. Olive St.
Newport, Oregon 97365
is@co.lincoln.or.us" target="_blank">vdemaris@co.lincoln.or.us
(541) 265-4199 Office

 

MOVE OVER. IT'S THE LAW.

Every day, law enforcement officers and emergency workers put their lives on the line to save ours. Even a routine traffic stop has become risky business. The following information comes from the Oregon Department of Transportation: www.oregon.gov/ODOT.

In the last 10 years, more than 700 officers have been killed in traffic incidents. In many of those cases, the officers were pulled over on the side of the road when inattentive drivers crashed into them at high speeds. That’s why there’s a strict law in Oregon designed to protect the people we depend on to protect us.

The Move Over Law (ORS 811.147) states that if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated, you must:

 

• MOVE OVER into another available lane.
• If you can’t safely change lanes, SLOW DOWN to a speed that is at least 5 mph below the posted or designated speed of the roadway.
• In all cases, the driver must try to provide as much room as possible for the emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle.

The Move Over Law is in place to help protect law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow operators and those who routinely provide assistance to motorists along the highways. This group of dedicated professionals face a deadly threat on a daily basis: speeding and inattentive drivers. But the law also exists to protect you. The flashing lights are your cue to move over and slow down.

If you are approaching the scene of a crash, carefully watch for emergency workers directing traffic and follow all of their instructions. 

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

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports Wednesday, June 12, at 11:45 a.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing person.  The mother of Jordan Thein, 19, called to report that her son had not been heard from since Tuesday morning and did not show up to work in Millersburg on Wednesday.  She was concerned that Jordan may have driven off the road on his way home.  Jordan lived on Upper Calapooia Drive. 

Deputies checked the roadways and initially did not see any signs of a vehicle driving off the road.  Deputies used cell phone location coordinates to narrow down where his phone was last located.  The vehicle, a 1989 Toyota pick-up, was located not far from his residence on Upper Calapooia Drive, crashed into some trees.  Jordan had been ejected from the vehicle and was deceased when found.

Jordan Thein’s body was removed by Sweet Home Funeral Home.  The crash is still under investigation. There were no other occupants and it is unknown what caused Jordan’s vehicle to veer off the roadway.  If you have any information on this fatal crash, please contact Deputy Caleb Riley at 541-967-3950.

Mr. Johnson was located around noon today in the Canby area by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.  Mr. Johnson is again in contact with family members and is not injured.  No additional details will be released at this time.  The Sheriff's Office would like to thank our community members, partners in the media and the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office with their help in locating Mr. Johnson.

Correction  The license plate in the original release contained an incorrect character, the correct license plate is 365JLN.

On June 16th, deputies were contacted by family members who reported their elderly father, Axel Johnson, as missing from his Salem area apartment.  Mr. Johnson was last seen at his apartment on June 4th by the apartment manager.  Mr. Johnson told the apartment manager he was leaving to move in with his daughter.

Family members told deputies Mr. Johnson does not stay in regular contact with them, though it is highly unusual for him to be gone from his home for extended periods of time.  Mr. Johnson does not appear to have taken any belongings with him when leaving the apartment.  

Axel Johnson, 74, is a white male, 5’3, 155lbs, blonde hair with gray streaks, and blue eyes.  He usually wears glasses and is typically clean shaven.  He left the apartment in his 1997 Ford Ranger, Oregon license plate 365JLN.  Mr. Johnson’s vehicle is green in color and has an extended cab.

Deputies are asking anyone who has seen Mr. Johnson or has information about his current location to contact Deputy Jason Remmy at 503-798-5718 or call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 503-588-5032.

The scenery at the intersection of Phipps Ave NE and Glendale Ave NE looks different today as a result of a partnership between community members and Marion County. This project started when a group of concerned community members came to the Sheriff's Office and the Board of Commissioners asking for help as this pathway had become a magnet for criminal activity and frequent law enforcement calls for service. For years this area had an unofficial pathway which led between Phipps Ave NE and the back parking lot of Courthouse Club Fitness on Devonshire Ct NE in East Salem. The pathway, a county owned easement, was never intended to be used as a way for people to come and go from the neighborhood.

After listening to the community's concerns, Marion County got to work. Representatives from the Sheriff’s Office, Public Works, and the Board of Commissioners Office came together with community stakeholders to look at ways to bring relief to the neighborhood. As possible solutions were being explored, Sheriff Jason Myers coordinated with Salem-Keizer School District Superintendent Christy Perry to have buses rerouted so children in the neighborhood would not need to use the walkway to get to and from school. Public Works Director Brian Nicholas and his team led efforts to explore vacating the county easement that was ultimately approved by the commissioners.

Following a public hearing in March, the Board of Commissioners decided to vacate the easement, granting ownership to the two adjoining property owners. Additionally, the Board of Commissioners authorized the use of Good Neighbor Funds to put up new fencing to help close off the area. The Good Neighbor Fund was established to provide funding for small projects affecting safety and livability in neighborhoods.

As this project was wrapping up over the last few weeks, neighbors in the area saw Sheriff's Office work crews clearing overgrown vegetation and putting in new fences. The work crews, staffed with inmates from the Sheriff's Office Transition Center, provide a valuable opportunity for offenders to perform community service while learning skills which may help them be more successful when seeking out employment after incarceration.

Marion County would like to thank our community members for coming forward with their concerns and collaborating with us to help make a difference in their neighborhood. This project would not have been possible without the partnership between Marion County and our community stakeholders.

This afternoon deputies responded to a serious motor vehicle crash which resulted in two fatalities.  When emergency services arrived they located a head on collision involving a silver Lexus R350 and a black Ford Explorer Sport Trac.  The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced as deceased at the scene.

Deputies have identified the driver of the Lexus as Jessica Griego, 34, of Oregon City.  Griego’s 4 year-old son was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash.  The child was transported to a Portland area hospital and is reported to be in good condition.

The driver of the Ford Explorer has been identified as Martin Johnson, 65, of Willamina.

Deputies interviewed witnesses at the scene who stated the silver Lexus R350 was traveling westbound on McKay Rd NE near Case Rd NE when it went into the oncoming lane of travel, striking the black Ford Explorer Sport Trac head on.  At this time it is unclear if speed or alcohol were factors leading up to the crash.

The preliminary investigation at the scene has been completed and McKay Rd NE has been reopened to traffic.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, Aurora Fire District, Woodburn Ambulance, and Marion County Public Works.

Today at 1:09 pm witnesses reported a serious motor vehicle crash on McKay Rd NE near Case Rd NE, in northern Marion County.   When emergency crews arrived they determined this crash involved two vehicles.  The drivers of both involved vehicles were pronounced as deceased at the scene.  One survivor was taken to a Portland area hospital.   

Deputies are on scene investigating, there is no information as to the cause of the crash at this time.  No additional information about the people involved in the crash will be released until after next of kin have been notified.

McKay Road NE will be closed between Case Rd NE and French Prairie Rd NE for the next several hours during the investigation.  The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, Aurora Fire District, Woodburn Ambulance, and Marion County Public Works.

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

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

NAME: Evan Samuel Gilmore
SID#: 16209945
DOB: 4/3/1993
CURRENT AGE: 26
RACE: B             SEX: M
HEIGHT: 5’8”      WEIGHT: 210 LBS
HAIR: BRO         EYES: BRO

RESIDENCE: 2775 Quinaby Rd. NE, Salem, OR 97303

Evan S. Gilmore is on Post Prison Supervision for the crimes of: Assault IV (x2), Rape I Attempt, and Sodomy I Attempt

This person was granted Post Prison Supervision on: 7/20/2018
Supervision expiration date is: 3/19/2025
Special restrictions include:

[X] No contact with minors (male/female)
[X] Sex Offender Treatment
[X] Submit to Polygraph

Other: Gilmore’s victim pool includes known adult females. Gilmore has been in compliance and has not received any sanctions for violations of his conditions since his release from Department of Corrections. Gilmore is presently employed.

Community Corrections Deputy: Monica Sandoval
Phone: 503.588.6813
E-Mail:Msandoval@co.marion.or.us

 

This morning at approximately 5:15 am, Marion County Fire District responded to a house fire in the 4300 block of Munkers St SE, Salem.  When fire crews arrived on scene, they found the home to be fully involved.  An adult male was rescued from inside of the structure and transported to an area hospital by paramedics. 

The male has been identified as Timothy Allen, a 45 year-old Salem man.  Mr. Allen died as a result of his injuries earlier this morning while undergoing treatment.

Investigators from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Fire District #1, and the Oregon State Police are currently on scene investigating.  It is still early in the investigation, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. 

During the response to the fire, Marion County Fire District #1 was assisted by the Salem Fire Department, Turner Fire District, Keizer Fire Department, Aumsville Fire Department, and Faulk Ambulance. 

Deputies are asking anyone who may have information about the fire to contact Deputy Chris Kennedy at 503-930-9464.

TO: All Media
Friday, June 14, 2019
For Immediate Release

Yard Debris burning is closing early on June 17, 2019 -Update/Correction

Yard debris burning, also known as ‘open burning’ will be closing early in the City of Newport, and Newport Rural Fire Protection District. We will re-open burn season around the first of October, when the fall rains return. This burn closure goes into effect Monday, June 17, 2019.

The reason for this early closure is due to unusually dry conditions and lower than normal precipitation. Along with that, Oregon Department of Forestry, Toledo Office has informed us fuel moisture levels in the County are at remarkably low levels. This closure coincides with ODF beginning fire season and regulated use for Western Oregon District.

Inside city limits a permit is not required for recreational fires. However outside city limits, in the Rural Fire Protection District, a permit, or waiver, is required by ODF. A recreational fire is an outside fire, not bigger than 3 feet by 3 feet, used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Anyone with questions regarding burn permits and back yard burning may call the Fire Department at 541-265-9461.

NFD would like to point out some safety tips for recreational fires. Always have a water supply available and extinguish your fire before you leave. Keep recreational fires at least 15 feet away from any structure or combustible materials. Please be respectful of your neighbors and be mindful of where the smoke is traveling.

Newport Fire Department
541-265-9461

Yard debris burning, also known as ‘open burning’ will be closing early in the City of Newport, and Newport Rural Fire Protection District. We will re-open burn season around the first of October, when the fall rains return. This burn closure goes into effect Monday, June 17, 2019.

The reason for this early closure is due to unusually dry conditions and lower than normal precipitation. Along with that, Oregon Department of Forestry, Toledo Office has informed us fuel moisture levels in the County are at remarkably low levels. This closure coincides with ODF beginning fire season and regulated use for the Western Oregon District on the same day.
Recreational fires are still allowed and do not require a permit. A recreational fire is an outside fire, not bigger than 3 feet by 3 feet, used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Anyone with questions regarding burn permits and back yard burning may call the Fire Department at 541-265-9461.

NFD would like to point out some safety tips for recreational fires. Always have a water supply available and extinguish your fire before you leave. Keep recreational fires at least 15 feet away from any structure or combustible materials. Please be respectful of your neighbors and be mindful of where the smoke is traveling.

Newport Fire Department
541-265-9461

On Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at approximately 2:45 A.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 99E near milepost 30.

Preliminary investigation reveals a Ford truck, operated by Efren Arellano-Contreras (19) of Woodburn, was north on Hwy 99E when he left the roadway and collided with a power pole.  

Power lines were down and Hwy 99E was shut for approximately 2 hours.

Arellano-Contreras was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

Arellano-Contreras is being charged with DUII, reckless driving and criminal mischief in the second degree. 

OSP was assisted by Marion County Sheriffs Office, Woodburn Police Department, Oregon Department of Transportation and Hubbard Fire department.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at approximately 8:32 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a pedestrian hit by a vehicle on Highway 140 East near milepost 8.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a gold Mazda, operated by Zahara Gonzales (38) of Klamath Falls, was traveling westbound on Hwy 140E, entering an active construction zone. Gonzales struck a road construction flagger, identified as Daniel Wessel (45) of Klamath Falls.  Wessel was working for Rocky Mountain Construction.

Wessel sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Hwy 140E was closed for 4 hours following the crash.

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Klamath County Sheriff's Office, and Klamath Fire Department.  

The Oregon State Police is continuing the investigation into the fatal hit and run crash which occurred on Saturday, June 15, 2019. OSP is providing the attached photo, of a piece of the suspect vehicle, in hopes that someone will recognize the piece or damage to the front bumper area of a vehicle they are familiar with.

Contact the Oregon State Police by dialing OSP or  541-883-5711.

On Saturday, June 15, 2019, at approximately 3:47 AM, Klamath County 911 received a call of a man found in the middle of South 6th Street at the intersection with Gary Street.

Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to assist the man, who was later identified as Henry Rittenhouse, age 36, of Klamath Falls; however, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On scene investigation determined that Mr. Rittenhouse had been struck by a vehicle that left the scene.  The suspect vehicle is gray in color; however, there are no additional descriptors of the vehicle that struck Mr. Rittenhouse at this time.  

The Oregon State Police was assisted at the scene by the Klamath Falls Police Department, the Klamath County Sheriff's Office, Klamath County Fire District 1, and ODOT.

Any one with information on this incident, or with information on the suspect vehicle, is asked to call Oregon State Police Dispatch at OSP or  541-883-5711.

At 7:09 a.m. on June 18, 2019, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported commercial structure fire at 2333 NE Diamond Lake Blvd.  The reporting party notified dispatch that black smoke was billowing out of one of the roll up doors at the location. 

Firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke coming from the roll up door located at the back of a commercial structure.  Firefighters forced entry into the building and quickly extinguished the fire.  After extinguishment of the fire, firefighters checked for extensions within the structure walls and ventilated the building.  Once ventilation was completed, department personnel secured the scene and conducted an investigation.  The fire is currently under investigation and believed to be accidental in nature. 

A total of 12 firefighters assisted with the firefighting operations. Other agencies assisting with the fire included Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, Pacific Power, and Avista Utilities.

The City of Roseburg Fire Department, in conjunction with the Douglas Forest Protective Association, Douglas County Fire District #2, and the Winston-Dillard Fire District #5 will be actively engaging in wildland fire training exercises on Reservoir Hill on June 17, 19, and 21, 2019.  During the training exercises, two specific portions of the hill will be used for training to include live burning that will occur twice per day.  The training locations are designed to stay on City owned property.  Training will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. each day. 

The training objectives will include refresher training on wildland firefighting tactics in conjunction with local fire agencies, continued training on command and control procedures for multi-unit incident response, and eliminating fuels in an effort to minimize the threat of an uncontrolled burn in the area.  Fixed wing aircraft, provided by the Douglas Forest Protective Association, will be utilized overhead the training for all three days.  This training opportunity provides the ability to not only train together, but also to improve the effectiveness of interoperability between multiple agencies.

As always, safety will be the number one priority for personnel participating in the training.  The City of Roseburg Fire Department would like to thank the City of Roseburg Police Department, Community Development Department, and Public Works Department for providing additional assistance.  Media wishing to interview a Public Information Officer or take pictures during the training are encouraged to contact Staff Assistant Amy Rice at 541.492.6727 or ice@cityofroseburg.org">arice@cityofroseburg.org to coordinate an allotted time with a Public Information Officer at the training site.

 

On June 19, 2019 at approximately 1035 a.m., the Roseburg Police Department was dispatched to a reported robbery at Cascade Community Credit Union, located at 1123 W Harvard.  A Credit Union employee advised Dispatch that a male gave a teller a note indicating he "needed money".  Afte the male suspect told the Credit Union employee to open the till and give him money, he also asked for the employee to call the police so he could be arrested. 

The 36 year old male (Cody Rose) was located at the Credit Union by the responding officer and  hewas taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently transported to Douglas County Corrections, where he was lodged for Robbery II.  

On Friday, June 14th, 2019 the Roseburg Police Department conducted a pedestrian safety crosswalk event on SE Pine Street in Roseburg.  The event went from 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.  The following are the enforcement numbers from that event.

26 citations for crosswalk violations

8 warnings for crosswalk violations

2 citations for driving while suspended or driving without a license

3 citation for driving while using a cell phone

3 "other" citations

Media Contact:                                                                                   June 13, 2019
Pacific Power media line                                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
800-570-5838

 

Media Statement Regarding 2019 Wildfire Season

Pacific Power issues the following statement from Scott Bolton, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Customer Solutions:

As wildfires become more frequent and intense throughout the West, protecting the communities we serve from this increasing threat, while providing safe, reliable power, is our highest priority. We are building on our work over past years to strengthen our system and implement additional safety measures to reduce wildfire risks.

As part of this effort, we are working with area emergency services agencies, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and community leaders across Oregon to expand and enhance existing emergency response plans and work in coordination with our communities. This includes some new actions we’re planning for this fire season.

• We are enhancing vegetation inspections and vegetation clearance around our power lines or poles, increasing facilities inspections, making investments to improve equipment resiliency and fire-proofing, installing local weather stations, and training and equipping our field crews for wildfire suppression.
   

• For areas at a higher risk of fast-spreading wildfires, we are establishing a new fire prevention measure called a Public Safety Power Shutoff. A Public Safety Power Shutoff is a new measure designed to help keep people and communities in high-risk areas safe, by proactively shutting off power during extreme and dangerous weather conditions that can result in catastrophic wildfires. This measure would only be taken as a last resort to help ensure customer and community safety.

 

• Pacific Power is working with local governments and emergency services agencies to update them on the conditions when this protocol would be used and seek their input on coordination should we need to deploy a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
   
• Pacific Power is also launching a public wildfire education and outreach campaign starting June 24 to share wildfire safety and prevention tips and to inform customers of the company’s Public Safety Power Shutoff measure. This will include public information workshops for communities in high-risk areas.

Customers can take steps now to prepare for emergencies by keeping vegetation around their homes trimmed and low and updating their emergency plans and supplies. Customers should also contact us to ensure their contact information is up-to-date, so we can keep provide updates about increased fire risk alerts, potential power outages and updates on power restoration.

For more information, customers may contact Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or visit pacificpower.net/wildfiresafety.

###

 

SUNNY VALLEY: The slow lane of I-5 northbound is closed, and will be for at least several hours, due to a wildfire racing up the adjacent hillside. OSP, ODF and ODOT on scene.

I-5 traffic tonight should drive defensively and watch for firefighters/equipment in the slow lane. 

GRANTS PASS-  I-5 SB Exit 55 off-ramp-Grants Pass: Watch for congestion/delays after truck rollover at the bottom of the off-ramp. Traffic getting through but expect short northbound off-ramp closure for truck recovery. Caveman Towing on scene.
Also - there's a report of a two vehicle crash at the northbound off-ramp.

Grants Pass traffic encouraged to use north Grants Pass exit, 58.

MEDIA ALERT: Oregon Dept. of Ag, Farm Bureau, Marion Co. Sheriff’s, ODOT to host press conference about sharing rural roads safely with farm equipment on 6/20 in Gervais

What: The Oregon Department of Agriculture, Marion County Farm Bureau, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon Department of Transportation will host a press conference to highlight the importance of drivers sharing the road safely with large, slow-moving farm equipment.

When: Thursday, June 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Where: Pearmine Farms, 12223 River Rd NE, Gervais, OR 97026 (directly across from Salem Missionary Baptist Church on River Rd.)

Why: As summer harvest ramps up in the Willamette Valley, large, slow-moving farm equipment must sometimes drive on public roads to move between fields. Meanwhile, there are more cars than ever before on rural roads because of smartphone driving apps and more people taking advantage of farm stands, u-picks, and agritourism events. Summer is also the time when major construction takes place on interstate highways, causing drivers to look for alternative routes. Both motorists and farmers are encouraged to exercise caution, courtesy, and patience to keep everyone safe as farm equipment moves down the road.

The Oregon Legislature is also poised to pass HB 3213, which will establish safety corridors on certain county roads. Marion County Farm Bureau members Molly McCargar and Brenda Frketich were driving forces behind the legislation, which was sponsored by Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, a farmer and member of Linn County Farm Bureau.

In less than a year, there have been 12 fatalities on McKay Road, a rural road in Marion County, alone.  

Press conference schedule: Press conference will begin at 12:30 p.m. with statements by:

• Alexis Taylor, director, Oregon Department of Agriculture
• Molly McCargar, farmer and member of Marion County Farm Bureau
• Brenda Frketich, farmer and member of Marion County Farm Bureau
• Ethan Griffith, senior deputy sheriff, Marion County Sheriff's Office 
• Louis Torres, public information officer, Oregon Department of Transportation 

Video footage opportunity: There will be an opportunity to take video footage of a large tractor driving down a road immediately following the speakers. 

Event contact: Anne Marie Moss, cell: 503-551-4799, annemarie@oregonfb.org

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The summer heat wave has just begun to make its way across the States signaling the end of school and the beginning of summer vacation. While the sun is perfect for a day at the beach, hot days can also have a sinister side - especially when it involves a child who has been left unattended or gotten trapped inside a vehicle. .

Tragically in the United States, every 10 days a child dies as a result of vehicular heatstroke. Since 1998, there have been 806 deaths, with 11 already this year.   

The terrible truth? These deaths were 100% preventable.

Education is the first step in prevention, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is leading the charge.

On June 20, NHTSA will be tweeting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET about the dangers of heatstroke, and offering prevention tips. We invite you to share this information with you readers, viewers, and listeners.

Please join NHTSA in spreading the message. Let’s stop this troubling trend, stop the heartbreak, and stop children from dying in hot cars.

#HeatstrokeKills #CheckForBaby

==============================

Useful Links

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/child-safety#view-heatstroke-campaign

https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/child-safety/heatstroke-prevention

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/heat

(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Human Services is sending notices by mail to approximately 645,000 clients notifying them that their personal information was compromised during a previously announced January 2019 data breach.

It is not known if the compromised information, which includes personal health information, was viewed or used inappropriately.

The department is providing 12 months of identity theft monitoring and recovery services, including a $1 million insurance reimbursement policy, to individuals whose information was accessible. This service is provided by ID Experts and is called MyIDCare.

Instructions on how to enroll in the MyIDCare service is included in each notification letter.

The department was targeted by an email “phishing” attempt. A phishing email was sent to department employees on January 8, 2019. Nine employees opened the phishing email and clicked on an internet link that gave the sender access to their email accounts. Beginning January 9, 2019, these nine employees started reporting problems. All affected accounts were located and access to the nine affected accounts was stopped by January 28, 2019. On January 28, 2019 the department and the Enterprise Security Office Cyber Security team confirmed that the phishing incident was a data breach. The investigation confirmed that no other email accounts had been compromised and that no malware had been installed on department desktop computers or laptops.

Initial review of the incident indicated up to 2 million emails might be involved. After the breach was contained, the department began its electronic forensic investigation and analysis to identity exactly what data was compromised. Due to the exceedingly large amount of data and its complexity, the state determined that it would be appropriate to hire an outside firm, ID Experts, for data analysis.

Once it was confirmed that the compromised data included personal information, the department created an incident call center and website with information about the breach. The public was notified on March 21, 2019.

Most client information involved in the breach was in email attachments, like reports. The exposed client information includes first and last names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, case numbers, personal health information, and other information used in DHS programs. The personal health information includes Protected Health Information (PHI), covered under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Not all of these information types was exposed for each person.

ID Experts is providing MyIDCare, identity theft monitoring and recovery services, to affected individuals on behalf of the department.

Starting June 19, 2019 the department is sending individual notices and enrollment instructions to those who have been impacted, including notices to clients whose personal health information may have been involved.

Department clients who have questions about the breach or who need help enrolling in MyIDCare can call (800) 792-1750 toll-free or visit http://ide.myidcare.com/oregonDHS.

Keeping personal information secure for people the department serves is very important. The department has closed access to the email web application involved in the phishing attack. The department maintains safeguards in place to protect its clients’ personal information, including keeping security updates and patching up-to-date, completing independent security assessments, and using special software. The department also regularly trains its staff about recognizing phishing attacks.

The department has also notified the top three national credit reporting agencies of the incident. These agencies are TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.

Anyone concerned about identity theft is encouraged to contact these reporting agencies for a copy of a current credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228 (Option 1) toll-free.

This can also be done in writing to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Placing a credit freeze
All consumers have the option to freeze their credit reports for free. Parents may request a freeze of the credit report of a child under the age of 16. The guardian, conservator, or person holding a valid power of attorney for an individual may also request a credit report freeze for that person.

Below is each company’s freeze contact information:
Equifax, (800) 349-9960 (Automated, Option 1) or (888) 298-0045 (Live)
TransUnion, (888) 909-8872 (Option 3)
Experian, (888) 397-3742 (Option 1 followed by Option 2)

Anyone that suspects they are the victim of identity theft should report it to the Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the Federal Trade Commission.

For information on how to report suspected identity theft and for information about protecting your identity, visit:

The Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/id-theft-data-breaches/data-breaches/.

Federal Trade Commission consumer information on Privacy, Identity & Online Security at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity-online-security.

# # #

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Ajon Webster, died the morning of June 16, 2019. Webster was incarcerated at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Ajon Webster entered DOC custody on October 8, 2018, out of Multnomah County with an earliest release date of August 14, 2036. Webster was 29 years old. Next of kin has been notified. No other details are available at this time.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 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.

EOCI is a multi-custody prison located in Pendleton that houses over 1,700 individuals. The institution is known for its Oregon Corrections Enterprises industries, including a garment factory that produces Prison Blues©, whose products are sold in and outside the United States. Other industries are its embroidery and laundry facilities. EOCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, religious services, and inmate work crews. The buildings that make up EOCI were constructed in 1912 and 1913 and were originally used as a state mental hospital. After two years of renovation, EOCI received its first adults in custody in June 1985.

####

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Lloyd Roberts, died the morning of June 12, 2019. Roberts was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at the infirmary. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified. 

Roberts entered DOC custody on October 9, 2018, from Wasco County with an earliest release date of October 26, 2024. Roberts was 72 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 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 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 repair 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.

####

SALEM, Ore. – The Stewardship Coordinating Committee will meet Monday, June 24, from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Santiam Room, Building D on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Salem headquarters campus, 2600 State Street.

The committee will discuss the following topics:

• Updates from the Private Forests Division
• Landowner Assistance Program updates
• Forest Legacy and Community Forestry Program updates
• Meeting schedule for the remainder of 2019

This is a public meeting, everyone is welcome. The meeting space is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting. For more information about attending the meeting please contact Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.

The State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee advises the State Forester on policy and procedures for the U.S. Forest Service State and Private Forestry Programs, such as Forest Legacy and Forest Stewardship. The committee consists of representatives from state and federal natural resource agencies, private forest landowners, consulting foresters, and forest industry and conservation organizations. You can find more information at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/SCC.aspx. 

                                                                   # # #

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s Smoke Management Advisory Committee will meet June 25, 2019 in Salem. On the agenda are reports from the Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division; a summary of the 2019 spring burning season, a summary of smoke intrusions and incidents, and a report on federal burning. In addition, the committee will discuss fuel treatment effectiveness and key performance measures.

The public is invited to attend and there will be a period for public comment in the morning. The meeting is in the Santiam Room in Building D on the campus of the Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street in Salem. It will last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meeting space is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting Shauna Morris at 503-945-7529.

Created by the Legislature in 1989, the five-member committee assists and advises the Oregon Department of Forestry in carrying out its Smoke Management Program. Members are appointed by the State Forester to serve a two-year term, which is renewable.

                                                                                            # # #

SALEM, Ore. – An Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) state forests advisory group will meet on Friday, June 21 in Newport.

The State Forests Advisory Committee will meet from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21, in the conference room at the Holiday Inn Express Inn and Suites, 135 SE 32nd St., Newport 97365.  Topics on the agenda include an overview of the Annual Operation Plan (AOP) comments and responses, as well as updates on the Northwest State Forest Management Plan revision and Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan processes, legislative developments, Workforce Futuring (internal State Forests Division restructuring), and fire season predictions. The public will have the opportunity to provide comment.

The meeting agenda is posted at http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/SFAC.aspx. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-945-7427.

SFAC’s role

The State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC) includes citizens and representatives of timber, environmental and recreation groups. SFAC provides a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan. The plan provides guidance for managing 616,000 acres within the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam State Forests, and several scattered state-owned forest tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties through a balanced approach to generate revenue while prioritizing environmental and social benefits.

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.2 Percent in May  

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 percent in May, from 4.3 percent in April. Oregon’s unemployment rate has been between 4.0 percent and 4.4 percent for 31 months, dating back to November 2016. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.6 percent in both April and May.

During this economic expansion, Oregon’s unemployment rate has been lower than at any time since comparable records began in 1976. The previous low was reached in January and February 1995 when Oregon’s rate touched 4.7 percent. In addition to the very low level of Oregon’s unemployment rate, it has been lower longer than ever before. Since the late-1970s, during the prior five economic expansions, the unemployment rate would generally drop to a bottom in the cycle and then start moving upward within a few months. In contrast, during the past three years, Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped down close to 4 percent, remaining near there for 31 consecutive months.

In May, Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment rose 1,200 jobs, following a gain of 4,000 jobs in April. Monthly gains for May were strongest in health care and social assistance, which added 900 jobs, and in construction and government, which each added 600 jobs. Two industries cut jobs modestly in May: private educational services (-500 jobs) and retail trade (-400 jobs).

Looking at longer-term trends, Oregon’s economy continued to grow rapidly. Since May 2018, total nonfarm payroll employment was up 47,400 jobs, or 2.5 percent. The most rapid gains over the past year were in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+4,900 jobs, or 7.6%) and construction (+7,500 jobs, or 7.2%). Job gains were widespread, with five other major industries each adding between 2.5 percent and 3.3 percent to their jobs base in the past 12 months. These industries were manufacturing (+6,500 jobs, or 3.3%), health care and social assistance (+7,300 jobs, or 2.8%), professional and business services (+6,700 jobs, or 2.7%), leisure and hospitality (+5,600 jobs, or 2.7%), and wholesale trade (+1,900 jobs, or 2.5%). During that time, none of the major industries cut a substantial number of jobs, although three industries showed little change: retail trade; financial activities; and mining and logging.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the May county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, June 25th, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for June on Tuesday, July 16th.

Notes:

All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted.

The Oregon Employment Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) work cooperatively to develop and publish monthly Oregon payroll employment and labor force data. The estimates of monthly job gains and losses are based on a survey of businesses. The estimates of unemployment are based on a survey of households and other sources.

The Oregon Employment Department publishes payroll employment estimates that are revised quarterly by using employment counts from employer unemployment insurance tax records. All department publications use this Official Oregon Series data unless noted otherwise. This month’s release incorporates the October, November and December 2018 tax records data. The department continues to make the original nonfarm payroll employment series available; these data are produced by the BLS.

The PDF version of the news release, including tables and graphs, can be found at www.QualityInfo.org/press-release. To obtain the data in other formats such as in Excel, visit www.QualityInfo.org, then within the top banner, select Economic Data, then choose LAUS or CES. To request the press release as a Word document, contact the person shown at the top of this press release.

For help finding jobs and training resources, visit one of the state's WorkSource Oregon centers or go to: www.WorkSourceOregon.org.

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

June 19, 2019

Testing shows fecal bacteria levels have subsided

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with marine water at Cannon Beach, located in Clatsop County. The health authority issued the advisory June 18 after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

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

State officials continue to encourage other recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect.

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

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

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http://bit.ly/2KsDf7M

 

June 18, 2019

Stay safe, healthy with safety tips from OHA as summer kicks off June 21

#SummerBummer campaign launches to prevent hot-weather injuries, illnesses

PORTLAND, Ore. — As summer kicks off Friday, June 21, the Oregon Health Authority is recommending people in Oregon take steps to keep the season from becoming a “bummer” with tips for staying healthy and safe.

OHA is launching a digital media campaign using the hashtag #SummerBummer to feature recommendations to prevent injuries and illnesses often associated with the season’s warm temperatures, including cyanobacterial (harmful algal) blooms, fecal bacteria at beaches, drownings, food- and insect-borne diseases, wildfire smoke and extreme heat.

The goal of the campaign, set to run from June 21 to Sept. 21, is to leverage social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to encourage people to sign up for recreational advisories at the OHA recreational advisories website. The campaign will offer Oregonians a one-stop shop for warm-weather safety tips, including these topics:

• Drowning prevention — Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating, and make sure young swimmers wear life jackets. Don't swim alone or in bad weather, and always supervise children in and near the water. Visit the Safe Kids websites on pool safety at https://www.safekids.org/poolsafety and boating safety at https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/boating.
• Wildfire smoke — Watch air quality reports, such as the Oregon Smoke Blog at  http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/. Limit exposure to smoke by reducing time spent outdoors or engaging in rigorous outdoor activity, and stay in a tightly closed, air-conditioned house or one with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if available. Stay hydrated. If you have heart or lung disease, follow your health care provider’s advice for precautions. Visit http://healthoregon.org/wildfires for more.
• Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, Zika) — Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as watering troughs and bird baths. Protect yourself during outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas. Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly. Visit OHA's West Nile virus webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/WESTNILEVIRUS/Pages/wnvprevent.aspx.
• Tick-borne diseases (Colorado tick fever, Lyme disease) — Wear tick repellent that contains permethrin or DEET. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into the tops of socks or boots. Frequently check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks, and remove them. After you get home, check your entire body for ticks, including under the arms, in and around the ears and inside your belly button. Visit www.cdc.gov/ticks/.
• Cyanobacterial (harmful algal) blooms — Avoid areas of water bodies where there are signs of a cyanobacterial bloom, such as water that is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red in color. Avoid swimming, water-skiing, wake-boarding, tubing, and other high-speed water activities in areas of the lake affected by a bloom. Watch children and pets to be sure they are not swallowing water or coming in contact with cyanobacterial blooms washed up on the shore or dried on rocks. Do not use lake water for drinking because camping-style filters and boiling do not remove the toxins. Visit http://healthoregon.org/hab.
• Beach bacteria — Visitors to Oregon beaches where a public health advisory is in place for higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm even if no advisory is in effect. Visit http://healthoregon.org/beach.
• Foodborne illness prevention — For picnics, pack a food thermometer, cooler chest with ice, clean utensils, storage containers for leftovers, paper towels and trash bags. Always thaw food overnight in the refrigerator, not on the counter, or cook it while frozen. Wash your hands before preparing food, and if running water isn’t available, use disposable wet wipes or hand sanitizer to clean hands before and after touching food. Serve food from the grill on a clean platter, and don’t use the same plate and utensils used for raw food. Don’t leave food out in the sun, keep your cooler in the shade. Cook meats to minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria: 160 degrees F for ground beef, pork and lamb; 165 F for poultry. Visit https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/2015/06/picnic.html.
• Extreme heat — Visit air-conditioned places if possible and limit sun exposure when UV rays are strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Never leave children in a parked car. Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working outside, and avoid alcohol or liquids with large amounts of sugar. Keep up to date on the temperature and heat index when planning activities. Learn to recognize, prevent and treat heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Visit OHA's Extreme Heat webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/Preparedness/Prepare/Pages/PrepareForExtremeHeat.aspx.

For more information, visit the OHA’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/OregonHealthAuthority/; Twitter page, https://twitter.com/OHAOregon or YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/healthoregon.

Sign up for beach and freshwater advisories the OHA recreational advisories website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/Pages/index.aspx.

# # #

http://bit.ly/2WOK8BV

June 18, 2019

Health advisory issued June 18 for water contact at Cannon Beach

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Cannon Beach, located in Clatsop County.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While this advisory is in effect at Cannon Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

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

# # #

http://bit.ly/2x1wjWd

June 14, 2019

Contact: Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee.

When: June 21, 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: Five Oak Building Suite 775, Transformation Training Room, 421 SW Oak St., Portland. The public also may join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3895887851300669185 and listen-only conference line at 888-204-5984, access code 1277166.

Agenda: Welcome and introductions; OHA recommendations for 2020 measure set; public testimony 9:25-9:40; review previous minutes and general updates; Dental Quality Alliance sealant measure decisions; review background information, including policy context, measure assessments, stakeholder survey, committee survey, committee measure set criteria; 2020 measure set selection (final set to be approved in July); adjourn.

For more information, please visit the committee's website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/Metrics-Scoring-Committee.aspx.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2Xg6now

June 14, 2019

Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Medical Community Collaboration Workgroup meets June 17 in Portland

What: The fifth meeting of the Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Medical Community Collaboration Workgroup.

Agenda: Discuss narrowing workgroup scope and product; plan for community engagement, including who will be engaged, what questions will be asked and how the engagement will take place; identify breakout subgroups including medical, peers and policy review.

When: June 17, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1D, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland.

The Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative brings together multiple sectors across the Portland metro area to collectively address and prevent behavioral health challenges with a focus on peer delivered services and substance use disorder activities that can make an impact in 12 to 24 months.

For more information, see the RBHC website at https://www.oregon.gov/OHA/HSD/BHP/Pages/Regional-Collaboratives.aspx.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

•         Sign language and spoken language interpreters

•         Written materials in other languages

•         Braille

•         Large print

•         Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Summer Boslaugh at 503-753-9688, 711 TTY or .h.boslaugh@dhsoha.state.or.us">summer.h.boslaugh@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2Xcb9mT

June 14, 2019 – Salem, Ore. – The sun is a little brighter for two Eugene-area women when both won $100,000 prizes playing Scratch-its this past weekend.

Anya Moedl, of Eugene, won $100,000 after playing a $10 Emerald 10s Scratch-it at the 7-Eleven along River Road in Eugene.

“I buy Scratch-its every so often, but usually they are $2 or $3 tickets,” she said. “I splurged and bought a $10 one, and I wasn’t expecting to win that much!”

Moedl said she played the ticket at home and found out Friday and had to wait over the weekend for the Lottery offices to open Monday.

“I was pretty excited all weekend,” she said. “I barely slept all weekend long, I kept thinking about what to do with the money.”

Moedl said she was going to use the money to save for an education fund for her son and daughter. She also said she may look at some property but was going to be careful with the prize.

There is still one $100,000 jackpot-winning Scratch-it available for the Emerald 10s Scratch-it game.

The same weekend, Eugene-area player Elena Delgadillo, also won $100,000 playing a Scratch-it.

“Scratch-its are my hobby and I never thought I would win this much!” Delgadillo said. “I just had a feeling I would win, and I did!”

Delgadillo purchased her ticket, a $10 $100,000 Jackpot Scratch-it, from the Oakridge Market after she got off work. Her winning ticket was the the last jackpot-winning ticket for that game.

“Miracles happen,” she said, fighting back tears. “I have four kids and two are in college, this is really going to help with their education.”

During the 2018 fiscal year, the Oregon Lottery awarded more than $2.6 billion in prizes and $725 million to state and local programs.

During the 2015-17 biennium, more than $50.8 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement in Lane County, where both women live and purchased their Scratch-its. Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.

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. Prize winners of more than $50,000 are advised to contact the Lottery office and schedule an appointment to claim their prize.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

Oregon Heritage Commission has awarded $78,021 in grants to 13 museums throughout the state. The grants will help fund a variety of projects including collection preservation, visitor education and heritage tourism. Award amounts ranged $1,230 - $8,148.

Funded projects:

• Benton County Historical Society, in Philomath, for conservation of an 1850 child’s dress and jacket.
• Eugene Debbs Potts Foundation, in Merlin, for building repair.
• Gilliam County Historical Society, in Condon, for interpretive panels.
• Gresham Historical Society for collections storage improvements.
• High Desert Museum, near Bend, to install the Natural Wanderment exhibition and offer associated programming.
• Lane County Historical Society, in Eugene, for collections storage improvements.
• The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, in Eugene, to digitize a portion of the Native American basket collection.
• North Lincoln County Historical Society, in Lincoln City, to develop a research library.
• Tillamook Forest Center, near Tillamook, for collections storage improvements.
• Oregon Daughters of the American Revolution, in St Helens, for preservation of the Caples House.
• Oregon Electric Railway Historical Society, in Portland, for the purchase of rare train parts.
• Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, in Portland, to develop the Present Future Lab.
• Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health, in Salem, to organize, document , and re-house the large furniture collection.

The museum grant program is offered annually by the Oregon Heritage Commission, part of the Oregon Heritage program at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The grant program began in 1965 when only 24 organizations were eligible for the program.

The Oregon Heritage Commission works to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage. The Commission sponsors heritage initiatives that educate the public about the value of heritage and celebrate the state’s diversity.

The Oregon Heritage Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and nine agency advisors. Members are chosen from state agencies and statewide organizations, and represent a diverse geographical and heritage background.

To learn more about the Oregon Museum Grant or the Oregon Heritage Commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) has awarded $62,394 in grants to 12 historic cemetery projects throughout the state. The funds will help support preservation efforts, repair work and visitor education. Individual award amounts ranged $2460-$8,000.

Funded projects:

• Restoration of the Gibbons-Maxwell memorial in the Athena Cemetery in Athena.
• Monument repair at Blue Mountain Kees Cemetery in Weston.
• Monument repair and cleaning at the Zion Memorial Cemetery in Canby.
• Fence repair and storage shed at the East Drain Cemetery.
• Road improvement and shed repair at the IOOF Cemetery in Coburg.
• Complete a walking tour and kiosk at Logtown Cemetery in Jackson County.
• Purchase and install block markers at Lone Fir Cemetery in Portland.
• Install an information kiosk and digitized the records of the Moro Cemetery.
• Rehabilitate the Veterans Memorial area at the Mountain View Cemetery in Oregon City.
• Repair, reset and clean headstones at the St. Helens Masonic Cemetery.
• Repair fencing and five monuments at the Ukiah Cemetery.
• Repair monuments and remove trees in the Weston Cemetery.

Historic cemeteries are documented by OCHC and must include the burial of at least one person who died before Feb. 14, 1909.

The historic cemetery grant program is offered annually by the OCHC, part of the Oregon Heritage Program at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

OCHC maintains a list of all pioneer and historic cemeteries in the state. The seven-member appointed commission helps people and organizations document, preserve and promote of designated historic cemeteries statewide.

For more information about the grant program or the OCHC, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment today charging Lebanon, Oregon business owner Robert A. Lund, 62, with evading $1.7 million in income taxes, failing to file individual income tax returns, obstructing or impeding the IRS and theft of government funds as part of a multi-year scheme to defraud the U.S.

According to the indictment, in June 2002, after an IRS audit and a lengthy period of litigation, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a U.S. Tax Court finding that Lund owed more than $444,000 in underreported tax liabilities. After the ruling, the IRS Collection Division continued its efforts to collect the taxes Lund owed. In response, Lund sent the IRS frivolous correspondence, threatened to the sue the IRS Revenue Officers, attempted to quash various summonses and subpoenas, filed false bankruptcy petitions, transferred real property to nominees and used nominees to open financial accounts and conceal his income.

From December 2000 to November 2013, Lund incorporated or controlled over 160 nominee business entities and used them to conceal his assets and income from the IRS. He operated four businesses—a computer consulting company, a bookstore, a nutrition store and a scuba diving company—from a building in downtown Albany, Oregon. Additionally, he operated a trailer park in Sweet Home, Oregon from which he rented trailer units to individuals receiving government rental assistance.

Lund will be arraigned on July 10, 2019 in Portland.

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Oregon Department of Human Services and is being prosecuted by Seth D. Uram and Clemon D. Ashley, Assistant U.S. Attorneys 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.

# # #

Portland, Ore. (June 18, 2019) – The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is hosting the Animation Film Festival, which showcases a selection of intelligent, entertaining and provocative programming from some of the world’s most creative artists. A celebration of animation from independent shorts to feature films, the festival runs from June 20 to 23 at OMSI’s Empirical Theater.  

Among the highlights of the festival are a selection of Portland-area premieres, including: 
•    This Magnificent Cake, an internationally acclaimed film set in colonial Africa that has been dubbed "one of the most innovative and groundbreaking films" of the year. 
•    The New York International Children's Film Festival (NYICFF) Kid Flicks Tour featuring two anthologies, one designed for youth ages three to seven and the second curated for families with youth ages eight and up.
•    SIGGRAPH's 2018 Computer Animation Festival showcasing a selection of innovative animated short films and visual effects reels submitted by digital film creators from around the globe. The SIGGRAPH Festival will include an introductory presentation by Larry Bafia, SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival Producer.

Rounding out the festival lineup are nine additional films – among them, Masaaki Yuasa's 2004 cult classic Mind Game, the emotionally powerful Liyana, and the latest LAIKA production Missing Link –  that underscore the diversity of animation as an artistic medium and its unique ability to educate, entertain and inspire audiences.

Festival Schedule

Thursday, June 20
5 p.m.: My Life as a Zucchini   
6:15 p.m.: Modest Heroes
7:15 p.m.: Mirai
9 p.m.: Mind Game       

Friday, June 21
5:15 p.m.: This Magnificent Cake
6:30 p.m.: SIGGRAPH 2018 Computer Animation Festival with guests Jamaal Bradley, Senior Animator at Valve Software and Larry Bafia, SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival Producer
9:45 p.m.: Perfect Blue

Saturday, June 22
12 p.m.: NYICFF Kid Flicks Tour 
1 p.m.: Modest Heroes             
2 p.m.: The Big Bad Fox & Other Tales
3:30 p.m.: NYICFF Family Flicks Tour          
5 p.m.: Liyana 
6:30 p.m.: This Magnificent Cake
7:30 p.m.: Mirai  
9:30 p.m.: Mind Game

Sunday, June 23
12 p.m.: NYICFF Kid Flicks Tour 
1p.m.: NYICFF Family Flicks Tour          
2:30 p.m.: Song of the Sea             
4:15 p.m.: Missing Link    
6 p.m.: Liyana
7:30 p.m.: Perfect Blue 
   
Festival Passes & Tickets
Plan on attending multiple shows or events? Buy a Festival pass and save! Pass holders receive access to all festival screenings and special events on a space available basis. Passes are not transferable. Festival passes are priced at: $19 Adult, $16 Senior (63+) and Youth (3-13). OMSI members receive $3 off.

Tickets are available for individual shows at: $7 Adult, $6 Senior (63+) and Youth (3-13). OMSI members receive $1 off. Passes and tickets may be purchased online at omsi.edu, at the OMSI front desk, or by phone at 503-797-4000.

About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in nearly every county in Oregon. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Farm Bureau, ODA, ODOT, sheriff promote rural road safety

MARION COUNTY, OREGON, June 19, 2019 — With the goal of keeping both drivers and farmers safe, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Marion County Farm Bureau, Marion County Sheriff's Office, and Oregon Department of Transportation will host a press conference on Thursday, June 20 at 12:30 p.m. in Gervais to highlight the importance of sharing the road safely with farm equipment. (Get the details of press conference or follow it tomorrow on Facebook live.)

For many farmers in the Willamette Valley, summer is the busiest time of year. The harvest of vegetables, berries, tree fruits, grass seed, clover, and wheat, among other crops, is in full swing with farmers spending long hours in their tractors.

Summer harvest means that sometimes large, slow-moving equipment must travel on public roads to move between fields or from farm to field. Driving a tractor on a highway is a legal and often necessary part of harvest — but it can pose a serious safety risk for both motorists and farmers without caution, courtesy, and patience.

“We’re reminding drivers to slow down, be patient, and use caution when encountering a tractor on the road,” said Alexis Taylor, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “Moving equipment between farms is part of a farmer’s day-to-day life, but it can make an already dangerous job even more so. Please, let’s give them our attention and respect to keep the roads safe for all Oregonians.”

The Oregon Legislature is also poised to pass HB 3213, which will create a pilot program to allow local governments to establish safety corridors on county roads. The bill was passed unanimously by both the House and Senate and now awaits the Governor’s signature.

“I was proud to introduce House Bill 3213, the Rural Oregon Achieving Driving Safety (aka ROADS) Act, this session. This bill is going to provide a tool for local law enforcement, counties, and communities to ensure that our county roads and farm roads are safe for tractors and farm equipment, and safe for our rural communities that want to get to and from home safely,” said Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis.

Farmers and Marion County Farm Bureau members Molly McCargar and Brenda Frketich were driving forces behind the legislation.

“Our rural roads are no longer being used just for getting agricultural products to market. They’re now being used as backroad commuting highways,” said McCargar. “Nearly every farmer, and non-farmer, I know who live on River, French Prairie, and McKay Roads have stories of close calls or accidents because of increased traffic. In less than a year, there have been 12 fatalities on McKay Road alone.”

“As a farmer, a first responder, a mom, and a community member, I can tell you firsthand that a lack of roadway safety is a very scary, all too often deadly scenario. My hope is that raising awareness around road safety in agriculture, and on these county roads, will save lives,” said Frketich.

Besides experiencing a few near accidents themselves while driving a tractor on the road, McCargar and Frketich lost a neighbor and fellow farmer in a deadly crash five years ago. Scott Miller served on the Marion County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and was killed in 2014 when a car rear-ended his tractor, which was pulling a trailer.

“Too many people underestimate how dangerous it is when you don’t slow down or try to pass a tractor recklessly, or even illegally over a double line or on a curve,” said McCargar. “Unfortunately, this is something farmers are seeing more every year.”

Indeed, as smartphone driving apps become the norm, more motorists than ever before are using rural roads for day-to-day travel. More people are taking advantage of the growing number of farm stands, u-pick fields, and agritourism events available. Summer is also the time when major construction occurs on interstate highways, like I-5, which can cause drivers to seek alternate routes.

As the number of cars on rural roads increases, so does the risk of serious accidents involving tractors.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), in 2017 there were a total of 42 crashes statewide involving farm equipment, resulting in one fatality and 32 non-fatal injuries. This is a significant increase from only four years ago; in 2013, there was a total of 26 crashes involving farm equipment, with no fatalities and 11 non-fatal injuries.

To help drivers share the road safely with farm equipment, Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) offers a one-minute video and a free brochure with important tips for both motorists and farmers.

• See the video on OFB’s website
  OFB’s Facebook page
  OFB’s YouTube channel
   
• Download a brochure for farmers and motorists about rural road safety https://oregonfb.org/safety/
   

Farmers do their best to avoid moving tractors during times of high traffic. However, during peak harvest, when the fruit is ripe or the hay is at the optimum level of dryness, they may have no choice.

Most farm equipment is designed to travel at speeds of no more than 25 miles per hour (mph), and must display a triangular, orange-and-red, reflective, slow-moving-vehicle sign if going out on public roads.

It takes only about 5 seconds for a car driving 55 mph to travel the length of a football field. A tractor driving 25 mph that looks far away can be directly in front of a fast-moving car within seconds. In low light, it can be even more difficult to judge the distance.

Safety tips for drivers include:

• If you decide to pass farm equipment on the road, please do so with caution.
• Be watchful of vehicles behind you that may also try to pass.
• If you must enter the oncoming lane of traffic, do not proceed unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the vehicle you will pass.
• If there are any curves or hills ahead that may block your view or the view of oncoming vehicles, do not pass.
• Do not pass if you are in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure, or tunnel.
• Do not assume that a farm vehicle that pulls to the right side of the road is going to turn right or is letting you pass. Due to the size of some farm implements, the farmer must make wide left-hand turns. If you are unsure, check the operator’s hand signals and look at the left side of the road for gates, driveways, or a place the vehicle might turn.

Safety tips for farmers include:

• Oregon law requires a slow-moving vehicle reflector on any machine that travels the road slower than 25 mph. Always point the triangle up, keep the SMV emblem clean to maximize reflectivity, and replace the emblem when it fades, normally every two to three years.
• Mark the edges of tractors and machines with reflective tape and reflectors. Consider installing retrofit lighting to increase visibility.
• Turn on your lights, but turn off rear spotlights when going onto the road. From a distance, spotlights can be mistaken for headlights.
• Be aware of heavy traffic patterns.
• Consider installing mirrors on equipment so you can see motorists around you. Be careful where the mirrors are placed.
• When moving multiple farm implements down the highway, leave enough space between each vehicle for cars to pass.

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About Oregon Farm Bureau: Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties. OFB President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

 

 

MEDIA ALERT: Oregon Dept. of Ag, Farm Bureau, Marion Co. Sheriff’s, ODOT to host press conference about sharing rural roads safely with farm equipment on 6/20 in Gervais

What: The Oregon Department of Agriculture, Marion County Farm Bureau, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon Department of Transportation will host a press conference to highlight the importance of drivers sharing the road safely with large, slow-moving farm equipment.

When: Thursday, June 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Where: Pearmine Farms, 12223 River Rd NE, Gervais, OR 97026 (directly across from Salem Missionary Baptist Church on River Rd.)

Why: As summer harvest ramps up in the Willamette Valley, large, slow-moving farm equipment must sometimes drive on public roads to move between fields. Meanwhile, there are more cars than ever before on rural roads because of smartphone driving apps and more people taking advantage of farm stands, u-picks, and agritourism events. Summer is also the time when major construction takes place on interstate highways, causing drivers to look for alternative routes. Both motorists and farmers are encouraged to exercise caution, courtesy, and patience to keep everyone safe as farm equipment moves down the road.

The Oregon Legislature is also poised to pass HB 3213, which will establish safety corridors on certain county roads. Marion County Farm Bureau members Molly McCargar and Brenda Frketich were driving forces behind the legislation, which was sponsored by Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, a farmer and member of Linn County Farm Bureau.

In less than a year, there have been 12 fatalities on McKay Road, a rural road in Marion County, alone.  

Press conference schedule: Press conference will begin at 12:30 p.m. with statements by:

• Alexis Taylor, director, Oregon Department of Agriculture
• Molly McCargar, farmer and member of Marion County Farm Bureau
• Brenda Frketich, farmer and member of Marion County Farm Bureau
• Ethan Griffith, senior deputy sheriff, Marion County Sheriff's Office 
• Louis Torres, public information officer, Oregon Department of Transportation 

Video footage opportunity: There will be an opportunity to take video footage of a large tractor driving down a road immediately following the speakers. 

Event contact: Anne Marie Moss, cell: 503-551-4799, ie@oregonfb.org">annemarie@oregonfb.org

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