SALEM, Ore. — The Forestry Program for Oregon Subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The subcommittee’s agenda includes:

• Vision for Oregon’s Forests (“FPFO”) content development
• Next steps discussion

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

Subcommittee purpose: Collaborative work forum for board and agency leadership to advance efforts to jointly develop a modern Forestry Program for Oregon (FPFO). The subcommittee will serve until completion of the conceptual FPFO, targeted for December 2023. Read more information about the subcommittee.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing will conduct routine F-15 Eagle night training missions from December 11-14, 2023.

142nd Wing Commander Colonel Michael Kosderka says that these night time missions are necessary for pilot proficiency. “Night training for F-15 Eagles is crucial to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of the 142^nd Wing in all conditions. Mastering nighttime operations enhances pilots' skills, allowing them to navigate and engage in low-light scenarios, ultimately bolstering our national defense capabilities and maintaining air superiority.”

Night training allows the Citizen-Airmen pilots based at the Portland Air National Guard Base to stay current with mandatory Air Force requirements. Night flying is conducted as an essential training requirement for nighttime maneuvers. Training flights will be completed each evening before 10:45 p.m.

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Photo caption:

Members of the 142nd Wing perform night flying January 9, 2021 at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. Night flying helps pilots enhance their skill set to handle different types of flying conditions. 

About the 142nd Wing:

The Portland Air National Guard Base employs around 1,400 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $130 million to the region. The 142nd Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from Northern California to the Canadian border, as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequaled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community. 

Regular School Board Meeting with Executive Session

Date: Monday, December 11, 2023

Call to Order at 5:30 PM
Location: Marshfield High School – Heritage Hall

The Coos Bay School District (CBSD) Board of Directors will hold a Regular School Board meeting with Executive Session on Monday, December 11^th at 5:30 pm.

Executive Session will be held pursuant to: 

(ORS 192.660(2)(b))- To consider the dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or agent, unless he or she requests an open meeting. 

The Executive Session will be closed to the public. 

The CBSD Board of Directors will conduct the meeting in person with video conference option. Members of the public may watch the board meeting live. Except during Executive Session. 

The agenda and packet will be posted HERE the Friday before the meeting.

Public Input: To sign up for public input, e-mail or call the Board Secretary at 541-267-1310 or davenc@coos-bay.k12.or.us. Deadline to sign up for public input is 12:00pm the day of the meeting. Those signed up will be given a telephone access code to the meeting. Speakers may offer objective criticism of school operations and programs, but the board will not hear personal complaints concerning school personnel nor against any person connected with the school system. The board chair will direct the visitor to the appropriate means for board consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving individuals. (Board Policy BDDH)

Board Committee Meetings & School Site Council Meeting Schedules – click here 

Coos Bay School District meetings are subject to the Public Meetings Law (ORS 192.610-192.710).  Notice of additional meetings will be sent out as necessary. The public is welcome to attend except where noted during executive session. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Request for other accommodations should be made to Daven Cagley at 541-267-1310 or davenc@coos-bay.k12.or.us

Updates an earlier version with new Oregon ONE Mobile app video link 

(Salem) – People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone. 

The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.” 

Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube

Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube

New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link 

• Create a ONE Online account.
• Access their existing ONE Online account.
• Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
• Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
• Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
• See and download notices that were mailed.
• Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
• Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
• View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.

People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.

How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits: 

• By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
• Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
• Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
• In person at an office near you: Find an office.
• In your language: Help in Your Language
• By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By fax at: 503-378-5628

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
• Oregon Department of Human Services help center 

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

About the Oregon Eligibility Partnership

The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and child care benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).###

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs signed a formal agreement with the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians on November 29, that will provide a framework for collaboration and increased resources dedicated to supporting the Tribe’s veterans in accessing their earned federal and state veterans’ benefits.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by ODVA Interim Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels and Cow Creek Umpqua Chairman Carla Keene, with tribal government leaders and representatives, tribal veterans, and ODVA staff gathered to commemorate the historic partnership. The formal signing was hosted at the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Government Office in Roseburg.

“This monumental partnership will help ensure veterans and members of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians will receive the same high-quality, trustworthy and timely level of service as any other veteran in our state, from a trained and certified Tribal Veteran Service Officer who understands their unique experiences and cultural identity,” said Dr. Daniels. 

“The power of having someone who knows you and who comes from where you come from, or is connected to where you come from, cannot be understated. It matters. We at ODVA are so grateful for the leadership of Chairman Keene and her Tribal Board of Directors who have made this historic partnership possible.”

“Today, our agencies partner together with a shared mission: to recognize and care for those who have served our country. Our military veterans have provided a profound service to our community, and we join together today to support and honor them,” said Chairman Keene. “To all the veterans and service members, thank you for your service to your community, the United States of America and for protecting the liberty each of us enjoy every day as Americans and Native Americans.”

The agreement establishes the new position of Tribal Veterans Service Officer (TVSO) within the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Government. The TVSO will be part of the newly established Veterans Services Program housed within the Cultural Resources Department. The position will be jointly funded by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, to serve the nearly 6 percent of the Cow Creek Umpqua tribal population who identify as veterans.

This Memorandum of Understanding is ODVA’s fourth with Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. 

Oregon’s statewide network of County and Tribal Veteran Service Offices are collaborative partnerships between the state and counties, or Tribal governments and deliver free local access to veteran benefits for veterans and their families. Tribal Veteran Service Officers (TVSOs) are trained by ODVA and then accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through a series of regular trainings facilitated by both agencies. TVSOs provide a wide variety of benefits and services to veterans and their family members, including the development and submission of claims to the federal VA for earned veteran benefits.

The position of TVSO is currently open to qualified applicants on the employment page of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians website, www.cowcreek-nsn.gov/employment. To learn more about veteran benefits, resources and services near you, or to schedule a session with your local Veteran Service Officer, visit the website of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at www.oregon.gov/odva/Services/Pages/Tribal-Veteran-Services.aspx. 

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

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Portland Business Journal ranked Oregon's largest credit union first among banks and wealth management firms

PORTLAND, Ore., December 8, 2023—The Portland Business Journal named OnPoint Community Credit Union Oregon's "Most Admired Company" in the Financial Services category. This honor marks OnPoint's 16^th consecutive year as one of the state's most admirable credit unions, banks or wealth management firms throughout Oregon. 

The Portland Business Journal surveys nearly 4,000 chief executive officers (CEOs) annually across Oregon and Southwest Washington to select the companies they admire most. The survey identifies and evaluates companies across all industries based on innovation, branding and marketing, quality of management, community involvement and quality of products and services.

“This incredible recognition would not be possible without the dedication of our employees, the loyalty of our members and the trust of our nonprofit partners,” said Rob Stuart, President and CEO, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Building strong communities is why we exist, and our purpose grows as we do. Being recognized as a ‘most admired’ organization is a testament to the tireless work of OnPoint’s more than 1,000 employees. We thank the Portland Business Journal community for recognizing their impact on the region.”  

Expanding the region’s access to financial resources

People in Oregon and Southwest Washington gained easier access to financial expertise, education and tools in 2023 thanks to OnPoint’s continued growth. The credit union opened its first branches in Corvallis and Newberg. It expanded partnerships with the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington and Youth Villages Oregon. Additionally, Portland Workforce Alliance received the inaugural Financial Education Innovation Award of $100,000 to build their capacity. OnPoint also continued its partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness, providing members with financial education, debt management and counseling services.   

Another record-breaking year in donations 

Nonprofits in Oregon received $2.5 million from OnPoint this year, a new record for the credit union’s community giving program. OnPoint’s donations were directed to more than 300 organizations focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, education, community development, environmental impact and youth services. More information about OnPoint’s community giving program can be found at www.onpointcu.com/community-giving.

Cultivating partnerships for a greener tomorrow 

OnPoint strengthened its commitment to protecting the region’s natural beauty and resources in 2023. OnPoint’s Green Auto and solar panel loan discounts continued to save members money and make going green a reality for more people. OnPoint advanced the missions of local environmentally-focused organizations, donating $25,000 each to The Nature Conservancy in Oregon, Ecotrust, Oregon Environment Council and SOLVE Oregon.  

OnPoint reduced its carbon footprint in 2023 with telecommuting programs, environmental education and employee volunteer opportunities. It also became the official sponsor of the Hayden Homes Amphitheater Take Note Initiative this year to help the venue advance its sustainability efforts. OnPoint also donated solar charging tables and 150 bike racks installed outside the amphitheater for concertgoers to use. More details on how OnPoint is moving toward a greener future can be found at www.onpointcu.com/green-horizons.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 539,000 members and with assets of $8.8 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

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During the Oregon Bank Leadership Symposium held this week, the Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) announced that Chris Hemmings, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Summit Bank, is the 2023 recipient of the Frank E. Brawner Advocacy Award.

The Frank E. Brawner Advocacy Award is named after one of the most passionate advocates in the history of Oregon banking, the late Frank Brawner, CEO of OBA for 24 years beginning in 1974. The award recognizes bankers who’ve had an outsized role in advocating for the Oregon banking industry.

The top priority of the Oregon Bankers Association is advocacy on behalf of its member banks and the communities they serve. This includes lobbying at the state level, regulatory relations, federal legislative advocacy, media and public relations, political engagement and other grassroots efforts.

Hemmings has been thoughtful and generous in his role as a banking industry advocate. From the halls of Congress to the corridors of the Oregon State Capitol, Hemmings blends banking expertise, passion and good humor to make sure legislators know how the passage of laws impacts the communities banks serve. He also opens the doors to Summit Bank for legislator visits and advocates for careers in banking among student groups. 

In addition to his advocacy work in Salem and D.C., Hemmings currently serves as an Oregon BankPAC Trustee and as a member of OBA’s Government Relations Committee, which he will chair beginning in January.

While presenting the award to Hemmings, OBA Senior Vice President and Government Affairs Director Kevin Christiansen commented, “It goes without saying that we’re exceptionally fortunate to have Chris as an advocacy leader for the Oregon banking community. Whenever we’ve asked, he has answered the advocacy call.” 

Since its creation in 2015, the Frank E. Brawner Advocacy Award has been bestowed to nine individuals who have been outstanding advocates for the Oregon banking industry.

                                 LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WELCOMES ESD K9

After months of fundraising, followed by canine (K9) and handler training, our team is excited to welcome electronic storage detection (ESD) K9 Trinity as our newest crime fighting partner! Trinity is also the first ESD K9 in Oregon. 

An ESD K9 is specially trained in scent detection which allows them to smell the chemical commonly found in digital storage devices. This allows ESD K9s to successfully locate hidden devices during searches that may have otherwise been missed due to deceiving device design or being concealed in irregular places. The items Trinity is searching for are hidden devices such as cell phones, computers, thumb drives, memory cards, and others containing evidence of child exploitation. ESD K9s, like Trinity, can find hidden electronics in a variety of environments including electronics that are submerged in water, hidden in floorboards, and other creative hiding places. In addition to locating electronics connected to child criminal investigations, Trinity and her handler, Detective Bettencourt, can find digital evidence related to other major criminal cases during investigations.

Trinity is a member of the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit and is an affiliate member of the Oregon Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. ICAC is a national network of coordinated task forces representing federal, state, and local law enforcement focused on investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children. 

ESD K9 Trinity, our 2-year-old black English Labrador Retriever, offers more support than just her certification in electronic storage detection; Trinity provides comfort to child victims at scenes and their families during difficult interviews. Our team has also been able to seek comfort and a refreshing break with her friendly demeanor around the office. Ghost, our Patrol K9, and ESD K9 Trinity have different roles and training. Most Patrol K9s, including Ghost, do not serve in roles that allow them to be approached and petted by community members. Due to her role and training, Trinity is able to be approached and petted by community members with Detective Bettencourt’s approval. In fact, some community members have had the chance to meet Trinity at the Meet and Greet hosted by Flashbacks Fountain & Grill or the annual Shop with a Cop event. When you see Trinity at future events, stop by and say hi! 

Trinity was donated to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office by the kNot Today Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to generate awareness, initiate prevention strategies, and assist in the development of innovative healing programs for sexually abused and exploited children. Community members helped raise funds to help bring Trinity to our team, assist in training, and cover on-going program expenses. We would also like to thank Flashbacks Fountain & Grill and Rogue Spirits & Ales for hosting ESD K9 fundraising events and K9s for Cops for providing a platform to collect online donations. Trinity and her handler received their core training from Jordan Detection K9 and continue to complete additional training to expand skills and to stay updated on best practices. 
 

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jerrica Landin, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland, Oregon on Aug. 21. She is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jerrica and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.

Jerrica may be in Portland or Eugene in Oregon. She may also be in Washington in Vancouver, Seattle or the Tri Cities. 

Name: Jerrica Landin
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Oct. 24, 2006
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 130 pounds
Hair: Reddish brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Jerrica has a tattoo of a heart on her neck below her right ear. She often dyes her hair red, pink and purple. 
Portland Police Bureau Case #23-803125
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1489518

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

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

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On Saturday, December 2, 2023, Lincoln City Police Officers were conducting proactive traffic enforcement on Highway 101 in Lincoln City and observed a silver Honda Accord with stolen license plates taken from a Kia Optima out of Marion County. The vehicle left the area before the officer could turn around to conduct a traffic stop. 

The patrol officers continued the search for the vehicle, eventually locating the Honda parked in a disabled parking stall at the Lincoln City Outlets and occupied by two people. The driver of the Honda initially provided a false name, but was ultimately identified as 60-year-old Matthew David Griner of Lebanon, Oregon. Griner had multiple warrants out for his arrest and his driving privileges were criminally revoked.

During the investigation, officers recovered two sets of stolen license plates, a replica firearm, and a user-quantity of narcotics. The Honda Accord was previously reported stolen out of Salem, Oregon, and was towed from the scene.

Griner was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Stolen Property x 2, Giving False Information to a Police Officer, Trafficking in Vehicle with Altered ID Numbers, Driving while Revoked Misdemeanor, and four out-of-county arrest warrants.

This incident highlights the importance of our officers conducting traffic enforcement in an effort to keep the community safe. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon man was sentenced in federal court today for stealing tools from Warm Springs Composite Products, a wood products manufacturing business owned by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Kevin Neal Strampher, Jr., 40, was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release. Strampher was also ordered to pay $2,378 in restitution to the tribe.

According to court documents, on January 28, 2023, Strampher entered the Warm Springs Composite Products mill and stole more than $2,000 in power and hand tools. Using surveillance footage obtained by the mill manager and other evidence collected, Warm Springs Tribal Police officers identified Strampher as the individual who burglarized the business.

On March 21, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Strampher with theft from an Indian tribal organization. On September 14, 2023, Strampher pleaded guilty to the single charge.

This case was investigated by the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department with assistance from the FBI. It was prosecuted by Pamela Paaso, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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OREGON COAST, Oregon—Oregon State Parks will once again host Winter Whale Watch Week at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.

Every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December, and state parks invites visitors to the coast to see their journey. 

Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Volunteer opportunities are still available along the north and south coast if you register by Dec. 11 at https://orwhalewatch.org/volunteer/

The Whale Watch Week sites are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast. 

“We are excitedly waiting for the migration of the gray whales to come down from Alaska,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

“We really enjoy sharing the experience with visitors,” he said, “It’s been a tradition at Oregon State Parks for more than 40 years.”

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

An estimated 14,500 gray whales swam past Oregon’s shores last winter, according to the most recent population estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The journey is part of their annual migration south to the calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico, and the end of December is the peak time to see their migration south. 

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org. 

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch23.

Portland, Ore.-This year NW Natural’s Gas Assistance Program (GAP) turns 41. Since 1982, GAP has raised more than $6.7 million on behalf of customers who face financial challenges. NW Natural customers, employees and shareholders all donate to the program, and a network of community action groups distribute the funds directly to those who need them, including low-income families and seniors. Over the years GAP has helped pay heating bills for more than 60,000 customers. 

NW Natural’s customers and shareholders contributed $160,000 to the GAP program in the past year. This year, NW Natural shareholders will match the first $60,000 in contributions to the program. The company also covers all of GAP’s administrative costs so 100% of the funds can be donated to recipients. 

This year’s GAP giving season is now open through August 31, 2024. Tax deductible donations can be made via United Way at https://connect.unitedway-pdx.org/gasassistance or mailing a check to: Gas Assistance Program, PO Box 35143 #4406, Seattle, WA 98124-5143.

Donation funds are distributed to the following community action networks, which screen all low-income recipients. 

• Clackamas County Social Services Division — Clackamas County 
• Clark Public Utilities District — Clark County 
• Community Action Organization — Washington County 
• Community Action Team, Inc. — Clatsop and Columbia Counties 
• Community Services Consortium — Benton, Lincoln and Linn Counties 
• Human Solutions, Inc. — Multnomah County 
• Impact Northwest — Multnomah County 
• Lane County Human Services Commission — Lane County 
• Mid-Columbia Community Action Council — Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties 
• Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action — Marion and Polk Counties 
• Self Enhancement, Inc. — Multnomah County 
• Yamhill Community Action Partnership — Yamhill County 

About NW Natural
NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately 2.5 million people in more than 140 communities through more than 795,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural owns and operates 21 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. NW Natural, a part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been doing business for more than 160 years. NW Holdings owns NW Natural, NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), and other business interests. We have a longstanding commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and taking care of our employees and communities. Learn more in our latest ESG Report.

Contact Info:
Media contact 503-739-9902

Winter weather can mean fun in the snow, but it is also a time we should pay close attention to the safety of our pets. Here are some safety tips to follow as the weather gets colder: 
 

1. Monitor pet’s food intake. Pets who live outdoors should be fed a bit more in the winter because they need the extra calories to stay warm. Indoor pets typically receive less exercise during cold weather and may require fewer calories.
2. Oregon law requires all companion animals be provided shelter from the elements. They should have fresh water put out a couple of times a day. Consider a special bowl that prevents the water from freezing.
3. In severe weather, allow your pet in your house or garage.
4. If your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the temperature. Pets can get frostbite very easily on the ears, tail, and paws.
5. When walking your dog in freezing conditions, check their paws to make sure ice is not building up between toes and that salt or gravel is not irritating the skin.
6. If your dog is a swimmer, keep them on a leash around open water or unstable ice. Hypothermia can set in quickly and your dog may be unable to get out of the water.
7. Before you start your car, ensure no cats are napping in the warm place your car provides by honking the horn or banging on the hood.
8. If you are decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments out of the reach of your pets. Remember that poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and other plants can be toxic if ingested.
9. Ingesting anti-freeze can be fatal for dogs and cats. It has a sweet taste and even a small amount can cause severe kidney damage or death. You can use a pet-safe antifreeze, look for brands containing propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. If you spill anti-freeze, soak it up immediately. Clay cat litter works well to absorb spills, discard the litter once the anti-freeze has been absorbed.

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

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PORTLAND, ORE. — Dec. 7, 2023 — Four leading community hospital systems, Legacy Health, Providence Health & Services, PeaceHealth and St. Charles Health System, have appealed U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman’s ruling to dismiss the health systems’ lawsuit against the State of Oregon. The lawsuit, first filed in September 2022, alleges the state has violated the civil rights of vulnerable Oregonians with severe mental illness.

The hospital systems’ lawsuit seeks to ensure the Oregon Health Authority fulfills its legal obligation to provide adequate mental health treatment for civilly committed individuals at facilities designed and staffed for this purpose, rather than abandoning them in acute care hospitals. Judge Mosman dismissed the lawsuit in May.

Officials from the hospital systems expressed disappointment at the dismissal, stating that the case was filed “to advocate for the right of people with mental illness to receive treatment in the most appropriate setting and to hold the state accountable for its legal responsibilities to those individuals.”

The four hospital systems have stated that the Oregon Health Authority is violating civilly committed individuals’ constitutional rights by refusing to provide appropriate care aimed at restoring their freedom. Patients are instead kept for weeks, months or sometimes up to a year in highly restrictive settings in acute care hospitals without a treatment plan designed for long-term mental health care needs. 

Leaving civilly committed patients in emergency rooms for long periods of time, instead of giving them access to treatment facilities designed for long-term mental health care also harms the hospitals and the community by limiting community hospitals’ capacity to provide care for other patients experiencing acute mental health crises. This issue is especially critical now as we see a growing mental health crisis in our communities. 

At an April 25 hearing, the coalition of hospital systems shared the real-world consequences of the state of Oregon’s failure to fulfill its legal obligations to these vulnerable patients. At Unity Center for Behavioral Health, for example, one civilly committed patient in the last year stayed for 224 days, and half of the civilly committed patients they are caring for had been at Unity Center for more than 30 days. The other hospital systems shared similar data showing civilly committed patients experiencing stays longer than 120 days at all three hospitals. The acute care inpatient care model is designed to care for patients on average 7 to 10 days.

“Acute care hospitals are simply not designed to provide long-term care,” said Melissa Eckstein, President of Unity Center for Behavioral Health. “These patients should be in specialized long-term care facilities, such as secure residential treatment facilities or the Oregon State Hospital, where they receive levels of care designed for step-down and long-term treatment care needs.” 

Lawsuit Background 

Under Oregon law, individuals who are a danger to themselves or others may be civilly committed by the state for involuntary treatment for up to 180 days. Generally, when a patient is civilly committed, they do not have an appropriate level of agency to adequately participate in necessary treatment. More than 500 individuals with severe mental illnesses are civilly committed to the Oregon Health Authority for treatment each year. 

Acute care hospitals are often the first stop for many patients who require urgent medical care and short-term mental health stabilization. Once that is achieved, the state is legally required to place these individuals in facilities that specialize in long-term treatment, such as secure residential treatment facilities or the Oregon State Hospital. These facilities can give patients the appropriate and necessary care to enable them to regain their liberty.

Rather than transferring civilly committed patients to an appropriate long-term treatment facility, the state abandons them for weeks or months in community hospitals. Community hospitals are the middle-ground for patients needing intense support but are able to participate in their care and treatment. Community hospitals are not appropriate settings for long-term psychiatric care. 

The behavioral health units in community hospitals are intended to provide short-term, high-acuity care where patients in mental health crisis can be rapidly evaluated, stabilized, and discharged within days to the next appropriate level of care. When civilly committed patients are occupying space in a community hospital, they are taking up needed services for individuals experiencing an immediate crisis-level mental health episode.

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OSP seeks public assistance in waste of mule deer buck in Umatilla County 

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 07 Dec. 2023 – Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the waste of a mule deer buck in Umatilla County.

On Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, OSP troopers responded to the report of a dead mule deer buck that was found left to waste off Forest Road 5309, within the Heppner Controlled Hunt Unit in Umatilla County. It was determined the buck deer was shot with a rifle at about 7 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2023. No meat was salvaged from the buck and the head was removed.  

A possible suspect vehicle was identified as a white Toyota Tundra pickup with a dark-colored, possibly green, four-wheeler in the bed of the truck. OSP is requesting the public’s assistance with identifying the person(s) responsible for the wasting of the buck deer.  

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-323389.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

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

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

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

Cash Rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Portland, Ore. — Are you a student looking to kickstart a career in civil service? Are you looking for a fun, fulfilling way to spend your summer?

During the next couple of weeks, the Bureau of Land Management is hiring at least 100 paid student interns across the country, some of them right here in the Pacific Northwest. Come work with us! Job applications will be open on USAjobs.gov from December 8 through December 18, 2023. Don’t miss the opportunity!

Leaders from BLM Oregon/Washington will host two Zoom workshops to help students navigate the application process.

“Applying for a job with the federal government is a little different than applying for other jobs,” said Amanda Roberts, BLM Prineville District Manager. “I’m excited to help students from our community get involved!”

Roberts will provide an hour-long presentation on building federal resumes. There will also be approximately 30 minutes available for workshop attendees to ask questions. The two webinars will cover the same content. The first webinar will be recorded and posted to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/BLMOREGON).

The workshops will take place on:

• Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.
  (register here: https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_bRLEkvirQRGj8O-b4g1dsw) 
• Thursday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. 
  (register: https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_2w2NwSRJR6y_TX7GDVC0_Q)

Students will get the most out of the workshop if they already have an account on USAjobs.gov. Anyone 16 years or older and enrolled or soon to be enrolled in school is eligible to apply.

The American people rely on the BLM to care for their public land, and BLM leaders are committed to building a team that represents all of America.

“Civil service has been a fulfilling and meaningful career for me,” said Roberts. “Our ultimate goal is to give that same opportunity to the next generation.”

Internships are available in a variety of career fields and functions, including:
• Civil engineering
• Public affairs
• Information technology
• Survey
• Administration
• Land law examiner
• Natural resources
• Land surveyor
• Wildland fire
• Geographic information systems
• Human resources
• Grant management
• Contracting
• Budget
• Environment protection

All currently open BLM jobs in Oregon and Washington are listed on USAjobs at this link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?l=Oregon&l=Washington&a=IN05&hp=public&p=1

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The Umpqua Community College Board of Education will meet on December 13, 2023. At 4:00 pm there will be a work session in TAP 17. There will be a budget hearing and regular meeting at 5:00 pm in TAP 17. The budget hearing and regular meeting will be livestreamed on youtube.com/umpquacc. Meeting information can be found at https://umpqua.edu/about/governance-operations/governance/board-of-education/board-meetings/. 

Editor: Rethink the Drink Winter Campaign 2023 visuals and supporting documents can be downloaded at this Dropbox link.

December 7, 2023

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

OHA launches winter campaign to encourage conversations about alcohol

Rethink the Drink urges communities to talk about alcohol, offers tips for supporting others during holiday season

PORTLAND, Ore. — At a time when many people in Oregon are celebrating the holiday season with friends, coworkers, and loved ones, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is launching Rethink the Drink’s new winter advertising campaign to change the conversation about alcohol.

The campaign emphasizes the need for people to come together and support one another to be healthy and care for communities. That includes creating healthy environments that support people in their efforts to drink less alcohol. The campaign reveals how common alcohol has become in community settings and asks people to consider ways they can best support their friends and loved ones – and their entire community – to be healthy.

Rethink the Drink, informed by significant community and partner engagement, aims to decrease alcohol consumption and related harms in Oregon. Elements of this winter campaign include a website; statewide TV, radio, digital and print advertisements; and Facebook and Instagram pages. Oregon is the only state in the country to initiate a public health campaign of this scale to reach adults 21 and older.

While younger people in Oregon are drinking less, binge drinking and heavy drinking among adults are on the rise, and are responsible for an estimated 1 in 5 deaths among those ages 20-49. Overall, excessive alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon.

“During December and the holiday season, many people and communities come together at celebrations or events where alcohol may be present. We’re trying to start a new conversation to help dial down the pressure around alcohol, and help create more supportive community spaces for everyone,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA.

“Our new campaign and messaging explore how alcohol has crept into so many settings of our daily lives, whether that’s at the hair salon, a child’s birthday party, or a baby shower,” Jeanne said “Even in moments when people are trying to improve their health, such as a 5k run or during a hike in the woods, many of us find ourselves drinking more. This campaign is about caring for one another and for our communities so that we can all be healthy and feel supported.”

Data show the first Rethink the Drink campaign was a significant success

Based on evaluation data from RMC Research for its first campaign in summer 2022, Rethink the Drink achieved its goals and exceeded expectations for the campaign. People in Oregon who saw the campaign:

• Had more conversations about their own drinking, friends’ and families’ drinking, and what excessive drinking is.
• Thought more about their drinking habits.
• Were more likely to plan on cutting back their drinking than those who did not see the campaign.

People living in Oregon may be drinking excessively without realizing it

The share of Oregon adults who drink excessively is larger than most people realize – more than 1 in 5. Most people in this group are not affected by alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder. However, by drinking excessively, people increase their odds of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.

OHA uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of excessive alcohol use, which includes both heavy drinking and binge drinking:

• Heavy drinking, which can lead to chronic diseases and other problems over time, is eight or more drinks per week for women or 15 or more drinks per week for men.
• Binge drinking is consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for women or five or more drinks on one occasion for men.

For more information on differences among genders for what’s considered excessive drinking, visit https://www.rethinkthedrink.com/what-is-excessive-drinking.

The unjust harms of excessive drinking

Certain populations experience more unjust stressors and disadvantages due to racism, discrimination, and historical disinvestment in these communities, which has led to higher rates of alcohol-related harms. These include Black and Indigenous communities, as well as people with lower incomes and less education.

Excessive drinking causes health harms that include increased risks for cancer, liver failure, heart disease and depression. Beyond the health harms to the individual, excessive drinking affects the entire community, costing Oregon $4.8 billion per year from lost earnings for workers and revenue for businesses, health care expenses, criminal justice costs and car crashes.

“We all have a role to play in building healthy communities and addressing alcohol and substance use in our state,” said Annaliese Dolph, director of Oregon’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission. “The Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission’s Strategic Plan calls for raising awareness of harm associated with alcohol misuse, especially using prevention techniques. This is exactly what the Rethink the Drink campaign helps accomplish. This is an example of state agencies working together with the Commission to carry out the Commission’s task of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of substance use services.”

Dolph added: “Preventing misuse across the lifespan includes having honest conversations to help people to think about the alcohol they are consuming, and decrease family and community norms permissive of misuse. This can increase the perception of harm from misuse and address the health harms faced by historically marginalized communities.”

Rethink the Drink is not telling people to stop drinking, Jeanne says. The campaign is asking people to pause for a moment, learn about the harms caused by excessive drinking, and think about the way alcohol is prevalent in their lives and communities. While the alcohol industry provides thousands of jobs for people in Oregon, and producers in our state make some of the world’s finest beers, wines and spirits, excessive drinking carries heavy costs for all Oregonians, whether they drink or not.

Note: If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-435.

About Rethink the Drink

Rethink the Drink is an initiative of OHA’s Public Health Division with a goal to build healthier communities by decreasing excessive drinking and the harm it causes to individuals, families and communities. Recognizing the value of Oregon’s beer, wine and alcohol producers and businesses to the state’s economy, culture and identity, Rethink the Drink is not asking people not to drink. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use. While people of all education and income levels drink excessively, certain populations experience higher rates of alcohol-related diseases. These include Black and Indigenous communities, as well as people with lower incomes and less education. Certain populations experience higher rates of alcohol-related disease due to discrimination and historical disinvestment in these communities that has contributed to fewer resources and support. Rethink the Drink is committed to OHA’s larger goal to end health inequities in our state by 2030.

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Celebrate the holidays with Lane County Youth Services! Students in the Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Education Center Culinary Arts Program will prepare and share a free holiday meal with the community. 

“Our students have been looking forward to the holiday meal for months now,” said Program Supervisor Matthew Sterner. “It’s an opportunity for them to showcase the skills they’ve worked hard to develop and to use those skills to give back to their community. It’s a great event that brings together so many different people to share a meal and a little holiday cheer.”

The meal will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, in the Lane County Youth Services Carmichael Room (2727 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Eugene). 

The meal is free and open to everyone. It also includes a free raffle for prizes and free food boxes to take home.

No reservation is required. 

About the MLK Education Center

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center serves middle and high school students who have an active case with Lane County Youth Services. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering. Students gain skills and learn to safely use the equipment in an institutional and commercial kitchen that prepares meals for youth in detention, a residential treatment program, and more. Students may participate in all aspects of catering including preparing foods, serving, customer service, etc.

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The Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Eugene Police Department are looking for 63-year-old Joseph James Bucher.  Bucher’s vehicle was located by an Oregon State Police Trooper on 12/04/23 in a wooded area near USFS Rd. 5824 off of Hwy. 58 between Westfir and Lowell. He had not been heard from by family since 11/30/23.

Bucher is described as a white male adult standing approximately 5’11” and weighing about 250lbs.  He has gray hair and blue eyes.  He is also believed to currently have a beard. 

Anyone with information about Bucher’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. or Eugene Police Department at 541-682-5111. 

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 - On Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, the Oregon State Police (OSP), Albany Area Command, received a report of a vehicle struck by a bullet. On Tues., Dec. 5, 2023, OSP (Albany) received a second report in a similar area to the Dec. 1 incident. OSP Major Crimes Section detectives immediately began investigating these as possibly connected incidents and now have enough information to believe these shooting incidents are likely connected. 

The investigation revealed two other incidents reported to the Albany Police Department and the OSP Salem Area Command prior to Dec. 6. This morning, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office cross-reported another incident in the area of Highway 20 and Highway 226.

The Oregon State Police is actively investigating these random acts of shooting at moving vehicles.  All of the victims were driving along highways at the time of the incidents and some reported hearing a “pop.”  The dates, times, and locations of each incident are listed below:

• Nov. 2, 2023, 2:00 a.m.- Highway 20, just east of Albany
• Nov. 25, 2023, 9:30 a.m.- Highway 22E, near Mill City
• Dec. 1, 2023, 2:30 a.m.- Highway 20, near Highway 226
• Dec. 5, 2023, 2:00 a.m.- Highway 226, south of Scio
• Dec. 6, 2023, 2:37 a.m.- Highway 20, near Highway 226

At this time, no victims have been injured. However, investigators have confirmed the damage to vehicles was caused by a firearm.

The Oregon State Police is adding extra patrols in the area of these incidents to enhance public safety.

OSP is seeking public assistance in identifying potential suspects or suspect vehicles; including any unreported incidents. If you have any information related to these incidents, please contact the Oregon State Police immediately at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP (677) on a mobile device.

JCSO Case 20-5124

MEDFORD, Ore. - An Eagle Point woman was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison Monday, December 4, for taking sexually explicit photos of an 8-year-old child and sending them to multiple individuals she met online. Kayla Dee Lester, 31, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison and 20 years’ supervised release. This case was investigated by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force. It was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office District of Oregon. 

This case’s successful outcome required collaboration from local and federal law enforcement agencies. This teamwork led to the establishment of the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET), a joint inter-agency task force that was started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. 

The initial investigation began in January of 2020 when JCSO detectives and HSI received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) of child pornography being uploaded from an address in the 600 block of East Archwood Drive in Eagle Point. According to court documents, in 2020, Lester took sexually explicit photos of an 8-year-old child and distributed them to multiple individuals online. When interviewed by police, Lester admitted to using Whisper and other social media applications to meet people and solicit child pornography. She further admitted to sending the images she took of the 8-year-old child to others in hopes they would send her child pornography in return.

On September 17, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Lester with using a minor to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct and distributing and possessing child pornography. On May 10, 2023, Lester pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography.

On July 6, 2023, while awaiting sentencing, Lester was arrested for possessing an internet-connected cell phone in violation of her release conditions. Her cell phone was found to contain nude images of herself and other adults who she was chatting with online as well as chats between Lester and others wherein she described sexually abusing her 8-year-old victim. A forensic search later conducted on her phone revealed 44 videos of child pornography. On July 10, 2023, Lester’s pretrial release was revoked.

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Unlawful take and waste of two spike bull elk in Lincoln County
OSP seeks public assistance to locate the person(s) responsible

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of two spike bull elk in Lincoln County. 

On Nov. 20, 2023, a fish and wildlife sergeant from the Newport Area Command responded to a report of two spike bull elk that had been shot and killed. The first was in a clear-cut area at the edge of the timberline and the second was approximately 50 yards away just inside the timberline near milepost 10 on Murphy Road. The two spike bulls are believed to have been killed on opening day, which was Nov. 18, 2023, and left to waste.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-368133.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

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

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

Cash Rewards

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

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

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

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

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

SALEM, Oregon –

Oregon Heritage Commission has awarded $381,262 in grants to 33 organizations throughout the state. The grants will help fund a variety of projects including collection preservation and access, research, oral history, exhibits, and performance projects. Award amounts ranged $1,000 - $20,000.

Funded projects:

• Albany Regional Museum, in Albany, digitize and make accessible the photo, postcard and negative collection.
• Bend Park and Recreation District, in Bend, for an exhibit at the Hollinshead-Matson site.
• Benton County to hold an event at Fort Hoskins and repair the chimney of the Commander’s House.
• Big Butte Historical Society, in Butte Falls, to update the Butte Falls Discovery Loop.
• Chetco Community Public Library, in Brookings, to digitize historic issues of the Brookings Harbor Pilot and make it accessible through the University of Oregon Oregon Historic Newspapers website.
• The City of Dayton, in Yamhill County, to digitize historic issues of the Dayton Oregon newspapers and make it accessible through the University of Oregon Oregon Historic Newspapers website.
• The City of Lowell, in Lane County, to create a digital archive of materials related to the history of Lowell and surrounding areas.
• Crater Rock Museum, in Central Point, to rehouse the lithic artifacts collection.
• Deschutes County Historical Society, in Bend, to complete priority collection data clean-up. 
• Friends of Kam Wah Chung, in John Day, to translation of collection materials. 
• Gresham Historical Society, in Gresham, to develop and promote a local history podcast.
• Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum, in Portland, to develop an audio tour and accompanying materials. 
• High Desert Museum, in Deschutes County, to develop content and strategies for connecting people to the experiences and stories of Black Oregonians. 
• Japanese American Museum of Oregon, in Portland, to develop a set of traveling trunks about Japanese American history, to be available throughout the state.
• Lake Oswego Preservation Society, in Lake Oswego, transcribe and make accessible records of the Oregon Iron & Steel Company. 
• Linfield University, in McMinnville, to create an exhibit at the Portland campus about Emily L. Loveridge, who founded and led the first nursing school in the.
• Lone Fir Cemetery Foundation, in Portland, to support archaeological work to uncover the remains of the Chinese alter at Lone Fir Cemetery.
• Mark Prairie Historical Society, in Canby, to complete interior restoration of the Mark Prairie School building.
• Oregon Aviation Historical Society, in Cottage Grove, to collect oral histories of Oregon woman aviators.
• Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, in Portland, to install interpretation at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. 
• Oregon State Grange, in Salem, to preserve, digitize and make accessible the historic documents of the Oregon State Grange.
• Oregon State University, Anthropology Department, in Corvallis, to 3D scan historic buildings at Silver Falls State Park. 
• Portland Chinatown History Foundation to repair the historic dragon sculpture and hold the Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration. 
• Powerland Heritage Park, in Brooks, to repair the boiler of the steam powered sawmill.
• RASIKA Society for Arts of India, in Portland, to collect oral histories exploring the agency of South Asians who immigrated to Oregon, following the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, and share them through a multimedia performance.
• Southern Oregon Historical Society, in Medford, to digitize over 6,000 glass plate negatives of photographer Peter Britt. 
• The Eugene Debbs Potts Foundation, in Josephine County, to improve access and increase displays at the museum.
• The Immigrant Story, in Hillsboro, to present To Tell the World, a public arts program.
• Vanport Mosaic, in Portland, to develop an audio walking tour series and complete a pilot tour about Portland’s Black Panther Party. 
• Vanport Placemaking Project, in Portland, to develop audio accessible content for interpretation at the Vanport site.
• Weston Area Development Association to install a Weston history exhibit at a local restaurant. 
• Willamette Heritage Center, in Salem, to complete preservation assessments on historic buildings at the site.

This competitive grant program is for qualifying organizations, and is offered once per biennium for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon’s heritage. It is a program of the Oregon Heritage Commission. The Commission works to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage. The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and nine agency advisors. Members are chosen from state agencies and statewide organizations, and represent diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds. 

The Commission is part of Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. To learn more about the Oregon Heritage Grant or the Oregon Heritage Commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. 

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MEDFORD, Ore.—A former resident of Williams, Oregon, was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison today after he boobytrapped a southern Oregon home and injured a federal officer.

Gregory Lee Rodvelt, 72, was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

“Fueled by anger and bitterness, this defendant boobytrapped a property in southern Oregon with intent to seriously injure someone. Unfortunately, his trap worked, and he injured an FBI bomb technician,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices. “We are fortunate Greg Rodvelt’s actions did not kill a law enforcement officer or community member. Today’s sentence is a just punishment for a serious crime.”

“This individual went through great efforts to set intricate and deadly concealed traps to prevent FBI agents from doing their job. These were no joke,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “Mr. Rodvelt knew he was breaking the law and his reprehensible actions are what landed him this sentence. We are thankful that our agent and other law enforcement officers survived this vicious attempt and we are thankful for our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office for their diligent work in bringing justice to this case.”

“It is clear that his emplacing multiple layers of boobytraps were intended to hurt or kill a person or multiple people,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “We are thankful that the FBI bomb technician wasn’t more seriously injured and hope that this sentence sends a strong message to not only Mr. Rodvelt but anyone who would contemplate doing something like this.”

“I’m thankful this incident didn’t result in more critical or fatal injuries, said Sergeant Kevin DelGrande of Oregon State Police, “This case highlights the dangers explosive devices present to responding law enforcement officers.”

According to court documents, on September 7, 2018, bomb technicians from Oregon State Police (OSP) and the FBI went to a property in Williams formerly owned by Rodvelt that he had lost in lawsuit. After Rodvelt learned that a receiver had been appointed to sell the property, he proceeded to boobytrap it.

When the bomb technicians arrived at the property, they observed a minivan blocking the gate. The technicians found steel animal traps affixed to a gate post and under the hood of the minivan. They also located homemade spike strips, which the receiver had previously run over. As the technician neared the residence, they observed a hot tub that had been placed on its side and rigged in a manner that when a gate was opened it would activate a mechanical trigger causing the spa to roll toward the person who had opened the gate. 

The technicians further observed that the windows of the residence had been barred from the inside and there were security doors at the front and rear of the residence. The front door also had what appeared to be bullet holes from shots fired inside. In the garage, they found a rat trap modified to accept a shotgun shell. Though the trap was unloaded, it was connected to the main garage door so it would be tripped when the door was opened.

The technicians and two other law enforcement officers gathered near the front of the residence and used an explosive charge to breach the front door. The group carefully entered the residence, looking for traps, and found a wheelchair in the center of the front entryway. When the wheelchair was bumped, it triggered a homemade shotgun device that discharged a .410 shotgun shell that struck the FBI bomb technician below the knee. The group administered first aid to the wounded technician and transported him to a local hospital.

On June 2, 2023, a federal jury in Medford found Rodvelt guilty of assaulting a federal officer and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from OSP and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper and Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: December 3, 2023

Pedestrian dies after being struck by delivery truck

Witness to collision sought

Update 12/06/2023 | 3:00 p.m.

The Salem Police Traffic Team continues their investigation of the fatal collision on Cordon Road in southeast Salem on Saturday evening. 

Investigators request to speak with a witness to the incident. A motorist, described as driving an unknown model Jeep vehicle, was traveling southbound on Cordon RD at the time of the crash. Investigators believe the witness will have additional information helpful to the investigation.

The witness driver is asked to contact the Traffic Team at 503-588-6293 and reference case number 23‑72055.

# # #

Originally published 12/05/2023 | 6:00 p.m.

Salem, Ore. — A man was struck and killed by a delivery truck Saturday evening on Cordon RD SE. 

At approximately 7:50 p.m. on December 2, the driver of a delivery van reported he had struck what he believed to be a pedestrian while traveling northbound on Cordon RD SE just south of the HW22E overpass. Salem Police personnel arrived on scene and located a deceased man off the west shoulder of the roadway. 

The preliminary investigation by the Salem Police Traffic Team shows the decedent, Kiristian Murauo, age 23, was attempting to cross Cordon RD when he was struck by the delivery van in the north-bound vehicle lane of travel. No lawful pedestrian crossing, or overhead street lighting exists in the area of the crash location.

The driver, Justin Rodriguez, age 35, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

North and southbound travel on Cordon RD at the overpass was interrupted for approximately three hours for investigation and clearing of the scene. 

No arrest has occurred, or citation issued as the collision remains under investigation. No other information is available for release.

To date in 2023, the Salem Police Department has investigated 12 fatal collisions, resulting in 13 deaths.

# # #

Update: Photos were added in error and have been removed.

Unlawful take and waste of cow elk in Lincoln County
OSP seeks public assistance to identify the responsible person(s)

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 – OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of a cow elk in Lincoln County. 

On Nov. 20, 2023, fish and wildlife troopers, from the Newport patrol office responded to a report of a cow elk shot and killed in a clearing near Rudder Creek Road in Lincoln County. The cow elk was shot and killed with a high-caliber rifle and left to waste.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-368216.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

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

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

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

Cash Rewards

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

Unlawful take and waste of cow elk in Lincoln County
OSP seeks public assistance to identify the responsible person(s)

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 – OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of a cow elk in Lincoln County. 

On Nov. 20, 2023, fish and wildlife troopers, from the Newport patrol office responded to a report of a cow elk shot and killed in a clearing near Rudder Creek Road in Lincoln County. The cow elk was shot and killed with a high-caliber rifle and left to waste.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-368216.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

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

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

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

Cash Rewards

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

Unlawful take and waste of cow elk in Lincoln County
OSP seeks public assistance to identify the responsible person(s)

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 – OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of a cow elk in Lincoln County. 

On Nov. 20, 2023, fish and wildlife troopers, from the Newport patrol office responded to a report of a cow elk shot and killed in a clearing near Rudder Creek Road in Lincoln County. The cow elk was shot and killed with a high-caliber rifle and left to waste.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-368216.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

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

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

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

Cash Rewards

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Southern Oregon woman was sentenced in federal court Monday for using her deceased husband’s identity to unlawfully obtain more than $36,000 in federal student aid.

Cynthia Pickering, 56, of Central Point, Oregon, was sentenced to 36 months’ probation and ordered to pay $36,341 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Education.

According to court documents, beginning in September 2017 and continuing through April 2019, Pickering devised a scheme to use her deceased husband’s personally identifiable information to submit multiple applications for federal student aid and enroll her former husband at three different colleges and universities in Oregon. These fraudulent applications caused the three colleges and universities—Eastern Oregon University, Rogue Community College, and Western Oregon University—to disperse $36,341 in federal student aid into Pickering’s personal checking account.

To conceal her scheme, Pickering attended online classes pretending to be her former husband so that her husband would remain eligible for the student aid. Pickering did what was necessary to pass first term courses at each institution and collect the funds.

On October 6, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a nine-count indictment charging Pickering with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and student loan fraud, and, on November 15, 2022, she was arrested at her residence in Central Point. On August 21, 2023, Pickering pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and three counts of student aid fraud.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General (ED-OIG). It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

###

Salem – Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Director and Insurance Commissioner Andrew R. Stolfi was awarded the Bonnie Burns Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award by consumer representatives to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Stolfi was given the award Nov. 30 at the NAIC fall national meeting. Stolfi chairs the NAIC’s Consumer Liaison Committee, which provides a forum for consumer views on insurance regulatory issues at the NAIC. He also serves as chair of the NAIC’s Consumer Board of Trustees.

The Bonnie Burns Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award recognizes the state regulator who NAIC consumer representatives believe has most effectively represented and advanced the interests of consumers in NAIC proceedings. Stolfi has championed reform measures designed to maximize the value of Consumer Liaison Committee meetings and provide for meaningful interactions between regulators and NAIC consumer representatives.

“Commissioner Stolfi has been open, transparent, and committed to a participatory process in lifting up consumer voices and concerns at the NAIC,” said NAIC Consumer Representative Wayne Turner, a senior attorney for the National Health Law Program. “He embodies the principle that consumer protection is the core of state insurance regulation.”

Transparency, public engagement, and consumer protection are hallmarks of Stolfi’s service as Oregon insurance commissioner. For example, DCBS conducted a comprehensive review of insurer compliance with Oregon's Reproductive Health Equity Act. The department publicly posted detailed reports, explanatory materials, insurer responses, corrective action plans, and consumer resources to address noncompliance and ensure that Oregon residents have full access to health services they are entitled to under the law. 

“My name may be on this award, but I share this honor with all of the employees of DCBS who strive every day to better the lives of people in Oregon,” Stolfi said. “Consumer protection and empowering the consumer voice are key pillars of our jobs, which makes this recognition so incredibly meaningful. I also couldn’t be more thrilled to receive an award from and in the name of Bonnie Burns, who is quite simply a consumer advocacy legend.”

DCBS continues to provide crucial support to Oregon residents affected by the catastrophic 2020 wildfires. The department has also prioritized the fair treatment of consumers in the purchase and pricing of auto insurance through recent legislative proposals that would end unfair discrimination by eliminating the use of non-driving-related socioeconomic factors in auto insurance. Also, the department has worked to enhance consumer disclosures on homeowners’ insurance policies for cancellations and non-renewals through recently passed Senate Bill 82 (2023). 

“Oregon Consumer Justice congratulates Commissioner Stolfi on this well-deserved award,” said Oregon Consumer Justice Executive Director Jagjit Nagra. “We appreciate Commissioner Stolfi's leadership covering a wide range of consumer protection initiatives that put people first. His persistence over several legislative sessions to address racial and gender discrimination embedded in auto insurance pricing is admirable. We look forward to continued partnership with Commissioner Stolfi and his team on issues impacting Oregon consumers.”

About the award

The Bonnie Burns Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award is given to a state insurance regulator who has most effectively represented and advanced the interests of consumers in NAIC. In 2022, consumer representatives renamed the award after longtime advocate Bonnie Burns. Burns is a nationally recognized expert on Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) and long-term care insurance, and currently serves as a consultant with California Health Advocates (CHA) and the national SHIP Resource Center. She has served as a NAIC consumer representative since the beginning of the program in 1992 and has served multiple terms on the board of the program.

###

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.

Portland, OR — Seventeen regional attractions have partnered to offer reciprocal admission to their members in 2024. This coming year, the program is excited to expand to now include three new attractions: Cannon Beach History Center, The Museum at Warm Springs, and Pittock Mansion. This reciprocal admission program, which had been running for seven years, was created as a way to show appreciation for each attraction’s loyal members as well as highlight the important role that cultural organizations play in their communities.

From January through December 2024, membership to one of the participating organizations is your key to free admission for a member and three guests of any age to a different attraction each month.

Memberships provide critical funding that allows each participating organization to further its mission. Join one (or more!) of the participating organizations to show your support for these immersive educational institutions. Or, purchase a gift membership as the perfect holiday gift!

Mark your calendar for the 2024 reciprocal admission schedule and some of the highlights visitors can expect from participating attractions. Offer applies to all membership levels. Valid proof of membership and photo ID required. 

2024 Reciprocal Admission Program:

January: Oregon Zoo (oregonzoo.org)

Valid for daytime admission only, does not include Zoo Lights. 

February TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Columbia River Maritime Museum (crmm.org)

Founded in 1962 with the mission to collect and preserve historical and cultural material relevant to the Columbia River, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is a private nonprofit organization designated as the official maritime museum of the State of Oregon. Built on the banks of the great Columbia River, the Museum is designed to integrate the incredible unfolding scenery of the Columbia River directly outside the panoramic windows. ​Experience the Columbia River in all its splendor and fascination in the Brix Maritime Hall, bringing to life the rich maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. 

Pittock Mansion (pittockmansion.org)

Built in 1914 as the home of Henry and Georgiana Pittock, Pittock Mansion is a historic house museum that tells the story of Portland’s transformation from a pioneer town to a modern, industrialized city. Visitors to Pittock Mansion can enjoy the full Pittock Campus which includes the Mansion, Gate Lodge (home of the estate steward), Garage, and beautifully landscaped grounds with sweeping views of downtown Portland. Guests will also have the last chance to view the stunning art exhibition, Eliza Barchus: A Woman of Resilience which runs through February 11, 2024. This exhibition features over sixty-five landscape paintings by the award-winning, early Oregon artist and is the largest exhibition of her art and ephemera ever displayed. View the video at https://youtu.be/cVoHl4IHY7c.

March  TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Cannon Beach History Center (cbhistory.org)

The Cannon Beach History Center will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest with their newest exhibit, 60 Years of Sandcastles, opening March 2024. 

Oregon Historical Society (ohs.org)

The Oregon Historical Society shares its vast collection through thought-provoking, interactive museum exhibitions that make history visible and accessible. Three floors of permanent and traveling exhibitions feature rare documents and objects, and explore the people, places, and events that have shaped the history of Oregon and America. During March, visitors can also enjoy the final months of Birds of the Pacific Coast: The Illustrations of R. Bruce Horsfall, which features over 50 vibrant hand drawn illustrations of local birds preserved in OHS’s permanent collection.

April  TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Deepwood Museum & Gardens (deepwood museum.org) 

Deepwood Museum & Gardens’ Queen Anne museum home, built in 1894, transports visitors back to the Victorian era. During Deepwood’s featured month the museum will have a special exhibit of antique umbrellas for “April showers” and parasols for strolling in the sun enjoying “May flowers.” Plus, the historic gardens of Deepwood start to bring the colors and beauty of spring during April visits. 

Hallie Ford Museum of Art (willamette.edu/arts/hfma)
Located in the heart of Salem at Willamette University, the museum invites you to explore permanent galleries featuring works by Pacific Northwest and Indigenous artists and a diverse collection of Ancient, European, American, and Asian art. Special exhibitions in April include Singular Visions: Self-Taught Artists from the Permanent Collection, on view through April 22; and Senior Art Majors 2024 and Alexandra Opie: What Remains, opening April 23. 

May: Architectural Heritage Center (visitahc.org)

Did you know May is National Preservation Month? There’s no better way to learn about preservation, Portland history, and architecture than by visiting the Architectural Heritage Center (AHC) or joining AHC for one of its well-loved walking tours or other public programs! The AHC loves to introduce people to Portland’s beautiful architecture and neighborhoods. Visit the AHC’s historic West’s Block building to view artifacts from its collections and to learn more about Portland and the built environment. Stop by at 701 SE Grand Ave and get to know the AHC!

June  TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (ojmche.org)

In June 2017 Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education opened the doors of its permanent home at 724 NW Davis Street, on the North Park Blocks in downtown Portland. The museum’s main gallery features rotating exhibitions of national and international stature. Four core exhibits anchor the museum: Discrimination and Resistance, An Oregon Primer, which identifies discrimination as a tool used to affect varied groups of people over the history of this region; The Holocaust, An Oregon Perspective, a history of the Holocaust that employs the stories of Oregon survivors; Oregon Jewish Stories, an installation focused on the experience of the Jews of Oregon; and Human Rights After the Holocaust, an exhibit that calls on visitors to ponder the work needed to achieve dignity and rights for all persons.

Clark County Historical Museum (cchmuseum.org)

Have you ever wondered where the PNW’s love for hops and IPAs began? Or who was the first female riverboat captain on the Columbia? There’s so much to discover as you explore the stories of the people that called Clark County home! CCHMuseum is celebrating 60 years as Clark County, Washington’s, history keepers! Take a step back in time with its newest exhibit, Through the Decades: Sixty Years @ CCHMuseum. Opening May 24, 2024, this exhibition features objects and archival materials chronicling the museum’s history. Learn more about what they have in store online and through social media (@cchmuseum).

July: The Museum at Warm Springs (museumatwarmsprings.org). 
The Museum at Warm Springs opened its doors to the public on March 14, 1993. Built to Smithsonian Institution professional standards, The Museum’s mission is to preserve, advance, and share the traditions, cultural, and artistic heritage of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon, and other Indigenous peoples. Visit Saddle Up! Ranchers and Rodeo Life of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, on view June 26 through September 23, 2024.

August: Five Oaks Museum (fiveoaksmuseum.org)

Replenish the Root: Six Centuries of Gathering Under the Oaks brings visitors deep into the story of the site this museum took their name from, where a grove of five Oregon white oaks, just a couple miles from Five Oaks Museum, have borne witness to centuries of community and environmental changes. The exhibition invites us to learn, through objects, photographs, and art, about the people who have gathered there for over 600 years and our communal relationship with Oregon white oak savannas.

September: Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals (ricenorthwestmuseum.org) 

The Rice Museum is nestled in a park-like setting amongst 23 acres of old-growth evergreen trees. It houses a world-class collection of minerals, rocks, gems, fossils, and meteorites. The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique architectural style, natural stonework, and extraordinary native Oregon woodwork found throughout the building. The Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate, one of only three in Oregon. The Affiliation serves as an endorsement of the quality of a museum’s facilities, the training and professionalism of its staff, and its mission to educate the public. 

October TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (evergreenmuseum.org)

Soar through decades of aerospace innovation at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. Discover more than 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits that tell the story of flight and space exploration with unique historic artifacts, including American aviation icon the Spruce Goose, SR-71 Blackbird, and the Titan II Space Launch Vehicle with its original launch room.

World Forestry Center (worldforestry.org)

Located in Portland’s forested Washington Park just steps from the MAX Light Rail, World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum invites visitors to examine forests and consider all the ways they impact our lives. The dramatic 20,000-square-foot wooden building has been a Portland icon since 1971. Visitors get a bird’s-eye view of a northwest forest, explore society’s connection to the woods, and learn about the challenges and opportunities facing this critical natural resource.

November: Oregon Coast Aquarium (aquarium.org)

Founded in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is driven by its mission to create unique and engaging experiences that connect people to the Oregon coast and inspire ocean conservation through ocean education, conservation, and immersive experiences. The Oregon Coast Aquarium supports marine wildlife and fosters environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Located on 23 acres (9.3 hectares) along the Yaquina Bay in Newport, Oregon, the Oregon Coast Aquarium operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

December: Lan Su Chinese Garden (lansugarden.org)

Much more than just a beautiful botanical garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder — a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, history, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony. Offering more than 500 cultural and botanical programs each year, Lan Su is a window into authentic Chinese culture and a platform for the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
—

Download press images of participating attractions here. 

About the Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance

The Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance (PAMA) is a professional organization consisting of marketing representatives from major attractions in Portland and beyond the metro area. The group connects regularly to explore partnership opportunities, ideas for cross-promotion, and collaboration with Travel Portland.

UPDATE - The victim in this case has been identified as 63-year-old Allan Robert Wooster of the Veneta area. 

-

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a traffic crash on Crow Rd. near Milepost 7 yesterday evening just before 6:00pm.  Upon arrival deputies learned that a 2023 Ram pickup had been traveling on Crow Rd. when it left the roadway and struck some trees. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was found to be deceased.

Speed is being investigated as a possible factor in the crash.  The victim’s identity is being withheld at this time. 

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will hold a virtual special meeting starting at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14. The meeting will be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s business agenda includes:

• State Forests Management Plan presentation
• Board and Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee engagement

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage. Public comment will not be taken during this special meeting. 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Read more information about the board.

Update #2: The correct reporting number for tips is 1-800-452-7888.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

The correct phone number for reporting tips is 1-800-442-2068. 

BAKER COUNTY, Ore. 12 Dec. 2023 - The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take and waste of two bear cubs in Baker County. On Nov. 27, 2023, a hunter reported finding a dead bear cub just off the USFS 77 Road in the Keating Wildlife Management Unit. This location is approximately 3.5 miles northwest of Halfway. Fish and wildlife troopers responded to the area and located two bear cubs that were shot and left to waste.  

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact OSP Sgt. Cyr through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline and 1-800-442-2068 or dial OSP (mobile) and reference case number SP23377486. TIPs received can remain anonymous.   

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

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

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

CASH REWARDS

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar or Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

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

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

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to announce a new major in Ethnic Studies, starting fall 2024-25. This major aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and address contemporary equity and justice.

The Ethnic Studies program incorporates courses from 20 different disciplines, offering students a well-rounded education. It encompasses five concentrations: Chicano/Latino and Latin American studies, African American and African studies, global ethnicities studies, Indigenous studies, and intersectionality studies. By exploring these concentrations, students will gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and contributions of these ethnic groups. 

Two new courses will be offered in Ethnic Studies. Students can enroll in Introduction to Ethnic Studies 201 for the upcoming winter term and Introduction to Cultural Studies 202 for the upcoming spring term. These courses will provide comprehensive insights into diverse cultural landscapes and social dynamics that shape our world. 

"We are thrilled to introduce the new Ethnic Studies major at Western," said Ricardo Pelegrin Taboada, Ph.D., professor of History. "This program will empower students to become agents of social change and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society." 

This program is also a gateway to a wide range of professions. Students interested in law, criminal justice, social activism, public health, public education, and other social services will find this major particularly relevant. The program’s focus on critical thinking, culture, history, and current societal issues will prepare students to be culturally competent practitioners ready to serve diverse populations. 

For students who wish to supplement their studies in another field, Western currently offers a minor in Ethnic Studies. This minor adds breadth to their education and demonstrates cultural competency, a highly sought-after skill by employers in today’s diverse workforce. 
 

For more information about the Ethnic Studies minor at Western.

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About Western Oregon University

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal indictment was unsealed Tuesday in the District of Oregon charging a Belgian national in connection with the export of sensitive, military-grade technology from the United States to end users in the People’s Republic of China.

Hans Maria De Geetere, 61, of Knokke-Heist, Belgium, has been charged with one count of obtaining goods intended for China in violation of the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) and four counts of making false statements.

“Export control laws and regulations serve an important role in protecting our national security. This case demonstrates our commitment to holding individuals accountable wherever they reside,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We urge anyone with information about violations of export control laws to contact OEE and the FBI immediately.”

“The Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) is focused on aggressive enforcement of violations of U.S. export controls. Today’s indictment of De Geetere for seeking to export controlled items with military and aerospace applications to China demonstrates OEE’s commitment to focusing our investigative efforts on transactions of the highest national security significance,” said John D. Masters, Special Agent in Charge, Office of Export Enforcement, San Jose Field Office, Bureau of Industry and Security, US Department of Commerce.

“According to this indictment, Hans De Geetere was breaking laws and risking national security to benefit himself, the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “This investigation was a well-coordinated effort between the FBI and our federal and international partners, and it demonstrates how far we will go to prevent the illegal transfer of military-use technology to our adversaries.”

According to court documents, between April 2021 and August 2023, De Geetere, who owned and operated a Belgium-based supply chain management and procurement services company called Knokke Heist Support Corporation Management (KHSCM), attempted to illegally procure for export to China controlled accelerometers valued at more than $930,000. 

On or about April 9, 2021, a company in the United States shipped approximately $13,249 worth of accelerometers to a German reseller to fulfill an order for KHSCM. On or about April 14, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement detained the shipment for inspection to confirm its end user and avoid potential diversion and improper military use.

OEE contacted the German reseller to request that its customer, KHSCM, complete a required BIS form identifying its end user for the accelerometers and how the devices would be used. On or about April 15, 2021, De Geetere is alleged to have completed the form and in it falsely claim the accelerometers were for use by Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer, a government agency in the Flemish region of Belgium. Later, on a phone call with an OEE special agent and in an email to the agent written by De Geetere falsely claiming to be a Flemish export control official, De Geetere again falsely stated the accelerometers were for use in Belgium when, in truth, he intended to divert the items to China.

Accelerometers are electronic devices that measure the vibration, tilt, and acceleration of structures in industrial, aerospace, and military systems. In aerospace and military applications, accelerometers play a critical role in structural testing and monitoring, impact survival tests, flight control systems, weapons and craft navigation systems, active vibration dampening, stabilization, and other systems. The export of these accelerometers to certain countries, including China and Russia, is restricted under U.S. law.

In a separate indictment unsealed Tuesday in the Eastern District of Texas, De Geetere and a co-defendant are alleged to have conspired with one another to illegally smuggle from the United States export-controlled field programmable gate array circuits to Russia and short-wave infrared surveillance cameras to China.

De Geetere was arrested Tuesday in Belgium by Belgian authorities.

Obtaining goods in violation of ECRA and making false statements in connection with or during an export enforcement investigation are each punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine, per count of conviction.

This case was investigated by OEE with assistance from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Greg Nyhus, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

Today’s actions were coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.

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The Lane County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to begin the process to build an Integrated Materials & Energy Recovery Facility (IMERF) in Goshen. 

The IMERF will be the most technologically advanced waste processing facility in the country and will be designed and built by a local manufacturer, Bulk Handling Systems (BHS). The facility will process residential garbage, commingled recycling, and organic waste to produce marketable recycling commodities and biogas for transportation. The facility is expected to divert over 80,000 tons of material from the County’s landfill annually and expand the life of the landfill for at least 20 years past its current 70-year lifespan. 

“This is an exciting opportunity for our community,” said Public Works Director Dan Hurley. “Not only will this project help us reduce the amount of material that ends up in the landfill, increase the amount we can recycle, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the tune of taking 30,000 cars off the road, it will also create local jobs. We expect the two-year construction period to create 190 jobs and to have 65 ongoing family-wage positions to operate the IMERF after it opens.”

The IMERF will:

• significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the landfill.
• divert recyclable materials from waste that would otherwise be landfilled.
• create local, sustainable economic development and jobs.
• use proven recycling processing systems.
• leverage public-private partnerships.
• construct and operate at an affordable cost to the rate-payer. 

“There are no other sorting facilities like this in Lane County,” said Hurley. “Currently, there is limited processing to extract cardboard and metals locally, but the majority of materials are transported all the way to the Portland area for processing.”

The total expected cost of the project is $150 million. Bulk Handling Systems will pay for $100 million (building and installing the sorting equipment). Lane County will be responsible for the remaining $50 million; however, a $15-million-tax credit will reduce the local cost to $35 million. Additional grants and outside funding may reduce the local cost further. 

Lane County will increase solid waste disposal fees to help fund a portion of the project. For the average residential customer, the total increase in cost related to this facility would be approximately $2.30 per month phased in over a four-year period.

More information is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/IMERF. 

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Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington’s Discovery Center engages students with real-life lessons on work readiness and financial literacy

Portland, Ore., Dec. 5, 2023— A hands-on financial learning center that inspires young people to take control of their financial futures welcomed its first students from Hillsboro High School and Hope Chinese Charter School on Dec. 5. The new Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington (JA) Discovery Center engages 4th-12th graders with fun, realistic lessons on vital life skills such as choosing careers, budgeting, saving and investing and becoming a responsible part of a connected community.

Ahead of the session, students participated in JA Finance Park, a financial literacy program for middle and high school students. It develops essential personal finance skills and combines classroom learning and real-world simulations to help students understand how responsible choices can position them to deal with life’s twists and turns. On Dec. 5, OnPoint Community Credit Union employee volunteers helped guide students through interactive simulations on financial decisions related to income, expenses, savings and credit.

Located in the Hillsboro Civic Center, the new site is the 44th of its kind in the U.S., delivering youth financial literacy programs to more than 12,000 students in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington Counties. 

“The skills they learn here are skills they will use every day for the rest of their lives. It’s inspiring to see them take control of their futures,” said Priscilla Treviño, Director of Development for Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington. “We are just as excited about it as they are. These kids are the future of our community, and we are focused on empowering and inspiring them to see a future of boundless potential through our programs.”

The center will also host JA BizTown, an upper-elementary program that combines in-class learning with a hands-on simulation of an American city. Students take on roles such as grocer, electrician, pharmacist or banker while practicing basic business and civic skills. The replica city features storefronts sponsored by local businesses, including OnPoint. 

 “Learning these lessons now will help students gain the skills they need to make responsible financial decisions and plan for their futures,” said Vincent Pollard, financial wellness manager of OnPoint Community Credit Union, which donated $200,000 to help build the new center and will operate its onsite branch during the JA BizTown simulation days. “As a community credit union, we exist to help our community build those skills. Our employee volunteers honored that commitment today and we’re proud to continue supporting JA’s new center and providing hands-on financial education to students across Oregon and Southwest Washington.”

OnPoint and JA have partnered since 2019 to expand equitable access to financial education for K-12 students across Oregon and Southwest Washington. In addition to investing in the Discovery Center, OnPoint has supported JA with $193,000 in donations to help students engage with JA’s programs.

ABOUT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF OREGON & SW WASHINGTON

Junior Achievement inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy through hands-on programs that promote work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Established locally in 1950, Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington (JA) is an affiliate of Junior Achievement USA, which has worked for over a century to provide economic and financial education for K-12 students. This school year, with the help of more than 4,000 volunteers, JA will serve over 35,000 students in Oregon and SW Washington. 

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 539,000 members and with assets of $8.8 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

Agenda items include work on potential land transactions at the South Slough Reserve and appointment of members to the Oregon Ocean Science Trust

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet on Tuesday, December 12 at 10 a.m. at the Department of State Lands building in Salem.

Agenda items the Land Board will consider include:

• Authorize due diligence for a potential land trade of 0.29 acres at the Visitor Center entrance to the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.
  A neighboring landowner operates a business on adjacent land and has requested commercial truck access to their property. Initial research on ownership boundaries identified existing encroachments on both properties. A land trade would be a mutually beneficial solution to resolve both the encroachments and access issues.
   
• Authorize due diligence for a potential sale of 80 acres of forestland from the Common School Fund to the South Slough Reserve.
  The forest habitat offers high conservation value, and the Reserve is seeking grant funding to acquire this parcel. The Department does not own the mineral rights on this property, but acquiring these rights would strengthen the grant proposal. Further due diligence is needed to confirm ownership and obtain mineral data and appraisals.
   
• State Land Board appointment of five voting members to the Oregon Ocean Science Trust.
  Voting members of the Trust help ensure a thriving coastal environment and economy for future Oregonians through research and collaboration with policymakers.

The Land Board will also hear updates regarding the work to establish the Elliott State Forest as a research forest, and the annual report of our aquatic resource management program.

Meeting Details and Agenda 

Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. 
Department of State Lands
Land Board Room
775 Summer St. NE, Salem

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

The public may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony (in person, by video, or phone) during the meeting. Advanced sign-up is required, and the deadline is 10 a.m. on Monday, December 11.

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

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

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

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www.oregon.gov/dsl

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE MEDCOM BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the MedCom Ambulance Authority Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at 1290 NE Cedar St. Roseburg, OR.

To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconference or by telephone. If you plan on attending the meeting, please contact the MedCom Administrator at (541) 673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 11:00 am on Thursday, December 7^th, 2023, for instructions.

Regular meeting agenda items include: Monthly Financials, Service Provider Reports, Annual Financial Report, and Discussion on MedCom Dissolution

Dated, distributed, and posted at the Umpqua Valley Ambulance’s Administration and Douglas County Fire District No. 2’s Administration on this 4^th day of December 2023.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: December 5, 2023

Suspects in string of armed robberies arrested, guns seized

Salem, Ore. — Two suspects in a string of armed robberies in the Salem area were arrested yesterday, December 4, without incident in an interagency operation by the Salem Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) with assistance from Oregon State Police (OSP).

Over a three-week period beginning on November 17, a series of armed robberies occurred at six businesses. In each incident, the suspects brandished guns at employees and demanded money. Four of the robberies occurred in the Salem city limits and two robberies were committed at locations outside the city boundaries and within MCSO jurisdiction. 

Detectives from the Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit worked with MCSO investigators to identify the suspects. And in a coordinated effort on Monday, Salem Police, MCSO and OSP SWAT teams served simultaneous search warrants at three different locations in Salem which resulted in the arrest of Nestor Gabriel Hernandez-Juarez, age 19 of Salem, and a 17-year-old juvenile. As a result of the warrant service, detectives located evidence connected to the crimes to include three handguns, two which were used in the commission of the robberies. 

Hernandez-Juarez was lodged at the Marion County Jail and is due to be arraigned at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex today on the following charges:

• Robbery, first degree, four counts
• Unlawful use of a weapon, four counts
• Menacing, four counts

The juvenile was lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Department on the following allegations:

• Robbery, first degree, six counts
• Unlawful use of a weapon, six counts
• Menacing, six counts

The Salem Police Department does not identify minors involved in criminal investigations. 

No further information is available for release as the case remains under investigation.

# # #

The Red Cross Cascades Region is no longer being asked to open a shelter at the Johnson Park Community Center in Rosburg, WA. We know the situation is evolving in our area and we remain ready to respond if needed. 

Please feel free to use the flooding safety tips below which still apply.  

Flooding can develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can be sudden and violent. Climate change increases our risk of many types of flooding. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

BEFORE A FLOOD

Understand Your Flood Risk

• Learn about the types of flooding that can impact your home and community. Types of flooding include flash floods, river floods, storm surges, coastal floods, burn scars, debris flows, ice/debris jams, snowmelt, dry wash, dam breaks, and levee failures.
• Reach out to your local office of emergency management for advice.
• Know your home and community’s flood risk. Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and search for your home using your address.

Make Plans to Stay Safe

• Flash floods can be sudden and violent. You may have little to no warning. Designate a place on higher ground that you can get to quickly. Plan to move to higher ground before flooding begins.
• River floods: Know if you are in an area that is prone to river floods. Review your evacuation plan so that you can leave quickly if officials advise you to evacuate.
• Storm surge: Be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. A storm surge can cause water levels to rise quickly and flood large areas in just minutes.
• Coastal flooding: Be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Move inland before flooding begins

DURING A FLOOD

Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown!

• Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Just 6 in (15 cm) of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 in (30 cm) can carry your vehicle away

AFTER A FLOOD

Prevent Injuries

• Understand the dangers you may face and keep your loved ones safe.
• If you evacuated, wait for officials to say it is safe before going home.
• Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you.
• Watch out for falling trees and other debris.
• Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns, rather than candles, to reduce fire risk.
• Many injuries happen during cleanup. Wear protective equipment, like boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear, and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs. Follow the advice of local public health officials.
• Learn how to use equipment safely. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water because you could get electrocuted.
• Cleaning up is a big job. Take care of yourself. Work with a partner and take frequent breaks.

Protect Your Health

• Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Check with your local public health department about drinking water safety.
• Don’t get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
• If your home was flooded:
  • If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
  • If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
  • Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper – or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.

Take Care of Yourself

• It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
• Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
• You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Click here for more safety tips and to download our Flood Safety Checklist. Be sure to add the FREE Red Cross Emergency app to your smart device for localized weather alerts and shelter locations.

What's the Difference Between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning?

A flood/flash flood WATCH means a flood or flash flood is possible.

A flood/flash flood WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon. TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS!

About the American Red Cross:

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

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MEDFORD, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that three federal prison sentences have been imposed this week in separate criminal cases following multi-agency drug trafficking investigations in and around Medford.

James Michael Cody Whelchel, 41, of Carson, California, was sentenced Monday to 130 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. Earl Richard Shamblin III, 41, of Medford, was also sentenced Monday to 45 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

Terril Jacob Boss, 43, of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

U.S. v. Whelchel

According to court documents, in July 2021, local law enforcement officers received information that Whelchel, a known drug trafficker with a lengthy criminal history, was dealing drugs in the Medford area. Further investigation revealed that Whelchel was running his local drug trafficking operation from an area motel. After observing multiple individuals come and go from his motel room, investigators arrested Whelchel. At the time of his arrest, Whelchel possessed three cell phones, several syringes, and approximately $3,600 in cash.

Investigators located two 9mm pistols, a digital scale, and small quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and unidentified pills in Whelchel’s vehicle. A search of his motel room returned more than two and a half pounds of methamphetamine, approximately one pound of powdered fentanyl, a smaller quantity of heroin, more than $51,000 in cash, and two firearms.

On September 2, 2021, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Whelchel with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. On August 14, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. v. Shamblin

Between November 11, 2019, and January 19, 2021, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of heroin from Shamblin, a known Jackson County, Oregon drug trafficker. On February 17, 2021, investigators arrested Shamblin and found digital scales, drug packaging material, records of drug transactions, and more than $4,000 in cash in his RV and on his person. The next day, on February 18, 2021, investigators obtained a recorded jail call on which Shamblin coordinated with other individuals to move and conceal a large sum of cash (later seized by law enforcement) and bury heroin in the backyard of his then residence.

On February 26, 2021, Shamblin was charged by federal criminal complaint with unlawfully possessing and distributing heroin. Later, on March 3, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a five-count indictment charging him with distributing heroin. On September 7, 2023, Shamblin pleaded guilty to one count of distributing heroin.

U.S. v. Boss

On July 21, 2020, area law enforcement obtained information that Boss, who was in possession of methamphetamine and a firearm, was located in a fast-food parking lot in White City, Oregon. A responding deputy approached Boss and told him he was being detained as part of a drug trafficking investigation. After initially denying he was armed, Boss told the deputy he had a weapon, but refused to say where it was located. Boss then began to reach for his waistband and a struggle to detain him ensued. After repeatedly ordering Boss not to reach for his waistband, Boss grabbed a firearm he possessed and was shot twice by the responding deputies. He was immediately taken to an area hospital, treated, and then booked in the Jackson County Jail.

Three days later, on July 24, 2020, investigators executed search warrants on Boss’s truck and motorcycle. They located and seized quantities of heroin and methamphetamine in his truck and a large zipper bag with heroin and methamphetamine concealed in the gas tank of his motorcycle. They also found digital scales and drug packaging materials. Later the same day, Boss was charged by federal criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On April 15, 2021, a federal grand jury in Medford indicted Boss on the same charges and, on July 5, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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All three cases were investigated by the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE). Local MADGE member agencies were assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Oregon State Police. Whelchel was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Shamblin and Boss were prosecuted by March A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

MADGE is a gang and narcotics enforcement team comprised of local, state, and federal investigators that work together to dismantle drug trafficking and other criminal organizations operating in and around Jackson County, Oregon. MADGE member agencies include the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, Jackson County Community Corrections, HSI, and FBI.

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BAKER COUNTY, Ore. 12 Dec. 2023 - The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take and waste of a Big Horn Sheep Ram in Baker County. On Nov. 30, 2023, Fish and Wildlife Trooper Dakotah Keys responded to a Big Horn Sheep Ram which had been shot and left to waste on BLM land, near Hibbard Creek Road. Furthermore, the involved person(s) removed the ram’s head and horns, before leaving all meat to waste. This location is within the Lookout Mountain Wildlife Management Unit, approximately 50 miles south of Baker City. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Trooper Dakotah Keys through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or dial OSP (mobile). 

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

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

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

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

CASH REWARDS 

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar or Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

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

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

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov  (Monitored M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

Update: The cash reward for the unlawful take of the wolf in Baker County is $11,800. 

OSP seeks public assistance for unlawful take of a wolf
Wolf shot and killed unlawfully in Baker County

BAKER COUNTY, Ore. 12 Dec. 2023 – The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of a wolf in Baker County.  On Nov. 27, 2023, fish and wildlife troopers responded to a wolf that had been shot and killed unlawfully, near Sparta Road. This location is within the Keating Wildlife Management Unit, approximately 25 miles east of Baker City. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Trooper Dakotah Keys through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or dial OSP (mobile). TIPs may remain anonymous. 

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

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

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

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

CASH REWARDS 

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 
$11,500 Wolf

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

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov  (Monitored M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 5, 2023 

MEETING NOTICE

Douglas County Senior Services Advisory Council

Monday, December 11, 2023

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman are pleased to inform the public that the next meeting of the Douglas County Senior Services Advisory Council will take place on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 3:00 pm in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon. 

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

For additional information about this meeting, please contact the Douglas County Senior Services by calling (541) 440-3677 or email at seniors@douglascountyor.gov. The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at https://douglascountyor.gov/. 

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

December 5, 2023

Media contact: Larry Bingham, 971-239-6499, ry.bingham@oha.oregon.gov">Larry.bingham@oha.oregon.gov

State officials plan to boost naloxone availability in Oregon schools

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has announced plans to offer free opioid overdose reversal kits to middle and high schools throughout the state.

The effort is an expansion of the Save Lives Oregon (SLO) Initiative’s Harm Reduction Clearinghouse Project.

The SLO Harm Reduction Clearinghouse began during COVID and has provided naloxone and other harm reduction supplies at no cost to agencies around the state that directly engage with people at highest risk of substance use related overdose, infections, and injuries.

The expansion of the Harm Reduction Clearinghouse Project to support schools to access naloxone was made possible through one-time funding from the Oregon’s Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board.

The Oregon Department of Education last week notified school district leaders about the availability of naloxone for schools, registration opened Nov. 29 and as of today 505 total schools, colleges, and universities have requested to receive reversal kits.

The intent is to help school districts increase access to overdose reversal kits within their schools for use in the event of an opioid overdose emergency at or near a school campus.

“The opioid epidemic and overdose crisis impacts every community in Oregon. While overdose events on school property are rare, our school communities should be prepared to respond to an overdose medical emergency,” said Ebony Clarke, OHA’s director of behavioral health.

Every middle and high school is eligible to receive up to three opioid overdose reversal kits. The kits contain a wall mounted naloxone box, instructions, emergency medical supplies, and eight doses of the opioid antagonist, naloxone nasal spray.

Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, can restore breathing while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.  Access to naloxone is necessary for school staff to respond to an opioid overdose on or near a school campus.  

Eligible schools must serve students seventh grade or higher. The program is open to all public, private, charter schools, colleges and universities or tribal communities located in Oregon.

For more information, including the link to the online application, please visit the SLO website.

The SLO Clearinghouse has provided no-cost supplies to more than 280 organizations and agencies across Oregon and Tribal communities, including harm reduction organizations, local public health and behavioral health agencies, law enforcement, first responders, community health clinics, substance use disorder facilities and hospital-based programs.

The Harm Reduction Clearinghouse has distributed more than 335,500 doses of naloxone to agencies that directly distribute naloxone to people at risk of opioid overdose since 2022, according to OHA estimates.

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Rugby at Western Oregon University isn't just a sport; it's a vibrant community, an avenue for growth, and a catalyst for inclusivity. Over the years, Western has evolved into a central hub for rugby in Oregon, embracing the sport across various levels and fostering an environment that champions diversity and achievement.

 The success story of Western’s club sports rugby program goes beyond the field. Established in 2001 for men and in 2004 for women, the teams quickly made their mark. The university's club sports rugby program stands as a testament to inclusivity, with the women's program officially named Women's+ to warmly welcome individuals identifying as transgendered or nonbinary. This practice, prevalent in the rugby world, echoes Western’s commitment to fostering an inclusive sporting environment. The men's team notably qualified for the national championship in 2008 and has won numerous conference and regional championships since. As a result of some very successful seasons in the last few years, they are consistently ranked in their division as one of the top National Collegiate Rugby teams. The Women's+ team has experienced its share of achievements, securing a spot in nationals during their first year of competing. Since then, they’ve had numerous conference championships. 

Rugby offers two distinct forms of gameplay. The fall season typically consists of traditional 15s rugby (15 players), while the spring season introduces the dynamic and fast-paced rugby 7s (7 players), which is also an Olympic sport that has significantly contributed to rugby's popularity. Western proudly participates in both, fielding teams for men and women, marking their presence in both formats and proudly championed recently over Oregon State University and the University of Oregon rugby club sport teams.

Rugby enthusiasts at some point have been to Western to experience the game at every level, from youth programs to high school state championships, and extending into college-level competitions. With a strong presence at older universities, Western stands as a testament to the expanding footprint of rugby across the United States. Associate Director of Campus Recreation Andy Main explains that Western has become a well-known and appreciated institution among youth, and high school, and adult club rugby in Oregon. He adds that this is partly due to the Western rugby team’s successes but also because many of Western’s alumni coach, officiate, play, or otherwise support rugby in the state. Main adds that Western is appreciated as a reliable partner for state and regional rugby competitions as they’ve hosted national qualifiers for collegiate rugby 7s, the high school state rugby championship, adult club rugby playoffs, and training courses for rugby officials and coaches. 

"It has been amazing to have had the opportunity to directly observe the WOU rugby program's growth and success over the last six years,” said Main. “The WOU rugby players, coaches, supporters, and alumni have all helped make this level of sustained success possible, so it's an absolute thrill to see that hard work pay off, and to see the community embrace and take pride in WOU rugby."

Looking ahead, Western is gearing up for an action-packed spring season. The men's team is hosting the National Collegiate Rugby qualifying tournament on March 23, 2024, with teams from across the region vying for a spot in the nationals. Plans are also underway to finalize the date for hosting the Women's + qualifying tournament, with eyes set on the nationals in Washington, D.C., in April, should Western’s teams qualify.

Club sports cultivated by Campus Recreation at Western, including rugby, serve as platforms for leadership development, budgetary management, and invaluable experiences complementing academic pursuits. The benefits extend far beyond the field, shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

At Western Oregon University, rugby isn't just a sport; it's a legacy, an ethos, and a community. The spirit of inclusivity, dedication to excellence, and the pursuit of growth define Western’s rugby program, echoing the university's commitment to holistic student development. 

Learn more about Western’s club sports.

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About Western Oregon University

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

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is closing the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program to most new applicants to avoid overcommitting funds. The application portal will close at noon PST Dec. 20. Homeowners who are in active foreclosure may still be able to apply through a housing counselor.  

“We’re encouraging homeowners who are at imminent risk of housing displacement, socially disadvantaged individuals as defined by U.S. Treasury, or anyone who meets one of the additional eligibility criteria listed on the HAF website to apply for HAF assistance before noon Dec. 20,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “Although we are accepting new applications, there may not be enough funds for everyone who applies as the program winds down.”  

Existing applicants can continue to log on to the HAF portal to check the status of their application or scheduled payments.   

OHCS planned its HAF program to operate as a safety net for the most at-risk homeowners who have no viable workout option, so those homeowners will receive priority processing. If funds still remain after the portal closes and applications are processed, HAF intake partners will be able to submit new applications on behalf of homeowners in a judicial foreclosure action or in nonjudicial foreclosure with a scheduled sale date. These applicants may need to complete intake paperwork and foreclosure prevention counseling before working with a counselor. Funding may not be available for all these new applications.  

In addition to Oregon’s foreclosure moratorium and increased mortgage forbearance and default workout options, HAF has helped Oregon maintain a historically low foreclosure rate during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping many in their homes. According to August 2023 Corelogic data, there were 1,016 residential foreclosures in Oregon, which reflects a 0.16% foreclosure rate, compared to a 20-year average 1.03% foreclosure rate. 

As of Dec. 4, OHCS has approved 1,745 applications, totaling about $46.9 million of the $72 million available to homeowners when the program launched. Over $35 million in approved funds have already been paid with an average award of about $27,000. OHCS is reviewing or monitoring another 859 applications that, if approved, are projected to total $23.2 million in assistance. The agency projects $1.9 million remains. OHCS is currently working with homeowners, housing counselors, and mortgage servicers to postpone and prevent hundreds of foreclosures for applicants. Visit the HAF Dashboard for more detailed information. 

Free help is available  

Homeowners who have fallen behind or are at risk of missing a payment on their mortgage can continue to get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about options to keep their homes, such as modifications or adding deferred payments to the end of a mortgage. Housing counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals who can help homeowners communicate with their mortgage servicers.  

Search the full list of free certified housing counselors by county. Homeowners should be aware that some housing counseling agencies take longer due to high volume and remote working policies.   

In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oregon homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to figure out their options.  

Avoiding fraud  

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services recommends being extremely cautious with offers to help from unauthorized companies or people. Homeowners are urged not to provide financial or personal information unless they verify the company or person’s licensing status. It does not cost anything to apply for the HAF program or meet with an Oregon housing counselor.  

There are several common warning signs homeowners should watch out for that may indicate a scam. If a homeowner suspects they’re being contacted by a scammer, they can report it to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, or the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General.  

To verify a lender’s license, visit the Division of Financial Regulation’s license page and compare it with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) license number. This number must be included on all advertising materials and should be easy to find. To verify a housing counseling agency’s status with the state, make sure they are listed on the OHCS website.      

5 de diciembre, 2023  

OHCS anuncia que el portal de solicitudes para el Fondo de Asistencia para Propietarios de Vivienda cerrará el 20 de diciembre   

SALEM, Oregon – El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregón (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés) está cerrando el programa del Fondo de Asistencia a Propietarios de Vivienda de Oregón (HAF, por sus siglas en inglés) a la mayoría de nuevos solicitantes para evitar comprometer en exceso los fondos disponibles. El portal de solicitudes cerrará al mediodía (PST) el 20 de diciembre. Los propietarios de vivienda que se encuentran en proceso de una ejecución hipotecaria aun podrán solicitar la asistencia por medio de un asesor de vivienda.     

"Queremos animar que soliciten ayuda antes del mediodía del 20 de diciembre los propietarios que están a más riesgo de perder su hogar, las personas socialmente desfavorecidas, tal como las define el departamento del Tesoro de Estados Unidos, o cualquier persona que cumpla uno de los criterios de elegibilidad adicionales que se encuentran en el sitio de internet del programa", dijo Ryan Vanden Brink, director adjunto de Programas de Asistencia para Propietarios de Vivienda de OHCS. "Aunque estamos aceptando nuevas solicitudes, pueda que no haya fondos suficientes para todos ya que el programa está por terminar”.   

OHCS diseñó el criterio de elegibilidad para dar prioridad de procesamiento a los propietarios que están a más riesgo de perder sus viviendas o que no tenían opciones para ponerse al corriente con sus pagos de la hipoteca. Si aún quedan fondos tras el cierre del portal y el procesamiento de las solicitudes, los asesores de vivienda podrán presentar nuevas solicitudes en nombre de los propietarios que se encuentren en una ejecución hipotecaria judicial o en una ejecución hipotecaria no judicial con fecha de venta programada. Estos solicitantes tendrán que llenar una solicitud de admisión y completar un asesoramiento de prevención de ejecución hipotecaria antes de trabajar con un asesor de vivienda. Es posible que no haya fondos disponibles para todas estas nuevas solicitudes.   

 Además de la moratoria de ejecuciones hipotecarias en Oregón y del aumento de opciones para prevenir una ejecución hipotecaria y llegar a una resolución de incumplimiento de los pagos de la hipoteca, el programa ha ayudado que se mantenga una tasa de ejecuciones hipotecarias históricamente baja en Oregón durante y desde la pandemia del COVID-19, manteniendo a muchas personas en sus hogares. Según los datos de Corelogic del mes de agosto de 2023, se llevaron a cabo 1,016 ejecuciones hipotecarias residenciales en Oregón, lo que refleja una tasa de ejecuciones hipotecarias del 0.16%, en comparación con una tasa media de ejecuciones hipotecarias de 20 años del 1,03%.   

 A partir del 27 de noviembre, OHCS aprobó 1,745 solicitudes, para un total de $46.9 millones de los $72 millones disponibles para los propietarios cuando se abrió el programa. Se han pagado más de $35 millones en solicitudes aprobadas, con un pago promedio de $27,000 dólares. OHCS está procesando otras 859 solicitudes que, de ser aprobadas, se calcula que se distribuirán unos $23.2 millones en asistencia. La agencia calcula que permanecen $1.9 millones. OHCS está trabajando con los propietarios de viviendas, asesores de vivienda, y los administradores de hipotecas para posponer y evitar cientos de ejecuciones hipotecarias para los solicitantes. Visite el tablero de datos del programa para obtener más información.   

Ayuda gratuita disponible    

Los propietarios que se atrasaron con sus pagos de vivienda o están en riesgo de incumplimiento de los pagos de su hipoteca, pueden obtener ayuda gratuita de los asesores de vivienda aprobados por el estado. Los propietarios pueden aprender cómo utilizar las herramientas para preparar un presupuesto, además de evaluar otras opciones para conservar sus viviendas, tales como modificaciones del préstamo, adición de los pagos diferidos de la hipoteca al principal, o para llenar una solicitud para HAF. Los asesores de vivienda son profesionales que están debidamente informados y que pueden ayudar a los propietarios a comunicarse con sus respectivos administradores hipotecarios.    

Aquí está una lista completa de asesores de vivienda certificados en cada condado que ofrecen asesoría gratuita. Los propietarios deben tener en cuenta que algunas de estas agencias se verán afectadas en responder inmediatamente debido a trabajar fuera de sus oficinas.      

Además de conectarse con un asesor de vivienda certificado, recomendamos a los propietarios de vivienda que se comuniquen directamente con sus administradores hipotecarios o compañías hipotecarias, para ver qué tipos de asistencia y programas de prevención de ejecuciones hipotecarias podrían estar disponibles para ellos. Los propietarios de viviendas que se comunican con sus compañías hipotecarias o administradores hipotecarios pueden tener algunas protecciones adicionales y generalmente podrían disponer de más tiempo para decidir acerca de sus opciones.   

Evitar el fraude    

El Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios de Oregón recomienda ser extremadamente cauteloso con ofertas de ayuda de compañías o personas sin licencia. Se aconseja a los propietarios de viviendas a no proporcionar información financiera o personal, a menos que verifiquen el estado de la licencia de la compañía o persona que les ofrece ayuda. El llenar una solicitud con HAF u otros programas legítimos de asistencia o el pedir ayuda de un asesor de vivienda no tienen costos adicionales.    

Los propietarios quienes sospechan que están siendo contactados por un estafador, pueden reportarlo a la Oficina de Protección Financiera del Consumidor, el Departamento de Justicia de Oregón u Oficina del Inspector General del Tesoro de los Estados Unidos.    

Para verificar la licencia de una compañía hipotecaria, prestamista, u otros servicios financieros visite la página de licencias de la División de Regulación Financiera y compárela con el número de licencia del Sistema Nacional de Licencias Multiestatales (NMLS). Este número debe incluirse en todos los materiales publicitarios y deben ser fácil de identificarlas. Para verificar la certificación de un centro de asesoramiento de vivienda, asegúrese de que esté incluido en el sitio de internet de OHCS.

The Lane County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to include Measure 110 reform in its legislative priorities and principles ahead of the upcoming state legislative session. 

There are eleven reform items included in the Board’s adopted position, including:

• Reform rather than repeal.
• Reclassify Possession of a Controlled Substance from a Class E violation to a Class A misdemeanor and a new Class A misdemeanor for public use of a controlled substance, as long as it is accompanied by improved investment in criminal justice and behavioral healthcare systems to better serve Oregonians. (Simply reintroducing sanctions without other changes and investment will only exacerbate the issues reform is intended to correct.)
• Support legislation that requires prioritizing funding for expansion of treatment capacity over other existing uses of the funding associated with the Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRN) created by Senate Bill 755.
• Ensure funding eligibility for organizations that solely focus on treatment for justice-involved individuals.
• Support diversion and sufficient investment and redesign to improve diversion programs.
• Support statutory requirement that funds continue to be allocated to specialty courts, including drug courts. 
• Support for better defined peace office, director, and other hold authority needed in statute to limit liability for local government, non-profits, and other contracted service providers.
• Support legislation creating incentives for successful local implementation of programs such as the Community Corrections Act and others.

The full document is available online. It contains a more detailed analysis and the full text of the Board’s reform priorities. 

The Board of County Commissioners regularly adopts and updates its legislative principles. Those principles help guide County efforts to inform state legislation, as well as help Lane County pursue funding for services provided on behalf of the state. 

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Salem, OR – A scholarship fund that helps finance higher education for family members of Oregon workers who have been fatally injured or permanently disabled on the job is open for applications, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has announced.

The Workers’ Memorial Scholarship awards are available to any high school graduate, graduating high school senior, GED recipient, or current college undergraduate or graduate student who is a dependent or spouse of an Oregon worker who has been fatally injured or permanently disabled while on the job. 

“The impacts to families of a work-related death or permanent disability are profound and include potentially significant financial hardships,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “The annual Workers’ Memorial Scholarship is an opportunity for us to help surviving family members pursue their higher education goals.”

The Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) – part of the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission – handles applications for the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship. The office is accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year. Applications are due April 1, 2024.

Students may attend any Federal Title IV financial aid eligible institution in the United States. That includes four-year universities, two-year community colleges, private and nonprofit institutions, and vocational and trade schools. If the institution does not have a six-digit federal identification number on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then it is not a qualifying institution.

The following OSAC resources are available to help students learn more about eligibility requirements, accessing an application, and how to get help with their application:

• Find up-to-date information about the requirements for the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship in the OSAC Scholarship Catalog. Enter the fund number 113, or the full name Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Workers’ Memorial, in the search box near the top. 
• Go to the OSAC Scholarship Application.
• Send an email requesting help with your application.
• Request application help by calling 541-687-7400 and pressing 1.
• Go online to learn more about OSAC and student aid.
• Go online to learn what Oregon OSHA says about the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship.

Workers’ Memorial Scholarship award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA’s Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, an advisory group with members from business, organized labor, and government.

Scholarship award amounts vary. Oregon OSHA presents the awards annually to help in the postsecondary education of spouses or children of permanently and totally disabled or fatally injured workers.

The 1991 Oregon Legislature established the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship at the request of the Oregon AFL-CIO, with support from Associated Oregon Industries.

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

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

Notice of Meeting Cancellation

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for December 20th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to lack of agenda items.
 

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Salem, OR— Oregon State Chief Information Officer, Terrence Woods, announces Dr. Jimmy Godard as the State Chief Technology Officer. Incoming Chief Technology Officer Godard brings two decades of experience and a proven track record of success in technology leadership and strategic organizational transformation. Godard’s experience includes implementing global information technology infrastructures and leading-edge program solutions.

“The State Chief Technology Officer plays a pivotal role in guiding technology for the entire Executive Branch,” Woods said. “This work is foundational for ensuring accessible, reliable and secure state technology systems that equitable serve all Oregonians.” 

Godard will oversee Enterprise Information Services’ Strategy and Design program to manifest strategic technology initiatives, enterprise technology standards and processes and policy decisions to align technology vision with business strategy.

Before joining Enterprise Information Services, Godard worked for Bank of America as Senior Vice President of Strategist and Governance and Senior Vice President of Program Service Delivery Manager.  

“I look forward to joining Enterprise Information Services and using my years of experience and education to give back to the state I call home,” Godard said.
 

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SALEM, Ore— Visitors hoping to camp last minute will soon have the chance to view and book same-day campsite openings online statewide starting Jan. 1, 2024. 

Previously, most sites required booking 24 hours or more in advance of arrival when reserving online. Same-day online reservations started as a pilot project at two coastal parks and expanded last summer to all 17 coastal state park campgrounds. 

“Same-day reservations at the coast gave those traveling the peace of mind that there was a place ready for them when they arrived,” said Coastal Region Director Dennis Comfort.

When the program expands statewide, it will include a total of 40 park campgrounds across Oregon. Some parks switch tent and RV campsites to first-come-first served during the winter and those sites will start offering same-day online reservations in the spring. Visitors can check park webpages for seasonal information on specific parks at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/

Eleven campgrounds will remain first-come-first served year-round: Jackson F. Kimball, Goose Lake, Bates, Cascara, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Jasper Point (except for the cabin), Minam, Red Bridge, Smith Rock and Ukiah-Dale.

The goal of same-day online reservations is to offer campers the flexibility to travel last minute when sites are available while giving them the security of knowing they have a site when they arrive. Same-day online reservations also have the potential to give park staff more time to offer interpretive opportunities, improve park facilities and increase time interacting with visitors.   

“The transition to same-day reservations at Nehalem Bay State Park was nearly seamless and has been generally well received by guests,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024:

• Tent and RV campers can make a same-day online reservation up until 11:59 p.m. on the day they arrive by visiting https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Yurt and cabin reservations must be made before 6 p.m. the day of arrival due to the staffing required to assist with keys or codes. 
• All visitors can make reservations by calling (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
• Visitors can also make same-day online reservations at parks statewide using mobile devices where they have cell reception or where Oregon State Parks’ free, limited Wi-Fi is available. Wi-Fi is provided at most parks for reservations only and is not guaranteed to be available 24/7. Signs at the park have login information. Since internet connectivity varies by park, it’s best to reserve campsites before arrival.
• Visitors can still pay with cash or checks at the park by finding a ranger or following posted instructions, which could include using self-registration envelopes only if instructed to do so. Ranger availability is limited depending on time and location.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive the $8 reservation fee for all same-day reservations. 

If you have any questions about the new option, please contact the information center at k.info@oregon.gov">park.info@oregon.gov. For more information about the option, please visit our online FAQs.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Salem, Oregon man previously convicted at trial was sentenced to federal prison Monday for illegally transferring a machine gun.

Daniel Matthew Kittson, 61, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. 

According to court documents, in December 2019, a special agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that Kittson was attempting to sell a Russian PPSh-41, a machine gun capable of firing approximately 900 rounds per minute. Investigators learned that he had prior felony convictions for attempted murder, first degree manslaughter, and felon in possession of a weapon, making it illegal for him to possess any type of firearm.

In early January 2020, investigators communicated with Kittson on two separate occasions to arrange a controlled purchase of the machine gun and, on January 10, 2020, completed the transaction. Following their purchase, investigators tested the firearm and confirmed that it was indeed a functional machine gun.

On March 9, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Kittson with illegally possessing and transferring a machine gun and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

On May 28, 2021, Kittson was arrested without incident by the U.S. Marshals Service and was released following his first appearance in federal court. In June 2022, Kittson absconded his pretrial supervision. Three months later, on September 27, 2022, he was located and arrested in Crook County, Oregon in possession of a firearm and small quantities of methamphetamine and heroin.

On August 24, 2023, a jury found Kittson guilty of illegally transferring a machinegun.

This case was investigated by ATF. It was prosecuted by Leah Bolstad and Nicole Bockelman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

###

UPDATE - The Chappells were located by Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue personnel this afternoon and reunited with family. They had become stuck in the snow on a forest road between Oakridge and Cottage Grove. 
-

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two people that are possibly lost in the woods in the Oakridge or Lowell areas.  71-year-old Linda Chappell and 65-year-old Don Chappell left their residence in Lowell Sunday afternoon at about 4:00pm.  They are believed to have been headed to an unknown location in the mountains to find snow.  They were expected to return home Sunday evening but have not been heard from since their departure.

Linda Chappell is described as a white female standing approximately 5’00 tall and weighing approximately 140lbs.  She was last seen wearing a purple jacket. 

Don Chappell is described as a white male standing approximately 5’08” and weighing approximately 250lbs.  He has a gray mustache and goatee.  He wears glasses and was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and blue jeans.

Both Linda and Don have medical issues and require medications. They are likely not prepared for an extended stay outdoors or in inclement weather conditions.

The Chappells are believed to be driving their dark gray 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee bearing OR Plate #150MHQ.  (Photo depicted is of a similar vehicle)

Anyone with information about the Chappells’ location or believes they have seen them within the past 24 hours is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. 

MEDFORD, Ore.—An Eagle Point, Oregon woman was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison today for taking sexually explicit photos of an 8-year-old child and sending them to multiple individuals she met online.

Kayla Dee Lester, 31, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison and 20 years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in 2020, Lester took sexually explicit photos of an 8-year-old child and distributed them to multiple individuals online using Whisper, a social media application that allows users to post and share photo and video messages anonymously. When interviewed by police, Lester admitted to using Whisper and other social media applications to meet people and solicit child pornography. She further admitted to sending the images she took of the 8-year-old child to others in hopes they would send her child pornography in return.

On September 17, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Lester with using a minor to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct, and distributing and possessing child pornography. On May 10, 2023, Lester pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography.

On July 6, 2023, while awaiting sentencing, Lester was arrested for possessing an internet-connected cell phone in violation of her release conditions. Her cell phone was found to contain nude images of herself and other adults who she was chatting with online as well as chats between Lester and others wherein she described sexually abusing her 8-year-old victim. A forensic search later conducted on her phone revealed 44 videos of child pornography. On July 10, 2023, Lester’s pretrial release was revoked.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force. It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

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

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

Created in January 2007, the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force provides cybercrime investigations and digital evidence forensic analysis for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Southern Oregon. Member agencies include the Medford Police Department, Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, and HSI.

###

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. at ODF headquarters in Salem, with a virtual option.

The public meeting will be held in the Santiam Room at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Salem headquarters, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310.  To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

Agenda items will include:

• Council of Forest Trust Land Counties Annual Report
• Forest management modeling presentation
• Framework for engagement at Board of Forestry meeting

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

Questions about accessibility or special accommodations can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at 503-945-7200.

Correction - The vehicle involved with this crash was actually a 1995 Toyota pickup.  

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a traffic crash on Cougar Bend Rd. off of Big River Rd. Saturday evening just after 7:00pm. Upon arrival deputies learned that a 1993 Jeep Cherokee had crashed and possibly rolled.  A passenger in this vehicle was found to be deceased.   

The victim’s identity is being withheld at this time. 

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for various regions in Oregon including Benton County, effective December 4 at 4:11 a.m. The Flood Watch is set to expire on December 7 at 4:00 a.m.

The affected areas include:

• Cascade Foothills in Lane County
• Central Coast Range of Western Oregon
• Central Oregon Coast
• Central Willamette Valley
• Coast Range of Northwest Oregon
• Greater Portland Metro Area
• Lower Columbia
• North Oregon Coast
• Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills
• South Willamette Valley

Residents and businesses in these areas are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. The Flood Watch indicates the potential for flooding in these regions due to anticipated weather conditions. Benton County is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed.

Benton County: 541-766-6821

  1.  Benton County Public Works: 360 S.W. Avery Avenue, Corvallis (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday)

• Community members must check in with Public Works and/or call in advance.
• The sand pile is in the southwest corner of the complex, next to the Sheriff’s impound yard.
• There are empty sandbags and a filling station/frame there.
• Additional bags can be found in the barn next to the sign shop if there are none at the station.
• Community members may ask for empty bags to be filled at another location.
• Shovels are not provided. Please bring your shovel.
• Sand can also be found at several locations in Corvallis and around the County.

  2.  Benton County Fairgrounds: 110 SW 53rd Street, Corvallis.

• Shovels are not provided. Please bring your shovel.

  3. Knife River: 28602 Highway 34, out in front of the main gate.

City of Corvallis: 541-766-6916

1. Cheldelin Middle School: 987 NE Conifer Boulevard, west parking lot.
2. Grant Avenue Baptist Church: 1625 NW Grant Avenue, back parking lot off of 17th Street.
3. Willamette Park: next to community gardens.

City of Philomath: 541-929-3579

  1.  Philomath Public Works: 1515 Willow Lane

• After hours filling is permitted at this location.
• Shovels are not provided. Please bring your own shovel.

                                                                                                 ###

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

LEBANON, Ore. – Logging and road-building firm Ron Staley Enterprises, Inc., of Lebanon in Linn County has been chosen as Operator of the Year for Northwest Oregon. A regional advisory committee to the Oregon Board of Forestry selected the company earlier this fall. Two other recipients were chosen for the top honor in two other regions in the state: 

• Eastern Oregon – Leigh Ann Vradenburg with the Klamath Watershed Partnership in Klamath County
• Southwest Oregon – Wally Plikat of Plikat Logging, Inc., based in Roseburg, Ore.

Staley and the other two top honorees will be recognized at a meeting in Salem of the full Oregon Board of Forestry in January. 

The Operator of the Year award recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, protect natural resources at a level that consistently meets or goes above and beyond requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act . That law requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to replant forests after harvesting. Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and five Merit Award winners can be viewed on the ODF website at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/default.aspx

Protection of stream buffers recognized

Ron Staley was recognized for working with conservation-minded landowners to protect forested buffers around fish-bearing streams while minimizing soil compaction and disturbance. 

Staley was singled out for use of new tools and technologies to enhance harvests and protect resources to the highest standards of the Oregon Forest Practices Act, such as high-end custom drones to fly rigging lines over buffers, a safer and more efficient method. The selection committee was also impressed that Staley protected buffers by moving his yarding rig from one side of a protected buffer to the opposite side in order pull logs up and away from the buffer, thus avoiding any chance of damage to the buffer. He was also praised for excellence in logging road construction and clean up, and for his crew’s willingness to shut down during heavy rainfall to avoid possible runoff of sediment to streams.

“Of all the operators I have worked with, this company consistently does by far the best job of post-harvest cleanup of the road system,” said Jerrin Robbins, an ODF Stewardship Forester familiar with Staley’s work. “Examples include shaping of roads to minimize runoff, cleaning ditches and catch basins and pulling any temporary crossings.”

Merit Awards were given to five companies:

Northwest Oregon

• Olav “Ole” Berg of Big O Logging, Inc., based in Birkenfeld in Columbia County for helping thin overcrowded forestland during ongoing road repair work.
• Greg Pelham of Pelham Cutting, Inc. based in St. Helens, for consistently high performance in harvesting and reforestation, with care to avoid high landslide-risk areas and identify and leave important old-growth wildlife trees.

Southwest Oregon

• Butte Falls-based Don Hamman of Don Hamman, Inc. in Jackson County for assisting small landowners in urban-adjacent, high-visibility areas with thinning to reduce wildfire risk.
• Austin Weber of Weber Logging and Construction, Inc., based in Roseburg for consistent employment of innovative logging technology in steep-slope areas to protect fish-bearing streams and minimize soil disturbance and erosion.

Eastern Oregon

• Tim Rude of Rude Logging based in John Day for protecting waters of a fish-bearing stream while harvesting in steep forests needing thinning to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire.

ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “This year’s honorees harnessed innovative technology and techniques to protect water quality, and helped small landowners improve the health of their forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire through careful planning and coordination. In challenging harvesting sites, they have shown extraordinary care and diligence to protect resources and meet landowner objectives. We’re proud to recognize the community spirit and leadership these operators have shown.”

Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management.

                                                        # # #

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Roseburg-based logging firm Plikat Logging, Inc., has been chosen as forest Operator of the Year for Southwest Oregon. A regional advisory committee to the Oregon Board of Forestry selected Plikat earlier this fall. The firm and two other recipients representing Northwest Oregon and Eastern Oregon will be recognized in Salem at the January meeting of the Board. The honorees are:

• Eastern Oregon – Leigh Ann Vradenburg with the Klamath Watershed Partnership in Klamath County for her work helping small landowners get work done to improve the health of their forest stands
• Northwest Oregon – Ron Staley of Ron Staley Enterprises, Inc., of Lebanon, Ore., in Linn County for the extraordinary efforts he goes to, to protect stream buffers and prevent sediment from entering streams

The award recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, protect natural resources at a level that consistently meets or goes above and beyond requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act . That law requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to replant forests after harvesting. Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and five Merit Award winners can be viewed on the ODF website at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/default.aspx

Landowner nominated Plikat for honors 

Landowner Roseburg Resources nominated Plikat Logging for Operator of the Year. They pointed out Plikat’s willingness to protect streams by shutting down winter operations unprompted during heavy rainfalls. They also pointed out how Plikat safely logged steep hillsides while carefully protecting buffers around fish-bearing streams by careful placement of rigging corridors where logs were passed over the buffer or through pre-existing gaps in trees. 

ODF Stewardship Forester Donnie Widener said Plikat also maintained access to a popular tourist attraction – the Doerner Fir, also known as the Brummit Fir. At 327 feet tall, the Douglas-fir is one of the tallest trees in the world. “The only road to the fir passed right through Plikat’s logging operation, which they would halt to let visitors pass through safely,” said Widener.

Two other Southern Oregon logging firms were given an Award of Merit:

• Roseburg-based Austin Weber of Weber Logging and Construction, Inc., for consistent employment of innovative logging technology in steep-slope areas to protect fish-bearing streams and minimize soil disturbance and erosion.
• Don Hamman of Don Hamman, Inc. in Butte Falls in Jackson County for assisting small landowners in urban-adjacent, high-visibility areas with thinning to reduce wildfire risk.

Statewide, three other logging firms also won an Award of Merit in their regions:

• Tim Rude of Rude Logging based in John Day was honored for protecting waters of a fish-bearing stream while harvesting in steep forests needing thinning to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire.
• Olav “Ole” Berg of Big O Logging, Inc., based in Birkenfeld in Columbia County was selected for helping thin overcrowded forestland during ongoing road repair work.
• Greg Pelham of Pelham Cutting, Inc. based in St. Helens, was chosen for consistently high performance in harvesting and reforestation, with care to avoid high landslide-risk areas and identify and leave important old-growth wildlife trees.

ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “This year’s honorees harnessed innovative technology and techniques to protect water quality, and helped small landowners improve the health of their forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire through careful planning and coordination. In challenging harvesting sites, they have shown extraordinary care and diligence to protect resources and meet landowner objectives. We’re proud to recognize the community spirit and leadership these operators have shown.”

Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management.

                                                        # # #

PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec. 4, 2023): As we approach the first holiday season with Narcan (Naloxone) available over-the-counter, experts at Kaiser Permanente are explaining how it can be used to prevent many overdose deaths. The holidays are the most dangerous time of the year for drug-and-alcohol-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Deaths related to opioid use disorder climb at this time due to increased stress, emotional triggers, and social gatherings where substances are readily available. 

“Narcan, or Naloxone, is a nasal spray device that contains medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose,” said Ehsan Seyedhossini, clinical pharmacy specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "With opioid use, including prescription medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone, and nonprescribed opioid analogues like fentanyl, having Narcan readily available can be a life-saving intervention."

The CDC reports nearly 40% of opioid and stimulant overdose deaths occurred while a bystander was present. Carrying a naloxone kit at all times can save lives, especially for those who know someone who uses opioids, including prescription medications, and especially if combined with alcohol or sedative drugs; if they have a history of substance use; or are at risk of opioid emergencies. 

“This is the first holiday season that Narcan is available without a prescription, making it more accessible and convenient to keep on hand at holiday gatherings and for emergencies," said Seyedhossini. “Administering it is fairly simple. Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the persons nose. Press the plunger firmly to give the dose of Narcan Nasal Spray, then remove the spray from the nostril after giving the dose.”

If someone appears to have taken too much of an opioid, administer Narcan and call 911. Signs of an opioid emergency include having slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, pinpoint pupils, blue or purple lips or fingertips, or no response when you ask questions, shake the person, or rub the person's breastbone with your knuckles.

Interviews available:
Ehsan Seyedhossini, clinical pharmacy specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Thursday, Dec. 7. (Additional interview times possible upon request). Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.

Ehsan Seyedhossini is prepared to discuss:

• Why do overdose deaths rise during the holidays?
• What are opioids, and who is most at risk of an opioid overdose?
• Symptoms to watch of drug abuse, addiction and overdose
• What is Narcan (Naloxone), how to get it and how to use it
• What to do if you suspect someone has overdosed
• What drugs are commonly laced with illicit or non-pharmaceutical fentanyl?
• How to talk to teens about the risk of substance abuse and the dangers of buying drugs outside of licensed health care providers

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

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

For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

SALEM, Ore. – Two loggers and a forestry consultant have been chosen as Operator of the Year for their respective region of Oregon. Three regional advisory committees to the Oregon Board of Forestry selected the trio earlier this fall. The recipients will be recognized in Salem at the January meeting of the Board. The honorees are:

• Eastern Oregon – Leigh Ann Vradenburg with the Klamath Watershed Partnership in Klamath County
• Northwest Oregon – Ron Staley of Ron Staley Enterprises, Inc., of Lebanon, Ore., in Linn County
• Southwest Oregon – Wally Plikat of Plikat Logging, Inc., based in Roseburg, Ore.

The award recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, protect natural resources at a level that consistently meets or goes above and beyond requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act . That law requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to replant forests after harvesting. Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and five  Merit Award winners can be viewed on the ODF website at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/default.aspx

Eastern Oregon

Leigh Ann Vradenburg is a forest consultant working with Klamath Watershed Partnership, a community based non-profit organization focusing on the needs of landowners and sustainability of natural resources. In her role, Vradenbrug brings together landowners, agencies and other partners to conserve, enhance, and restore the natural resources of the Klamath Basin, while ensuring economic vitality for the community.

ODF Stewardship Forester Jason Pettigrew works with Vradenburg in the Klamath-Lake District. He said, “She works tirelessly to educate owners of small forest parcels about health risks to their forestland, including overly dense tree numbers, insect pests, mistletoe and fire danger, and to identify their objectives for their property. She then works to obtain federal grants to fund the work. By assembling many small jobs into larger projects, she makes it economically viable for local logging firms to do the work. And she is very hands on, meeting multiple times with landowners before marking trees to be thinned or retained and inspecting the work at every stage. She is a trusted partner for landowners and loggers in this area.”

Because of her work, Pettigrew says large swathes of overcrowded forest stands have been thinned and had brush cut back, reducing drought stress on remaining trees and improving their health and resistance to pests. “It also makes it safer for landowners and firefighters to control any wildfires that occur,” he adds.

Northwest Oregon

Ron Staley was recognized for working with conservation-minded landowners to protect forested buffers around fish-bearing streams while minimizing soil compaction and disturbance. 

Staley was singled out for use of new tools and technologies to enhance harvests and protect resources to the highest standards of the Oregon Forest Practices Act, such as high-end custom drones to fly rigging lines over buffers, a safer and more efficient method. The selection committee was also impressed that Staley protected buffers by moving his yarding rig from one side of a protected buffer to the opposite side in order pull logs up and away from the buffer, thus avoiding any chance of damage to the buffer. He was also praised for excellence in logging road construction and clean up, and for his crew’s willingness to shut down during heavy rainfall to avoid possible runoff of sediment to streams.

“Of all the operators I have worked with, this company consistently does by far the best job of post-harvest cleanup of the road system,” said Jerrin Robbins, an ODF Stewardship Forester familiar with Staley’s work. “Examples include shaping of roads to minimize runoff, cleaning ditches and catch basins and pulling any temporary crossings.”

Southwest Oregon

Landowner Roseburg Resources nominated Plikat Logging for Operator of the Year. They pointed out Plikat’s willingness to protect streams by shutting down winter operations unprompted during heavy rainfalls. They also pointed out how Plikat safely logged steep hillsides while carefully protecting buffers around fish-bearing streams by careful placement of rigging corridors where logs were passed over the buffer or through pre-existing gaps in trees. 

ODF Stewardship Forester Donnie Widener said Plikat also maintained access to a popular tourist attraction – the Doerner Fir, also known as the Brummit Fir. At 327 feet tall, the Douglas-fir is one of the tallest trees in the world. “The only road to the fir passed right through Plikat’s logging operation, which they would halt to let visitors pass through safely,” said Widener.

Merit Awards were also given to five other companies.

Eastern Oregon

• Tim Rude of Rude Logging based in John Day for protecting waters of a fish-bearing stream while harvesting in steep forests needing thinning to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire.

Northwest Oregon

• Olav “Ole” Berg of Big O Logging, Inc., based in Birkenfeld in Columbia County for helping thin overcrowded forestland during ongoing road repair work.
• Greg Pelham of Pelham Cutting, Inc. based in St. Helens, for consistently high performance in harvesting and reforestation, with care to avoid high landslide-risk areas and identify and leave important old-growth wildlife trees.

Southwest Oregon

• Butte Falls-based Don Hamman of Don Hamman, Inc. in Jackson County for assisting small landowners in urban-adjacent, high-visibility areas with thinning to reduce wildfire risk.
• Austin Weber of Weber Logging and Construction, Inc., based in Roseburg for consistent employment of innovative logging technology in steep-slope areas to protect fish-bearing streams and minimize soil disturbance and erosion.

ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “This year’s honorees harnessed innovative technology and techniques to protect water quality, and helped small landowners improve the health of their forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire through careful planning and coordination. In challenging harvesting sites, they have shown extraordinary care and diligence to protect resources and meet landowner objectives. We’re proud to recognize the community spirit and leadership these operators have shown.”

Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management.

                                                        # # #

Springfield, OR.  Eugene Springfield Firefighters are on scene of a house fire At 8th and B Street near downtown. Fire crews were called to an outbuilding on fire near a house.  Firefighters found a fully involved shed fire that extended to the attic of the house.  A quick response helped crews minimize damage to the interior of the home.  Responding crews were assisted by Springfield Police who helped Firefighters navigate the Springfield Christmas parade.  There were no injuries reported and the cause is under investigation.