JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. 28 Oct. 2024 – Oregon State Police detectives are asking for witnesses to a non-lethal shooting to come forward with any video of the incident.
On Oct. 26, 2024, at about 2:00 a.m., police responded to a report of shots fired at a large party in rural Josephine County. An adult male was taken to a local hospital by private vehicle from the party and was treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the abdomen.
Many of the party attendees were juvenile and intoxicated. However, all the individuals involved in the altercation that led to the shooting have been identified and are over 18 years of age. Multiple party attendees fled from the scene, resulting in two rollover traffic crashes with minor injuries.
Investigators do not believe there are any public safety threats stemming from this incident.
Investigators believe multiple cell phone videos of the incident exist and are asking witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center at 800-442-2068 or call OSP (677) from a mobile device. Please reference case number # SP24-350006.
The investigation is ongoing and OSP is not releasing the names of the parties involved at this time.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
PORTLAND, Ore.—United States Attorney Natalie Wight announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ethan Knight will lead the efforts of this office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.
AUSA Ethan Knight, Cyber and National Security Unit Chief, has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Oregon, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Department of Justice Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“The Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process,” said Natalie Wight, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The Justice Department has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation on Election Day, threats of violence directed at election officials and workers, and election fraud. The department will address these violations wherever they occur. The department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
The FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. To report allegations, contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or www.tips.fbi.gov.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
If you have questions about the Justice Department’s Election Day Program in Oregon or need assistance directing election-related complaints to the proper authorities, District Election Officer Knight can be reached by calling (503) 727-1000.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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(Salem, Oregon) The Travel Information Council is pleased to announce that McGregor “Mac” Lynde will serve as the agency’s next Executive Director, beginning on Monday, November 18, 2024. The council agreed by unanimous vote to offer Lynde the appointment at its public meeting on Wednesday, October 23. Currently serving as Special Advisor to the Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Lynde brings to the Travel Information Council twenty-two years of experience with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
“The council is thrilled to bring Mac’s significant experience in agency leadership and expertise in management of Oregon’s transportation system to the Travel Information Council, where he will join a staff dedicated to enhancing travelers’ experience with good information and safe places to rest,” said chair Eliza Canty-Jones.
The Travel Information Council, a semi-independent state agency, was created by the State of Oregon in the 1970s to operate the highway blue logo sign program following the Highway Beautification Act. The agency now also operates the Oregon Historical Marker and Heritage Tree Programs as well as 39 rest areas at 25 locations in Oregon, providing clean, safe, and inviting locations that are open and free to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Executive Director and I look forward to working with the council, the staff, and our public and private partners to deliver our services across the state”, said Mac Lynde.
Mike Auman has served as the agency’s interim executive director since April, when the Travel Information Council began an open-recruitment process for the position of Executive Director. “The council is grateful for Mike’s leadership and for the steady work of all agency staff during this transition,” said Canty-Jones.
REDMOND, Oregon— Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint will be closed for a park staff training event all day Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Safety barricades will be placed at the park entrance road from Highway 126. The public is asked to please respect the closure and not to go past the barricades.
For questions, please contact Dani Padilla at 541-415-8130.
The FBI is coordinating with federal, state and local partners to actively investigate the two incidents in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, in the early morning hours of Monday, October 28th to determine who is responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the nearest FBI office, provide information through tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324).
Salem, Ore.—After a record-breaking year, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts have terminated fire restrictions, marking the end of the 2024 Oregon fire season declaration. With over 1.9 million acres burned across the state, firefighters and resources experienced extreme strain.
“This season proved that wildfire in Oregon is not just one agency’s issue but effects ALL Oregonians from government agencies to private landowners to Oregon residents.” Kyle Williams, ODF Deputy Director of Fire Protection, said, “This is our reality, and we need to adjust in response to it.”
Throughout May and June, the state experienced an average, even below average, season. However, early July brought the beginning of peak season with a heat wave followed by several lightning and wind events that primarily affected Central and Eastern Oregon.
Meteorological events combined with lightning-and human-caused fire brought immense strain on Oregon’s in-state resources. In response, the department leaned heavily into its interstate relationships. Firefighters and resources from about 20 states and Canada were brought to Oregon through state-to-state mutual aid agreements and the Northwest Compact.
“The outpouring of support from out of state has been amazing to say the least,” Chris Cline, ODF Protection Division Chief, said. “It truly goes to show that fire is a family, no matter where you are.”
Year to date, there have been 1,003 fires on ODF-protected lands resulting in 314,181 acres burned. ODF Type 1 Incident Management Teams (IMT) have been mobilized 11 times to wildfires this year. The assignments were to the following incidents:
An ODF team was also deployed earlier in the year to assist Lane County and Springfield in their ice storm response. The department also mobilized a Complex IMT comprised of North Carolina and Florida firefighters through state-to-state mutual aid agreements. Statewide, regardless of jurisdiction, there have been 1,956 fires that have burned 1,937,512 acres.
Due to the agency’s aggressive approach to initial attack to preserve natural resources, protect communities, and increase firefighter safety, many fire starts that happened this year were never heard about. Overall, the department put out 93 percent of fires on ODF-protected land at 10 acres or fewer this year.
Fighting alongside ODF and other wildland firefighters this season were members of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations. Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) are independent, non-profit, volunteer fire organizations that provide local fire protection in rural Oregon, usually in areas outside of local fire district protection.
There are 28 RFPAs that protect rangeland and are an integral part of Oregon’s complete and coordinated system. This season, RFPAs were some of the first resources to respond and begin work on a fire while more resources were on their way. They also provided incident management teams and fire managers with information on the area and the land that gave in-depth situational awareness and influenced operations. ODF supports the associations through administrative guidance, insurance reimbursement, fire suppression training and facilitating access to federal grants and surplus firefighting equipment.
The start and end of fire season restrictions and regulations are set by each forest protection district based on the conditions in their area including drought, climatic forecasts, and seasonal trends. These restrictions and regulations are on activities prone to start wildfires, such as debris burning and certain equipment use, and are intended as preventative measures during times with elevated wildfire risks. The arrival of steady soaking rain, coupled with cooler temperatures and shorter days, usually triggers the closure of fire season. The end of fire season removes ODF imposed fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands. However, many structural fire departments in Oregon still require a permit for debris burning, and slash burning requires a permit year-round, so check with your local fire department or ODF office before starting a burn.
As Oregon transitions out of fire season, ODF districts across the state are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation and planning efforts.
For more tips on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe from wildfire at any time of year, visit ODF’s Fire Prevention website or Keep Oregon Green’s website.
ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal forest and grazing lands in Oregon.
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University and Clackamas Community College have collaborated on a joint early childhood bilingual pathway partnership that actively supports and recruits Clackamas Community College graduates ready to complete their bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Western.
Clackamas offers an applied associate degree in early childhood education in Spanish, allowing graduates to seamlessly transfer to Western and earn their bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Thanks to this partnership, Western will provide flexible courses to ensure students receive a comprehensive education in early childhood entirely in bilingual settings. The demand for early educators with Spanish expertise has grown in Oregon, making this collaboration essential in meeting those needs.
A Ford Family Foundation grant has been awarded to Western to support efforts in onboarding bilingual early childhood faculty. The grant will facilitate collaborative work and help revise and plan future bilingual coursework. The first courses in this partnership launched at Western this fall.
“We are humbled by the passion and commitment demonstrated at Clackamas Community College and Western to get this program up and running. We salute the ongoing efforts of Clackamas to offer an associate degree in early childhood completely online and in Spanish,” said Cindy Ryan, Ed.D., associate professor in early childhood and chair of the Division of Education and Leadership. “We are honored to support these students as they come to us to complete their bilingual bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies.”
“Access to education changes the lives not only of our students but of their children, their families, and their communities. Providing an opportunity to pursue coursework in their home language of Spanish and obtain a degree can change the trajectory of the lives of our students. At Clackamas, we are so incredibly grateful to be in partnership with Western Oregon University to collaboratively build this bilingual pathway,” said Dawn Hendricks, Ph.D., department chair of Early Childhood Education, Education, and Human Services at Clackamas Community College.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU Belong.
SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at noon on Monday, Nov. 4 in the Clatsop Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The committee’s agenda includes:
The meeting is open to the public to attend in person and online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.
The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.
The ISOR-PH Special board meeting is scheduled for October 31, 2024 @9:00am.
Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that a Special Meeting of the Board is scheduled for October 31, 2024 @9:00am.
The meeting will take place on October 31, 2024 @9:00am.
Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that the Meeting of the Board will be held at:
1.Via Teleconference - using any of the following US phone numbers
+1 253 215 8782
+1 346 248 7799
+1 669 900 9128
+1 301 715 8592
+1 312 626 6799
+1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID is: 936 9648 8538
And
2. Via Zoom Meeting Link:
The Public has been invited to the Board Meeting with notices posted at the following locations:
A. FlashNet Newswire
http://flashalertbend.net/press-releases.html
B. Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Office
603 NW 3rd Street
Prineville, OR 97754
CORRECTION: This version corrects a type in the press release.
October 25, 2024
Media Contact: Amber Shoebridge, er.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov">amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov, 503-931-9586
Salem, Ore. – After four overlapping surveys and more than 12 months, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has ruled Oregon State Hospital (OSH) has made significant patient safety and quality improvements and is now in substantial compliance, no longer slated to lose CMS certification.
“The hospital is a foundational component of our behavioral health continuum of care. And our hospital staff care for patients suffering from the highest acuity, patients who are often forgotten or misunderstood by the rest of society,” said Sejal Hathi, M.D., MBA, director of Oregon Health Authority. "While there is still much work to do, this milestone is a testament to the ongoing commitment of our hospital staff to fostering and ensuring a safe and therapeutic setting where all patients can thrive.”
Representatives of CMS resurveyed OSH the week of Oct. 7 to evaluate the hospital’s implementation of Plans of Correction related to four separate investigations. Based on their findings, CMS issued a letter rescinding its termination action and returning the hospital back into its normal cycle of surveys.
“OSH remains committed to ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment for our patients, and we’ve already started work to address continuity in our implementation,” said Sara Walker, M.D., OSH interim superintendent and chief medical officer. “OSH staff care deeply about our patients and each other, and they’ve been instrumental in making effective changes across the hospital.”
The hospital will continue to implement and audit its prior plans of correction to ensure progress, as well as to address all standard-level CMS deficiencies, which do not require plans of correction, in its commitment to ongoing improvement. OSH has contracted with The Chartis Group, a leading health care regulatory advisory firm, to help the hospital develop and implement strategies to ensure continued quality improvement.
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WHAT HAPPENED
On September 9, 2024, Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) discovered that a staff member mistakenly emailed an internal spreadsheet to two individuals wishing to visit one of its institutions. This spreadsheet included the personal information of 861 individuals on whom ODOC had completed background checks. This mis-mailing was on August 28 and 29.
Once ODOC learned of the error, immediate action was taken. ODOC contacted the two email recipients and coordinated an appropriate response with its State-side information security resources. It was confirmed the emails and their attachments were fully deleted from both recipients’ email and from State mail systems on September 16, 2024.
WHAT INFORMATION WAS INVOLVED
The protected information inadvertently shared is the combination of each individual’s name, and drivers’ license or state identification number. This is “personal information” protected under the Oregon Consumer Information Protection Act (OCIPA), ORS 646A.600 et seq. Other information relating to background checks (such as approval or denial and reason) was also summarized in the spreadsheet, as was dates of birth and FBI Numbers. No Social Security numbers or financial information was in the spreadsheet.
WHAT ODOC IS DOING
ODOC takes this event very seriously. ODOC reported the incident to the Oregon State Police and to the State’s Cyber Security Services office; and confirmed the information was deleted from State mail systems and recipients’ emails. Additionally, ODOC has been working with facility staff and the State’s Cyber Security Services office to take specific steps to limit the likelihood of future errors of this kind. It is also evaluating additional measures to further enhance protocols for the protection of visitors’ personal information.
Again, this exposure was due to error and was not the result of a cyberattack. It does not appear individuals’ information is at risk. However, to assist in protecting those affected against identity theft, ODOC is making 12 months of identity theft resolution services available at no cost.
The Oregon Department of Corrections is committed to protecting individuals' information. Immediate action was taken to investigate and address the vulnerabilities of this breach, and to implement corrective actions. DOC reaffirms its commitment and dedication to the safety and security of individuals’ information.
SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD)’s e-bike rule advisory committee will hold three additional meetings to discuss possible changes to electric-assisted bicycle rules on state park properties and the ocean shore.
The committee held its first meeting Oct. 17. Once the committee makes suggestions about possible changes, OPRD staff can draft proposed rule changes based on recommendations. If rule changes are anticipated, a draft of the proposed rule will be open for public comment in early 2025.
The committee will meet online on the following days:
These meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed and recorded. They can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqL6iVPBrfCTO27cNmCTwg.
Committee members, appointed by OPRD, include individuals from around the state who enjoy electric assisted bicycles for recreation and others who enjoy other forms of recreation in state parks and the ocean shore. The committee also includes individuals from other agencies, natural resource specialists, law enforcement, transportation specialists, non-profit organizations and business owners.
More information about this rulemaking is available on the OPRD website: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2024-EBikes.aspx.
Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Jo Niehaus at least three days in advance of a meeting at jo.niehaus@oprd.oregon.gov.
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BEND, OR— What comes to mind when you hear the word "flannel?" Perhaps it’s your favorite plaid shirt, your trusty yardwork outfit, a rugged lumberjack or even a classic grunge band.
A new, original High Desert Museum exhibition, Blood, Swe & Flannel, explores what flannel represents. Opening November 2, 2024, and running through June 15, 2025, this unique experience invites visitors to explore the stories behind flannel—a fabric that goes beyond clothing to reflect the history of work and culture in the High Desert region.
While flannel originated centuries ago in Europe, the warm fabric with an ability to wick moisture became staple in the United States. Today, flannel is produced from various materials, including wool, cotton and even synthetic fibers. Its signature softness comes from a brushing process called “napping,” which raises fine fibers on one or both sides of the fabric after weaving, enhancing its cozy feel.
“Flannel is more than just a fabric; it’s a symbol of resilience and identity,” said Museum Bonnie Lee and Oliver P. Steele III Curator of Education and Engagement Molly Wilmoth. “For generations, flannel shirts, jackets and undergarments have been essential for workers in the High Desert, providing warmth and comfort as they logged trees and roped cattle. Later, alternative rock artists like Nirvana adopted flannel as their nod to non-fashion.”
To tell the stories of these histories, the exhibition will be split into these five major sections: timber, ranching, herding, sportswear from the 1950s and ‘60s, and alternative rock from the early 1990s. The exhibition will feature imagery, tactile elements and interactive displays that bring to life the experiences of those who wore flannel during each era.
Blood, Sweat & Flannel also delves into the cultural significance of clothing as a representation of identity. Visitors will explore how flannel has shifted through various eras, culminating in its association with the grunge movement, featuring music from iconic bands like Nirvana and Built to Spill. This evolution reflects not only a change in fashion but also a broader cultural dialogue around individuality and expression.
For more information, visit highdesertmuseum.org/flannel. Blood, Sweat & Flannel is made possible by the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation with support from 1859 Oregon’s Magazine.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Salem, Ore. – A store employee is facing charges after they were caught stealing a winning lottery ticket as part of a Retail Integrity Check operation conducted by Oregon State Police (OSP) and Oregon Lottery.
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, detectives from OSP’s Lottery security section presented a winning ticket to an employee at the Short Stop located at 1709 Gekeler Lane in La Grande. The employee scanned the tickets presented by the detective and advised there were no winners, keeping the ticket worth $25,000. Following the check, detectives had the ticket placed on “hold” by Oregon Lottery staff.
On September 26, 2024, the clerk mailed in the winning Lottery ticket in an attempt to redeem the $25,000 prize. Along with the winning ticket, the clerk also mailed in the Lottery Winner Claim Form and signed the declaration. After interviewing the clerk, OSP Lottery detectives cited the individual for Aggravated Theft 1 and Computer Crime. Additional charges of Theft by Deception and Forgery in the First Degree are being recommended to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
The business has been an Oregon Lottery retailer since 2005 and does not have a history of compliance issues.
“While it is rare to see an individual be dishonest at one of our retailers, we have a responsibility to ensure our games are played with fairness and integrity,” said Justin Hedlund, Oregon Lottery’s assistant director of security. “These checks are one way we accomplish that.”
Undercover checks are done routinely by OSP at Oregon Lottery retailers throughout the year, with more than 170 being conducted since 2020. OSP detectives assigned to Oregon Lottery help support the agency by ensuring fairness, integrity, security and honesty in the operation of the Lottery. The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.
October 25, 2024, Redmond, OR- At 8am on October 28th, Redmond Fire & Rescue will reopen outdoor burning. With the recent rains and decrease in high temperatures, the risk for fire spread has decreased to safe levels. Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind anyone who is conducting outdoor burning of the regulations for the areas served by Redmond Fire & Rescue:
NO DEBRIS BURNING INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF REDMOND AT ANY TIME
Open debris burning inside the city limits of Redmond is prohibited per Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance #5. Failure to comply can result in a citation and fines.
Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires, in approved fire rings or appliances, are allowed year-round when the regulations below are followed. These fires are allowed within city limits and no permit is required.
All types of fires may be banned in peak fire conditions.
A burn permit is required for open burning. A burn permit is not required when using a burn barrel, however you must still check the burn line to determine if burning is allowed. Burn permits will be available via a new app coming soon. In the meantime, please visit Before You Burn to obtain a permit.
Call the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911 to report an illegal burn. Or to report individuals who are burning items not approved by DEQ, please call DEQ at 541-388-6146.
Residential Outdoor Burning of Yard Debris (only permitted outside the Redmond city limits with a valid permit)
Provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to any structure. To apply for a permit, download the Burn Permit app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
Oct. 24, 2024 UPDATE:
On Monday, Bend Police arrested a Pilot Butte Middle School student after the student disclosed to a teacher that they had brought a loaded gun to school. Bend Police officers transported the student to Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice on suspicion of attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, disorderly conduct, unlawful use of a weapon, and first-degree theft.
During the course of our investigation, detectives and officers learned the child had brought the gun to school with a plan to use it and had an identified list of targets. Everyone identified on that list has been contacted by police at this time.
The child remains in custody. Officers have found no evidence that any additional students were involved in Monday’s incident.
As officers investigated Monday’s incident, students and families reported rumors of additional threats to PBMS. Those threats were investigated, and during that investigation, officers arrested another PBMS student on suspicion of second-degree disorderly conduct for making widespread threats, though they were deemed not credible.
The Bend Police investigation into Monday’s incident is ongoing.
FROM THE BEND-LA PINE SCHOOLS:
“We stand with our students, staff and families in expressing significant concern over the details emerging from the police investigation of the Oct. 21 incident at Pilot Butte Middle School. At the same time, we are so relieved and grateful for the actions of our staff and School Resource Officer in preventing what could have been a tragic outcome. We appreciate our partnership and collaborative decision-making with the Bend Police Department. This remains an ongoing police investigation. We also want to recognize and continue to support our students and families, who understandably remain concerned and have many questions. The District will continue to provide counseling resources at Pilot Butte.”
Dr. Steven Cook, Superintendent
This is a joint release from Bend-La Pine Schools and Bend Police Department.
Date: Oct. 21, 2024
Case #: 2024-00062088
Incident: PBMS student arrested for bringing loaded handgun to school
Date / Time of Incident: Oct. 21, 2024 / 10:21 a.m.
Location: Pilot Butte Middle School, 1500 block of NE Neff Road, Bend
Arrested: 12-year-old Bend resident
A Bend Police School Resource Officer on Monday morning confiscated a loaded handgun from a seventh-grade student at Pilot Butte Middle School.
The school resource officer, who was on campus at the time, responded to a radio call from a staff member. The staff member said the student had self-reported having a gun, and the staff member immediately took the student outside the building and called for assistance. The SRO took the child into custody without incident. How the student accessed the firearm is currently under investigation. At this time, we believe the student was acting alone.
This incident remains under investigation. The student was interviewed and has been transported to the Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Facility. Additional charges may be forthcoming against additional people.
PORTLAND, Ore.—17 people are facing federal charges for conspiring to defraud the United States of more than $2.4 million in fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A coordinated, multi-agency law enforcement operation was conducted Tuesday to dismantle the interstate fraud organization that used skimming devices and stolen Electric Benefits Transfer (EBT) accounts to purchase SNAP-eligible products for resale on the black market.
“This group targeted a program that ensures access to healthy and affordable groceries for low-income and food insecure individuals and families,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We thank all our partners for their commitment to protecting the integrity of vital public programs like SNAP.”
“The USDA OIG is working relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle organized skimming operations targeted at stealing EBT card information from victims relying on such benefits to feed their families. These conspirators used skimmed accounts to fraudulently purchase retail goods such as infant formula and energy drinks, and later resold the stolen goods for illicit gain. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, Homeland Security Investigations, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon Department of Justice, and Orange County District Attorney’s Office for our joint effort in pursuing and holding these conspirators accountable for defrauding American families and the Federal Government,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Dionida, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG).
“This kind of fraud cheats a system that is designed to help families and children who need assistance the most,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Every dollar stolen is a dollar that could have fed a child in need. I’m appreciative of our partnerships with federal and local law enforcement, as it is through investigations like this that we will be able to protect resources for those that rely on them, while making sure those who commit these abuses are held accountable.”
“Our role in this case started with the initiative and extensive follow-up by one of our detectives,” said Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day. “He then reached out to our federal partners, and as the investigation grew, more resources were brought in to assist. It soon became very apparent how many people were criminally involved and the wide scope of this investigation. This indictment ultimately was the result of an exhaustive amount of investigative work by our detective and federal authorities and I commend everyone involved for their dedication to this important case.”
The following individuals have been arrested and charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, for their roles in the fraud organization:
Ramirez Dumitru, 25; Giovanni Spirea, 28; Santa-Madalina Costache, 25; Florin Mareata, 25; Anita Vaduva, 36; Ion Paul Miclescu, 19; Nicolas Barbosu, 25; Alberto Tomescu, 27; Oana Aura Cristina Caldararu, 23; Roberta Elena Sardaru, 27; Salvis Foro Dunca, 26; Ana Patricia Escalante, 57; Jessica Gonzalez, 27; Edwin Lionel Santizo-Ralon, 54; Cristina Yesenia Escalante, 33; Edgar Basilio Hernandez, 33; and Marta Hernandez de Estrada, 53.
According to court documents, from August 2023 to October 2024, Ramirez Dumitru and his co-conspirators are alleged to have possessed skimming devices and stolen EBT accounts to illegally purchase items with stolen SNAP benefits. Dumitru shared information with other members of the organization who, along with him, used the stolen EBT accounts to purchase large quantities of infant formula, energy drinks, and other SNAP-eligible nonperishable food items from grocery stores in Oregon, Washington, and California, and through websites associated with grocery stores offering curb-side pickup.
Over the course of the conspiracy, the group purchased more than 120,000 pounds of goods and stored them at residential properties and storage units in Oregon and Washington until they were packaged and transported to California in private vehicles or via commercial carriers. The fraudulent goods, obtained with more than $2.4 million in stolen SNAP benefits, were then sold on the black market.
All seventeen members of the organization were arrested on Tuesday without incident and made their initial appearances in federal court this week before U.S. Magistrate Judges in Oregon, Washington and California. All have been arraigned and are pending a trial in the District of Oregon.
The case was investigated by USDA OIG, HSI, U.S. Marshals Service, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon Department of Justice, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Vancouver Police Department, San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department, and the Redmond, Washington Police Department Financial Fraud and Identification Theft Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Washington and Central District of California.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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UPDATE: Bend Police located Wagoner at approximately 2:26 p.m.
Date: Oct. 24, 2024
Case #: 2024-00062838
Incident: Bend Police looking for missing woman with dementia
Date / Time of Incident: Oct. 24, 2024 / 12 p.m.
Location: Sugarloaf Mountain Motel, 62900 block of N Highway 97, Bend
Bend Police are asking the public for assistance in locating a missing 75-year-old woman who suffers from dementia.
Peggy Lee Wagoner, 75, was last seen at approximately 12 p.m. today at Sugarloaf Mountain Motel in the 62900 block of North U.S. Highway 97. Wagoner is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall and approximately 110 pounds. She was last seen wearing a dark sweater, jeans, green boots and a baseball cap.
She is likely on foot, and may be lost or confused.
If you see Wagoner, please call nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.
Outdoor debris burning will open at sunrise on Monday, October 28 for areas outside the City of Bend within the boundaries of Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2. Debris burning is not allowed throughout the year within the city limits of Bend as per city ordinance.
Burning can be shut down on a daily based on current and projected weather conditions that day. Please call our burn information line at 541-322-6335 everyday before burning for the most current conditions and whether burning is open or closed that day.
A reminder, debris burning regulations may vary between governmental jurisdictions within the Central Oregon area. Please contact your local fire agency for specific requirements and restrictions.
Campfires, recreational fires, warming fires and cooking fires may be permitted in areas where debris burning is prohibited. These types of fires are allowed in the city limits of Bend, typically year round, as long as the burn regulations and restrictions are followed. Contact your local fire agency for the burning regulations in your area. Burning regulations for the City of Bend and Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2 may be picked up at the nearest fire station or by printing them from the City of Bend web site at www.bendoregon.gov/burninginfo
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) - Central Oregon District will officially reduce the fire danger to LOW and end the 2024 fire season Friday, October 25, 2024, at 12:01 a.m., for lands under their protection and management. The end of fire season is a result of recent wetting rains and an overall cooling trend that has returned to the area.
With the end of fire season, the public and industrial fire restrictions implemented through the Central Oregon District will no longer be in effect.
Despite the fire season ending, fire officials advise residents to not rush burning. Instead, cover the top two-thirds of debris piles with a tarp or plastic. Doing this will keep the pile dry to allow for a cleaner burn later into the fall/winter months when the risk of fire spread is minimal. Several days of sunshine and dry weather during the fall months can create a fire risk even if a week or more of cool, wet conditions precede them.
Residents should contact their local fire department or ODF before conducting any type of debris burning as fire restrictions may vary between local fire districts. ODF offices are located in Sisters, 541-549-2731, Prineville 541-447-5658, The Dalles 541-296-4626, Fossil 541-763-2575 and John Day 541-575-1139.
When burning yard debris, ensure an adequate fire trail around the pile before igniting and have fire tools and a water supply at the burn site. Debris piles should never be left unattended and fully extinguished before leaving the area. If a debris burn escapes containment, the party responsible may be held financially responsible for the resulting fire suppression costs and associated damages.
The Central Oregon District staff would like to thank the community for their cooperation and support during the 2024 fire season.
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Wilsonville, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison today for laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds as the chief money launderer for a drug trafficking organization operating in the Pacific Northwest and California.
Jacqueline Paola Rodriguez Barrientos, 44, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
“We thank the coordinated efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners actively combatting these drug trafficking organizations and the damage they inflict on our communities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“While people like Ms. Rodriguez Barrientos conceal the profits of drug enterprises, the losses fall on far too many Americans and their families,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “We will continue doing our part to expose the finances of criminal organizations.”
According to court documents, beginning in fall 2021, special agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Portland began investigating a drug trafficking organization suspected of transporting counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and heroin from California into Oregon and Washington State for distribution.
A parallel financial investigation led by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) revealed that Barrientos laundered money generated by the drug trafficking organization through the Mazatlán Beauty Salon in Tualatin, Oregon and by buying real estate that she converted into income-generating rentals. The real estate purchases were made with cashier’s checks funded by large cash deposits. Currency Transaction Reports generated by several banks showed that Barrientos made frequent cash deposits ranging from $10,000 to more than $373,000 into accounts held in her name or the name of her salon. These deposits totaled more than $3.5 million during a 9-month period in 2021.
Since February 2021, members of the drug trafficking organization also purchased a total of nine residential properties in Oregon, Washington and Nevada with an estimated total value of more than $4.6 million. All nine properties were purchased outright with no mortgages. Barrientos used laundered funds to purchase eight of these properties. She then used third-party property management companies to rent these properties and received approximately $10,000 per month in rental income.
On February 17, 2022, DEA agents arrested Barrientos and an associate at their Las Vegas residence. Agents found and seized two luxury vehicles, several loose receipts documenting high-end retail purchases, credit card statements documenting more than $16,000 spent on tickets to attend a professional boxing match, and other evidence memorializing the couple’s high-end lifestyle.
On February 9, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Barrientos with conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. She pleaded guilty on July 31, 2024.
Barrientos has agreed to forfeiture of the properties purchased with criminal proceeds as part of the resolution of her case. Some of the properties have been sold by the government; others are pending forfeiture and sale. The proceeds of forfeited assets are deposited in the Justice Department’s Assets Forfeiture Fund (AFF) and used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of other law enforcement purposes. To learn more about the AFF, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/afp/assets-forfeiture-fund-aff.
This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS:CI, Tigard Police Department, and Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Peter D. Sax, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture proceedings are being handled by AUSA Katie De Villiers, also of the District of Oregon.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. 23 Oct. 2024 – Yesterday, an Oregon State Police K-9 team intercepted fentanyl and heroin destined for Portland.
On Oct. 22, 2024, at about 11 a.m., an Oregon State Trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 135 in Douglas County. During the stop, the trooper observed signs of criminal activity and deployed a drug detection K-9. The vehicle search resulted in the discovery of 5.8 pounds of fentanyl and 5 pounds of heroin with suspected fentanyl inside the vehicle.
The driver, Dago Rodrigo Rodrigues (22) of Oakland (CA), and passenger, Mateo Marin Peraza (20) also of Oakland (CA) were arrested for unlawful possession and delivery of fentanyl and heroin and lodged in the Douglas County Jail.
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OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. 23 Oct. 2024 – Roseburg area Fish and Wildlife troopers are asking for the public’s assistance to locate and apprehend the person responsible for unlawfully killing a buck deer and leaving it to waste earlier this week.
The preliminary investigation indicates the buck was shot multiple times with a handgun from the roadway. The incident occurred between 6 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 20, 2024, in the 500 block of South Deer Creek Road. The individual left the area in a vehicle traveling southbound on South Deer Creek Road.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Matt Bowersox through OSP Dispatch at 800-442-2068 or OSP (677) from a mobile device. Those with information can remain anonymous and a TIP reward for cash or preference points will be offered for information leading to a citation or arrest in the case. Please reference Oregon State Police case number #SP24344796.
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 issuing a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling licenses or tags, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.
Cash Rewards
Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
(PRINEVILLE, Ore)— The City of Prineville is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Profio as the new Chief of Police, effective November 18. With over 29 years of law enforcement experience, Profio has spent his career dedicated to serving the public and keeping communities safe.
Jeff Profio began his career as a police officer with the San Jose Police Department in California, where he advanced through the ranks over 24 years. In his leadership roles, he served as a team leader for the SWAT Team, sergeant of the fugitive apprehension team, and commander of special operations teams, including SWAT, bomb squad, canine, and traffic enforcement. He was instrumental in developing department-wide training in procedural justice and implicit bias, cultivating a culture of excellence and accountability.
Profio also served on the San Jose Police Department Chaplaincy board of directors for approximately six years, where he helped provide direction and conducted fundraising events for the program.
Currently, Jeff serves as the second-in-command of a small agency, overseeing day-to-day operations and building a cohesive team. He has been a POST Master Instructor since 2005, a designation awarded by the state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program, which oversees the training and certification of law enforcement personnel. In this capacity, he has facilitated POST-certified courses that emphasize team building and principled policing, which will be foundational for the Prineville Police Department.
Before entering law enforcement, Jeff worked for five years at the YMCA, where he integrated team building into youth programs. He has since developed and led workshops for non-profits, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector, focusing on a collaborative and human-centered approach to team dynamics.
“Jeff Profio’s extensive experience as a master instructor and his dedication to mentoring and coaching make him an ideal fit for the Prineville Police Department,” said Steve Forrester, City Manager of Prineville. “His accomplishments in building high-performing teams will be instrumental in shaping the future of our department.”
The selection process for the new chief included a national search conducted in collaboration with a third-party firm, as well as community meet-and-greets and interviews with panels of regional public safety professionals, community leaders, and members of the Prineville Police Department.
“We are excited to welcome Jeff Profio as our new Chief of Police,” Forrester added. “We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our police department and the community as a whole.”
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About the City of Prineville:
Located east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon’s high desert, the City of Prineville is a resurgent rural community that has preserved its small-town, ranching roots and Western lifestyle while embracing smart growth in a business-friendly environment. With a population of just over 10,000 residents, the county seat of Crook County attracts a diversity of business and lifestyle interests, including tech giants Meta and Apple, recreational enthusiasts, and a thriving agricultural industry. Incorporated in 1880, the City of Prineville operates the oldest continuously running municipal short-line railway in the U.S. and features a public golf course. Prineville boasts numerous recreational assets, including the Ochoco National Forest and the Crooked River, making it a popular destination for anglers and hunters. For more information on City services and programs visit cityofprineville.com.
Lane County, Ore 22 Oct 24- On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 3:15 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a four-vehicle crash on Hwy 126, near milepost 19, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Kenworth log truck, operated by Billy Lee Bales Coder (50) of Myrtle Point, was passing through the Knowles Creek Tunnel when a catastrophic engine failure caused an oil spill approximately 200 yards long before the vehicle exited the tunnel and parked along side the roadway.
A westbound Nissan Rogue, operated by Mary Helen Dale (65) of Florence, lost control in the oil slick and crashed into the Kenworth before moving off of the highway.
A westbound Toyota Prius, operated by Radiant Jaime Gaines (48) of Eugene, lost control in the oil slick, crossed into the eastbound lane and struck an eastbound Chevrolet HHR, operated by Christine Dorene Weathers (59) of Florence, head-on.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Weathers) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Kenworth (Coder) was not injured.
The operator of the Nissan (Dale) was not injured.
The operator of the Toyota (Gaines) suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local medical center.
The highway was impacted for approximately 9.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Western Lane Ambulance and Fire, Mapleton Fire, and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
The Oregon State Marine Board held its quarterly board meeting in Hood River on October 23, at the Hood River Library. The Board approved four boating facility grant applications as part of the agency’s Cycle Three funding opportunity for the 2023-2025 biennium. The Board also approved opening rulemaking and gathering public comments on proposed rule language for the Upper Rogue River.
The Board awarded $286,824 in Cycle Three boating facility grants for projects totaling $471,690:
In another agenda item, the Board discussed the public comments received during its Upper Rogue River hybrid Work Session in Medford, held on October 2. Staff provided marine law enforcement data and offered rule language for consideration, including redefining the section of the Upper Rogue River to align with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fishing regulations and to also include Rogue River tributaries. Other recommendations include a motor restriction of over 10 hp which is consistent with Coast Guard regulations. Staff also recommended provisions specific to commercial jet boat operations along with provisions that allow law enforcement and search and rescue to be exempt from these regulations while conducting official business.
The Board approved opening rulemaking for the Upper Rogue River to gather comments on the proposed rule language. Procedurally, agency staff will open a written public comment period in addition to scheduling a rule hearing in a similar format to the October 2nd Work Session in Medford, to comply with the Oregon Secretary of State Rulemaking hearing procedures. Comments will then be presented to the Board at its January 2025 meeting. The Board can modify, adopt or end the rulemaking process. If there are substantiative modifications to the rule language, staff would be required to conduct a repeated hearing process for transparency and additional public comments.
To view the Board Book and presentation, visit the agency’s Public Meetings Page.
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The Marine Board is directly funded by boaters in the form of registration, title, and permit fees, as well as through marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollarsor local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees support the boating public through boating safety services (on-the-water law enforcement, training, and equipment), boating safety education, grants for the construction and maintenance of boating access facilities, and environmental protection programs.
PR 19-24
BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, October 23, 2024
CONTACT: Kevin Wingert, BPA, 971-207-8390 or 503-230-5131
Michael-David Bushman, Yakama Nation Fisheries, 509-865-5121 ext. 6345
Upgrades to Klickitat Hatchery to increase spring Chinook salmon
Work will shift hatchery production to incorporate natural-origin broodstock
and boost smolts from 600,000 to 800,000 annually
Portland, Ore. – Members of the Yakama Nation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries, and the Bonneville Power Administration gathered at a hatchery nestled in the 42-river mile of the Klickitat River on October 11 to celebrate the construction, now underway, of upgrades intended to boost the population and resilience of spring Chinook salmon in the river basin.
The Klickitat Hatchery was originally constructed in 1949 and is operated by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to rear spring and fall Chinook as well as late-run coho salmon. BPA is spending roughly $35 million to upgrade several components of the hatchery still operating with 75-year-old equipment. That work is focused on improving the spring Chinook population, with plans to increase juvenile production from 600,000 to 800,000 annually.
“BPA is funding the upgrades to enable the Yakama to move from exclusively using hatchery-raised fish for broodstock to incorporate natural-origin broodstock,” said Jason Sweet, executive manager of BPA’s fish and wildlife program. “By integrating natural-origin broodstock, we expect to see greater fitness, production and survival of these salmonids.”
These capital improvements help to fulfill commitments BPA made in the 2008 Columbia Basin Fish Accords Memorandum of Agreement and its subsequent extensions. The project is part of BPA’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of the Federal Columbia River Power System on fish and wildlife in the mainstem Columbia River and its tributaries.
The importance of the event was not lost on the chairman of the Yakama Nation, Gerald Lewis.
"A wonderful day – the sun bearing witness, birds singing, as everyone was there to celebrate with the tribe for 20 years of holding the hatchery together,” Lewis said. “The words spoken by BPA, NOAA, WDFW, BIA, Klickitat County and by YN helped preserve all the work done by the entities coming together as one. The tribe never gave up on our resource of Spring Salmon, Steelhead, Coho and Lamprey. Now with the Fish Accord Agreement, BPA and the Yakama Nation have come together to rebuild the aging hatchery to better support fisheries across the Northwest.
“It is only through prayer and song that Yakama can keep the resources going forward as Elders have been saying since the demise of Celilo. With the help of other entities, we are making progress on our natural resources.”
Other key supporters of the Yakama/Klickitat Fisheries Project were on hand for the celebration as well, including Klickitat County, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
Construction on the upgrades at Klickitat Hatchery began in September and include:
Work on the upgrades is expected to be completed in June of 2026 with the first yearlings released from the upgraded facilities in May of 2027.
About BPA
The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer in the U.S. Department of Energy that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov
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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during its Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
This event will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of "Taps."
The celebration will honor Oregon veterans of all eras and will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park located on Court Street Northeast in Salem — directly in front of the main entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
The event is open to the public and uncovered seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be provided. Attendees are reminded to plan accordingly for Oregon weather.
For those unable to attend, the event will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/odvavet. If you have any questions about this event, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.
When: October 24 – 31
Where: Virtual via Zoom, or
In person at the BLM Ashland Field Office, Oregon
Who: Emma Busk, Wildlife Technician
Contact: Jeanne Panfely, jpanfely@blm.gov
Ashland, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management’s annual Bat Beauty Contest returns! Your local Oregon bats are here to defend their crown and try to take home the top prize for the third year in a row.
Each October, the BLM hosts a beauty contest to find the most stunning bat photographed on BLM public lands across the county. The event begins on October 24 and ends on Halloween. It also coincides with International Bat Week, which raises awareness about bat conservation and the essential role bats play in the natural world.
This year, there are two Oregon bats participating in the contest! Hoary Potter, a male hoary bat with a feisty personality, will compete in the first round of the contest October 24. Honey Bunches of Myotis, a long-eared myotis bat, will compete in the second round of the contest October 25.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, located primarily in 11 western states and Alaska. Those other states are working hard to end the batty three-peat. You can help Oregon bring home the crown by voting on the BLM National Facebook page or the BLM National Instagram page.
Last year, William ShakespEAR, a female Townsend’s big-eared bat from Butte Falls, took home the crown on the afternoon of October 31. During the final round, she beat out Gizmo, an Allen's Big-Eared Bat. William was photographed by Emma Busk, BLM wildlife technician.
The year before, the BLM crowned Barbara, a canyon bat from Lake County, the 2022 Bat Beauty Contest Winner. Barbara was photographed by Kate Yates, BLM wildlife biologist.
Both of this year’s bats were photographed by Busk.
“It’s important that we fact check what we think we know about bats,” said Busk. “There are a lot of myths around bats, but they’re amazing wildlife and they contribute so much to our ecosystem.”
Bats play an essential role in Oregon. All bats in the Pacific Northwest are insectivorous, meaning they rid our world of pests like mosquitos, beetles, and moths. Just one bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour!
Want to do your part? As we head into winter, avoid exploring mines and caves where bats may be hibernating.
“In your own backyard, you can have a bat house!” said Emma. “It’s a shelter that helps protect bats during the winter. You can also make your garden more bat friendly by planting native flowers to attract insects and turning off any unnecessary lights. Light pollution is not great for bats."
Want to get involved? Follow the Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington on Facebook (@BLMOregonAndWashington) or Instagram (@BLMOregonWashington). We’ll be sharing how you can vote for Hoary Potter and Honey Bunches of Myotis and support your native Oregon species!
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.
Salem – Improving worker safety in Oregon's pulp, paper, and forest products industries will take center stage during a conference held Dec. 3-6 in Portland that will highlight key safety and health topics. Those topics include everything from fall protection and potential equipment failures to starting and expanding safety programs.
Although the 32nd annual Western Pulp, Paper, and Forest Products Safety and Health Conference delves into safety and health issues in those industries, the event also offers learning opportunities that apply to many other workplaces. Those sessions include nutrition and wellness in the workplace; tools for creating effective safety committees; root cause analysis; and making an emergency plan for your household.
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the four-day conference at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront in Portland.
The conference will feature three keynote and general session speakers:
The conference will include exhibits, company safety meetings, roundtable discussions, and numerous workshops.
Sessions include:
The registration fee is $450 to attend the full conference. The fee to attend one day – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – is $150. It is $50 for Friday. To register, go to https://safetyseries.cventevents.com/event/wppfp24/.
If you have questions or need help registering, call the Oregon OSHA Conference Section at 503-947-7411, or email egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.
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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
Salem, Oregon — The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the council’s website.
The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council is established by Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.
The purpose of the Council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness education, and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the State’s policies, goals and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively. The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Meetings of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council are open to the public.
Public comment may be made during the meeting. Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Monday, Oct. 28 at 1:00 p.m. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office, 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301 or online via the office form.
Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.
Links:
MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Alumni Awards recognize outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions. The 2024 Alumni Award recipients are Joanne Fuhrman, Christy Perry, William Wiltse, and Brigadier General Jenifer Pardy.
Joanne Fuhrman is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Community Service Award for her lifelong commitment to social justice and impact on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As co-founder and CEO of Partnerships in Community Living (PCL), she has dedicated over 40 years to advocating for marginalized individuals and played a crucial role in Oregon's transition from institutional care.
Christy Perry, the former superintendent of the Salem-Keizer School District, is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Community Service Award for her exceptional leadership and commitment to equity in education. Perry's strategic plan for equitable outcomes and her efforts to expand Career and Technical Education programs have advanced student achievement and fostered inclusivity for underserved communities.
William Wiltse is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Award for Professional Achievement for his pioneering work combating child exploitation through technology and law enforcement collaboration. As the President of the Child Rescue Coalition, Wiltse developed the Child Protection System, a powerful tool used by law enforcement worldwide to detect and prosecute child predators.
Brigadier General Jenifer Pardy is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Award of Excellence for her outstanding leadership and service in the Oregon National Guard. As the Director of the Joint Staff, Pardy has provided invaluable guidance and oversight for state and federal missions. Her executive experience and recent mobilization efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, and civil unrest in Oregon exemplify her commitment to strengthening partnerships and making a positive impact.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s alumni award recipients. Their achievements serve as a testament to the values and excellence our institution upholds,” said Raeann Salchenberg, director of Alumni Engagement. Each of them has made a profound impact in their respective fields, embodying the spirit of leadership, innovation, and service that defines our alumni community. We are honored to celebrate their success and grateful for the inspiration they provide to our students and fellow alumni.”
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.