PORTLAND, Ore.—A Sherwood, Oregon man pleaded guilty today for smuggling drugs into the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Richard Steven Alberts II, 32, pleaded guilty to the charge of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§841(a)(1), 841 (b)(1)(C), and 846. He will be sentenced on February 22, 2021 by the Honorable Michael H. Simon.           

According to court records, in 2019, Alberts was a Correctional Officer at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, a women’s prison in Wilsonville, operated by the Oregon Department of Corrections.  While employed there, defendant began an inappropriate and illegal sexual relationship with an inmate.

To foster the relationship, Alberts agreed to smuggle drugs, including OxyContin pills, methamphetamine, and heroin into the prison and to provide them to the inmate. In addition, Alberts smuggled multiple cell phones into the facility that the inmate used to communicate with Alberts and others outside the prison.  Defendant knew that the smuggled methamphetamine and heroin were not for the inmate’s personal use, but, instead, were intended for distribution to other women incarcerated at Coffee Creek. 

On the evening of June 3, 2019, defendant met co-defendant Joseph Jimenez in a parking lot in Portland, where Jimenez provided Alberts with heroin.  The next day, on June 4, 2019, Alberts smuggled that heroin into Coffee Creek, and later provided it to the inmate.  Just a few days later, an Oregon Department of Corrections investigator seized a small amount of methamphetamine and over 6 grams heroin from the inmate.  An investigation by the ODOC and FBI revealed that the seized heroin was, in fact, the same heroin that Alberts had obtained from Jimenez and smuggled into Coffee Creek. Alberts was immediately placed on administrative leave from ODOC.

“This corrections officer selfishly abused his position of trust and in doing so, endangered the lives of vulnerable inmates fighting for their own sobriety” said United States Attorney Billy J. Williams. “Instead of protecting the inmates, he exploited them.  The excellent investigative work of the Oregon Department of Corrections, the Oregon State Police, and the FBI now ensures that a man who once guarded inmates will become one himself.”

DOC Director Colette S. Peters said, “The Oregon Department of Corrections is committed to preventing sexual activity involving employees and the people in our care and custody; and take decisive action when allegations are brought forward. When DOC’s Inspector General’s Office and the leadership at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility received a tip about Alberts’s criminal behavior, the agency immediately acted by launching an internal investigation and contacting state and federal law enforcement. Our goal was to ensure a thorough investigation, a fair process, and prosecution, if warranted. We have thousands of employees who provide outstanding public service each and every day. I would like to thank our partners at the US Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oregon State Police, and the Washington County District Attorney’s office for their cooperation and seeing Alberts sentenced for his illegal and dishonorable behavior.”

"Alberts abused his position of power over the Coffee Creek inmates with the trafficking of meth and heroin," said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. "Instead of ensuring a safe environment for these women as he should have been, he exploited addiction and targeted a vulnerable population for his own gain. We can't let such behavior stand."

Alberts faces a maximum sentence of is 20 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1,000,000. As part of the plea agreement, defendant agreed to immediately resign from the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he is currently on unpaid administrative leave. Defendant also agreed to immediately and permanently decertify as a law enforcement officer with the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. So long as defendant demonstrates an acceptance of responsibility, the parties will jointly recommend a sentence of 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

In addition, Alberts has agreed with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office to waive indictment and plead guilty to the offense of Custodial Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree under ORS 163.452 (a Class C felony). At sentencing, both parties will recommend that Alberts receives a sentence of three years of formal probation, including conditions that Alberts will participate in an evaluation, and if indicated, participate in sex treatment. 

 The Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon State Police and the FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Craig Gabriel and Scott Bradford, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

 The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to enforcing the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). PREA requires the development and promulgation of “national standards for the detection, prevention, reduction, and punishment of prison rape.” These standards, like the law mandating them, are intended to address a serious public safety, public health, and human rights problem—the incidence of sexual violence in our nation’s confinement facilities. To learn more about PREA, please visit:  https://bja.ojp.gov/program/prison-rape-elimination-act-prea/overview.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody (AIC) died November 23, 2020. He was incarcerated at the Oregon State Correctional Institution and passed away at a local hospital. He tested positive for COVID-19. He was between 50 and 60 years old. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. Department-wide, this is the seventeenth AIC to die who tested positive for COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19 cases inside Oregon’s prisons, please visit DOC’s COVID-19 website. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 13,100 adults in custody who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state.

Anyone entering DOC property is required to wear a mask or face covering in any indoor work setting or other indoor premises regardless of distance from others unless they are in a private, individual office not shared by anyone else; or they are actively eating or drinking AND at least six (6) feet of distance can be maintained between other people. Wearing masks is mandatory at all times in health services areas, some work areas, and in food services areas. Face coverings have been provided to AICs and staff. If an AIC becomes ill and exhibits flu-like symptoms, CDC and OHA guidance for supportive care are followed.

Institutions continue to clean and disinfect numerous times a day. DOC asks AICs to report symptoms of COVID to medical staff. Posters are in all DOC institutions encouraging individuals to maintain proper hygiene and to uphold appropriate social distancing to the extent possible. Health screening processes are in place before staff are allowed to enter facilities. This screening includes a temperature check and a screening questionnaire. Visiting remains closed until further notice.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, DOC issued a press release when an AIC passed away. This notification would include the person’s name, county of conviction, sentence length, and date of death. However, no cause of death would be listed because the Medical Examiner makes that determination. In order to balance the desire for transparency with our legal obligation to protect personal health information, we have changed the AIC death notification process when someone dies who has tested positive for COVID-19. DOC is working with the Oregon Health Authority to publish COVID-19 related data and information on the OHA website.

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November 23, 2020

Program contact: Hilary Harrison, 503-209-1949, y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us

What: A regular public meeting of the System of Care Advisory Council.

When: December 1, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: By webinar at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/706039269 or by teleconference at 872-240-3212, access code 706-039-269. Please note only council members may speak until the public comment time.

Agenda: The full agenda can be found on the advisory council's webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/BH-Child-Family/Pages/SOCAC.aspx. The meeting will include time for public comment.

Details: Senate Bill 1 (2019) established a Governor-appointed System of Care Advisory Council to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of the state and local continuum of care that provides services to youth and young adults. The council's immediate work is to develop and maintain a state System of Care and a comprehensive long-range plan for a coordinated state system.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Hilary Harrison at 503-209-1949, 711 TTY, or y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us at least two business days before the meeting.

Generous Safeway and Albertsons shoppers in communities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington are making a substantial impact for local schools – at a time when students need it the most. As part of the Nourishing Neighbors program and the “Help Feed Families During the Crisis” campaign, $450,000 in emergency grant funding is supporting 159 local schools.

In Oregon, there are more than half a million people who do not get enough to eat, and more than 194,000 of them are children. An estimated 1 in 6 kids nationally lived with food insecurity heading into the pandemic, and now it is expected to be closer to 1 in 4 as more households are struggling with declining income or unemployment.

In partnership with GENYOUth, a national nonprofit that creates healthier school communities, Safeway and Albertsons and other contributors are funding grants to supply much-needed resources for meal distribution and delivery. Nationally, more than $10 million has been deployed in emergency funding supporting more than 8,600 schools.

From soft-sided coolers, bags and containers for individual servings, to protective gear for food service sanitation and safety, this equipment will ensure that children continue to receive the nutritious meals they need.

“Our meal program has provided nearly 200,000 meals free of charge to the children in our community over the last 6 months,” said Alex Singer, Nutrition Services Director for Central School District in Independence/Monmouth. “The support from Safeway and Albertsons has shown how communities can rise up and come together to support the needs of children.”

Through donations at the cash register, the Nourishing Neighbors program raises awareness, engages volunteers and raises funds to support innovative and effective programs throughout the country. The program ensures every child in America has access to nutritious food. It is part of the Albertsons Companies Foundation, which has invested over $1 billion in communities nationwide since 2001.

“I truly hope our customers know that when they say yes at the PIN pad, they are helping children in their very neighborhood receive immediate and much needed hunger relief,” said Gineal Davidson, President, Portland Division of Safeway Albertsons.

Amidst the tumultuous and unpredictable year this has been, the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council is sharing positive and inspiring stories like this one as part of their "Thanks4Giving" campaign this week. New stories will be featured on their social media channels every day through Thanksgiving using the hashtag #Thanks4Giving.

About Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council
The Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council (ODNC) works on behalf of all dairy farm families and dairy processors throughout the state of Oregon. Building trust and demand for Oregon dairy products and support for those who make them is accomplished through efforts and involvement in schools, health and wellness, communications and industry development.

About Albertsons Companies
Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. The company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Cos. is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2019 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company gave $225 million in food and financial support. In 2020, Albertsons Cos. made a $53 million commitment to community hunger relief efforts and a $5 million commitment to organizations supporting social justice. These efforts have helped millions of people in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, social justice and programs for people with disabilities and veterans' outreach.

Nov. 23, 2020 (Salem, OR)--Today the Oregon Employment Department announced it has begun paying the ‘waiting week’ for eligible Oregonians who received regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s announcement comes one week ahead of the Employment Department’s end of November goal to begin paying the waiting week.

“We are very pleased to announce that many Oregonians will now start seeing the waiting week benefits they have been waiting for,” said David Gerstenfeld, acting director of the Oregon Employment Department. “Our IT and Unemployment Insurance teams have worked incredibly hard to implement programming changes that allow us to issue payments at this scale. Oregonians have been patient with us, and we thank them.”

The waiting week is the first week of a regular UI claim when a person meets all eligibility requirements. Traditionally, claimants do not receive benefits that week. The waiting week has been waived for regular UI initial claims filed March 8, 2020 through Jan. 2, 2021. Eligible initial claims for regular UI filed by Jan. 2, 2021 will receive a waiting week payment. Oregonians who received Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) will not receive a waiting week payment, as those programs pay claimants' first eligible week.

The Department esimates 246,300 Oregonians have been issued payments today totaling $176 million. Most claimants can expect to receive their waiting week benefit by their typical method of payment within three business days.

“We know some claimants still have to wait to receive their payments, and we want them to know that we’re working hard to get them their funds as quickly as possible,” Gerstenfeld said.

Payments for an estimated 170,000 people will be delayed because they have to be manually processed. The Department estimates that while most will people will receive their waiting week benefit by the end of December, it may take until the end of January for claimants receiving Pandemic Unemployment Emergency Compensation (PEUC), Extended Benefits (EB), or benefits through Workshare to receive their waiting week payment.

Eligible claimants will receive the same weekly amount as their regular unemployment benefit amount. However, state law restricts claimants from receiving more than the maximum benefit amount for their claim. For most claims, the maximum benefit amount is 26 times the weekly benefit amount or 26 weeks of benefits. The waiting week does not add any more benefits to a claim balance or the maximum benefit amount.

Eligible claimants whose waiting week falls between March 29, 2020 and July 25, 2020 also will receive the $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payment in addition to their weekly benefit amount.

Eligible claimants whose waiting week falls between July 26, 2020 and Sept. 5, 2020 and who have certified that they are COVID impacted will receive the $300 LWA payment in addition to their weekly benefit amount.

The waiting week is taxable under federal and state law like other unemployment benefits. If a claimant has taxes withheld from their benefits, they also will be withheld from the waiting week. Child support will be withheld from the waiting week and $600 FPUC payment. It will not be withheld from LWA.

To see if they have served a waiting week, claimants can review the weeks they have claimed and those that have been paid in the Online Claim System. Claimants can log in to the Online Claims System and select ‘Where is my check?’ Claimants, including those whose waiting week payment will be manually processed, do NOT need to contact the Employment Department to receive their payment.

More information about the waiting week can be found in this FAQ.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 23, 2020

Second quarter provider, carrier finances show rebound in revenue after shock of COVID-19 utilization decline

Today the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released new data analysis showing how COVID-19 impacted the health care system during the first half of 2020.  

Data show that hospitals and other providers saw a large decline in utilization during the late spring, which led to significant drops in revenue. Drops in utilization led to fewer payouts for coordinated care organizations (CCOs) and commercial insurers, both of which ended the quarter with increased revenue compared to 2019.

For providers, federal CARES Act, Paycheck Protection Program and other funding helped offset lost revenue. Hospitals’ revenues were stabilized with an estimated $436 million in CARES Act funding in Q2. Other providers, including behavioral health and primary care, indicated in a survey that their financial difficulties were only partially addressed by federal funding programs.

"Federal funding cushioned the financial shock of the first part of the COVID-19 crisis, allowing the health care system to weather that part of the storm," said OHA Director Patrick Allen. "As we face a new wave of COVID-19 cases, the urgency of the need for further federal support for our health care system is clear."

Utilization data on the number of health care services provided show that in March and April, hospitals and other health care providers were facing a difficult set of circumstances, with many clinics closed, elective procedures on hold and Oregonians largely delaying or forgoing care. For instance, compared with the first two quarters of 2019 hospitals saw:

• 23,721 (-13.8%) fewer inpatient discharges.
• 125,859 (-17.5%) fewer emergency room visits.
• 26,034 (-23.8%) fewer outpatient surgeries.

And according to a survey conducted by the Larry A. Green Center in partnership with the Primary Care Collaborative that has been fielded weekly since March 2020, roughly 70% of primary care providers in Oregon saw a decrease in patient volume by more than half. CCOs and commercial insurers noted these decreases in member utilizations as well.

But after hitting lows in April, utilization largely rebounded toward more normal levels in May and June across providers and hospitals.

Due to the utilization drops, providers’ revenues dropped sharply in March and April before federal funding along with state-led stabilization efforts took hold and utilization rebounded. Federal funding supports derived from both the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program, along with state-led stabilization, efforts filled the breach for providers.

Hospitals received substantial federal financial support – largely through the CARES Act. Oregon data shows CARES Act funds contributed to an increase in other operating revenue of $436 million (+237%) from the first quarter. And answers to a a detailed question in the primary care provider survey indicated that "half of Oregon primary care providers received support from the Payroll Protection Program, and more than 40% reported 'other' financial support, which may reflect Provider Relief Funds from the CARES Act."

At the same time OHA released nearly $100 million in quality payments to CCOs for provider support as well as suspending the 2020 quality pool withhold. These boosts, along with the subcapitation and other value-based payment arrangements between CCOs and providers, gave additional stability to provider finances.

CCOs themselves were affected by the postponement of elective medical procedures and members’ delaying care. In April CCOs’ total payments for services decreased 25%, but by June the decline in payments rebounded to within 10% of the pre-COVID-19 average. CCOs' finances were also impacted as membership increased approximately 7% in Q2, as members were no longer allowed to be disenrolled from OHP in most circumstances and as more individuals became eligible for Medicaid. Increased enrollment resulted in CCOs’ increased operating revenue and played a role in increased member service expenditures.

According to DCBS reports, commercial carriers’ net premium income increased 6% and medical spending decreased nearly 4% as compared to January to June 2019.

It is possible that if more individuals access health care in the second half of 2020, carriers will see an uptick in hospital and medical spending.

"We are closely tracking the financial health and viability of our health care system as we move through this pandemic," said Jeremy Vandehey, OHA’s director of health policy and analytics. "Across the system, our health care partners performed admirably in a crisis with the help they received from the federal government, CCOs, and other partners.

"While hospitals received significant aid, primary care, behavioral health and other smaller provider groups received less help and we remain concerned about providers on the front lines of this crisis. This data shows the need for ongoing federal support as cases increase, especially for providers who couldn’t easily access previous support. It also further illustrates the need to move to value-based payment models that are not tied to the number of visits to a providers office."

Further resources:

• For a full breakdown of Oregon’s provider financial support efforts – along with a breakdown of CARES Act provider funding – go to OHA’s Provider Financial Supports webpage.
• The full hospital data set is available on OHA’s interactive online dashboard. The dashboard allows users to interact with hospital financial data from 2007 to 2020, displayed monthly or quarterly. For more information about OHA’s hospital reporting program, go to the Health Policy and Analytics website.
• CCO finances are available on OHA’s Coordinated Care Organizations (CCO) Financial Information webpage. A CCO Q2 Summary is available via the OHPB webpage.
• The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services oversees commercial insurance carriers. For detailed company specific information go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website at https://content.naic.org/cis_consumer_information.htm.

# # #

Incident:  Burglary

Case Number:  2020-00124492

Date and Time:  Sunday, November 22, 2020 10:30PM

Location:  61280 Parrell Road

Arrested:  Steven John Arvidson, 60 year old male

Victim:  Multiple Bend Residents

On Sunday, November 22, 2020 at about 10:30 PM, the Bend Police Department responded to the Sisters Mobile Park at 61280 Parrell Road for a report of a possible burglary.  911 calls from various neighbors reported hearing glass breaking and windows being smashed at a nearby residence.

Officers arrived and were notified by a neighbor that a suspicious male was seen in the area just prior to the 911 calls.  This suspicious male was reported to be aggressive and carrying a large stick.

Officers then located the victim residence with shattered windows.  Inside the residence was the suspicious male, later identified as Steven Arvidson.   Arvidson was actively breaking out windows of the residence.  With the assistance of Officer Umnitz and his partner, K9 Rony, Officers were able to safely take Arvidson into custody.    

Arvidson was treated and released at the scene by Bend Fire & Rescue for minor cuts caused by broken glass.  Arvidson was transported and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail for the crimes of Burglary I and Criminal Mischief I. 

Submitted by:  Sgt. Cindy Ksenzulak

On Sunday, November 22, 2020 at approximately 5:50 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 256 (Market Street Interchange).

Preliminary investigation revealed a pedestrian was attempting to cross the freeway when he was struck by a Dodge Ram pickup, operated by Ana Gutierrez (39) of Salem, and a Toyota 4-Runner, operated by Josh Jolley (33) of Salem.

The pedestrian, whom will be identified when appropriate, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Gutierrez and Jolley are cooperating with the investigation.

Two lanes of I-5 southbound were closed for approximately 3.5 hours. 

OSP was assisted by Salem Fire Department and ODOT.      

(Salem) – Parents, grandparents, and concerned friends across Oregon: Use this year’s unorthodox virtual holiday gatherings to your advantage.

To help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, families and friends are encouraged to gather virtually this year. With access to the internet, and the ability to share screens, some individuals are seeing this as the perfect time to walk an uninsured person through signing up for health insurance.

“We are hearing that many Oregonians are getting really creative this year,” said Chiqui Flowers, administrator of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “They’re planning to watch a movie on Teleparty and others may play trivia. Signing up for health insurance could be part of the mix. Please consider signing yourself up and also take advantage of these unique virtual gatherings to offer to help a loved one get insured by going to OregonHealthCare.gov.”

Consumers can peruse plans and find out how much of a subsidy they are eligible for by going to OregonHealthCare.gov/windowshop.

Oregonians who do not get health insurance through their job or a program such as the Oregon Health Plan or Medicare can go to OregonHealthCare.gov to see if they may qualify for help paying for 2021 coverage. Even if people are temporarily uninsured, they can sign up for help. The deadline to sign up to get health insurance for next year is Tuesday, Dec. 15.

“You can get help paying for health insurance based on your income,” said Flowers. “Don’t assume you make too much to be eligible.”

Individuals making up to $51,040 per year and families of four making up to $104,800 may get help paying for coverage. In 2020, more than seven in 10 Oregonians who chose plans through HealthCare.gov got financial help for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These savings lowered the average premium to just $145 per month.

To apply, people should go to OregonHealthCare.gov before Dec. 15 and answer a few Oregon-specific questions to get to the right application for them. Also, they can search the “get help” directory on the site to find an insurance agent or community partner organization that can help them complete the application and enroll. Insurance agents and community partners provide local, one-on-one assistance at no charge to the client. This help is available virtually and over the phone.

###

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov, and a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.

Released by: Lt. William Bailey

Release Date: November 22, 2020

Driver #1: Van Alstine, Alyssa R.           Age: 33          Redmond, Oregon

Vehicle #1: white 2004 GMC Yukon

NARRATIVE:

On November 22, 2020, at approximately 2:40 am, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported single vehicle injury crash in the 3060 Block of SW Helmholtz Way in Redmond.  A resident in the area had called into 911 dispatch after hearing the crash and then going outside to check on the vehicle occupant.  The vehicle had also struck a power pole along the roadway shoulder, causing the top of the pole to break off and fall onto Helmholtz Way.

Deputies arrived at the crash scene and found the vehicle’s driver, Alyssa R. Van Alstine, laying outside the vehicle with serious, life threatening injuries.  Deputies began providing lifesaving care to Van Alstine until Redmond Fire and Rescue arrived a short time later.  Van Alstine was quickly transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend to receive care for her injuries.

An initial investigation at the scene determined Van Alstine was driving a white 2004 GMC Yukon southbound on SW Helmholtz Way when she failed to negotiate a curve and left the roadway.  The Yukon rolled multiple times during the crash, throwing Van Alstine from the vehicle.  Speed and alcohol are being investigated as contributing factors in this crash.  Investigators do not believe she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. 

SW Helmholtz Way was closed or reduced to one lane of travel for nearly 8 hours, while the pole and cable line were cleared from the roadway.  Deputies would like to thank the Oregon State Police and Deschutes County Road Department for their assistance at the scene.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 191 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

Nov. 22, 2020

Contact: OHA External Relations, 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us" target="_blank">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us 

Oregon reports 1,517 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — For the third straight day, the Oregon Health Authority reported a record-breaking high -- 1,517 -- of new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Oregon, bringing the state total to 65,170.

COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 820, OHA reported as of 12:01 a.m. today.

“Oregon is on a steep and stark slope of rising Coronavirus cases,” OHA Director Patrick Allen said. “But we aren’t powerless in the face of this virus. Because it depends on us to slow the spread. Your choices make a difference.

“Local health officials in every part of the state have investigated outbreaks that started with get-togethers that seemed innocent at the time, but led to many people getting sick, and in some cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

“This Thanksgiving, cancel any plans you have to celebrate indoors with large groups of family and friends. The safest, wisest and most caring way to protect the people you love is to keep your Thanksgiving dinner small and limited to no more than one other household beside your own. Keep the holidays a time to remember, not a time to regret.”

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (7), Clackamas (207), Clatsop (7), Columbia (8), Coos (9), Crook (6), Deschutes (38), Douglas (12), Grant (15), Hood River (6), Jackson (55), Jefferson (8), Josephine (14), Klamath (53), Lake (6), Lane (64), Lincoln (1), Linn (27), Malheur (16), Marion (183), Morrow (7), Multnomah (516), Polk (26), Umatilla (47), Union (5), Wasco (11), Washington (128), and Yamhill (35).

Oregon’s 820th COVID-19 death is a 65-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 15 and died on Nov. 15. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

1 - This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2 - For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3 - This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

On Sunday, November 22, 2020 at approximately 1:37 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers received reports of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driving northbound in the southbound lanes on Interstate 5 near milepost 163. 

An officer from the Cottage Grove Police Department located and attempted to stop the CMV.  The CMV drove onto the shoulder and continued northbound in an attempt to elude the officer. 

Near milepost 173 the CMV (2020 International), operated by Tylor Stafford (53) of Shelbyville, Texas, crashed into a southbound CMV (2019 Volvo) operated by Daryl Rickman (53) of Portland, Oregon. 

Stafford's CMV (2020 International) then crashed into the concrete barrier and burst into flames. 

Stafford attempted to run on foot however he was captured by an officer from the Cottage Grove Police Department. 

Stafford was arrested for multiple charges including DUII, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Endangering. 

Stafford nor Rickman were injured. 

The northbound lanes were closed for approximately 30 minutes and the southbound lanes for approximately 3 hours. 

OSP was assisted by Cottage Grove Police Department, Lane County Sheriff's Office, South Lane Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.  

Nov. 21, 2020

Contact: OHA External Relations, 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us" target="_blank">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1,509 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — For the second day in a row, the Oregon Health Authority reported a record number of new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in Oregon. Today's 1,509 cases, bringing the state total to 63,668, reflect an accelerating spread of the virus across the state.

COVID-19 has claimed seven more lives in Oregon, raising the state's death toll to 819, OHA reported as of 12:01 a.m. today.

To help slow the spread of the virus, Oregonians should wear a face covering, stay six feet from people outside their households, wash their hands frequently and keep social gatherings small.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (9), Benton (22), Clackamas (122), Clatsop (5), Columbia (10), Coos (6), Crook (3), Curry (4), Deschutes (35), Douglas (37), Grant (11), Harney (3), Hood River (6), Jackson (63), Jefferson (8), Josephine (16), Klamath (20), Lake (7), Lane (87), Lincoln (4), Linn (45), Malheur (27), Marion (124), Morrow (10), Multnomah (414), Polk (42), Umatilla (40), Union (31), Wasco (14), Washington (223), Wheeler (1), and Yamhill (60).

Oregon’s 813th COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Oct. 29 and died on Nov. 19, at Mercy Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 814th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on Oct. 24 and died on Nov. 13. Location of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 815th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old woman in Columbia County who tested positive on Oct. 23 and died on Nov. 19, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 816th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old woman in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 9 and died on Nov. 19, at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 817th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 10 and died on Nov. 20, at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 818th COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on November 2 and died on November 19, at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 819th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old woman in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 12 and died on Nov. 20, at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

1 - This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2 - For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3 - This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

On November 20, 2020, at approximately 6:07 p.m. the Redmond Police Department (RPD) and Redmond Fire & Rescue were dispatched to the area of NW 6th St and NW Kingwood Ave for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.  Upon arriving, officers learned 90-year-old Redmond resident Leroy Hall, who had been wearing dark clothing, had been crossing NW 6th St., not in a crosswalk, when he was hit by a maroon 2018 GMC Yukon and then hit again by a second vehicle.  The driver of the Yukon, later identified as 19-year-old Redmond resident Anthony Vasquez, fled the scene, while the second vehicle stayed on scene. 

At approximately 6:16 p.m. officers located the Yukon and Mr. Vasquez in the vicinity of SW 15th St. and SW Metolius Ave.   

Mr. Hall died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained.  Mr. Vasquez was subsequently arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail and charged with the following crimes: Manslaughter I, Criminal Negligent Homicide, Hit & Run-Felony, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants - Controlled Substances, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Endangering.      

Redmond’s safety is our top priority and we would like to remind people to do the following if they are involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian: Stay at the scene of the accident, call 911 if somebody is hurt, call the non-emergency number (541-693-6911) if no one is hurt, get everyone in a safe location until police arrive and if possible render aide to anyone who is hurt.  

We also want to remind people to stay safe while walking near roadways at night.  This includes wearing bright and reflective clothing, using a light generating device, using marked crosswalks when crossing roadways, and ensuring it is safe to cross before entering the roadway.    

This case remains under investigation by the RPD.  If you witnessed or have information regarding this incident please contact the RPD through non-emergency dispatch, 541-693-6911.  We would also like to thank the following community partners for their assistance during this investigation:  Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Police Department, Medical Examiner’s Office, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, Redmond Fire & Rescue and Redmond Public Works.   

This investigation is active and ongoing, therefor no additional information will be released at this time.   

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Robert Archie Shimmin, died the morning of November 20, 2020. Shimmin was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Shimmin entered DOC custody on February 4, 2014, from Marion County with an earliest release date of November 17, 2039. Shimmin was 83 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of  approximately 13,100 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

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

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Nov. 20, 2020 (Salem, OR) -- El Departamento de Empleo está recordando a los residentes de Oregon de los recursos disponibles para ayudarlos durante el paro estatal.

Residentes de Oregon cuyo empleo es impactado por los esfuerzos para limitar la transmisión exponencial del COVID-19 tendrán, ya sea, reiniciar un reclamo inactivo o abrir un nuevo reclamo. El Departamento está haciendo recursos disponibles para empleadores que podrían tener que recortar horas o despedir empleados a raíz del paro.

Para evitar despedir a su fuerza laboral, le recomendamos a los empleadores usar Work Share. Este programa permite a empleadores mantener a sus empleados calificados reduciendo sus horas y suplementando sus salarios reducidos con beneficios de desempleo regular. Empleados elegibles cuyas horas han sido reducidas reciben una porción de sus beneficios del desempleo regular para cubrir salarios perdidos. Si las horas del empleado se reducen entre 20 a 40 por ciento durante la semana, ellos potencialmente recibirían beneficios de desempleo  regular por las horas perdidas.

Work Share ha sido un programa en alta demanda a partir del comienzo de la pandemia del COVID-19. Niveles de personal en el Departamento han sido aumentadas para ayudar a que las personas reciban sus beneficios rápidamente. El Departamento de Empleo también ha creado una nueva herramienta para hacer más fácil el proceso de reportes para los empleadores.

Motivamos a los empleadores que despiden a empleados por razón del paro que usen el  Employer Layoff Reporting Form o Formulario de Reporte para Empleadores que Enfrentan un Despido Masivo, para que entreguen información acerca de los trabajadores siendo despedidos. Este formulario permite a negocios proveer información a granel acerca de sus empleados, y permitirá al Departamento de Desempleo procesar de manera más rápida los reclamos de esos empleados.

Muchos residentes de Oregon que han sido despedidos o han visto sus horas reducidas podrían necesitar reiniciar su reclamo. Para reiniciar sus reclamos, los reclamantes pueden ir al Sistema de Reclamo en Línea y seleccionar Reiniciar Su Reclamo (el octavo botón hacia abajo). Aquellos que tienen que reiniciar su reclamo PUA (Asistencia de Desempleo por la Pandemia), así como aquellos que reciben un mensaje de error, o que no pueden reiniciar su reclamo usando el Sistema de Reclamo En Línea, deben reiniciar su reclamo a través del formulario Comuníquese con Nosotros  y escogiendo la opción Reiniciar mi reclamo (Restart my claim).

El Departamento de Empleo ha recopilado estos recursos para asistir a reclamantes que están reiniciando sus reclamos o solicitando su primer reclamo:

• Preguntas frecuentes de como reiniciar un reclamo
• Instrucciones paso a paso para reiniciar un reclamo usando el Sistema de reclamos en Línea.
• Cuestionario de elegibilidad para determinar a qué programa de beneficios debe solicitar (si este es el primer reclamo)

El Departamento de Empleo está preparado para un aumento reclamos resultando del paro estatal. La Guardia Nacional está apoyando los más de 1,000 empleados del departamento enfocados en reclamos, esto agregado a los 300 adjudicadores. 

Reclamantes necesitando asistencia o más información pueden visitar el sitio web ajustable a sistemas móviles del Departamento de Empleo, la cual está disponible en 16 idiomas: https://unemployment.oregon.gov/

La mejor manera en que los reclamantes pueden comunicarse con el departamento es enviando un mensaje usando el formulario Comuníquese con Nosotros. Los mensajes son revisados dentro de una semana. Cualquier persona necesitando ayuda en un idioma diferente al inglés debe usar el correo electrónico oed_LanguageAccess@oregon.gov o llamar la línea directa de acceso a servicios de idiomas al 503-606-6969.

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Programa de Igualdad de Oportunidad – hay servicios auxiliares y de apoyo disponibles a solicitud para individuos con discapacidades. Llame: (503) 947-1794. Para personas sordas o con dificultad auditiva, llame al 711 Servicios de Telecomunicaciones de Relevo.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Recovery Update for Nov. 20, 2020, to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. See today's Wildfire Recovery update here. 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Gates, Ore. - October 8, 2020 - Linda Richison, a Gates, OR resident, held up a sign letting people in the area know that food and supplies were available. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA
File: 2020-08-10_4562_GatesORcommunitysupport_PL_01.jpg

Newport, Ore. – After wildfires left homes and neighborhoods destroyed in Lincoln County, Wolftree Brewery developed an IPA recipe, Otis Strong, named after the town hard hit by the Echo Mountain Complex Fire. The recipe is shared among other prominent Oregon breweries, with the proceeds going to help wildfire survivors.Photo by David Yost/FEMA
File: DLY_2553.jpg

MEDIA RELEASE

Case:             2020-124008

Date:              November 19th, 2020          

Time:             3:15pm          

Location:      600 block of Riverfront Street

Mentioned:

-Marshall Rogers 28 year old male

Bend Resident

-Jordan Thorn 27 year old male

Bend Resident                                

Investigation:

On Thursday November 19, 2020 the Bend Police Department and the Bend Fire Department responded to numerous 911 calls indicating a male had been shot in the 600 block of Riverfront Street.  911 callers reported the shooting victim had left the scene in a silver car headed toward downtown.

Investigators determined that Jordan Thorn had gone to Marshall Roger’s residence for an undetermined reason.  The relationship between Thorn and Rogers is unknown.  After brief contact between the two men, Thorn was shot by Rogers at the front door of the residence.  After being shot, Thorn drove away from the scene but stopped within a block where aid was rendered by citizens and responding officers.

Thorn was then transported to St. Charles by ambulance for a gunshot wound to his lower abdomen and left arm.  Rogers remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.  Thorn remains under medical care.  There is no threat to the community at this time, however the investigation is ongoing.  If anyone has additional information they are asked to call the non-emergency number at 541-693-6911

The investigation resulted in area roadways to be closed for several hours.  The investigation continued into Friday morning and all roadways were re-opened by 11:00am.  The Bend Police were assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Oregon State Police Crime Lab and the City of Bend Public Works Street Division.

End of Release

Today, Oregon received approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Disaster SNAP recipients in the following 23 counties to purchase hot or prepared foods from authorized SNAP retailers until Dec. 31, 2020.

Approved counties: Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill.

Normally, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase "hot food products prepared for immediate consumption." This restriction is being waived following the severe winds and wildfires that led to the displacement of many residents and left them without access to a kitchen to prepare meals. Examples of allowable Prepared Foods include hot deli foods, fountain drinks, including but not limited to coffee and tea, a slice of hot/prepared pizza, hot soup, salad bars, and sandwiches.

This waiver will last through Dec. 31, 2020, and allows SNAP and DSNAP recipients to use their benefits to buy prepared food at any participating retailer that accepts SNAP EBT cards. Restaurant purchases are still prohibited.

For more information about the hot food waiver, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/DSNAP-Hot-Foods-Waiver.aspx.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance, and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

November 20, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Testing Workgroup.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m.

Where: The workgroup will meet via Zoom. The public may join by telephone conference line at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161 550 3588.

Background: The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) is responsible for Cannabis testing rules that apply to both the medical and retail market. Any marijuana item intended to be sold at a dispensary or retail shop must be sampled and tested according to the testing rules. Visit http://www.healthoregon.org/ommprules for more information.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Yesterday evening, Nov 19th, at 9:55 pm Bend Fire & Rescue crews responded to the report of a structure fire at 22015 Bear Creek Road. On arrival crews found a fully involved 1981 Hitch Hiker 5th Wheel camper that was the home of a family of 4. Family evacuated the camper immediately after finding the fire and there was no report of injuries. The crews were quickly able to extinguish the fire and prevent it to extending to any vegetation or additional structures. The total loss of the Camper was 3000.

There were no smoke detectors in the camper that alerted the occupants. Occupants were alerted of the fire when one of the family members opened the bathroom door and found the room on fire. The occupants immediately evacuated and called 911.

Investigation of the cause of the fire was completed this afternoon. It was found that a stick of incense was placed in the bathroom held by a wicker basket. The incense caught the basket and contents on fire. This fire quickly extended to the bathroom and the rest of the camper.  

The camper was not insured. The family does have a place to stay and support.

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that the burning of incense can start a fire if not properly used and disposed. It is important when burning incense to make sure the holder is on-flammable, the embers are kept away from combustible items, and the incense is properly extinguished before leaving the incense unattended.

Nov. 20, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1306 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 4 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed four more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 812, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported a record high 1306 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 62,175.

All Oregonians can play a role in turning the tide of COVID-19 by wearing face coverings, keep physically distant, and restrict their social gatherings to one other household.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (8), Benton (15), Clackamas (78), Clatsop (9), Columbia (20), Coos (8), Crook (2), Curry (5), Deschutes (60), Douglas (39), Grant (27), Harney (4), Hood River (3), Jackson (84), Jefferson (11), Josephine (18), Klamath (39), Lake (3), Lane (91), Lincoln (7), Linn (27), Malheur (23), Marion (112), Morrow (3), Multnomah (337), Polk (21), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (45), Union (17), Wasco (13), Washington (155), and Yamhill (20).

Oregon’s 809th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Nov. 9 and died on Nov. 14 at Bay Area Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 810th COVID-19 death is an 83-year old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 11 and died on Nov. 18 at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 811th COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old man in Klamath County who tested positive on Nov. 15 and died on Nov. 17 at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 812th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman in Harney County who tested positive on Nov. 12 and died on Nov. 18 at Harney District Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon to change COVID-19 testing reporting

Watch today's media availability.

Responding to the pressures of surging cases, OHA is changing the way testing of people with COVID-19 is tracked. Early in the pandemic the number of new people tested were measured. People who tested negative were counted only once, no matter how many negative tests administered to them. That had the effect of undercounting the number of COVID-19 tests that were actually performed.

Since then testing has greatly expanded and the state’s capacity has increased significantly and that is leading to a recalculation of testing that will be based on the number of tests administered.

According to Dr. Melissa Sutton, the lead medical expert for testing strategy, 916,000 people – approximately one in four Oregonians have been tested for COVID-19. Oregon ranks 30th among states in testing.

COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise

The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients across Oregon decreased to 412, two fewer than yesterday.

There are 91 COVID-19 patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, five fewer than yesterday.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

GUEST OPINION: #CelebrateAg this holiday season

Editors,

Please accept the following guest opinion piece for Thanksgiving week.

The word count is 500, which includes the headline and bio.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Anne Marie Moss
Oregon Farm Bureau

#CelebrateAg this holiday season

By Anne Marie Moss, Oregon Farm Bureau communications director

Thanksgiving is all about making time to reflect on the many things in life for which we are grateful. In conversations around the dinner table, Oregon Farm Bureau urges readers to remember the farm and ranch families who grew the food you’ll be enjoying not only on Thanksgiving day, but all year long.

While Oregon isn’t a major producer of turkeys, we do specialize in beef cattle; cattle and calves rank as Oregon’s #3 top agricultural commodity by production value, drawing in over $625 million a year.

Your holiday dining will almost certainly feature other prominent Oregon ag products. Oregon is Number 1 in the nation for producing hazelnuts and Dungeness crab; Number 2 for pears and onions; Number 3 for cranberries; and Number 4 for green peas and potatoes. Milk is Oregon’s Number 4 top ag commodity, valuing at $552 million, and is used to create a host of delicious dairy products.

You’ll #CelebrateAg when you raise a toast during the holidays. Oregon-grown hops are to thank for many of the region’s craft beers, and our state ranks Number 3 in the United States for growing hops. The Oregon wine industry has surged over the past decade, now to 1,297 vineyards with 908 wineries. Wine grapes are the state’s Number 7 top ag commodity, valuing at $238 million.

Few things are more festive than purchasing a fresh Christmas tree. Did you know that Oregon is Number 1 in the nation for Christmas tree production? Because more people are staying at home this year due to the pandemic, there is expected to be increased interest in purchasing a live, fragrant tree that can be enjoyed all season long.  

Beyond seasonal favorites, there are many other reasons to #CelebrateAg.

For one, Oregon agriculture is sustainable. Through Oregon Farm Bureau’s Century Farm & Ranch Program, an impressive 1,235 farms and ranches have remained operational, on the same land, and within the same family for at least 100 years, and 47 families have reached the 150-year milestone.

Agriculture is also family-based. Nearly 97% of Oregon’s farms and ranches — including commercial-scale farms — are family-owned and operated. Some are “corporate farms” that incorporated for tax purposes or succession-plan reasons. In agriculture, “big” doesn’t mean “bad.”

Agriculture benefits the environment. The wide, open spaces created by farms and ranches not only preserve Oregon’s cherished landscapes, but also provide 70% of the state’s wildlife habitat. 551,000 acres of Oregon ag land are enrolled in the voluntary USDA Conservation Reserve Program, which helps improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and reduce loss of wildlife habitat on private land. And, combined, U.S. agriculture, land use, and forestry are a net sink for carbon emissions, removing 172 million metric tons of C02-equivalent emissions from the atmosphere in 2017.

Whether for the simple pleasure of enjoying Oregon-grown food — or for agriculture’s countless other contributions to society — please join us and take a moment to #CelebrateAg this holiday season.

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“Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Barb Iverson comes from a multigenerational family farm from Woodburn, raising industrial hemp, grass seed, squash, vetch seed, hazelnuts, wine and table grapes, and operating the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, which attracts over 160,000 visitors each year. Iverson is OFB’s 17th president.

Nov. 20, 2020 (Salem, OR)--The Oregon Employment Department is reminding Oregonians of resources available to help them during the Statewide Freeze. 

Oregonians whose employment is impacted by efforts to curb the exponential spread of COVID-19 will need to either restart a stopped claim or file a new claim. The Department is making resources available for employers who may need to cut hours or lay employees off as a result of the freeze.

To avoid laying off their workforce, employers are encouraged to use Work Share. The program allows employers to keep skilled employees by reducing hours, and supplements employee wages with regular unemployment insurance benefits. Eligible staff whose hours are reduced get a portion of their regular unemployment insurance benefits to make up for the lost wages. If employee hours are reduced by 20 to 40 percent for the week, they will potentially receive regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for the reduced hours. 

The Work Share program has been in high demand since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Department staffing levels have increased to help people quickly receive benefits. The Employment Department has also developed a new tool to make reporting easier for employers participating in the program. 

Employers who lay employees off because of the freeze are encouraged to use the Employer Layoff Reporting Form to submit information about the employees they are laying off. This form allows businesses to provide information about their employees in bulk, and will allow the Employment Department to process those employees’ claims more quickly. 

Many Oregonians who have been laid off or had their hours reduced may need to restart their claim. Claimants can restart their regular UI claims by going to the Online Claim System and selecting Restart Your Claim (the eighth button down). Those needing to restart a PUA claim, as well as those who see an error message or are unable to restart their claim using the Online Claim System should restart their claim via the Contact Us form and select the Restarting my claim option. 

The Employment Department has compiled these resources to aid claimants who are restarting their claims or filing a first claim:

• FAQ on how to restart a claim

• Step-by-step instructions for restarting a claim using the Online Claim System

• Eligibility Quiz to determine which benefit program to apply for (if this is a first claim)

The Employment Department is prepared for an increase in claims as a result of the statewide freeze. The National Guard is supporting the department’s more than 1,000 employees focused on claims, which is in addition to the 300 adjudicators. 

Claimants needing assistance or more information can visit the Employment Department’s mobile-friendly website, which is available in 16 languages: https://unemployment.oregon.gov/ 

The best way for claimants to get in touch with the department is by submitting a message via the Contact Us form. Messages are reviewed within one week. Anyone needing assistance in a language other than English should email oed_LanguageAccess@oregon.gov or call the language access hotline at 503-606-6969.

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

On Thursday, November 19, 2020 at approximately 6:00 P.M., Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a person that had been shot on Hwy 199 near milepost 11.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Chevrolet van was reported as driving all over the road and believed to be an intoxicated driver. 

As emergency personnel were enroute, the van stopped alongside the road.  Citizens attempted to detain the operator of the van until police arrived.  The van attempted to leave and struck Harley Tyrie (32) of Grants Pass and Brandy Newell (31) of Grants Pass.

Tyrie drew a firearm and fired into the van.

Tyrie and Newell were not seriously injured.

The operator of the van, Bryan Fitzgerald (31) of Rogue River, was struck with a bullet.  He was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center for treatment.  His medical BAC was .30%

Oregon State Police Detectives are working with the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office and the investigation is continuing.

OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office.

SALEM – Cleanup of ash and debris from Oregon’s Labor Day wildfires will be overseen by CDR Maguire Emergency Management, a national consultant with extensive experience on FEMA reimbursable projects. The Oregon Debris Management Task Force awarded the $75.5 million contract on Thursday based on the company’s qualifications and approach to the project.

The monitoring oversight contract is the first of the debris management cleanup contracts to be awarded under Step 2 of Oregon wildfire cleanup. The hazardous tree removal contract bids have been received and will be awarded soon. The ash and debris removal contract request for proposal is currently in the bidding process.

CDR Maguire Emergency Management will work with the ash and debris removal contractors to ensure the project mission to safely clear the ash and debris as quickly as possible, leaving Oregonians with a clean site so they can rebuild. Monitoring oversight is required by FEMA to control costs, reduce waste, and help eliminate fraud. The monitoring oversight contractor will verify work to be done, its progress, and its completion, ensuring that the needs of the property owner are met, regulations complied with, and paperwork completed. In short, they make sure that the “i is dotted and the t is crossed” in the complicated process of cleanup and recovery.

Doing it right makes the state of Oregon eligible to receive as much reimbursement as possible from FEMA for cleanup work. The state is committed to covering ash and debris cleanup costs, regardless of whether or not it is reimbursable by FEMA, to help people recover from the wildfires, protect the health and safety of those in the area, and protect the environment.

The Debris Management Task Force contracts are designed to complete cleanup in a way that:

• Promotes an environment that supports entrepreneurship and small business growth.
• Expands business development to include non-traded sector companies and organizations.
• Connects rural communities to urban markets through targeted infrastructure investments.
• Promotes mentoring for DBE, MBE, WBE, ESB and SDV firms for COBID certified and non-certified firms in all facets of contracting from contract interpretation to means and methods to payroll to invoicing and payment, among other related business needs.
• Supports to the extent possible local community needs and values.

The project’s work is complex and requires strict adherence to local, state and federal requirements to ensure safe removal hazards to the public and roadways. The goal is to deliver the project through a highly collaborative team that monitors removal of hazardous debris in strict compliance with FEMA requirements to ensure FEMA reimbursement. Project goals include: 

• Effective management of hazard tree and debris monitoring services.
• Solution-oriented approach to support partnerships with jurisdictional and regulatory bodies, as well as other key public stakeholders.
• Maximizing a diverse workforce by create subcontracting opportunities.
• Revitalize Oregon’s economy.
• Create and sustain a safety culture that places a high level of importance on safety beliefs, values and attitudes that result in a positive safety culture and improved organizational performance.

Wildfire cleanup is a two-step process.

• Step 1 is removal of household hazardous waste, which is dangerous to people, communities and the environment. This work is nearly completed in eight fire-impacted counties. Progress on Step 1 efforts can be viewed on EPA’s 2020 Oregon Fires Recovery website.

• Step 2 is ash and debris cleanup, as well as additional hazardous tree removal. The state is currently hiring contractors to carry out this work, scheduled to begin in December 2020. The task force is working closely with local governments to determine cleanup priorities for each area. Given factors such as weather impacts, property access limitations and the large area to be covered, Step 2 is estimated to take approximately 6 to 18 months to complete statewide. As the state task force gets contractors on board, more clarity on timing will be provided.

The 2020 September wildfires were the largest and most expensive disaster in Oregon’s history. Nine Oregonians lost their lives, more than 1 million acres burned and over 5,000 homes and businesses were destroyed. The state has transitioned from immediate fire response to statewide recovery.

FEMA will reimburse the state for a portion of eligible costs. The State of Oregon will fund the remaining costs, regardless of FEMA reimbursement. Initial estimates put the debris cleanup tally at over $600 million, including $326 million for ash and debris removal and $295 million to remove damaged trees. This estimate is preliminary and is likely to change.

Wildfire cleanup webpage: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup

Wildfire debris cleanup hotline: 503-934-1700

Oregon’s Debris Management Task Force, which includes the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, is coordinating federal, state, and local government agencies to clean up debris from the 2020 Oregon wildfires.

If you want to make sure you continue receiving news, please make sure you are signed up on the email list, now being hosted by ODOT:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=ORDOT_826

Though Thanksgiving may look different for many Oregonians this year, State Fire Marshal Mariana-Ruiz-Temple is asking residents to put cooking fire safety on their to-do list for the holiday.

“Thanksgiving remains a time to give thanks and enjoy the holiday with your family,” said Ruiz-Temple. “Basic fire-prevention tips for the kitchen can keep everyone safe while avoiding preventable cooking-related fires.”

Home structure fire data collected in Oregon each year highlight the importance of prioritizing cooking safety. For 2019, cooking was the leading cause of home structure fires, accounting for 19 percent of all reported incidents.

On average, there are 555 cooking-caused residential structure fires in Oregon per year.

Statewide the range/stove was the most frequently reported equipment involved in cooking fires. Of these, 71 percent were from an electric powered range/stove.

All told, there were six deaths in Oregon from residential cooking fires during the past five years, or an average of slightly more than one death per year.

As we enter the holiday season, the Office of State Fire Marshal wants to encourage everyone to take extra fire safety precautions in the kitchen to ensure their holiday is fire safe and memorable.

Cooking safety tips:

• Don’t leave cooking food on your stovetop unattended, especially when frying and sautéing with oil.
• While your turkey is cooking, don’t leave your home and check on it frequently.
• Use a timer to monitor cooking times when simmering, baking, or roasting foods that require long cooking times. Check the stove or oven frequently.
• Remember to keep items that may catch fire, like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels, at least three feet from the cooking area.
• Roll up your shirt sleeves and avoid using clothing that may come in contact with open flames or other heat sources. 
• Don’t cook if you are drinking alcohol or using other substances that make you drowsy.
• Let your kids have fun cooking with you, but keep them three feet or more away from all cooking areas, hot food, and liquids to avoid burns

If you have a cooking fire:

• Always keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and don’t move the pan until it is completely cool.
• Never pour water on a grease fire; it can splatter the grease and spread the fire.
• In the event of a fire in your oven or microwave, turn the appliance off and keep the doors closed.
• When in doubt, get out! Call 9-1-1 after you leave.

Because holiday fire safety includes the whole home as well as the kitchen, be sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they are 10 years old or older.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020 a Jackson County Sheriff Deputy located a body in the river several hundred yards from the crash site. 

The Oregon State Police Medical Examiners office has confirmed the body is that of Matthew Lang.

No further information is available for release.

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at approximately 5:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle rollover crash on Hwy 62 near milepost 37. 

Responders located a badly damaged Ford Explorer with no occupants. 

It is believed the operator was Matthew Lang (33) of Bend.  

Lang has not contacted friends or family since the crash.

Jackson County Search and Rescue is currently searching the area for Lang.   

Lang is 6 feet tall 185 lbs with brown hair.

If you have seen or heard from Lang since the crash please contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP.

New in-store branches across Oregon and Southwest Washington will provide communities with convenient access to OnPoint's financial services and expertise

PORTLAND, Ore., November 20, 2020 – OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today it will open 20 new branches located within Fred Meyer stores across Oregon and Southwest Washington in 2021. This is the largest branch expansion in OnPoint’s history and the news reinforces the credit union’s commitment to its members and the Northwest region. As Oregon's largest credit union, OnPoint currently operates 36 branches, with four locations having opened in 2020 alone, and serves more than 415,000 members.

"As part of our unwavering commitment to Oregon and SW Washington, we are always looking for new ways to expand our services and grow our presence to better assist our members,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "Fred Meyer serves as a community staple across the region, and when an opportunity arose to work with this local company while at the same time be more accessible to our members, we were thrilled to embark upon this new partnership."

OnPoint's new in-store branches will open on a rolling basis throughout the first half of 2021, with construction set to begin in January. Each branch will offer members a complete suite of financial services, including membership enrollment, consumer and commercial lending, mortgages, financial planning, ATMs and notarization.

"We are honored to be selected as Fred Meyer's community credit union partner," said Tory McVay, OnPoint’s Senior Vice President and Chief Retail Officer. "Co-locating with a major regional supermarket will provide our growing membership and the communities we serve with convenient one-stop access to essential financial services. We are proud to not only help our members achieve their financial goals, but to also invest more deeply in our region and provide up to 200 new jobs to members of our community.”

OnPoint's expansion comes on the heels of the credit union adding 15 counties to its charter in June 2020, increasing the total to 28 across Oregon and two in Southwest Washington. With this charter expansion, more than four million Oregonians are now eligible for OnPoint membership. The 15 counties added to OnPoint's charter are Clatsop, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lincoln, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco and Wheeler.

“We are excited to welcome OnPoint Community Credit Union into our stores,” stated Jeffery Temple, Director of Corporate Affairs for Fred Meyer Stores, Inc. “Our customers rely on Fred Meyer to provide one-stop-shopping, so we look forward to offering a trusted community credit union to fulfill our customers’ financial needs.”

Additional details regarding the new Fred Meyer in-store branches will be shared in January 2021.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 415,000 members and with assets of $7.7 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.

ABOUT FRED MEYER

Fred Meyer Stores, based in Portland, Ore., offers one-stop shopping at its 132 multi-department stores in four western states. More than 40,000 Fred Meyer associates help customers fill their food, apparel, and general merchandise needs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Stores range in size from 65,000 to 200,000 square feet and carry more than 250,000 products under one roof. Additionally, Fred Meyer contributes more than $6 million to communities across the Northwest each year through grants from the Fred Meyer Foundation as well as product donations, cash donations and sponsorships. Fred Meyer also donates more than 7 million pounds of food to local food banks each year via the Food Rescue Program. Fred Meyer Stores is a division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR).  For more information, please visit our Web site at www.fredmeyer.com.

On Thursday, November 19, 2020 at approximately 5:15 P.M., Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 137. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a BMW, operated by Jonathan Short (39) of Bend, was northbound merging onto Hwy 97 from the Colorado Rd onramp.  The BMW merged through the right (slow) lane and into the left (fast) lane and struck a Chevrolet pickup operated by Kevin Schultz (47) of Bend.  The Chevrolet pickup crossed the center median into the southbound lane and collided with a Ford Transit van operated by Christopher Rodea (37) of Bend.

Two more southbound vehicles were involved in the crash and one more northbound vehicle was involved in the crash.  None of these operators or passengers were seriously injured.

Rodea sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Schultz was transported to St Charles Hospital in Bend with serious injuries.

Short was not transported for injuries.  

Hwy 97 was closed for approximately 8 hours.

OSP was assisted by the Bend Police Department, Bend Fire Department, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

Oregon State Police is requesting any additional witnesses to the crash to contact the OSP Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 or OSP and leave contact information for Trooper Sean Malloy.

On Thursday, November 19, 2020 at approximately 7:25 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a crash on Hwy 99E near SE Boardman Ave.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Tundra, operated by Bob Weber (54) of Milwaukie, was northbound when he struck a pedestrian, Tetteh Kofi (35) of Portland,  walking eastbound across Hwy 99E near the intersection of SE Boardman Ave. 

Kofi sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, AMR, and Clackamas Fire Department.  

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of a bull elk in Yamhill County.

On Monday, November 16, 2020 an Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper received information that a bull elk had been taken on Saturday, November 14, 2020 in the McMinnville Watershed property which is closed to all public access.

Evidence at the scene suggests the involved person(s) knew the property was closed.

The trooper also discovered that the person(s) did not harvest all of the back strap or neck meat as required by ORS 498.042 and OAR 635-045-0002. The entirety of the rib meat was also wasted.

A brown Jeep and blue Ford Explorer were seen in the area and may possibly be involved.

The Oregon State Police is requesting that any person with information about this incident contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 and leave information for Trooper Tayler Jerome.

Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may also contact the Oregon State Police through the Turn in Poachers line at;

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

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-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-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 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:

$1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose

$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope

$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf

$300 Habitat Destruction

$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl

$100 Furbearers

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at approximately 4:15 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 42 near milepost 32.

Preliminary investigation revealed that an Audi Q7, operated by Seth Hale (41) from Grants Pass, was eastbound when it went off the roadway and crashed.  

Hale was transported to Mercy Hospital in Roseburg where on November 19, 2020 he was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Bridge Rural Fire Department.

On Thursday, November 19, 2020 at approximately 8:51 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 140E near milepost 15.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Bronco, operated by David Hauck (51) of Beatty, was westbound when it lost control on icy roadways, slid into the eastbound lane and collided with a Klamath County School District bus operated by Stewart Hedges (77) of Klamath Falls.

Hauck sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Hedges received minor injuries.

The highway was closed for approximately three hours.

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Klamath County Fire District Five, Bonanza Fire District and the Klamath County Sheriff's Office.

Date:  11-19-2020

Time:  1713 hours

Case:  20-124029

Incident: Major motor vehicle crash

On 11-19-2020 at 1713 hours, Deschutes County 9-1-1 received multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a rollover Motor Vehicle Crash involving multiple vehicles on the southbound Parkway (Highway 97) between the Hawthrone and Colorado off-ramps.  Bend PD, ODOT, and OSP are on scene investigating.  Both northbound and southbound Parkway (Highway 97) will be closed for an unknown period of time.  It is recommended all motorists avoid Highway 97 at this time and use alternate routes.

More details will be released as they become available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018      

Nov. 19, 2020                                                                                                                                                                             

Pacific Power reaches major transmission milestone in Wyoming

Completion of key transmission link brings more low-cost renewable energy to customers across the West

PORTLAND, Ore. — Pacific Power energized a major transmission line addition this month, completing a key part of its work to connect new low-cost renewables to customers and communities from the Rocky Mountains to the West Coast.

This expansion is part of Pacific Power’s ambitious and innovative $3.1 billion Energy Vision 2020 project announced in 2017 that includes expansive investments in renewable energy generation in Wyoming, Oregon and Washington. It includes a new 140-mile high-voltage power line that stretches from the newly built Aeolus substation near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, to the new Anticline substation and existing Jim Bridger substation near Rock Springs, Wyoming.

The project employs advanced technologies to improve voltage control and overall system reliability that serve customers across the West under high renewable energy concentration. These key segments are part of the company’s ambitious multi-state Energy Gateway transmission expansion project begun in 2007 that serves as the foundation for the company’s plan to deliver a sustainable clean energy future.

“This $700 million transmission project was completed on schedule and on budget, overcoming challenges resulting from the impacts of COVID-19 and before the onset of Wyoming’s winter weather,” said Stefan Bird, president and CEO. “I would like to thank our dedicated project management team and nearly 700 skilled contractors at the peak of construction for making this project a success. Our team’s successful planning and execution of this industry-leading endeavor and overcoming the challenges of a global pandemic speaks volumes to their talent and commitment. Most importantly, we are pleased to deliver the exceptional value of these projects to our customers for generations to come while simultaneously uplifting rural economies we are privileged to serve.”

Combined, the Energy Vision 2020 projects are expected to deliver $450 million in customer savings over the life of the projects and create new job opportunities while delivering tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue to support rural communities.

# # #

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 770,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to meet customers’ growing electricity needs while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity providers in the United States and operates the largest privately held grid in the West with over 16,500 miles of high voltage transmission that connects customers and communities across ten states. More information available at www.pacificpower.net.

Nov.19, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1225 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 20 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority today is reporting the largest daily number of COVID-19 cases and deaths since the beginning of the pandemic in Oregon.

“We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one to COVID-19,” said OHA Director Patrick Allen.

Sadly, we have also surpassed our 800th COVID-19 death today, less than three weeks after marking the 700th death. These are family, friends, neighbors and we note their deaths with sadness and a renewed determination to suppress the spread of the virus.

“I have heard frequently from those who have refused to believe this pandemic is serious if we aren’t seeing hospitalizations and deaths. Those hospitalizations and deaths are here, and are only likely to go up. Please take this seriously, and do what you can to slow the spread: wash your hands, wear a mask, and limit the number of people you come in close contact with.”

NOTE: OHA will hold its weekly media briefing tomorrow Nov. 20 at 11:30 a.m. This will be broadcast via Zoom. Interested media can participate by following this link or by calling in at 1-669-254-5252, passcode 564-743.

COVID-19 has claimed 20 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 808, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 1225 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 60,873.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (4), Benton (16), Clackamas (121), Clatsop (2), Columbia (14), Coos (8), Crook (6), Curry (6), Deschutes (31), Douglas (21), Grant (3), Harney (5), Hood River (8), Jackson (89), Jefferson (10), Josephine (13), Klamath (20), Lake (5), Lane (130), Lincoln (1), Linn (11), Malheur (21), Marion (84), Morrow (1), Multnomah (376), Polk (20), Umatilla (20), Union (8), Wasco (8), Washington (127), and Yamhill (36).

Oregon’s 789th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old man in Wasco County who tested positive on Oct. 25 and died on Nov. 16, in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 790th COVID-19 death is a 30-year-old man in Lane County who tested positive on Nov. 8 and died on Nov. 13, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 791st COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on Nov. 3 and died on Nov. 11, at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 792nd COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Nov. 13 and died on Nov. 17, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 793rd COVID-19 death is a 40-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on Oct. 29 and died on Nov. 7, at West Valley Medical Center in Idaho. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 794th COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 14 and died on Nov. 10, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 795th COVID-19 death is a 62-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 5 and died on Oct. 30, at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 796th COVID-19 death is a 49-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 9 and died on Nov. 15, at Providence Medford Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 797th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Nov. 3 and died on Nov. 18, at Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 798th COVID-19 death is a 92-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 16 and died on Nov. 18, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 799th COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 3 and died on Nov. 13, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 800th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 5 and died on Nov. 11, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 801st COVID-19 death is a 72-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 29 and died on Oct. 29. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 802nd COVID-19 death is an 89-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 9 and died on Nov. 11, in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 803rd COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old woman in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 9 and died on Nov. 16, in her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 804th COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 10 and died on Nov. 14, in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 805th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 10 and died on Nov. 16, in her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 806th COVID019 death is a 77-year-old woman in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 6 and died on Nov. 18, in her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 807th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman in Grant County who tested positive on Oct. 30 and died on Nov.15. Place of death and underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 808th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old woman in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 4 and died on Nov. 17, at Providence Medford Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Note: More information is available about Oregon’s 746th COVID-19 death, a 35-year-old man in Multnomah County. He had underlying conditions.

COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise

The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients across Oregon increased to 414 today eight more than yesterday, marking a new record for the pandemic.

There are 96 COVID-19 patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, two fewer than yesterday.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Attached is a chart showing the trend of hospitalizations in Oregon.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Date:  11/19/20

By:  Lt. Bryan Husband, Search and Rescue Coordinator

Assisted Skier:  Tindel Wells, 20 yom, Bend, OR

On 11/19/20, at about 9:00am, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Unit was advised by 9-1-1 dispatch of an injured backcountry skier, a little over 1/3 mile northwest of the Todd Lake TH.  The injured skier, later identified as , Tindel, Wells, was skiing with a partner in the steeper terrain surrounding the area, fell and suffered non-life threatening injuries, which were hindering him from returning to the Dutchman Flat parking lot on his own.

One DCSO SAR Deputy responded to the Dutchman Flat parking lot, while another DCSO SAR Deputy coordinated a DCSO SAR Volunteer response.  Six DCSO SAR Volunteers responded to the DCSO SAR base in Bend and gathered snowmobiles and medical supplies to complete the mission.  They then drove to the Dutchman Flat parking lot, responding the remainder of the way on snowmobiles.  Two addtional DCSO SAR Volunteers had been recreating near Moon Mountain and responded directly to the injured skiers location to assist. 

First arriving DCSO SAR Volunteers made contact with Wells at approximately 10:45am.  They were joined by Mt. Bachelor ski patrol staff and assisted Wells down to the Todd Lake TH, where they met with the remaining DCSO SAR Volunteers.  Wells was further stabilized and transported via snowmobile and snowbulance to the Dutchman Flat parking lot, where he was transferred to Bend Fire Department personnel at about 11:47am.  Wells was then transported to St. Charles hospital in Bend for further treatment.

DCSO SAR Volunteers arrived back at DCSO SAR base in Bend at 1:15pm.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

(Salem, Oregon) – This year the Sunday after Thanksgiving is all about shopping for art. The Oregon Arts Commission is proud to be one of 330 nationwide partners for Artists Sunday, a new national movement to promote local art as holiday gifts on Sunday, Nov. 29.

The movement joins Black Friday, Small Business Saturday® and Cyber Monday to create the biggest shopping weekend of the year. It also supports artists as entrepreneurs at a time when many have suffered great losses as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

Artists Sunday is a day dedicated to encouraging consumers to shop with artisans and craftspeople to give something special, unique and hand-crafted this holiday season. The Arts Commission recognizes the culture artists create and the impact they have on our local community, while adding expression and beauty to our lives.   

“Supporting working artists is an active part of our mission,” said Brian Rogers, executive director of the Arts Commission. “We are excited to be one of the inaugural partners for Artists Sunday in showcasing art as a unique and meaningful holiday gift.”

Artists from across the country, including more than 100 from Oregon (number growing daily) are participating in Artists Sunday, representing a full range of art, hand-crafted items, and performances. The diversity of artisans allows consumers ample opportunity to browse online this Artists Sunday and find the perfect gift for that special someone in their life.

Other Artists Sunday partners in Oregon include: Alberta Abbey Foundation, Portland; Arts & Business Alliance of Eugene; Charlene Larsen Center for the Performing Arts, Astoria; City of Monmouth; City of Troutdale; Clackamas County Arts Alliance; East Winds Virtual Music, Portland; Emerald Art Center, Springfield; Gallery Calapooia, Albany; IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild, Portland; Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph; Lane Arts Council, Eugene; Portland Saturday Market, Portland; and Salem Art Association.

The Arts Commission invites you to search and discover Oregon artists. New artist and partner signups are welcome; artist and partner participation is free and includes toolkits for promotion and marketing.

NOTE: View a Nov. 18 Artists Sunday press conference with arts leaders from across the country including Rogers from the Arts Commission.

? ? ? ?

About Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians through the arts by stimulating creativity, leadership and economic vitality. The Arts Commission provides funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of the Oregon Business Development Department in 1993 in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities.

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature, federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

About Artists Sunday

Artists Sunday is the nationwide movement dedicated to supporting artists and recognizing the impact they have in enriching our lives, communities, and the economy. The powerful new effort is designed to make the Sunday after Thanksgiving the most profitable day of the year for artists. Consumers are encouraged to shop with artists and purchase creative, handcrafted gifts for the holidays. Artists Sunday follows Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, prior to Cyber Monday. Supporters include individual artists, economic development agencies and non-profit organizations across the country. To learn more about Artists Sunday artists, partners, sponsors, or involvement in promoting commerce with artists, please visit http://ArtistsSunday.com/

? 30 ?

Salem — $43,525 per prescription makes the brand-name drug Yervoy, used to treat melanoma, the most expensive prescription drug for Oregon health insurance carriers, based on data released by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.

For the second year in a row, the brand-name drug Humira, commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, was the most costly prescription drug reported by Oregon’s health insurance companies, as well as the most prescribed specialty drug. Its 17,435 prescriptions in Oregon cost insurance companies approximately $81 million.

The division also released data on the most costly and most prescribed generic medications. These prescriptions typically cost less than comparable brand names. Glatiramer, used to treat multiple sclerosis, was the most expensive generic drug reported, costing insurance companies approximately $2,800 per prescription. Dextroamphetamine, a common drug for attention deficit disorder, was the most costly generic prescription for Oregon insurers, claims for this drug total more than $6 million annually. Levothyroxine, used to treat thyroid activity, is the most prescribed generic with approximately 232,000 prescriptions statewide.

“The data from our insurers is an important piece to understanding which prescription drugs have the biggest effect on our health care costs; we appreciate their willingness to share this information.,” said Andrew Stolfi, insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “The more data we receive the better informed all of us are, that is why consumer reporting is an important piece of our drug transparency program, especially leading up to the public hearing.”

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, the division will host a virtual public hearing on prescription drug prices. Oregonians are encouraged to participate by asking questions and sharing their stories of how prescription drug prices have affected them. Visit Questions and stories on prescription drug prices to post questions and share your experience.

Responses will be used to prepare for the public hearing. The questions and stories will be shared with legislators at the hearing, but personally identifiable information will be kept anonymous.

The division released lists of the most expensive, most costly, and most prescribed drugs which are reported annually by health insurance companies that offer individual and small group plans in Oregon.  

To determine what insurers paid on average for each prescription and to identify the most expensive prescriptions, the program team examined claims data for drugs prescribed to 10 or more enrollees and compared the total dollars spent by insurers to the corresponding prescription counts for each drug.

To learn more about the program or view the most expensive, most costly, and most prescribed drug lists, visit the program’s website - dfr.oregon.gov/drugtransparency.

To report a specific increase in the cost of a prescription drug:

• Email x.prices@oregon.gov">Rx.prices@oregon.gov
• Call 833-210-4560 (toll-free)
• Visit dfr.oregon.gov/drugtransparency 

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

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and www.dfr.oregon.gov.

(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Kyla Blackmore.

Kyla Blackmore, age 14, is a foster child who went missing from Medford, Ore. on Nov. 11, 2020. She is believed to be in danger.

Kyla Blackmore knows the Klamath Falls area and is suspected to be traveling with Lydia Jazmin, age 16, a foster child who also went missing from Medford, Ore. on Nov. 11, 2020.

Name: Kyla Blackmore
Pronouns: She/Her
Date of birth: April 21, 2006
Height: 5’2
Weight: 185 pounds
Eye color: Brown
Hair: Brownish blonde
Other identifying information: Kyla Blackmore has a nose piercing and may sometimes draw on her face.
Medford Police Department Case #18910
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1406373

Anyone who suspects they have information about Kyla Blackmore’s location should call 911 or local law enforcement.

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure 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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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites Oregonians to head outside for some fresh air the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, also known as ‘Green Friday.’ OPRD will waive day-use parking fees that day in 25 state parks across Oregon. 

“We recognize that being outdoors makes us feel better and is a break from the stresses of 2020,” said director Lisa Sumption. “In this unconventional year, we feel it is especially important to honor this tradition as thanks to Oregonians for supporting us through our toughest times.”

Thanksgiving weekend falls squarely within the Governor’s Two-Week Freeze, Nov. 18 – Dec. 2. Accordingly, OPRD directs people to limit gatherings at parks to six people and two households. This is in addition to longstanding direction to stay local, wear face coverings and maintain a 6’ distance from other visitors.

“Following these precautions is particularly important in the coming weeks to support statewide efforts to stop the spread of the virus,” Sumption said. “When visitors prepare and care, it keeps parks safe for everyone.”

Green Friday typically kicks off a series of holiday events in state parks, but this year OPRD opted to cancel these events. 

“The pandemic challenges all of us to find new, creative ways to celebrate the holidays,” Sumption said. “We look forward to the safe return of these holiday traditions, and until then, parks are open and here for you.”

The parking waiver applies from open to close Nov. 27 at the 25 parks that charge a $5 daily parking fee. A list of parks that require day-use parking permits is available at stateparks.oregon.gov. Parking is free year-round at the majority of Oregon’s 250-plus state park properties.  

Oregon provides mortgage support for homeowners in financial distress due to COVID-19

$20 million available until funds run out

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative (OHSI) has launched a mortgage relief program to help homeowners at risk of losing their homes due to COVID-related financial hardship. The COVID-19 Mortgage Relief program provides assistance to homeowners who have experienced a financial hardship to help them avoid foreclosure. The program provides a one-time payment directly to mortgage servicers to bring delinquent first-lien mortgage accounts current.

OHSI is a program administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), on behalf of the Oregon Affordable Housing Assistance Corporation, and funded through U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) established during the Great Recession. OHCS, with the support of Senators Wyden and Merkley, successfully advocated to extend these funds to provide relief to Oregonians impacted by COVID-19.

“Oregon residents are facing multiple crises at once,” said Emese Perfecto, Director of OHCS Homeownership Division.  “We know that easing the burden of past due mortgage payments is a critical way we can keep families stable while they endure these challenges. This program provides hope to many struggling homeowners.”

As of September, 165,000 people were unemployed in Oregon, double the number of unemployed people one year ago. While the unemployment rate has improved slightly since the beginning of the pandemic, many Oregonians are still struggling. Since 2011, OHSI has helped more than 16,000 families keep their homes. The program has invested more than $300 million in direct assistance to Oregonians.

“Being at risk of losing your home can be extremely stressful. We want homeowners to know that they are not alone,” Perfecto said.  “Our trained partners are here to advise you and answer any questions you have.”

The program eligibility criteria include:

• Became past due on mortgage payments after Jan. 1, 2020
• Experienced a financial hardship such as job loss, reduced income, high medical costs, disability, death in the family, or divorce.
• Mortgage payment is no more than 45 percent of household monthly income

More eligibility requirements and a FAQ, as well as the application portal, are available on the OHSI website. Housing counseling partners are also available to assist homeowners with the application process.

The $20 million program is funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund. The assistance is offered through a no-interest, forgivable, five-year loan that requires no payment from the recipients so long as they don’t sell or refinance their home for cash for at least five years. Because funds are limited, homeowners in need are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Along with these resources, Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-37 extended the foreclosure protections established by House Bill 4204 (2020 1st special session). Oregon homeowners in need should contact their lender or a Homeownership Center for relief options.

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(Salem) – Today, the State of Oregon announced it is joining the national Get Covered 2021 campaign, spearheaded by Get Covered America, Covered California, and the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange. Oregon joins 14 states and the District of Columbia that are promoting Get Covered 2021, demonstrating the state’s commitment to helping people stay safe during the pandemic and making sure they have the ability to get quality health care when they need it.

“The pandemic has placed a renewed focus on the importance of staying healthy and safe,” said Governor Kate Brown. “During this open enrollment period, it’s critical for all of us to seek insurance coverage, not just because of COVID-19, but for preventive care and financial protection in case of serious illnesses and chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. We owe it to ourselves and our families to get covered in order to have access to life-saving services.”

Recognizing the link between COVID-19 and the benefits of health insurance, Get Covered 2021 is focused on two key priorities:

• Stay healthy: Every American has a role to play in reducing the spread of the virus and keeping communities safe through safe practices: Wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
• Get insured: Every American should have affordable insurance coverage to help them stay healthy and get the right care when they need it. Let’s make sure the 16 million people eligible for financial help now know where to go and get help signing up.

Oregon has consistently worked to help Oregonians who do not get health insurance through their job or a program such as the Oregon Health Plan or Medicare to understand their coverage options. This year, Oregonians face additional challenges to getting enrolled in health coverage due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Oregon’s devastating wildfires, but Oregonians should not delay; open enrollment ends Tuesday, Dec. 15. If you miss the deadline, you may not be able to get coverage for 2021.

Financial savings are available for most Oregonians. In 2020, more than seven in 10 Oregonians who chose plans through HealthCare.gov got financial help for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Individuals making up to $51,040 per year and families of four making up to $104,800 may get help paying for coverage. These savings lowered the average premium to just $145 per month.

“Oregon is proud to be a part of the Get Covered 2021 coalition to advance efforts to protect against COVID-19, and to close the coverage gap by getting all eligible Oregonians enrolled in health insurance,” said Chiqui Flowers, administrator of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “We are proud to work alongside all of the partners in the Get Covered 2021 coalition to send the message in Oregon and across the nation that we are standing together to help Americans stay safe and healthy, and that coverage and financial help is there for them during a time they need it the most.”

To get started with health coverage enrollment, people should go to OregonHealthCare.gov before Dec. 15 and answer a few Oregon-specific questions to get to the right application for them. Also, they can search the “get help” directory on the site to find an insurance agent or community partner organization that can help them complete the application and enroll. Insurance agents and community partners provide local, one-on-one assistance at no charge to the client. This help is available virtually and over the phone.

###

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov, and a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.

COOS COUNTY, Ore. – New research out of South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve suggests northward shifts of the lined shore crab may threaten vulnerable snail populations along the northern Pacific Coast.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Guelph, Oregon State University, South Slough Reserve and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology focused on the lined shore crab, a species typically found between Baja California, Mexico and Southern Oregon. The crab has evolved shell crushing capabilities to feed on the thick-shelled snails commonly found in such tropical regions.

Among the lined shore crab’s prey is the Sitka periwinkle, a snail that lives along the northern Pacific coast. Typically, the two species live in separate regions; however, the study suggests the lined shore crab’s range expands north during El Niño events, which cause a strong ocean undercurrent that runs northward. The undercurrent transports lined shore crabs outside of their usual range and into areas where indigenous species, like the thin-shelled Sitka periwinkle, are ill-equipped to protect themselves from such predators.

In addition to tracking the prevalence of the lined shore crab in Oregon, Washington and Vancouver Island, Canada, the team also conducted laboratory experiments to test the threat the crabs pose to the Sitka periwinkle. The snails’ defenses were ineffective against the lined shore crabs, which were able to eat ten times more Sitka periwinkles, compared to crabs that are commonly found along the northern Pacific coast.

The research suggests that advancing lined shore crabs may pose an immediate threat to thin-shelled gastropods, such as the Sitka periwinkle. The team also assessed a scenario in which the lined shore crabs permanently establish farther north. Their findings suggest Sitka periwinkle populations may only survive in areas where the lined shore crabs are less likely to establish.

The lined shore crab is one of many aquatic species along North American coastlines that is advancing north as the ocean warms.

“We need to understand the impact of northward migration,” said Dr. Shon Schooler, Lead Scientist at South Slough Reserve. “The disappearance of Sitka periwinkle populations may change parts of the food web. Additionally, decreases in diversity can reduce ecosystems’ resilience to environmental change, like natural disasters."

The findings were published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology earlier this year.

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The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (South Slough Reserve) is a 5,900-acre natural area located in the Coos estuary on the south coast of Oregon. The Reserve was designated in 1974 as the first unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) and is affiliated with the Oregon Department of State Lands and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Reserve supports and coordinates research, education and stewardship programs that serve to enhance a scientific and public understanding of estuaries and contribute to improved estuarine management.

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at approximately 5:20 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle collision on Hwy 26 at the intersection of SE Kelso Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Ford Explorer, operated by Dan Smith (93) of Boring, was westbound on Hwy 26 and turned left into the path of an eastbound Jeep Grand Cherokee operated by Frank Angelcyk (40) of Astoria, New York. 

Smith was transported to Emanuel Hospital with serious injuries.  His passenger, Maxine Smith (94) of Boring, was transported to Emanuel Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Angelcyk was not seriously injured.

OSP was assisted by the Sandy Fire Department, AMR and ODOT.

Thanksgiving Dinner Served for the Homeless and Needy
This meal is open to anyone experiencing homelessness and for anyone in need of assistance.
 When:  Wednesday, November 25th, 2 pm to 5 pm
 Where: 275 NE 2nd Street, #5177 Bend OR 97701
 What: Thanksgiving meal with ALL the trimmings, hot beverages, and snacks

 Covid Guidelines: We will be serving groups of people inside the New Bend Winter Shelter space.  All Covid-19 guidelines for social distancing, mask wearing and cleaning will be strictly followed.
30 volunteers still needed.   Contact Ryan at ryano@shepherdshouseministries.org

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at approximately 12:52 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a multi-vehicle collision on Hwy 97 at Jack Pine Loop.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Dodge D20 pickup, operated by a male juvenile,  was northbound when it side swiped a Ford Explorer, operated by Craig Marcum (27) of Bend, that was turning onto Jack Pine Loop. The Dodge then entered the southbound lane and collided with a Uhaul econoline van operated by Jeffery Ferris (35) of Fairview. 

Marcum was not injured.

The male juvenile operator of the Dodge sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Ferris sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

A male juvenile passenger in the Dodge and a male juvenile passenger in the U-Haul were transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with injuries. 

OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Central Oregon Police Chaplaincy, Lapine Fire Department and ODOT.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Recovery Update for Nov. 18, 2020, to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. See today's Wildfire Recovery update here. 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Lincoln County, Ore. – Sept. 21, 2020 - Rob Dahlman, Fire Chief for North Lincoln County Fire & Rescue #1, talks to Cory Royer, Division A Supervisor from FEMA about the Echo Mountain Complex fire near Lincoln City Oregon. Photo by Jeff Markham/FEMA
File: 2020-21-09_OR_4562_EchoMtnFire_4718.jpg

Lyon, Ore. - October 16, 2020 - A volunteer at the Mari-Linn School hands out food to a resident, which was donated by the Depart of Agriculture for families in need in Lyon, Oregon - Patsy Lynch/FEMA
File: 2020-16-10_4562_Mari-linnfood_PL_02.jpg

Nov. 18, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Weekly cases and hospitalizations at record highs

OHA’s COVID-19 weekly report released today set pandemic highs for daily cases and hospitalizations.

OHA reported 6,491 new daily cases during the week of Monday, Nov. 9 through Sunday, Nov. 15, a 25% increase over the previous record-high week.

The percentage of positive tests for COVD-19 increased to 12.5% from 11.9%, even with an increase in the number of people tested.

Weekly hospitalizations from COVID-19 rose to 291, the highest yet reported in the pandemic.

There were fewer deaths, 31, associated with COVID-19 than the previous week’s record high of 42.

People aged 20 to 49 accounted for 51% of the cases, while people 70 and older accounted for 75% of deaths.

Note: This week’s report includes a report on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. This includes people living in congregate or residential settings.

To date, there have been 5 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have died from COVID-19 associated illness.

This total comes from matching client lists from the state’s Office of Developmental Service Disabilities and the COVID-19 database.

These reports will be published quarterly. More information can be found here.

(Salem, Ore.) – Starting on Nov. 18, Oregon will be in a statewide Two-Week Freeze to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon. Oregonians statewide are asked to stay home except for essential business.

All Oregonians can apply for food, cash and child care assistance provided through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) from home without having to visit an office in person.

Visit govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits for information on how to apply for assistance using the ODHS online application, email, mail, telephone or application drop off.

Oregonians who need urgent and ongoing food assistance can visit needfood.oregon.gov.

Older adults or people with disabilities who need additional information about resources available to help can call 1-855-ORE-ADRC (1-855-673-2372) or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.

Information on how to apply for domestic violence assistance can also be found at govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits.

While many ODHS offices remain open to the public for essential business, we encourage members of the public to apply online, by email, by phone, or to call before coming in. In most cases, you don’t need to visit an office in person to get assistance.

For more ways to connect with ODHS or to find other types of assistance, contact 211info:

• By dialing 2-1-1 from any phone
• Text your zip code to 898211
• By email at help@211info.org
• 211info.org
• Covid19.211info.org

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Nov. 18, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1,099 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 10 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed 10 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 788, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 1,099 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 59,669.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (9), Benton(13), Clackamas (82), Clatsop (4), Columbia (6), Coos (5), Crook (6), Curry (3), Deschutes (40), Douglas (33), Gilliam (2), Grant (6), Harney (3), Hood River (11), Jackson (108), Jefferson (15), Josephine (20), Lake (8), Lane (115), Lincoln (5), Linn (30), Malheur (33), Marion (84), Morrow (2), Multnomah (210), Polk (9), Tillamook (4), Umatilla (29), Union (3), Wasco (4), Washington (171), and Yamhill (26).

Oregon’s 779th COVID-19 death is a 65-year-old woman in Yamhill County who tested positive on Nov. 12 and died on Nov. 14, at Willamette Valley Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 780th COVID0-19 death is a 75-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 11 and died on Nov. 15, at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 781st COVID-19 death is a 92-year-old man who tested positive on Oct. 16 and died on Nov. 8, at OHSU. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 782nd COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Nov. 10 and died on Nov. 17. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 783rd COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 20 and died on Nov. 15. Place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 784th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Crook County who tested positive on Nov. 3 and died on Nov. 17. Place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 785th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Nov. 9 and died on Nov. 17. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 786th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old woman in Jackson County who tested positive on Oct. 30 and died on Nov. 12, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 787th COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Nov. 2 and died on Nov. 15, at Tuality Community Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 788th COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old man in Lane County who tested positive on Oct. 22 and died on Nov.17, at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise

The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients across Oregon rose to 406 today, marking a new record for the pandemic. The largest increase was in Region 1, which includes the Portland metropolitan area, and in Region 2, which includes the Willamette Valley, and in Region 5, which encompasses Jackson and Josephine counties.

There are 94 COVID-19 patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, two fewer than yesterday. More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Thomas A. Rennie, Age 58, of Battle Ground, Washington, and formerly of Portland, Oregon, was sentenced today to one year in prison, supervised release of three years, and restitution to the IRS of $1.5 million for evading payment of employment taxes and personal income taxes. 

            According to court documents, Rennie operated a car detailing business in Portland for 28 years, and a dog training business in Washington since 2015.  Rennie knowingly and intentionally evaded payment of nearly $1.5 million in taxes for the years 2005 through 2017.  These unpaid taxes were comprised of employment taxes for his businesses, personal income taxes, and corporate taxes.  Rennie’s efforts to evade the payment of his taxes included his failure to maintain proper business books and records; using business bank accounts and a non-profit entity’s bank account to pay personal expenses; concealing ownership of personal assets by placing title to these assets in the names of nominee entities; concealing the income from the sale of one of his companies by placing the proceeds in bank accounts held in the names of nominees; and making false statements to an IRS Revenue Officer.

            Rennie previously pleaded guilty to one count of Tax Evasion on December 16, 2019.

            The Internal Revenue Service investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

SALEM, Ore. – At a public meeting held November 17, 2020, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) addressed restoration of voice telephone service by Lumen, the parent company for CenturyLink, United Telephone Company of the Northwest, and Qwest Corporation with service territories in Oregon communities impacted by the recent wildfires. The PUC directed these service providers to offer impacted customers a temporary alternative voice service option by December 1, 2020, and to restore their facilities by January 1, 2021, subject to the PUC’s ongoing oversight.

“Telecommunications service is a necessary utility for Oregonians, and is especially important to those living in more rural areas without a range of communication alternatives,” said Megan Decker, PUC Chair. “Many residents affected by the wildfires have been without phone service for more than two months.  Particularly with winter approaching, this is a safety concern.”

During this public meeting, the PUC directed CenturyLink, United Telephone, and Qwest to do the following:

• Offer a temporary voice telephone service alternative through available technologies at no additional cost to the customer by December 1, 2020. This is to provide a short-term resolution of comparable voice service until long-term service restoration is complete.
• Restore voice service with their own facilities and technology by January 1, 2021 to ensure a long-term telecommunications option for residents.
• Lumen representatives will report back to the PUC on November 23, 2020 to provide an update on offering an alternative telecommunications solution by the December 1, 2020 deadline. Additionally, representatives will regularly report on the progress of the full restoration efforts and their strategies to communicate this information and their timeline to local government officials, first responders in impacted communities, and customers.

“The goal for this meeting was to receive a thorough report from Lumen representatives on the status of the restoration, as well as communicate the urgency of restoring service for families and businesses in these communities that have experienced so much already,” added Decker. “We recognize the challenges in getting service restored, and that the January 1 deadline may be extended by a showing of good cause from Lumen, but we need to know that service providers will be doing everything they can to meet these deadlines to serve their customers.”

During the public meeting, Lumen representatives provided an update on the status of restoring service in the communities served by CenturyLink, United Telephone, and Qwest. To view the recordings of this public meeting, visit: https://oregonpuc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=668 and https://oregonpuc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=669.

Lumen has established a designated phone number for CenturyLink, United Telephone, and Qwest customers.  Call 800-223-9275 to get answers about telephone service restoration and billing.

If you have questions or concerns about your telecommunications or other utility services, please contact the Oregon Public Utility Commission at puc.consumer@state.or.us or 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404. The PUC also accepts all relay calls.

# # #

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric, natural gas and telephone utilities, as well as select water companies.  The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregon utility customers have access to safe, reliable, and high quality utility services at just and reasonable rates, which is accomplished through thorough analysis and independent decision-making conducted in an open and fair process.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Leo Keith Barton, died the morning of November 18, 2020. Barton was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at that facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Barton entered DOC custody on October 30, 2018, from Douglas County with an earliest release date of January 4, 2075. Barton was 80 years old. Next of kin has been notified.  

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximatley 13,100 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

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

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Salem, OR—New resources to help business taxpayers and tax professionals understand and comply with Oregon’s new Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) have been added to the Department of Revenue’s website.

In October, the CAT policy staff hosted a pair of live video conference training sessions. The PowerPoint presentation used in the training sessions is available on the CAT page of the agency’s website.

In addition, questions submitted via email by participants in the two training sessions and answers provided by the CAT policy staff have been posted under the CAT training materials header. Questions and answers are divided by topic to make it easier for taxpayers to find the information they need.

In the coming weeks, a series of short, subject-specific training videos will also be added to the website.

Other information on the CAT page of the Department of Revenue’s website includes:
• A list of frequently asked questions.
• High-level summaries of the rules and other topics to help with taxpayer compliance.
• A registration training PowerPoint presentation.
• A PowerPoint presentation to help with making payments.
• A link to the CAT administrative rules.
• A link to the statutes governing the CAT. .

The page also includes an opportunity to subscribe to email updates about the CAT.

Taxpayers with general questions about the CAT can email cat.help.dor@oregon.gov or call 503-945-8005.

To get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. You also can call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speech-impaired), we accept all relay calls.

November 18, 2020

Contact: Sarah Bartelmann, 971-283-8107, ah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">sarah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: A public meeting of the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Implementation Committee.

When: November 24, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Via Zoom and teleconference. The public can join remotely via Zoom or by conference line (one tap mobile) at +16692545252,,1618620834#,,,,,,0#,,819733#.

Agenda: Welcome, accountability part 1, public comment, accountability part 2, governance, next steps. Public comment will be held at 3:15 pm. Please submit public comment in writing prior to the meeting at e.CostTarget@dhsoha.state.or.us">HealthCare.CostTarget@dhsoha.state.or.us.

For more information, please visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/Sustainable-Health-Care-Cost-Growth-Target.aspx.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sarah Bartelmann at 971-283-8107, 711 TTY, ah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">sarah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Thanksgiving Food Boxes- Give One OR Take One

Give One
These food boxes are intended for those in the community who are unemployed, experiencing hardships, are homeless, or just in need of a helping hand. 
 
Can you help us meet this need by Donating a Thanksgiving Food Box? 
 
If you would like to participate, please drop off your items at Shepherd's House, 1854 NE Division Street from Sunday, November 22 through Monday, November 23rd.
 
Suggested items to include for a family of 4
1 small turkey  (8-12 lbs.)
1 box stuffing
1 box scalloped or mashed potatoes
2 cans green beans
1 can cranberry sauce
1 pie
1 box or bag
 
Take One
There is Help for You! For those needing a Thanksgiving Food Box, you can pick yours up on Tuesday, November 24th from noon until 5 pm at 1854 NE Division Street in Bend. 

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at approximately 11:02 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 199 near milepost 39.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Cadillac XT6, operated by Rumaldo Salcedo (44) of Crescent City, California, was southbound when it attempted to pass another vehicle, lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree.

Salcedo sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Illinois Valley Fire Department and ODOT.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at approximately 9:00 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 126E near milepost 14.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Jaguar sedan, operated by Albert Lundberg (78) of Springfield, was westbound when it left the roadway and crashed.

Lundberg was transported to River Bend Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

OSP was assisted by fire and medical personnel and ODOT.

(Salem, Ore.) – Lydia Jazmin, age 16, is a foster child who went missing from Medford, Ore. on Nov. 11, 2020. They are believed to be in danger.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help in the effort to find them and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see them. It is believed they may be travelling to Albany, Ore.

Name: Lydia Jazmin
Pronouns: They/Them
Date of birth: July 16, 2004
Height: 4’ 10”
Weight: 200 pounds
Eye color: Brown
Hair: Dark brown
Medford Police Department Case #18910
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #14064220

Anyone who suspects they have information about Lydia Jazmin’s location should call 911 or local law enforcement.

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure 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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CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN NOVEMBER 16-29, 2020 

[Redmond, Oregon]—Beginning November 16, the Redmond Police Department teamed up with law enforcement agencies nationwide for a Border to Border (B2B) law enforcement event to kick off the annual Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign which runs through November 29. The B2B initiative aims to increase law enforcement participation by coordinating highly visible seat belt enforcement and providing seat belt fact sheets for drivers at heavily traveled, highly visible state border checkpoints.   

According to NHTSA, in 2018, there were 9,778 lack of buckled seat belts led to 9,778 deaths in the United States. Fifty-six percent of these deaths occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign and the B2B kickoff event is nighttime enforcement. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to those who don’t buckle up, writing citations day and night. The base penalty for a seat belt violation is $115. 

“The Click It or Ticket campaign is about saving lives and it’s intended to remind people that seat belts aren’t optional,” said Redmond Police Chief Dave Tarbet.  

Chief Tarbet emphasized, “If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone—front seat and back, child and adult—needs to remember to buckle up—every trip, every time.”  

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot. 

Oregonians have a strong tradition of unifying to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. As your fellow community members, please join us in adhering to the Governor’s Executive Order during the two-week Coronavirus freeze. As your Oregon Law Enforcement professionals, our primary objective throughout the Coronavirus pandemic has been to take an education first approach and to seek voluntary compliance with each Executive Order. We recognize the inconvenience the pandemic and subsequent restrictions have caused all of us. We also know that the risk to our most vulnerable populations is extremely high at this time and we urge everyone to follow these restrictions in order to protect them. After all, we are all in this together.

With the issuance of the latest Executive Order, Oregon Law enforcement will continue to follow an education first approach. Oregon Law Enforcement will only take enforcement action (criminal citations) as a last resort. As with most enforcement decision making, discretion will be used if/when any Executive Order enforcement action is taken. Oregon Law Enforcement recognizes that we cannot arrest or enforce our way out of the pandemic. We can however work together in following these restrictions to make our communities a safer and healthy place.

We include the following recommendations when it comes to reporting Executive Order violations.

• Business/workplace violations-Please report these to Oregon OSHA.
• Restaurant/Bars-Please report these violations to OSHA or OLCC.
   

Oregon Law Enforcement is faced with many challenges one of which is typically receiving more police calls for service than available resources to respond. Because of this, we ask the public to follow the above-mentioned recommendations for reporting alleged violations of the Executive Order.

Full Release Attached

The Oregon State Police is seeking public assistance in identifying the person(s) seen leaving the area of the 4606 Rd. near Bull Springs Rd. west of Bend with a large mule deer buck that had been poached.

On Monday, November 16, 2020 at approximately 3:30 P.M., a TIP was reported to OSP regarding an older two toned (white/brown) square body Ford pickup leaving the area with a large mule deer buck seen in the bed of the pickup. The vehicle was also reported to have a black Dakine style mountain bike tailgate cover.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police TIP number at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP and leave information for Senior Trooper Creed Cummings. 

Information can also be provided at the following website   https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx or the TIP information below.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

Or the Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward fund also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, Furbearers, Game Fish and Shellfish.  Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags and for the unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction

$200 Illegally Obtaining License/Tag(s)

$200 Unlawful Lend/Borrow Big Game Tags(s) 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

Bend Fire & Rescue is kicking off its winter coat drive. We are collecting winter coats, gloves, scarves, and socks of all sizes to distribute to members of our community that may not have access to these items.  Many members of our community are bracing for a long, cold winter without adequate clothing to keep them warm. Those who are facing this winter, not having these basic yet vital items, will be so grateful for these generous donations.

How can you donate? Outside every Bend Fire Station we have blue bins ready to take your donated items. We ask all items donated to be washed and placed in a bag such as a plastic or grocery bag. Bring your donated clothing to the nearest fire station and just drop them in the bin.  It is that simple! We will be collecting clothing until December 18th, 2020.

Thanks to our community, in years past our winter clothing drive was incredibly successful. We collected over 2 tons of donations in the previous four years and are very hopeful this year will be just as successful as years past. This is a hard year for so many families but together we can make a difference.

We would like to thank our local community partners helping us distribute these items to our community. We would like to give a special shout out to Cascade Disposal for loaning us the collection bins.

So thank you for helping keep our community warm this winter.  

Nov. 17, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 935 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 13 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed 13 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 778, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 935 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 58,570.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (4), Benton (15), Clackamas (85), Clatsop (5), Columbia (7), Coos (5), Curry (4), Deschutes (30), Douglas (37), Harney (5), Hood River (4), Jackson (60), Jefferson (28), Josephine (2), Klamath (25), Lake (4), Lane (45), Lincoln (2), Linn (16), Malheur (7), Marion (151), Morrow (1), Multnomah (208), Polk (21), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (41), Union (6), Wallowa (1), Wasco (5), Washington (88), and Yamhill (20).

Oregon’s 766th COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on Oct. 29 and died on Nov. 8, at Trios Health Center in Washington. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 767th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 7 and died on Nov. 16, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 768th COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old man in Multnomah County who died on Nov. 9. The location of his tests and underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 769th COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old woman in Lane County who tested positive on Nov. 4 and died on Nov. 16, at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 770th COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old woman in Linn County who tested positive on Sept. 14 and died on Oct.27, at Samaritan Albany General Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 771st COVID-19 death is a 69-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Aug. 24 and died on Nov. 1, in his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 772nd COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Oct. 31 and died on Nov.15, in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 773rd COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old woman in Douglas County who tested positive on Nov. 8 and died on Nov. 16, at Mercy Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 774th COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on Nov. 6 and died on Nov. 9, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 775th COVID-19 death is a 52-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on Oct. 27 and died on Oct. 31, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 776th COVID-19 death is a 67-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on Oct. 26 and died on Nov. 13, at Salem Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 777th COVID-19 death is a 98-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on Oct. 13 and died on Nov. 8, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 778th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 1 and died on Nov. 9, at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

RECRUITMENT FOR PIO

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is currently recruiting for a public information officer.

This position will offer opportunities for media production, marketing, being a liaison to our media partners in the valley and a liaison to the public.

We are looking for someone who is charismatic, is comfortable with public speaking, comfortable on camera, who can efficiently navigate multiple social media platforms, prepare articulate and well written press releases, and someone who can foster and maintain positive relationships with our employees and all those we serve. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity, please see the job announcement and apply at www.jacksoncounty.org.

The position is posted on the job page as announcement #7613-Project/Program Coordinator I (Sheriff).

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.9 percent in October from 7.9 percent, as revised, in September. For the past few months, Oregon’s unemployment rate has closely tracked the national unemployment rate which also fell to 6.9 percent in October from 7.9 percent in September.

Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 14,200 jobs in October, following a revised gain of 9,300 jobs in September. Over the past four months the rate of job growth has averaged 14,400 per month, following more rapid growth in May and June, when 74,500 jobs were added. Oregon employers added jobs in each of the past six months, and the state has recovered 46 percent of the jobs cut in March and April.

Over-the-month job gains in October were largest in construction (+6,100 jobs), professional and business services (+4,300), and leisure and hospitality (+4,300). Declines were largest in government (-7,400 jobs).

Leisure and hospitality continues to be the industry most impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its employment bounced back substantially in May and June, but job gains have slowed over the past four months. Employment totaled 162,000 in October, which was down 54,300 jobs, or 25 percent, since its peak month of February. Over the past 12 months, two of its component industries cut employment by more than a quarter. Since October 2019 arts, entertainment, and recreation is down by nearly half (-13,000 jobs, or -49 percent) and accommodation is down by nearly a third (-8,600 jobs, or -32 percent).

Most schools in Oregon were impacted by a combination of distance learning and declining enrollment this autumn, which resulted in job cuts at all levels of education. When comparing October 2020 with October 2019, all of education—from grade schools to colleges—have experienced job reductions. Local government education reduced employment to 118,700 in October from 139,900 in October 2019 (-21,200 jobs, or -15%). This industry includes local K-12 schools, community colleges and the Oregon University System. Private education, which includes private grade schools and private universities, cut 7,400 jobs, or 20 percent, since October 2019.

Two major industries expanded since October 2019. Construction surged by 6,100 jobs over the month in October and is up 700 jobs since October 2019, putting it close to its record levels during late 2019 through March 2020. Transportation, warehousing, and utilities added 1,200 jobs in October and grew fast for most of the past few years, adding 5,800 jobs over the past 12 months. The industry benefitted from rapid demand growth in online shopping and the resulting expansion of warehousing and distribution.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the October county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, November 24th, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for November on Tuesday, December 15th.

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

To file a claim for unemployment benefits or get more information about unemployment programs, visit unemployment.oregon.gov.

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

November 17, 2020

What: A public Zoom meeting of the Governance and Frame Working Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1-3 p.m.

Where: By Zoom teleconference at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161 828 6995.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit http://www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense against the dangers of EXIF data. 

What is EXIF data? EXIF stands for Exchangeable Image File Format. It is basically the metadata attached to every digital photo you take. It will include information such as the camera model and settings you used, the date and time you took the picture, and even details about exactly where you took the picture. Photographers can use this data to help organize their photos, perform searches, or re-create the exact manner in which a picture was taken. 

If you care about your privacy, though, EXIF data can be a problem. Imagine sending a photo to someone you just met online or to someone who is trying to buy something from you through an online marketplace. Beyond that, some social networks and photo-sharing sites have features that share EXIF data alongside images. Others, including Facebook, do not share EXIF data but may utilize the information internally.  

Do you really want to post or share a photo that a bad actor can use to target exactly where you live or work? Where your kids go to school? Generally, no.  

Here are some simple rules to follow regarding EXIF data and your photos: 

• Turn off your phone or camera’s geo-location feature before ever taking the picture. Note: devices in airplane mode can still capture geo-location information.  

• Remove EXIF data before sharing images with people or posting them online, especially when images are captured in private homes or businesses. There are free apps that you can use to do this. 

• Use an EXIF viewer to verify that you were successful stripping the personal data from the photos before sharing. 

• Before uploading images, use available privacy settings to limit the audience to only your close friends and family. 

• Minimize the use of apps that automatically upload and share captured images. 

• Even without EXIF data, the image may contain identifying information, such as associated persons or location histories. Screen content with the assumption that anyone can see, copy, or forward photos that you post online. 

When uploading or sharing photos, remember that EXIF data and image quality have no correlation. Lower quality images still contain EXIF data. 

If you have been victimized by a cyber fraud, be sure to file a report at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.

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On Monday, November 16, 2020 at approximately 5:50 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle collision on Hwy 22E near milepost 24.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Chrysler Town & Country van, operated by William Miller (66) of Scio, was westbound when it went into the eastbound lane and collided with a Dodge pickup operated by Richard Kruger (71) of Salem.

Miller sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Kruger was transported to the hospital with injuries.

Hwy 22E was closed for approximately 4.5 hours.

OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Stayton Fire Department, and Lyons Fire Department. 

November 17, 2020

What: A public Zoom meeting of the Patient Equity Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1-4 p.m.

Where: By Zoom teleconference at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 160 611 4085.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit http://www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On Monday, November 16, 2020 at approximately 7:50 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 395D near milepost 73.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Dodge Ram, operated by Jerry Henderson (78) of Lakeview, was southbound when it left the roadway and rolled.

Henderson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by ODOT.

Shepherd's House is excited to announce the opening of the Bend Winter Shleter. This new shelter is located on 2nd Street and will serve up to 70 women, children, families, and singles each night with warm beds, hot food, and loving care through April. We are grateful for our partnership with the City of Bend, countless other homeless advocates, and the community at large that will make this effort possible.  

For employment or shelter Information contact, John Lodise, Director of Emergency Services at johnl@shepherdshouseministrie.org

For volunteer information, contact Ryan Olufso, Volunteer Coordinator  at ryano@shepherdshouseministries.org.