UPDATE Missing child alert -- Declan Colby Duckett is still missing and believed to be at risk (Photo)Oregon Department of Human Services - 09/29/23 4:16 PM
UPDATE: This release includes updated information about where they are believed to be. They are now to be in the Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; or Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Salem) – Declan Colby Duckett, a newborn, went missing with his mother Markishia Duckett and her partner Declan Harris from Portland on Sept. 5. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division still believes that he may be at risk and is searching for Declan Colby Duckett to assess his safety.
ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Declan Colby Duckett. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of him or his parents should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).
They are believed to be in the Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; or Las Vegas, Nevada.
Name: Declan Colby Duckett
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Aug. 31, 2023
Height: 20 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Hair: Black
Eye color: Brown
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2000188
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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Oregon State Police - 09/29/23 2:44 PM
On Thursday, September 28, 2023, at approximately 8:00 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a crash involving two commercial motor vehicles on Interstate-84, near milepost 226, in Umatilla County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Ruslan Basarab (49) of Renton (WA), was traveling in the slow lane when it struck the rear-end of Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Francisco Rivera Atilano Jr. (20) of Hermiston.
The primary commercial motor vehicle caught fire as a result of the collision and burned so badly it was unidentifiable. The operator was removed from the vehicle and later declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital.
The operator of the Peterbilt was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, and ODOT.
Oregon Department of Emergency Management - 09/29/23 2:21 PM
SALEM, Ore. – Sept. 29, 2023 – Today, the Oregon Senate confirmed Erin McMahon as Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM). McMahon was appointed to the position by Governor Kotek in August.
A retired general officer for the Oregon National Guard and retired brigadier general for the U.S. Army, McMahon has two dozen years of experience advising state and national leaders on emergent and active emergencies requiring operational and civilian support. At the National Guard Bureau and the Oregon National Guard, she coordinated with other military and federal departments while working directly with all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia to provide military support when requested in support of declared emergencies and disasters.
McMahon's team supported every major disaster and national incident that impacted the nation – from wildfires to the pandemic to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. Throughout that time, she progressed from an action officer to a division chief to the chief of staff, culminating as the principal deputy general counsel for the chief of the National Guard Bureau.
“My experiences these past 24 years have culminated in this moment, with this opportunity to take OEM to the next level of efficiency and excellence; a level that captures our team’s experience and commitment and better integrates it with the expertise provided by our local, city, county and tribal partners,” said McMahon. “Together, we’ll advance our networks, update our systems, improve our preparedness and strengthen our lines of communication. My top priority is to continue supporting OEM’s mission to help the state better serve all Oregonians as emergencies become more frequent and destructive.”
One of McMahon’s first actions was onboarding Patence Winningham as OEM’s new deputy director. Winningham previously served as Lane County Emergency Manager since 2019 after having worked with the City of Eugene as an emergency management specialist for more than a decade. She has extensive experience in disaster preparedness, including leading Lane County’s response and communication with the state Emergency Coordination Center during a historic winter storm, flooding, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire and the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. She has also supported emergency planning efforts for multiple Olympic Trials and the World Athletics Championship.
“I’m honored to serve in this position at an agency I’ve worked so closely with on many emergencies,” said Winningham. “I believe my passion for helping the community and connecting with individuals and partners will help fulfill OEM’s mission and increase Oregon’s readiness and resiliency.”
Deputy Director Winningham’s extensive local knowledge will complement Director McMahon’s federal experience, providing the relatively new department with a strong executive leadership team. OEM transitioned from a division of the Oregon Military Department to a stand-alone cabinet-level department reporting directly to the governor in July 2022.
“Patence will be critical in supporting me as we work together to improve partnerships to enhance coordination for the delivery of essential services across the state in times of crisis and in preparation for our worst days,” said McMahon. “She is a capable and experienced leader, communicator, problem-solver and collaborator who has earned the respect of other emergency managers statewide. She’s also a tireless activist for disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation and other initiatives to reduce risk across the state.”
A portrait of Director McMahon can be viewed and downloaded here; Deputy Director Winningham’s portrait can be viewed and downloaded here. Learn more about OEM at www.oregon.gov/oem.
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Photo Captions
Oregon Emergency Management Logo
Erin McMahon is confirmed by the Oregon Senate as OEM Director.
Patence Winningham is appointed OEM Deputy Director.
Pacific Power - 09/29/23 2:19 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-5050
Tips for a safe fall season at home
PORTLAND, Ore. (September 29, 2023) — Fall season brings on the return of pumpkin spice-everything while the leaves change across the Pacific Northwest. Many of us consider fall the start of the holiday season. And the holidays often bring an increase in outdoor activity, whether it be from trick-or-treaters skipping up the porch steps or relatives stopping by for a Thanksgiving dinner. That’s why we should take extra care and precaution when maintaining the structures and landscaping around our home.
“Now is a great time to prune any trees that could cause trouble once the storms start coming in,” said Joe Cissna, Pacific Power’s health and safety manager. “Winter storms bringing down branches are a big cause of power outages. Check around your property to see if any trees or branches could harm power lines if they fell. Some preventive work now could save more headaches and power outages later.
“Use caution when pruning trees. Don't use pruning tools or ladders near power lines. Always keep yourself and anything you're handling at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Never try to remove a branch that is tangled or lying across a power line. Instead, call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070. We'll be happy to remove it for you.
Some additional tips for fall safety:
- Treat all electric lines with caution.
- Use only wooden and fiberglass ladders. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
- Never use electrical equipment or tools near a pool or other wet areas. Additionally, make sure outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, designed to automatically disconnect if the tool comes into contact with water.
- Be aware and steer clear of overhead electrical wires when installing, removing, cleaning or repairing gutters.
- Have help when installing or adjusting a satellite dish or antenna. Make sure you’re working at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
- Plant trees and shrubs away from meters, switching cabinets and boxed transformers. Vegetation that blocks electrical equipment makes repairs and maintenance challenging and sometimes dangerous for utility workers.
- Underground power lines are just as dangerous as overhead ones. If your project involves digging, make sure the locations of underground power lines are marked. Call 811 to have underground utilities located and marked for free.
For more safety tips or to order free Pacific Power safety materials, call toll free at 800-375-7085 or visit pacificpower.net/safety.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry - 09/29/23 2:01 PM
SALEM, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is closing some campground operations on the Clatsop, Tillamook, and Santiam state forests as it does each year as part of its transition to winter operations. On Oct. 2 all seasonal developed campgrounds will be closing, followed by the closure of all seasonal Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) campgrounds on Oct. 31. One exception to the closure plan will be Northrup Creek Horse Camp Campground in the Clatsop State Forest, which will remain open until Dec. 1.
The closures are primarily done for public safety and are impacted by seasonal staffing levels. “As we move into fall, keeping Oregonians safe in the forest is important. With snowfall, high winds, and heavy rainfall it’s essential that we close some campgrounds as conditions change and many become inaccessible,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Operations Manager.
Even with the closures, some camping opportunities will remain open and available through the winter months.
Tillamook State Forest
- Closing Oct. 2
- Jones Creek Campground
- Nehalem Falls Campground
- Morrison Eddy Campground
- Gales Creek Campground
- Reehers Camp Campground
- Closing Oct. 31
- Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground
- Jordan Creek OHV Campground
- Open Year-Round
- Keenig Creek Campground
- Elk Creek Campground
- Diamond Mill OHV Campground
- Stagecoach Horse Campground
Clatsop State Forest
- Closing Oct. 2
- Spruce Run Campground – Loops B & C
- Beaver Eddy Campground
- Closing Dec. 1
- Northrup Creek Horse Campground
- Open Year-Round Season
- Spruce Run Campground – Loops A & D
- Gnat Creek Campground
- Viewpoint OHV Campground
Santiam State Forest
- Closing Oct. 2
- Santiam Horse Camp
- Rock Creek Campground
More information on recreation opportunities at State Forest campgrounds can be found on our website, ODF Campgrounds.
U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon - 09/29/23 11:32 AM
EUGENE, Ore.—On September 28, 2023, a Baker County, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history, who fled from a traffic stop at more than 100 mph and threatened a shootout with police, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms.
Zachary Charles Persicke, 38, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in late September 2021, as part of an investigation of Persicke for dealing drugs and illegally possessing firearms, Baker County law enforcement obtained a state search warrant for Persicke’s person and an associated residence. Law enforcement observed Persicke in a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. While fleeing from police and reaching speeds of more than 100 mph, Persicke called 911, told the dispatcher he had a weapon, and threatened to engage in a shootout. After driving over a spike strip placed by law enforcement, Persicke pulled over and surrendered without incident. In a search of Persicke’s vehicle, officers located and seized more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and an assault-style rifle.
On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Persicke with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On April 5, 2023, Persicke pleaded guilty to a two-count superseding criminal information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Baker City Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Oregon State Police and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
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Ore. Dept. of Public Safety Standards and Training - 09/29/23 11:27 AM
TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE
MEETING SCHEDULED
Notice of Regular Meeting
The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on November 1, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Wright at (503) 378-2191.
The Telecommunications Policy Committee meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon/
Agenda Items
1. Introductions
2. Approve March 16, 2023, Meeting Minutes
3. Administrative Closures (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho
a. Renee Elizabeth Heidy; DPSST No. 43198
Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Telecommunicator; Basic Emergency Medical Dispatcher; and Instructor Certifications
b. Teonna Johnson; DPSST No. 56804
Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications
4. Applicant Review Committee Member Nominations
Presented by Chris Brodniak
5. Program Manager Updates
6. Agency Updates
7. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: February 7, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
Administrative Announcement
This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Telecommunications Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.
PacificSource Health Plans - 09/29/23 11:00 AM
PLEASE NOTE: The earlier version of this press release erroneously mentioned that Medicare Advantage includes transportation benefits. That is incorrect and has been removed from the release below.
Members will see no disruption to care or coverage—Medicare Advantage plans will automatically renew for 2024 with no action required
(Bend, Ore.) Sept. 29, 2023—Today, PacificSource announced it has worked out an agreement with St. Charles Health System to ensure that its Medicare Advantage plans will continue in Central Oregon with no disruption in care or coverage to members. PacificSource Medicare Advantage members will automatically be reenrolled for 2024 plans with no action required.
While St. Charles Health System had previously stated it was reevaluating its ongoing participation in Medicare Advantage contracts, PacificSource worked with St. Charles to ensure continuity of coverage and services for PacificSource Medicare Advantage members through the entirety of 2024.
“This agreement is a positive result for our region’s Medicare-eligible seniors, and also some of its most vulnerable community members,” said Dr. John “Espi” Espinola, PacificSource’s president and CEO. “PacificSource will continue to advocate for our members to make certain that they can continue to access affordable, high-quality healthcare in Central Oregon. We are pleased to have secured this successful outcome with St. Charles and will continue to work with them to improve the Medicare Advantage experience for their patients.”
Medicare Advantage is for seniors and people with disabilities under 65 and offers more benefits than Original Medicare. PacificSource has 15,500 Medicare Advantage members of which 2500 are dual-eligible seniors, who qualify for extra benefits due to health, income or disability needs. People choose Medicare Advantage because these plans offer more benefits with less cost. PacificSource Medicare Advantage plans offer vision, dental, hearing, and gym membership benefits that would cost thousands more per year with Original Medicare. Dual-eligible members of PacificSource also qualify for essential benefits such as grocery stipends.
“As a local nonprofit serving Central Oregon for more than 25 years, PacificSource is proud of our track record of creative problem-solving to improve the health systems in our community,” said Dr. Espinola. “We are always ready to work collaboratively with our partners and never lose sight of who is most important when we discuss care and coverage—our members and their families. Serving them will remain our priority.”
About PacificSource
PacificSource is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource has local offices throughout Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs more than 1,800 people and serves over 600,000 individuals throughout the Greater Northwest. For more information, visit PacificSource.com.
Oregon Health Authority - 09/29/23 9:03 AM
September 29, 2023
Media contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
OHA seeks input on Oregon beaches to monitor in 2024 & 2025
Public comment on proposed beach locations welcome through October 13.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) invites public comment on a list of proposed beaches to monitor for health risks in 2024 and 2025.
The list was created based on established criteria such as high recreational use, nearby pollution hazards, previously measured high bacteria levels and public input.
OBMP is a multi-agency effort with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to monitor the waters along Oregon's coastline for the presence of fecal bacteria and report elevated levels to the public. Through this program, DEQ regularly samples marine water and freshwater at 20 beaches along Oregon’s 360 miles of coastline between May and September. To protect public health, OHA issues advisories at beaches where bacteria levels are high.
This year, DEQ used the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) environmental justice screening tool to assess the potential for the OBMP efforts to benefit vulnerable and underserved populations. With this in mind, OBMP is also asking for the public to comment on the extent to which information generated from the proposed beach monitoring would serve vulnerable and underserved communities.
OHA and DEQ routinely reevaluate beaches and sampling locations to direct available resources most effectively toward public health protection. The proposed list includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon, beaches where the program has previously found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns. Based on OBMP’s evaluation criteria and preliminary environmental justice screening, OHA and DEQ propose sampling the following beaches for the 2024/2025 monitoring season:
Clatsop County
- SEASIDE BEACH – Seaside
- CANNON BEACH – Cannon Beach
- TOLOVANA SP BEACH – Cannon Beach
Coos County
- BASTENDORFF BEACH – Coos Bay
- SUNSET BAY SP BEACH – Coos Bay
Curry County
- HUBBARD CREEK BEACH – Port Orford
- HARRIS BEACH SP – Brookings
- MILL BEACH – Brookings
- CRISSEY FIELD RECREATION SITE – Brookings (new for 2024/2025)
Lane County
- HECETA BEACH – Florence
Lincoln County
- D RIVER SP BEACH – Lincoln City
- BEVERLY BEACH – Newport
- AGATE SP BEACH – Newport
- NYE BEACH – Newport
- SEAL ROCK SP BEACH – Seal Rock
- SILETZ BAY – Lincoln City (new for 2024/2025)
- ONA BEACH (Brian Booth – Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock (new for 2024/2025)
Tillamook County
- SHORT SAND SP BEACH – Arch Cape
- MANZANITA BEACH – Manzanita
- ROCKAWAY BEACH – Rockaway
- TWINS ROCKS BEACH– Twin Rocks
- OCEANSIDE – Oceanside
- CAPE KIWANDA – Pacific City
- NESKOWIN SP BEACH – Neskowin
Note: Beaches marked with ‘’ refer to those with potential environmental justice communities that may be likely to recreate at the beach.
To add beaches to the list and continue to operate within available OBMP resources, DEQ would need to reduce sampling locations at other beaches. If locations are removed from the list, it would be only locations where historical data show low risk. The three beaches proposed for addition to OBMP, which are included in the list above, are:
- ONA BEACH
- CRISSEY FIELD RECREATION SITE
- SILETZ BAY
OBMP will accept public comments and suggestions on the proposed 2024/2025 beaches through Oct. 13. Contact OBMP by email at each.Health@oha.oregon.gov">Beach.Health@oha.oregon.gov or call 971-673-0400 to submit input.
For more information about OBMP, visit the program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.
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Oregon Nurses Assn. - 09/29/23 8:40 AM
(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Nearly 250 doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants at all eight Legacy Health hospitals across Oregon and Washington are headed towards a union election.
An overwhelming majority of Legacy Health’s hospital doctors and advanced practice providers filed union authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Sept. 29. Health care professionals at Legacy are unionizing to improve patient care and ensure providers at the bedside have a voice in decisions that impact patient care, community health and their colleagues' working conditions.
“The hospital works best when physicians have a strong voice. Legacy truly needs our help running the hospital and fixing its many systemic issues. Forming a union gives us the best means to do so,” said Dr. Rob Morgan, an internal medicine physician at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. “I love working at Legacy and I love our team. It's my sincerest hope to work here for the rest of my career in medicine. Through our union, I hope we can build a strong long-term relationship with hospital leadership that prioritizes our wellbeing and necessary resources for providing safe, sustainable, high-quality patient care now and in the future.”
The providers include frontline doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants at:
- Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland
- Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland
- Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland
- Legacy Unity Center for Behavioral Health in Portland
- Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center in Tualatin
- Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham
- Legacy Silverton Medical Center in Silverton
- Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, WA
The group will be represented by the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA)—a physician and advanced practice provider union represented by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT Local 6552) and serviced by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
“Our pursuit in medicine has always been to deliver high-quality, equitable care to the members of our community. The climate of health care is changing and our mission is increasingly difficult to achieve. With changes to benefit infrastructure and hour requirements, it is our duty to ensure these changes are progressive and consistent with the ideals surrounding patient safety, care quality, and physician wellbeing,” said Dr. Eduardo Serpa, an internal medicine physician at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. “We are unionizing to have a significant seat at the table and to prioritize meaningful engagement regarding changes to how we operate and deliver care. Our unified voice strengthens our advocacy and in turn galvanizes our resolve towards a better future for physicians and our patients.”
The providers will meet with the NLRB in the coming weeks to confirm unit details and schedule an election date. If approved, they will join the nearly 700 ONA union nurses and mental and behavioral health professionals working in the Legacy Health system and add to the list of recent physician and advanced practice provider unionization wins in Oregon including successful organizing efforts at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and Providence Women’s Clinics in the Portland metro area; Providence Home Health and Hospice professionals who work throughout the Portland metro, North Coast, Yamhill County and the Columbia River Gorge areas; and Providence Medford Medical Center in Southern Oregon.
Although unionized nurses have been advocating for better patient care and working conditions in Oregon for more than 100 years, new groups of Oregon health care workers are now joining or forming their own unions in large numbers. Twenty years ago, few US physicians were part of a union, but as health care systems have become larger and more corporate, doctors see collective bargaining as the best way to ensure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their profession and their patients.
Legacy Health is a private nonprofit health system which operates eight hospitals and more than 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington. It recently made news after unlawfully attempting to close the Family Birth Center at Legacy Mt. Hood, the horrific acts of violence in the workplace at Legacy Good Samaritan, and its announced intent to merge with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
During the pandemic, Legacy collected more than $400 million in profits between 2020-2022 including nearly $100 million in taxpayer bailouts via the CARES Act. Prior to 2020, Legacy’s hospital profits averaged between $44 million to $79 million per year. Legacy also owns a significant $1 billion + investment portfolio.
The Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) started as the first hospitalist-specific labor union in the United States. PNWHMA is affiliated with AFT Nurses and Health Professionals—the fastest-growing healthcare union in the country—which represents more than 200,000 members in 100 locals in 18 states and territories.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 16,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
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Oregon Health Authority - 09/28/23 4:20 PM
September 28, 2023
Media Contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
Recreational use advisory lifted for Ross Island Lagoon Sept. 28
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Ross Island Lagoon in Multnomah County. As of today, there are no other advisories in place for the Willamette River.
OHA first issued the advisory for Ross Island Lagoon on Aug. 9.
Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in the Ross Island Lagoon are below recreational guideline values for people.
OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Be aware that only a fraction of waterbodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria Harmful Algae Bloom website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.
When recreating, people and especially small children and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.
Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving behind the toxins released. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.
For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.
Bend Fire & Rescue - 09/28/23 4:09 PM
Please see attached flyer for details. Open House event, Saturday, October 14th from 10am-2pm, 63377 Jamison Street, Bend. Fun for entire family. Contact Melissa is you need more details from the flyer.
ODOT: East. Ore. - 09/28/23 3:32 PM
Expect up to 20-minute delays along OR Highway 86 (Baker-Copperfield Hwy) tonight and tomorrow night (Sept. 28 and 29) to accommodate an oversized load being transported from Baker City to the Idaho border. The shipment will travel down the center of the road at times due to its extreme weight and size. Traffic will be stopped with flaggers and pilot cars until it is safe to pass. The shipment will travel to the Idaho border the first night, then return towards I-84 on the second night. Please plan extra travel time along this route and be patient while this equipment is transported to one of the Snake River dams in Idaho. The shipment does not contain any hazardous materials.
Check TripCheck.com for update information.
Oregon Department of Human Services - 09/28/23 3:05 PM
(Salem) – Orange Shirt Day is a day for truth and reconciliation highlighting the effects of the Indian boarding school system. It opens the door for a global conversation about all aspects of the Indian boarding school system which caused Indigenous populations to lose their cultural identities through policies of forced assimilation. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the legacy of these schools on Indigenous communities.
On Sept. 29, staff at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will wear orange to honor the survivors and victims of the federal Indian boarding school system. Orange Shirt Day falls on the final day of the annual ODHS Tribal-State ICWA Conference in Grande Ronde. The conference, held from Sept. 27-29, focuses on training and education related to ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) and ORICWA (Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act).
ODHS’ commitment to dismantling all forms of systemic racism is led by reconciliation and collaboration with all Tribal communities within Oregon and is strengthened by our Equity North Star, which is our agency wide vision that leads to a more equitable Oregon for all.
“Orange Shirt Day represents a powerful Indigenous movement throughout the United States and Canada,” said Adam Becenti, ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs Director. “Orange Shirt Day is a call to action and awareness, but more importantly an opportunity to honor the lives taken and those who survived this atrocity.”
“We will be wearing orange to honor the survivors and victims of the Indian boarding school system and to recognize the trauma it caused for generations of Tribal families and children,” said Aprille Flint-Gerner, ODHS Child Welfare Director. “In Oregon, our Child Welfare Division’s Vision for Transformation commits us to doing the work of dismantling oppressive practices that contribute to disparate and disproportionate outcomes for Tribal children. Our commitment is to repair, improve and move forward in partnership with the Nine Tribes of Oregon.”
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s 2022 investigation report, between 1819 and 1969, the federal Indian boarding school system operated more than 400 schools across 37 states or then-territories. During this time thousands of Indigenous children were separated from their families and placed in the school system, many did not survive. The investigation identified marked and unmarked burial sites at approximately 53 different schools across the school system.
The federal Indian boarding school system deployed systematic militarized and identity-alteration methodologies in an attempt to assimilate American Indian and Alaska Native children through education, including but not limited to renaming Tribal children English names; cutting the hair of Tribal children; discouraging or preventing the use of Tribal languages, religions and cultural practices; and organizing children into units to perform military drills.
As early as 1874, a boarding school was built at Warm Springs in Oregon, and others were later constructed at Siletz, Grand Ronde, Klamath, and Umatilla. Today, Chemawa Indian School, located in Salem, Oregon is an accredited high school that serves American Indian and Alaska Native students. Chemawa is the oldest continuously operated off-reservation boarding school in the United States.
For Orange Shirt Day press kit materials and stories from Indigenous Oregonians, go to the ODHS Tribal Affairs web page.
About the ODHS Office Tribal Affairs
The Office of Tribal Affairs within the ODHS Director’s Office is a team committed to all Oregon Tribal communities thriving mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Tribal Affairs works with all five ODHS programs to create and provide Tribally appropriate programming, services, policies and support. Through Tribal consultation with Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, ODHS ensures programming, services, and policies meet the needs of Oregon Tribal communities.
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Oregon Health Authority - 09/28/23 2:56 PM
September 28, 2023
Media contacts: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
Tolovana State Park health advisory lifted Sept. 28
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Tolovana State Park, located in Clatsop County.
The health authority issued the advisory Sept. 26, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.
Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and avoiding runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.
Since 2003, state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. State agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.
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Western Oregon University - 09/28/23 2:38 PM
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for summer 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each term an honor roll of undergraduate students who earn 12 or more credits which are not of a pass/no pass nature and who earn a grade point average of 3.50 or higher
The following Western students have been named to the Honor Roll List:
Mohammed Alaqlan
Zoya Altuhova
Esmeralda Amescua
Christine Anders
Jessica Armfield
Lynzey Arp
Leela Ayres
Adam Barnett
Yasmin Castaneda Benavides
Larenda Bennett
Abigail Bethke
Nicholas Beyer
Hailey Blue
Raymond Bourke
Breanne Bridge
Andrea Capellino
Alexis Chilcote
Jonathan Contreras
Christian Conway
Rachael Cox
Parbata Dahal
Elizabeth Doty
Johanna Easter
Sinikka Edelen
Jessie Eschweiler
Audrey Fasching
Measia Fenn
Yeudiel Alvarez Flores
Cavan Fowler
Aiden Grabill
Avery Green
Tayler Hart
Candace Hastings
Amber Houghtaling
Ashley Hulse
Malino Jacinto
Nora Jamal
Megan Kaiser
Natalie Katon
Bailey Keator
Muhammad Khan
Tyler Lane
Ashlie Lee
Camryn Lien
Regan Luoma
Tia Mack
Savannah Manning
Sydney Martin
Maizie McCoy
Tessa McCoy
Laurel McGuigan
Christopher Means
Angela Mendoza
Cameron Merritt
Alex Michaels
Ririko Miyamoto
Charles Moody
Lisa Moya
Kayli Nagel
Ryan Naugle
Ashlynn Norton
Amanda Oliver
Reyna Blaylock-Ortega
Justice Presley
Thomas Segovia
Danielle Pastre
Allison Peterson
Jaden Perez
Anahi Ponce
Sierra Porter
Daniel Pruneda
Aubrey Rainville
Shelbie Reddick
Tyler Renfro
Dylan Renfro
Elisabeth Robischon
Mercedes Rodne
Yesenia Romero
Katherine Russell
Ammon Saboe
Patricia Salinas
Noah Schnell
Jasmine Scott
Shyla Sell
Brittany Smith
Lauren Smith
Jessica Smith
Courtney Stalmann
Samantha Stinson
Grace Tallman
Rachel Thijssen
Noa Thomas
Lily Toma
Amanda Vanderhoof
Megan Van Krieken
Kaylie Vaughan
Ylianna Veliz
Amrit Virk
Hope Warrick
Emily Webb
James Wollenweber
Macee Woods
Students from Oregon cities
Albany
Jessica Armfield
Yasmin Castaneda Benavides
Alexis Chilcote
Camryn Lien
Tessa McCoy
Lisa Moya
Reyna Blaylock-Ortega
Rachel Thijssen
Alsea
Shyla Sell
Aurora
Breanne Bridge
Beaverton
Jonathan Contreras
Muhammad Khan
Bend
Alex Michaels
Clatskanie
Natalie Katon
Grace Tallman
Corvallis
Leela Ayres
Raymond Bourke
Rachael Johnson Cox
Elizabeth Doty
Megan Kaiser
Cameron Merritt
Mercedes Rodne
Dallas
Measia Fenn
Ashlie Lee
Allison Peterson
Thomas Segovia
Courtney Stalmann
Lily Toma
Emily Webb
Eugene
Sinikka Edelen
Cavan Fowler
Falls City
Amber Houghtaling
Forest Grove
Audrey Fasching
Avery Green
Gresham
Abigail Bethke
Hillsboro
Christine Anders
Amanda Vanderhoof
Independence
Lynzey Arp
Angela Mendoza
Elisabeth Robischon
Brittany Smith
Keizer
Christian Conway
Yesenia Romero
Noah Schnell
Jasmine Scott
Lebanon
Zoya Altuhova
Laurel McGuigan
Monmouth
Esmeralda Amescua
Parbata Dahal
Noa Thomas
Myrtle Creek
Aubrey Rainville
Oregon City
Jessie Eschweiler
Pendleton
Anahi Ponce
Salem
Johanna Easter
Yeudiel Flores
Aiden Grabill
Nora Jamal
Regan Luoma
Maizie McCoy
Christopher Means
Kayli Nagel
Jaden Perez
Sierra Porter
Justice Presley
Katherine Russell
Patricia Salinas
Jessica Smith
Hope Warrick
James Wollenweber
Scio
Larenda Bennett
Danielle Pastre
Shedd
Kaylie Vaughan
Sheridan
Shelbie Reddick
Sherwood
Hailey Blue
Silverton
Adam Barnett
Ammon Saboe
Springfield
Ashlynn Norton
St. Helens
Nicholas Beyer
Savannah Manning
Stayton
Charles Moody
Sutherlin
Candace Hastings
Warren
Amanda Oliver
Warrenton
Tyler Lane
Willamina
Andrea Capellino
Wilsonville
Megan Van Krieken
Woodburn
Ylianna Veliz
Yachats
Daniel Pruneda
Students from states other than Oregon
California
Petaluma - Ryan Naugle
Temecula - Tyler Renfro
Temecula - Dylan Renfro
Hawaii
Lahaina - Malino Jacinto
Wailuku - Bailey Keator
Utah
Midvale - Lauren Smith
Washington
Olympia - Tia Mack
Olympia - Tayler Hart
Renton - Samantha Stinson
Ridgefield - Sydney Martin
Seattle - Amrit Virk
Vancouver - Ashley Hulse
Vancouver - Amalia Woods
International Students
Saudi Arabia
AL RASS - Mohammed Alaglan
Japan
TOKYO - Machida - Ririko Miyamoto
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry - 09/28/23 2:24 PM
SALEM, Ore.— The Small Forestland Grant Program received $2.5 million through House Bill 5020 to help reduce wildfire risks for owners of small forestland acreage and people can now apply for the grants.
“The Small Forestland Grant Program is offering funding for projects that reduce wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels (vegetation),” said Jenna Trentadue, Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) state initiatives grant coordinator.
The grant program is taking applications now through Nov. 3. Projects must support “small forestland owner(s)” defined as an individual, group or federally recognized Indian tribe in Oregon, who owns up to 160 acres west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains or up to 640 acres east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains. The funding is a new allocation continuing work described in Section 24 of Senate Bill 762.
“The projects may treat multiple private ownerships as long as each owner receiving treatment meets the small forestland owner’s definition,” said Trentadue. “It is beneficial to work together with other landowners or with a sponsor for the application, selection of a contractor, and final reporting requirements.”
Like all government grant submissions, eligibility requirements must be met for this program, here are some of the main ones:
- Projects must reduce the risk of high severity wildfire by treating hazardous fuels and at least 75 percent of project costs must go towards this.
- Total other expenses for the project, including indirect and service costs, are not to exceed 25 percent.
- Requested funding is more than $10,000 and up to $300,000.
- 25 percent leverage is strongly suggested. Sponsor in-kind expenses, landowner labor rates, fuels mitigation, and other state funds are eligible with the exception of the Landscape Resiliency Grant Program.
- All project work would need to be completed by May, 2025.
- Project does not generate net revenue.
- Equipment costs (Equipment is considered a single item over $5,000) are applicable if it meets the intent of the grant to support small forestland owners in reducing wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels on the owners’ property, prescribed fire equipment is applicable, however fire suppression equipment is not.
For a complete application package and all requirements visit the ODF small forestland grant website.
“Projects covered by these grants are a major step toward protecting people, their homes, and natural resources in Oregon by making private forestland healthier and more resilient in the face of changing climate and wildfire environment,” said Trentadue. “I highly encourage people to apply and take advantage of this grant program.”
Oregon Historical Society - 09/28/23 1:19 PM
A special section of the Oregon Historical Society’s Oregon Historical Quarterly highlights sea otter history in the Pacific Northwest
Portland, OR — Oregon’s nearshore waters were once the homeland to thousands of sea otters, an iconic species in the history of what is now known as Oregon. Sea otters have held a special role in the cultural, spiritual, and economic life of coastal Native American communities, with oral traditions documenting the species’ significance. Their lustrous pelts brought great wealth in late eighteenth- and nineteenth-century China, motivating Euro-Americans to broker some of the earliest contact and trade between themselves and Native American people along the Oregon coast. Over a century of zealous hunting and trading of sea otters, by Native people and Euro-Americans, eliminated the species from Oregon’s coastal waters over 100 years ago.
In a special section of the Fall 2023 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly (OHQ), “Sea Otters in Oregon,” local scholars explore the existence and significance of the species in the region, drawing on academic work, archival records, archaeological findings, and Native oral tradition to trace the history of this now-absent ecological and cultural keystone species. Although most accounts of the extirpation of sea otters from the Oregon coast focus on the well-documented international maritime fur trade of the late eighteenth and early twentieth centuries, the authors reveal historical records that demonstrate sea otters persisted much later.
In “Glimpses of Oregon’s Sea Otters,” Cameron La Follette and Douglas Deur introduce the history of Oregon’s now-extinct sea otter population, describing the emergence of the Chinese market that created and sustained the hunt, the British discovery of potential profits of trading sea otter pelts, and the rise of American traders.
Douglas Deur, Peter Hatch (Hanis Coos, Siuslaw), and Hannah Wellman explore the complimentary lines of evidence of sea otters’ significance among Native oral tradition and archaeological findings in “The House Full of Otters: Recalling Human-Sea Otter Relationships on an Indigenous Oregon Coast.” Native oral traditions recall a rich history of human encounters with sea otters and speak of the species’ ubiquity, significance, and sentience. Archaeological evidence of sea otter use, found on sites along the Oregon coast, further attest to this longstanding relationship.
In “The Invisible Slaughter: Local Sea Otter Hunters on the Oregon Coast,” Cameron La Follette, Richard Ravalli, Peter Hatch, Douglas Deur, and Ryan Tucker Jones uncover a long-ignored history of sea otters continuing to inhabit the Oregon coast, although in diminishing numbers, much later than the early nineteenth century, when well-documented accounts associated with international maritime history place their drastic decline and regional extirpation. Their research suggests that sea otter extinction on the Oregon coast (and Washington and California as well) resulted from household-scale hunting by Native Americans and Euro-American settlers from the mid-nineteenth century until around 1910.
Many of the authors of the special section are board members or advisors of the Elakha Alliance, a nonprofit organization with a mission to “restore a healthy population of sea otters to the Oregon coast and to thereby make Oregon’s marine and coastal ecosystem more robust and resilient.” Elakha (ee-LAK-uh), a Chinook word for sea otter, was resurrected in 2018 after some inactive years by tribal, nonprofit, and conservation leaders who are aware that the sea otter is considered a keystone species, and that Oregon’s nearshore marine ecosystem has suffered as a result of their absence.
As the journal of record for Oregon history, the Oregon Historical Quarterly publishes well-researched, well-written history about Oregon and the Pacific Northwest for both scholars and general readers. Nearing its 125th volume year, OHQ amplifies knowledge and perspectives that traditional scholarship has often silenced and sparks relevant conversations about history.
The Fall 2023 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly is now available for purchase in the Oregon Historical Society’s Museum Store for $10, and a subscription to OHQ is a benefit of Oregon Historical Society membership. Abstracts for the articles featured in this special issue are available online.
About the Oregon Historical Society
For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry - 09/28/23 12:17 PM
SALEM, Ore. – The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 in the John Day Unit office, 415 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.
The committee’s agenda includes:
- Operator of the Year selection
- Review forest practices technical guidance – Working group debrief
- Division updates
The public may attend in-person or online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by emailing estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.
Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.
Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry - 09/28/23 11:06 AM
ST. PAUL, Ore. —As the J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard marks its 50th anniversary, its impressive history of forest conservation and genetic mastery in Oregon's Willamette Valley is in the spotlight.
Initially envisioned for a state prison, the 400-acre site near St. Paul was bought by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in 1973, becoming one of Oregon's main sources for tree seeds. Today, it aids in regrowing forests critical to the state's economy, environment, and societal well-being.
Don Kaczmarek, ODF Geneticist, emphasized the orchard’s commitment to traditional breeding, stating, "Currently the orchard is in its third breeding cycle. The first cycle was from wild parent trees that are tested to determine which produce the best progeny, then placing them in the orchard. The second cycle crosses the best selected progenies from the first cycle. The third cycle is currently being monitored with in-place progeny tests and will be monitored for the next 10 years or so. Douglas-fir and Western hemlock are our two most advanced breeding programs."
The orchard refrains from genetic modifications, focusing on natural traits like increased growth rates, widespread adaptability, and insect and disease resistance. Such efforts have addressed challenges like the Swiss needle cast, a disease notorious for defoliating Douglas-firs in their first and second years.
From its inception, the seed orchard has thrived as a cooperative venture. Today, it boasts 38 separate seed orchards, with 70 percent of efforts going towards improved Douglas-fir. Each orchard is monitored and maintained for a diverse group of 28 cooperators, including federal agencies, ODF, tribes, and private companies.
Over the last 20 years, 28,000 pounds of Douglas-fir seeds have been harvested, capable of reforesting around 1.3 million acres in the western regions of Oregon and Washington. "Roughly 95 percent of the Douglas-fir in these regions originates from improved seeds from orchards like ours," Kaczmarek said.
Beyond seed production, the seed orchard aims to become the most cost-effective seed producer in the Pacific Northwest. Staff are refining techniques and collaborating with partners like Oregon State University to pinpoint the best genetic sources, ensuring the future of Oregon's forests remains green and resilient and is an invaluable asset to a sustainable timber industry in Oregon.
J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard will host its 50th anniversary celebration in May 2024. The event will be hosted by Casara Nichols, J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard Manager, and seed orchard staff.
Bend Fire & Rescue - 09/27/23 5:25 PM
Shortly after 7:00 PM tonight, Bend Fire and Rescue responded to a report of smoke in the KTVZ news building located at 62990 OB Riley road. The building was occupied at the time. Staff called 911 and evacuated the building. Fire crews searched the interior and roof for the source and found a fire in an interior office. The fire was extinguished and building ventilated. Damage is estimated at $50000 in contents and $10000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
UPDATED INFORMATION:
After further investigation it was determined the fire was caused by lithium battery chargers in an office in the center of the building. The chargers were for the camera and lighting batteries used by reporters. When the fire started it spread to nearby storage bins and bags. Its unclear if the charger or the battery failed in this case. With the quick response by staff and calling 911, the fire was kept small and the building is able to be reoccupied as soon as the smoke odor has been cleaned up.
To help prevent this type of fire in your home or business; here are some safety tips for battery charging whether it's camera batteries, e-bikes, drones, or any battery or device with a battery in it:
- Follow all manufactures guidelines for use of the charger and battery.
- Never charge a lithium battery that has been damaged, has signs of damage or is wet. Replace the battery before using or charging the device.
- Once the battery has charged, most manufactures suggest removing the battery from the charger or unplugging the charger to stop the charging process. With no power source, the battery and charger will have less of a chance to over heat or fail. Over charging can lead to fires.
- Set a timer to remind you when the charging is done so you can remove the battery.
- Keep chargers away from other combustibles in case they do catch on fire, its harder for the fire to spread.
- Stop using any charger or battery that appears damaged, isn't charging properly or is malfunctioning. Replace the device immediately.
- Lithium batteries can be recycled, please do not throw them in the trash. They can be taken to your local recycling/transfer center for recycling and many electronics stores have battery recycling bins. The components can be made into new batteries. Alkaline batteries can be disposed of into the regular trash. Deschutes County Solid Waste and local garbage companies ask that you do not throw them in the trash. Lithium batteries in the trash can get damaged and wet during the disposal process and pose a risk of a fire in the trash can, dumpster, garbage truck and possibly the landfill itself.
Western Oregon University - 09/27/23 3:43 PM
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Peter and the Wolves, a beloved Hood to Coast Relay team, is proud to mark its 32nd year of participation in this iconic Oregon event. Founded in 1991 by Peter Courtney, the team has evolved over the years into a tight-knit group of runners with strong connections to Western Oregon University (WOU).
Peter Courtney’s journey with Hood to Coast began when he joined a random team as a last-minute runner. Instantly captivated by the experience, he went on to form his own team, consisting of runners connected to WOU, including staff, students, and alumni. Today, the team boasts a roster of eight alumni and one nearly retired staff member, all bound together by their shared passion for this extraordinary race.
The Hood to Coast Relay spans 200 miles from Timberline to Seaside, and each runner takes turns covering legs ranging from three to eight miles, with each participant completing a total of three legs before reaching the finish line on the beautiful Oregon coast.
This year, Sarah Lorenzen ‘98, a dedicated member who has also served as co-captain for several years, celebrates her 16th anniversary on the team. Despite being asked to join the team only one month before race day, Lorenzen enthusiastically accepted the challenge and has been an integral part of the group since 2007.
“Our team may not be the fastest but we've cultivated the best team that supports each other on the crazy journey from Timberline to Seaside,” shares Lorenzen.
Alongside Lorenzen, the team includes fellow co-captain Ray Jones ‘06, Annie Reed ‘15, Spencer Walsh ‘06, Chris Reed ‘11, Laura Beckert ‘07, Jeremiah Beckert ‘06, Chris Campbell, and Darin Silbernagel, who currently serves as Western’s Treasurer. These dedicated individuals, all with their unique stories and backgrounds, come together each year to tackle the relay, embodying the true spirit of camaraderie and teamwork that defines Peter and the Wolves.
Peter and the Wolves look forward to yet another exhilarating Hood to Coast Relay and are excited to continue their tradition.
If you are interested in joining the team or becoming a substitute runner, please contact the Director of Alumni Engagement at alumni@wou.edu.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. - 09/27/23 3:00 PM
SALEM, Ore — Oregon State Parks offers prime viewing spots for the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse. Visitors to parks within the path of annularity will watch the moon partially cover the sun, which creates a ‘ring of fire’ because the moon appears slightly smaller as it passes.
“Our park staff are ready to help visitors safely view this phenomenon,” said JR Collier, deputy of Statewide Operations.
He added that a limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available at Oregon State Parks on the day of the event.
He also emphasizes that safety is crucial while observing an eclipse.
Use ISO 12312-2 certified solar filters, avoid damaged filters, and consider projection methods. The eclipse glasses from the 2017 event are expired and shouldn’t be used.
Travelers coming to Oregon should prepare for potential traffic congestion, check local weather conditions, and pack essentials, including water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Whether you're an experienced eclipse enthusiast or a first-time observer, prioritize safety, and plan your trip to witness the ‘ring of fire’ against Oregon's breathtaking landscapes and clear skies.
For more information and updates about viewing the eclipse from an Oregon state park, please visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=327.
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Praxis Health - 09/27/23 2:46 PM
High Lakes Redmond Urgent Care Press Release:
Bend, OR – High Lakes Urgent Care - Praxis Health is pleased to announce the grand opening of a new Urgent Care location that will expand our team and provide more high-quality healthcare services for our community. Beginning October 4th, 2023, the High Lakes Redmond Urgent Care location will share the same facilities as High Lakes Redmond located at 645 NW 4th St Redmond OR 97756
This expansion marks the continued growth of Praxis Health (gopraxishealth.com), Oregon’s largest, independent medical group, recently voted Best Medical Group 2023 in Central Oregon for the sixth year in a row (The Source Weekly) and winner of The Community Choice Award of The Best Medical Group 2023 in Bend (The Bend Bulletin).
High Lakes is focused on providing the highest possible level of compassionate, individualized care. As an organization that is family-owned and operated, we believe in the importance of delivering community-oriented care through accessible services that optimize the health and quality of life for all persons. We recognize that patients’ trust in their healthcare professionals is extremely valuable to clinical practice, ensuring that their personal needs are placed at the forefront. We are excited that this expansion will help provide on-site, team-based urgent care for all our patients.
Praxis Health is rooted in our local communities and our goal is to remain connected to the people and places as we continue to grow. We promise to continue to deliver outstanding, personalized care to all of our patients while honoring the needs of each community that we serve. For more information about us, please visit our website at HighLakesHealthCare.com.
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The addition of our Bend Urgent Care in 2018 has contributed to the positive experience of our primary care patients. We were able to increase access for our patients extending into the evenings and weekends; offer a lower cost option for care; and allow for seamless continuity of care and information between patients’ PCP and their immediate care services. We are delighted to bring this same level of service to our Redmond community. We are pleased to now serve the Redmond, Sisters, and outlying areas so patients do not have to travel to Bend to receive the high level of care delivered at High Lakes Urgent Care.
- Becca Mataya, Regional Administrator
Oregon Health Authority - 09/27/23 2:05 PM
Sept. 27, 2023
Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, timothy.heider@oha.oregon.gov
Measure 110 data report show gains continued in clients served substance use treatment and other service and supports
SALEM, Ore. — Measure 110 providers reported continued increases in the number of clients served statewide in all seven network service areas, according to new program reports filed with Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
Overdose prevention and peer support services accounted for the largest client gains in the quarterly reporting and over all three quarters. Substance use treatment providers reported 41 percent more clients in quarterly gains and 104 percent over the first three quarters.
The latest reporting encompasses activity from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2023 — the third quarterly reporting period since the Measure 110 networks were established.
Among the highlights:
- Over the three quarters, providers reported the largest percentage of client gains in supported employment and housing services at 365 percent and 190 percent respectively.
- Providers reported more than 7,000 people received substance use disorder treatment — a 104% increase over the three quarters.
- Providers reported more than 47,000 service encounters for people seeking substance use treatment — a 134% increase over all three quarters.
“It’s encouraging to see the reported client gains by Measure 110 service providers. It’s another sign that the statewide networks are taking hold and more people are getting treatment along with critically needed services and supports,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke.
Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) providers report the number of clients they serve, and the number of encounters they have with their clients as a measure of overall engagement. Some clients may receive multiple services within a network or within multiple service networks.
OHA has developed a comprehensive Measure 110 data reporting dashboard that includes quarterly data, expenditures, key demographic information, and aggregated narrative summaries for the 42 statewide service networks.
Also starting this reporting period, the dashboard will contain stories of how Measure 110 is working to save lives, support people in recovery, stabilize youth and families and help people find housing and employment.
The third quarter reporting shows that investments are trending away from the emphasis on capital expenditures and toward sustained treatment and recovery services.
The largest expenditures continued to be housing services at more than $8.7 million in the third quarter, representing the historic investment the Oversight and Accountability Council has made in building new recovery housing across the state.
Preliminary data also showed more client engagement among communities of color. Over the three quarters the number of people seeking substance use treatment increased by 126 percent for people identifying as Hispanic/Latino, Latina or Latinx, 49 percent for people identifying as Black/African American and 180 percent for people identifying as American Indian/Alaskan Native.
The Measure 110 program continues to refine service data collection for communities of color and other disproportionately affected communities, as the networks transition toward implementing Race Ethnicity and Language Disability (REALD) standards in their data collection.
More than one-third of the providers credited Measure 110 funding for enabling them to expand services and decrease wait times for accessing treatment, while nearly 40 percent cited staff retention and recruiting as an ongoing challenge.
One provider cited an example of decreased wait times: “Our transitional home was opened, and we had immediate placement of one family, including a mother and her infant.”
The deadline for the next round of reporting is Oct. 2 for expenditure data and Oct.16 for operational and will cover the time between April through June 30, 2023.
Background: In November 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act of 2020, which became effective Dec. 4, 2020, to better serve people actively using substances or diagnosed with a substance use disorder. In July 2021, the legislature passed SB 755, which amended the act and made it more feasible to implement.
People who provide drug treatment and recovery services and advocates for criminal justice reform wrote Measure 110 in response to the high rate of drug addiction and overdoses in Oregon, and the disproportionate impact of those outcomes on Oregon’s communities of color.
Their goal was to establish a more equitable health-based and effective approach to substance use disorder.
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Oregon Health Authority - 09/27/23 1:15 PM
September 27, 2023
Media contacts:
Erica Heartquist, Oregon Health Authority, ica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov">Erica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov, 503-871-8843
Jake Sunderland, Oregon Department of Human Services, land@odhs.oregon.gov">Jake.Sunderland@odhs.oregon.gov, 503-877-0170
Latest monthly data continues to show more than 7 out of 10 Oregonians keeping medical benefits as state reviews eligibility
SALEM, Ore. – The latest renewal data continues to show that more than 7 out of 10 Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits. So far, around 1 in 8 people’s benefits are ending.
Compared with other states, Oregon has the third lowest benefit closure rate in the nation among completed renewals. Learn more about the steps Oregon is taking to expand access to health coverage.
OHP renewals after the pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government allowed states to keep people on Medicaid and did not require annual eligibility renewals. This ended when the public health emergency ended, and Oregon is currently making sure everyone on OHP is still eligible.
Everyone who has OHP or other Medicaid-funded services and supports will receive a renewal notice by mid-2024. The notice will explain whether the member needs to provide additional information or take action to keep their coverage.
Oregon can process many renewals automatically. Some members need to provide additional information so that we can determine if they are still eligible. Additional information requested from members may include documents such as paystubs or a renewal packet they are asked to review, sign and return.
OHP renewals so far
Between April and September 21, 2023, 807,765 people have come up for renewal. This represents 55.3% of all the OHP and Medicaid members whose eligibility will be reviewed.
- 522,613 people (70.1%) were renewed. Some of these members will also need to provide information to keep their benefits; these members will be recategorized in an upcoming update to our Medical Redeterminations Dashboard .
- 96,530 people (12.0%) were found ineligible and received 60-day notices of termination. Losses of coverage began at the end of June.
- 23,770 people (2.9%) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue our Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.
- We are currently awaiting responses from 12,262 people (1.5%).
- Renewals for 109,218 people (13.5%) are awaiting state action. For instance a member has responded to their renewals and the information needs to be reviewed.
September OHP renewal requests
In September, renewal letters were sent to an additional 142,934 people.
- 102,700 of those people (71.9%) were renewed without any action needed.
- 30,922 people (21.6%) were asked to provide some information to renew. The most common requests are for income-related proof, like paystubs, or forms of identification, like a government identification or birth certificate.
- 11,231 people (7.9%) were asked to fill out a renewal form.
- 8,123 people (5.7%) had previously reported that they no longer met income limits or other requirements, so received a notice that their benefits will be ending in 60 days.
What to do if OHP is ending:
- First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted) or find other options to connect at benefits.oregon.gov. If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings here
- Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse, or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
- If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding Medicare options, go to OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA), or call SHIBA at 800-722-4134. SHIBA counselors and insurance can help you choose the right Medicare options if you’re losing OHP coverage.
If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
- Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions and find out how much you can save and how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
- Need free local help figuring any of this out? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.
Act right away when it’s your turn to renew
Renewal notices are going out through mid-2024. If you have OHP or other Medicaid benefits, check your mail often for a letter from the state of Oregon. When receiving a letter, you should do what it asks right away to protect your benefits.
The large number of OHP renewals, along with renewals of long-term services and supports, may cause greater wait times, delays, and possible interruptions to people’s OHP benefits. OHP members are encouraged to respond as quickly as possible after they receive a request for information to avoid any possible delays. The fastest way members can provide an update is by going to benefits.oregon.gov and logging into their ONE online account.
Find help for renewing your benefits
- Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
- Call the ONE Customer Service Center: 800-699-9075 (all relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages).
- Stop by or call a local office. People can find their local office at: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx
- Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians as the agencies continue to track the state's progress in renewing eligibility for medical programs.To learn more about the marketplace, visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).To sign up for Medicare, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or go to ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
Berg & Associates - 09/27/23 12:38 PM
Home to Herman the Sturgeon, the Center is showing its age
CASCADE LOCKS, Ore., September 27, 2023—Today marks 25 years since Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF) formally dedicated the Sturgeon Interpretive and Viewing Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, home to Herman the Sturgeon. The Center was built at the hatchery to provide a safe and comfortable habitat for Herman and serve as a venue through which hatchery visitors can learn about this unique and long-lived fish species.
OWF raised more than $350,000 to construct the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, partly thanks to a grant from ODFW’s Restoration and Enhancement Program. The Sturgeon Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery is one of Oregon’s top visitor attractions and a “must-see” for people visiting the Columbia River Gorge.
“Construction of the Sturgeon Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery served the important purpose of giving Herman a safe and permanent home. Its mission to provide visitors with information about white sturgeon and their conservation continues,” said Tim Greseth, Executive Director of Oregon Wildlife Foundation.
The Center has served its purpose and mission well for 25 years, but prolonged exposure to Columbia River Gorge weather has taken a toll on the building and the interpretive signage within it needs to speak to a present-day audience. This appraisal, on the anniversary of the Center, spurred the Foundation into action. OWF is readying a fundraising campaign to make essential repairs to the building, improvements within the pond, updated messaging regarding white sturgeon and their conservation, and improved wayfinding for people visiting the hatchery.
“We want to ensure that the Sturgeon Interpretive Center will continue fulfilling its purpose and mission for another 25 years,” said Greseth. The Foundation, as part of its fundraising campaign, will make an appeal for public support in the near future. “We’re getting organized and hope that Herman’s fans will help us when it’s time,” said Greseth.
Bonneville Hatchery and Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center
The Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center is located at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, 70543 NE Herman Loop, in Cascade Locks. From I-84, take Exit 40 to Bonneville Dam/Fish Hatchery. Follow the signs to the hatchery and park in the parking lot. For more information on the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, visit www.myodfw.com/bonneville-hatchery-visitors-guide.
Oregon Wildlife Foundation
Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information visit www.myowf.org.
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Oregon Dept. of Forestry - 09/27/23 10:21 AM
SALEM, Ore. – New rule changes aimed at providing regulatory certainty for harvesting timber and to better protect fish and wildlife will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The changes came about from legislation that supported the landmark Private Forest Accord which was an agreement between the timber industry, small forest landowners, and conservation groups.
“These are the most sweeping changes to the Forest Practices Act (FPA) since it was enacted in 1973,” said Jennifer Ward, Forest Resources Division training coordinator. We are providing several training opportunities to help people better understand the changes and the possible impacts on their land.
The main overview training is titled: Forest Practices Act changes—streams, roads and more.
“The largest changes to the FPA are with stream buffers and the construction, maintenance and inventory of forest roads,” said Ward. “We will present these new rules and more importantly take the time to answer questions related to the rule changes.”
The “other” part of the training will focus on programs specifically designed to help the owners of small acreage forestlands.
“We will have our experts talk about the Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) grant program,” said Ward. “SFISH helps fund projects that improve fish habitat and reduce risks to natural resources from active or abandoned forest roads. The program provides up to 100 percent of the cost for these projects.”
The training will also provide updates on the new Forest Conservation Tax Credit Program (FCTC). FCTC provides financial benefit to small forestland owners who support conservation and habitat protection by leaving a larger unharvested area next to streams as a conservation area for the protection of wildlife habitat.
“This training is geared toward landowners and operators, including small forest landowners. Anyone is welcome to attend and learn more about these new rules,” said Ward.
The FPA changes—streams, roads and more class will be held 9 a.m. to noon on the following dates and locations:
Oct. 18—Coos Bay/North Bend, The Mill Casino/Salmon Room West, 3201 Tremont Ave, North Bend.
Oct. 26—Baker City, Best Western Sunridge Inn, 1 Sunridge Lane (City center exit 304 off I-84).
Oct. 26—Klamath Falls, Klamath County Events Center, 3531 South 6th Street.
Nov. 7—Wilsonville, Wilsonville Holiday Inn, 25425 SW 95th Ave
Registration is available on the ODF website.
e-Notification System (FERNS) New Changes will be held virtually.
This class is designed to help landowners and operators better understand how to file notices to harvest timber on their land. The class will discuss new changes to the system, including how to self-certify, road requirements, after harvest completion notices, and more. The class will cover changes for all notifiers first, then will focus on small forest landowner notifications.
The e-Notification System (FERNS) New Changes class will be held Nov. 16 at two different times. The first class is 9 a.m.-noon, use this Zoom link. The second class, with the same content as the first will be held 1-4 p.m., use this Zoom link. (No registration is required).
Oregon Health Authority - 09/27/23 9:58 AM
September 27, 2023
Media contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology and Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians seeking public comment about proposed rule changes
What: Oregon’s Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Cosmetology (COS) and Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians (CAE) are currently seeking public comment about proposed rule changes related to esthetics and advanced esthetic devices, including cross-over devices and prohibited devices.
The public comment period allows external experts, individuals, entities, advocates, and communities likely to be affected by rule changes to have their voices heard by HLO, COS and CAE during the rulemaking process.
When: Sept. 1 – Oct. 9 at noon.
Background: In 2021, the Legislature passed HB 2970, changing the scope of practice for estheticians and advanced estheticians relating to the use of certain devices. The Legislature also charged both COS and CAE to work together on defining the term “device” within both the esthetics and advanced esthetics profession.
Under HLO, the following boards filed proposed rules with the Oregon Secretary of State, both of which are published in September’s Oregon Bulletin:
- The Board of Cosmetology’s proposed rules
- The Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians proposed rules
How to comment: Reach out to Samie Patnode at Samie.Patnode@oha.oregon.gov or Carrie Edwards at rie.Edwards@oha.oregon.gov">Carrie.Edwards@oha.oregon.gov. Comments can also be submitted via regular mail to:
Health Licensing Office, Attn: Samie Patnode, 1430 Tandem Ave. NE, Suite 180, Salem, OR 97301-2192
Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. - 09/27/23 9:40 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management invites public comment on a proposal to continue protecting nearly 200 acres of migratory bird habitat within the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The proposal would extend protections that have been in place for the past 40 years for an additional 100 years, securing habitat vital to the migration and nesting of several species of migratory birds and waterfowl. Under the proposal, the roughly 200 acres would be closed to mining, subject to valid existing rights, through a withdrawal from appropriation under the public land laws including the U.S. mining laws. While the BLM is reviewing the proposal and public comment, the area is temporarily protected for up to two years.
Tomorrow’s Federal Register notice initiates a 90-day public comment period and announces an opportunity for a public meeting. The public may request a public meeting or submit comments concerning the application until Dec. 27, 2023.
Please send comments to Luke Poff at lpoff@blm.gov or BLM Oregon-Washington State Office, Attn: Luke Poff (936.1), P.O. Box 2965, Portland, Oregon 97208.
– BLM –
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Oregon State Fire Marshal - 09/27/23 9:36 AM
BEND, Ore. - The Oregon State Fire Marshal is excited to share that project work is underway for the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction (CWRR) grants awarded in June 2023. These grants, awarded to organizations across Oregon, are instrumental in fortifying communities against the threat of wildfires and advancing fire safety measures.
Central Oregon is at the forefront of these vital projects, with several organizations committed to enhancing wildfire resilience in their communities. The recipients of the CWRR grants in Central Oregon include:
- Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council - $250,000
- City of Sisters - $72,000
- Crooked River Ranch Lion’s Club - $82,431
- Deschutes County - $500,000
- Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2 - $280,679
- Deschutes River Woods Neighborhood Association - $156,300
- Grizzly Rangeland Fire Protection Association - $37,500
- Ponderosa Pines Property Owner’s Association - $140,995
- River Canyon Estates Homeowner’s Association - $27,405
These grants support a wide array of critical projects, including fuel reduction, community education, and wildfire risk mitigation strategies. The collective efforts of these organizations will significantly contribute to reducing the impact of wildfires in Central Oregon and beyond.
A notable milestone in this initiative is the delivery of a chipper to the Ponderosa Pines Property Owner’s Association, scheduled for Thursday, September 28, 2023 between noon and 1 p.m. This chipper is a valuable asset in their ongoing efforts to create defensible space and minimize wildfire risks in their community. The address is 51840 Black Pine Way.
From Bend:
South on 97 to Burgess Road
Turn right on Burgess then go to mile marker 5
Turn left on Ponderosa Way which will become Ponderosa Loop
Continue on Ponderosa Loop to Black Pine Way and turn left
Chipper area will be on the right where the buildings and water are located.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal commends these organizations for their dedication to safeguarding their communities against wildfires. The tireless work of these grant recipients is a testament to the resilience and determination of Oregonians in the face of wildfire threats.
For more information regarding the progress of the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction grants and the chipper delivery event in Central Oregon, please contact Heather Miller, OSFM Central Oregon fire risk reduction specialist at .miller@osfm.oregon.gov">heather.miller@osfm.oregon.gov or 503-509-3534.
About the Oregon State Fire Marshal
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s mission is to protect people, property and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM is committed to strengthening the safety and security of Oregon's communities by mitigating the risks associated with wildfires. Through grant funding and strategic partnerships, the agency empowers local organizations to implement effective wildfire risk reduction measures and protect lives and property.
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Oregon Health Authority - 09/27/23 9:17 AM
Sept. 27, 2023
Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459,
New supportive and residential housing investments head toward completion throughout Oregon
SALEM, Ore. —More than 1,000 new residential and supportive housing units and beds are expected to come available by July 2025, filling a critical need in communities throughout the state, according to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) estimates.
Once completed, OHA expects the new projects to increase the state’s behavioral health housing capacity by about 20 percent.
The emerging capacity springs from more than $220 million in behavioral health investments made by the 2021 Oregon Legislature. OHA has distributed these funds to housing providers over the past two years to bolster residential treatment capacity throughout the state.
“We are seeing the results of this investment bearing fruit,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke. “These investments are a giant step toward closing the residential housing gap and will add much-needed capacity during a time of great need.”
OHA is creating a comprehensive and robust dashboard providing details of the investments by county and by program, along with an estimated occupancy timeline. The dashboard is scheduled to go live this fall.
According to the dashboard approximately $100 million grants awarded in 2021 to Oregon counties will yield 712 new units and beds. Another $123 million awarded to social service providers will boost capacity by 382. An additional 42 youth residential beds are also in development.
Timelines for such projects can typically take years to complete due to logistical considerations. The calculations include development costs such as purchasing real estate, facility renovations, not operating revenues.
There have been three completed projects to date.
- Columbia Care Twin Pines in Central Point renovated 8 new beds. The project was completed May 2022 and serves people with mental illness.
- Sequoia Mental Health Inc. renovated 5 new beds in Hillsboro. The project serves people with psychiatric disabilities.
- Shangri-La Harlow House in Eugene created 5 beds for people with serious and persistent mental illness. The project was completed in November 2022.
The dashboard shows a total capacity in all forms of residential housing of 4,908 beds and supportive housing units and a cumulative cost of more than $316 million. The largest total is in supportive housing, followed by rental assistance. More than 1,000 beds are classified as supportive housing.
The dashboard content does not yet include housing supports and services funded through Measure 110.
To date, Measure 110 providers have funded 38 supportive and transitional housing projects and have created 188 new service units and beds. Most are single-family residences or renovations that were converted into supportive housing.
OHA is currently conducting a study to determine residential mental health and substance use treatment capacity throughout the state, identify gaps and guide investments. OHA expects to complete the study by the end of the year. It will inform the state’s five-year plan to expand behavioral health treatment in Oregon.
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Oregon Dept. of Revenue - 09/27/23 9:16 AM
ONTARIO, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue will host a career fair session October 4 in Ontario.
The event will take place 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the River Room of the Four Rivers Cultural Center, 676 SE 5th Ave. in Ontario. Representatives from DOR’s Human Resources office and Director Betsy Imholt will be on hand to discuss job openings and the advantages of working for the state.
The Department of Revenue offers 11 paid holidays, insurance, paid vacation, sick, and personal leave with the possible option of working from home.
Job seekers can find a complete list of openings and more information about the Ontario career event sessions and registration on the career page of the Department of Revenue’s website.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. - 09/27/23 8:00 AM
The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission voted to allow beach driving to continue in fall, winter, and spring at one access point in Lincoln City and to prohibit it year-round at the other starting Oct. 1 due to ongoing safety issues.
The new rules were adopted September 20 in cooperation with Lincoln City Council, which voted earlier to support the proposal based on its staff recommendations. Fire and rescue crews encouraged the city and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to make the changes for public safety.
“I’m grateful for our partners in Lincoln City and around Oregon who voiced their concerns and helped find a solution that balances the needs of our visitors at the Oregon Coast. This rule change provides a safer experience at the beach access points in Lincoln City,” said Central Coast District Manager Preson Phillips.
Motor vehicles will be allowed to access the ocean shore at NW 15th Street, and drive 150 feet in either direction from Oct. 1 to April 30. Motor vehicles are prohibited at all other times except for emergency vehicles.
Motor vehicles will be prohibited year-round from driving on the ocean shore at NW 34th Street in Lincoln City. Safety concerns included crowding, a lack of separation of pedestrians and vehicles and the risk of injury to visitors playing in the stream directly below the access point.
OPRD will install signs that communicate the rule changes to the public. It will also work to improve signage and communication around both access locations regarding where individuals with disabilities can access the ocean shore.
Oregon Health Authority - 09/26/23 4:38 PM
Sept. 26, 2023
Media contacts: Amber Shoebridge, 503-931-9586
er.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov">amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov
Oregon State Hospital holds memorial ceremony for historical cremains
SALEM, Ore. – Fourteen families from across the country and Canada attended Oregon State Hospital’s (OSH) cremains memorial ceremony Tuesday to claim the ashes of relatives who died at the hospital or other state institutions between 1914 and 1973 and remained unclaimed – until now.
“For some of you, you may have never met or heard of the relative you are welcoming back into your family today. Thank you for opening your hearts to them,” said OSH Superintendent Dolly Matteucci at the ceremony.
David Gilliland and his cousin Rick Ewen traveled from Saskatchewan to attend the ceremony to claim the ashes of their great aunt, Mary Ann “Minnie” Gilliland Smart, who was an OSH patient from 1930 until her death in 1934.
“It’s about honoring Minnie’s memory. It seems like the right thing to do. We decided early on because there was a repatriation opportunity that we would want to bring her home,” Gilliland said.
In the past 10 years, OSH staff and volunteers have helped reunite families with the cremains of 1,052 of the 3,500 people whose ashes are in the custody of OSH. Meanwhile, efforts continue to identify the closest living relatives of those whose ashes have not been claimed.
This year, the number of remains claimed by families grew by 76. During the ceremony, the 76 names were read aloud one by one.
For some, the reasons why family in the past could not or would not claim the remains is unknown. The reasons could be loss of contact information, the inability to afford travel or burial expenses, or the stigma of mental illness at a time when sun stroke could lead to admission to OSH as easily as syphilis or morphine addiction, Matteucci said.
“What has not changed is the dedication of the staff across Oregon State Hospital to inspire hope to people at the most difficult time in their lives, promote safety and support their recovery,” she said. “What has also not changed is the resilience of those we serve and their ability to progress and recover, and our shared goal of an individual’s return to their community.”
David Baden, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) interim director, spoke of learning from the past as OHA looks towards the future. “We can and will do right by the people in our care across the behavioral health continuum. We must do everything in our power to ensure individuals with mental illness are no longer cast aside due to stigma, lack of services or support,” he said.
Until 1973, OSH operated a crematorium and became the custodian of the unclaimed cremains of nearly 3,500 people who died while living or working at OSH, Oregon State Tuberculosis Hospital, Mid-Columbia Hospital, Dammasch State Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, Oregon State Penitentiary and Fairview Training Center. In 2014, the hospital dedicated a memorial and began holding an annual ceremony to remember those whose remains are now housed in the memorial’s columbarium. During the pandemic, the event continued virtually. The service returned to an in-person ceremony on Tuesday.
A current OSH patient shared remarks about their positive experiences receiving care at OSH during the ceremony event which also featured music performed by OSH music therapists and a prayer by the hospital’s chaplain.
After the ceremony, family members in attendance claimed their relatives’ ashes. Those unable to attend will receive their cremains, along with a rubbing of their relative’s name from the columbarium wall and the original copper canister that interred their ashes.
People can visit OSH’s online cremains directory to research whether they have a family member among the unclaimed cremains.
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Oregon Nurses Assn. - 09/26/23 11:43 AM
Agreement reached after almost 100 hours of bargaining over ten days
In-person media availability today from Noon - 1 p.m. at OHSU Waterfront Campus. Please contact Myrna Jensen at 907-350-6260 to schedule a time and be directed to an exact location.
(Portland, Ore.) - Nurses at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) successfully reached a tentative agreement with hospital management the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 25 capping off almost 60 hours of negotiation meetings over five days, including work with a mediator. Nearly 3200 nurses at OHSU are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
“Nurses at OHSU care for Oregon’s most critical patients—patients who require specialized nursing care that only we can provide. We deserve a contract that reflects the expertise, compassion and skill we bring to every patient in our care. This new contract will ensure we have the tools, the workplace safety and the staffing support necessary to deliver the high-quality care our patients deserve,” said Duncan Zevetski, RN, vice president of the ONA bargaining unit at OHSU. “I am proud of the nurses who organized, fought for and won this historic contract—a contract that our union colleagues across the country can look to as an example in their own fights for improved working conditions that will support them in caring for their patients.”
Members will vote to ratify the tentative agreement from Oct. 1-5 but detailed discussions of the proposed agreement will start Friday, Sept. 29. If approved, the agreement will include historic wage increases, which are key to retaining experienced nurses at OHSU, recruiting the next generation of nurses, and ensuring safe care for our community.
Key provisions of the tentative agreement include:
- Nurse staffing standards that align with the higher complexity patients OHSU nurses care for.
- Minimum safe staffing standards guaranteed by June 1, 2024, including a specific plan for the Emergency Department levels, and 1:3 Acute Care (mixed IMC) ratios written into the contract. A guarantee to follow professional standards that set ratios and levels for all other areas.
- Wage increases of 15%, 6%, and 6% each year as well as a new 30-step wage scale. The average base wage will increase 37% and will average to $20.67/hr increase over 3 years.
- Major expansion of the Code Green team that includes social workers trained in de-escalation for the Marquam Hill campus and newly provided to the Waterfront campus.
- Paid training for trauma-informed care, in-person de-escalation training/including advanced physical skills, crisis intervention and assault prevention.
- 24/7 coverage of metal detector screenings and DPS presence in the EDs.
- Major improvements to workplace safety at OHSU, including 50% of positions for nurses and AFSCME members on a task force to allocate $10 million in funds.
- A commitment to immediately institute urgent changes to lockdown procedures, securing entrances and other workplace violence reduction.
- The right to bargain the impacts of a merger with Legacy Health system.
- Full retro pay.
Nurses were also able to secure additional contract protections requiring break-relief assignments so that patient care isn’t compromised. Data from OHSU indicates that nurses missed at least 95,000 legally required rest in the last six months. Research has clearly shown that nurses who miss breaks are more likely to make mistakes, experience exhaustion and moral injury, and are ultimately more likely to leave the bedside—adding to a critical nursing shortage.
“AURN won strong contract language for nurse staffing across our entire institution, including care areas ranging from ambulatory to inpatient. Most importantly, the contract centers on the expertise of the nurses providing care as essential to designing and driving staffing levels. We are proud to be raising the staffing standards for high-acuity hospitals across the country,” said Erica Swartz, RN and ONA staffing committee co-chair at OHSU.
“Going into negotiations, our team was faced with the realities of what our workforce has been enduring,” said Corinn Joseph, RN and ONA bargaining team member. “Across the nation, and the world, nursing has become not only a risk to our mental health but our physical safety. We set out with the intention to build a better contract, one that would change standards. We did this not only for our nurses, but to help raise the bar for hospitals everywhere. With the help of our dedicated members, we have done just that. We can stand proud of what we have set into motion for the decades of nursing that follow! Together we create our future. Together we care for the people. Together we care for ourselves. Together we stand strong.”
Nurses began contract negotiations in December 2022 and their contract with OHSU expired on June 30, 2023. The new agreement will run through June 30, 2026.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union representing over 16,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
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Oregon Health Authority - 09/26/23 11:19 AM
September 26, 2023
Media contacts: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374,
PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
Tolovana State Park health advisory issued Sept. 26
High bacteria levels prompt OHA recommendation to avoid water contact
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Tolovana State Park in Clatsop County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.
Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:
- Stormwater runoff.
- Sewer overflows.
- Failing septic systems.
- Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.
Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.
Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.
While this advisory is in effect at Tolovana State Park, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.
For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).
American Red Cross - Cascades Region - 09/26/23 11:14 AM
$15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email for coming to give blood Oct. 1-20
Portland, OR (Sept. 26, 2023) — The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood and platelet shortage and asks the public to book a time to give as soon as possible. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets. The Red Cross offers three ways to make a donation appointment that can help save lives:
- Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App
- Visit RedCrossBlood.org
- Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
The Red Cross experienced a significant blood and platelet donation shortfall in August, contributing to the current blood and platelet shortage. To ensure the blood supply recovers, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month to meet hospital and patient needs.
“When blood and platelet supplies drop to critical levels, it makes hospitals and the patients they are treating vulnerable – especially if there is a major accident or emergency medical procedure that requires large quantities of blood during a disaster,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross. “A single car accident victim can use as much as 100 units of blood. By making and keeping donation appointments, donors can help keep hospital shelves stocked with blood products and ensure patients have access to the timely care they deserve.”
As a thank-you, those who come to give Oct. 1-20, 2023, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.
Unique challenges to blood supply
In late summer, the Red Cross national blood supply dropped by about 25% on the heels of one of the busiest travel seasons and the beginning of back-to-school activities. As people settle back into fall school and work routines, a unique challenge to the blood supply remains – many employees continue to work from home or in a hybrid capacity, reducing the number of opportunities to give blood at business-sponsored blood drives. In fact, before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 800,000 blood donations were made at blood drives hosted by businesses. Last year, the Red Cross saw only about 500,000 blood donations at these locations – a nearly 40% drop from pre-pandemic levels.
This, coupled with an active disaster season, is creating a perfect “storm” and challenging the organization’s ability to collect a sufficient amount of blood products to meet the needs of hospitals across the country.
The Red Cross provides community blood drives and donation centers across Oregon and SW Washington. Those who may have previously given at a local business blood drive are encouraged to book a time to give at one of these locations by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 27-Oct. 11:
September 27
Fred Meyer, 3500 SE 22nd Ave., Portland, OR, 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Blood Donation Center, 3131 N Vancouver Ave., Portland, OR, 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM
September 28
Willamette View, 12705 SE River Rd., Milwaukie, OR, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rogue Credit Union, 1370 Center Dr., Medford, OR, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
September 30
Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 515 SW Maplecrest Dr., Portland, OR, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Blood Donation Center, 5109 NE 82nd Ave., Vancouver, WA, 7:00 AM - 03:00 PM
October 2
St Bart's Episcopal Church, 11260 SW Cabot St., Beaverton, OR, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fred Meyer, 3805 SE Hawthorne, Portland, OR, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Blood Donation Center, 5109 NE 82nd Ave., Vancouver, WA, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive St., Eugene, OR, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Blood Donation Center, 1174 Progress Dr. Suite 102, Medford, OR, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
October 3
Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110, Bend, OR, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
October 5
Northwest Christian Church, 13405 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard, OR, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Ctr., 9900 SE Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas, OR, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
October 6
Lake Oswego City Hall, 380 A Ave., Lake Oswego, OR, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Clackamas Town Center, 12000 SE 82nd Ave., Happy Valley, OR, 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Ascension Lutheran Church, 675 Black Oak Drive, Medford, OR, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Bend Blood Donation Ctr, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110, Bend, OR, 7:00 AM - 03:00 PM
October 11
Portland Donor Center, 3131 N Vancouver Ave., Portland, OR, 12:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Bethany Family Pet Clinic, 15166 NW Central Dr., Portland, OR, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Columbia Sportswear, 13910 NW Science Park Dr. Building K, Portland, OR, 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
To find a donation site near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org and put in your zip code.
How to donate blood
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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OnPoint Community Credit Union - 09/26/23 9:11 AM
PORTLAND, Ore., September 26, 2023—OnPoint Community Credit Union has donated a total of $105,603 directed to Latino Network, FACT Oregon and Rebuilding Together Portland. The donations were made as part of the credit union’s seventh annual employee giving campaign. Each year, OnPoint provides every employee with $100 to split however they wish between three nonprofits making a difference in the community. This year’s campaign resulted in donations of $33,101 to Latino Network, $34,951 to FACT Oregon and $37,551 to Rebuilding Together Portland.
To expand its impact across the region, OnPoint divided another $25,000 among five regional nonprofits: Community Outreach through Radical Empowerment (Eugene), Yamhill Enrichment Society (McMinnville), Saving Grace (Central Oregon), Creating Opportunities (Salem) and The Giving Closet (SW Washington).
“OnPoint has worked to improve the lives of the people in our community for over 90 years,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Supporting organizations that share similar values is something we pride ourselves in. We are honored to support Latino Network, FACT Oregon and Rebuild Together Portland and thank them for all they do for our neighbors.”
OnPoint employees have donated more than $600,000 to 23 local non-profits since the annual campaign began in 2017. Past recipients have included NAYA (Native American Youth and Family Center), Hacienda CDC and the Oregon Zoo.
About this year’s recipients
Latino Network was founded in 1996 to advocate for the needs of the growing Latino community in Multnomah County. Latino Network addresses issues like low achievement scores, youth violence and high dropout rates by promoting early literacy, encouraging parent involvement, working with gang-involved and adjudicated youth and families and providing academic support and activities to high school-aged youth. It also builds leadership capacity for youth and adults. Visit https://www.latnet.org/ to learn more.
"Our staff and board at Latino Network are extremely grateful for the trusted partnership we have with the team at OnPoint Community Credit Union,” said Juan Martinez, Director of Philanthropy, Latino Network. "They understand that the growing Latine community continues to face barriers to access to healthcare, education and affordable housing. OnPoint's generous support and investment to ensure a thriving Latine community is key to a brighter future for a better Oregon."
FACT Oregon is a parent-led organization that strives for disability equity, empowering families and youth navigating disability to access and advocate for the supports and opportunities they need to thrive at home, in school, and in community. Peer-delivered services include a Support Line, trainings, resources, technical assistance, community engagement, and advocacy. Since 2012, FACT Oregon has served as Oregon's Parent Training and Information Center for Special Education. To learn more, visit https://factoregon.org.
"Families navigating disability are hungry for support, resources, and action to improve opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities,” said Christy Reese, Executive Director, FACT Oregon. “We are thrilled to have the support of partners like OnPoint to help us serve families, youth, and partners across Oregon, bring family voices to decision-making tables, and further equity in our schools and communities."
Rebuilding Together Portland has helped provide critical home repairs, modifications and improvements for low-income homeowners for more than 30 years. The organization focuses on assisting the elderly, people with disabilities, families with children and veterans at no cost to those served. Its work includes carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, flooring, home safety modifications (such as ADA and handrails or wheelchair ramps), debris removal and more. Learn more about Rebuilding Together Portland’s mission at https://www.rtpdx.org/.
"An estimated 30,000 Portland homeowners live at or below the poverty line,” said Stephanie Luyties, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together PDX. “The work we do at Rebuilding Together PDX significantly improves the lives of dozens of Portland homeowners each year, a number we're working to expand with the generosity of our local community partners such as OnPoint.”
To learn more about OnPoint’s commitment to building strong communities, visit onpointcu.com/community-giving.
ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 522,000 members and with assets of $8.7 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. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.
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State of Oregon - 09/26/23 8:27 AM
The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) this week published the annual maximum rent increase allowed by statute for calendar year 2024. The DAS Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has calculated the maximum percentage as 10.0%.
Following the passage of SB 608 in the 2019 legislative session and SB 611 in the 2023 legislative session, Oregon law requires DAS to calculate and post to its website, by September 30 of each year, the maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed by statute for the following calendar year. Per statute, OEA calculates this amount as 7% plus the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region (All Items), as most recently published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or 10%, whichever is lower.
The allowable rent increase percentage for the 2024 calendar year is 10.0%. The allowable rent increase percentage for the previous year, 2023, was 14.6% if the increase was issued before July 6, or 10.0% if issued after July 6.
DAS will calculate and post the percentage for the 2025 calendar year by Sept. 30, 2024.
Information about the maximum annual rent increase percentage, as well as the provisions of ORS 90.323 and 90.600 (statutes governing rent increases), can be found on the OEA website.
For information on the law, please see the full text of SB 608 and SB 611 at the link below. DAS does not provide legal advice regarding other provisions of SB 608 and SB 611.
Links:
Oregon Health Authority - 09/25/23 5:04 PM
September 25, 2023
Contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
Recreational use advisory partially lifted for Willamette River
PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has again updated the recreational use health advisory for the Willamette River in Multnomah County to now cover only Ross Island Lagoon.
OHA first issued the advisory for Willamette Cove on July 28.
Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in the Willamette Cove area of the Willamette River are below recreational guideline values for people.
OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Be aware that only a fraction of waterbodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria Harmful Algae Bloom website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.
When recreating, people and especially small children and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.
Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving behind the toxins released. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.
For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.
Ore. Dept. of Public Safety Standards and Training - 09/25/23 3:38 PM
BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING
MEETING SCHEDULED
Notice of Regular Meeting
The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Wright at (503) 378-2191 or shelby.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov.
The meeting will be live-streamed on the DPSST Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon/
Agenda Items:
1. Introductions
2. Meeting Minutes
Approve minutes from the July 27, 2023, Meeting
3. Fire Policy Committee
a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Brian Henson, Deputy Director
b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
A. Dakota Brotherton, DPSST #42387; Junction City Fire Department – Revoke
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 23, 2023.
B. Scott Durocher, DPSST #42128; Lakeview Fire Department – Revoke
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 23, 2023.
C. Andrew Lawrie, DPSST #42329; Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District – Revoke
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 23, 2023.
4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees
a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair
b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair
c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Matthew English, Chair
d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
A. Kodie Carroll, DPSST No. 64023; Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Revoke
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 8, 2023.
B. Steven Larsen, DPSST No. 49075; Morrow County Sheriff’s Office – No Action
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.
C. Troy Page, DPSST No. 58639; Linn County Sheriff’s Office – Revoke
Unanimous vote with 1 (one) recusal, to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 8, 2023.
D. Peter Robinson, DPSST No. 48227; Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office– No Action
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.
E. Maria Sanchez, DPSST No. 26550; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility – Revoke
7 (seven) to 3 (three) vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 8, 2023.
F. Aaron Smith, DPSST No. 44175; McMinnville Police Department – Revoke
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.
G. Dennis Viereck, DPSST No. 36201; Scappoose Police Department – Revoke
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.
H. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.
I. Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Nomination; Joseph W. Johnson, DPSST No. 48952 - Nyssa Police Department
Determine eligibility for addition to Oregon’s Law Enforcement Memorial Wall
5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee
a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Chris Brodniak, Professional Standards Division Director
b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
A. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0025, 259-060-0060, and 259-060-0136
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 15, 2023.
B. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-061-0005 and 259-061-0240
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 15, 2023.
c. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 259 Division
Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 15, 2023.
Presented by Jennifer Howald
8. Agency Updates - Agency Director, Phil Castle
9. Next Meeting Date: January 25, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
Administrative Announcement
This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Board members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry - 09/25/23 12:55 PM
SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) are looking to fund collaborative groups engaged in forest restoration or stewardship on lands in Oregon managed by the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The Forest Collaboratives Grant Program has half a million dollars to give to support work that increases the number, acreage and complexity of restoration projects on federal lands in Oregon. About half the land in Oregon - around 32 million acres - is managed by the U.S. Forest Service or BLM..
Some $200,000 is targeted to strengthen Collaborative Governance for established forest collaborative organizations. Another $300,000 is focused on advancing collaborative Zones of Agreement for restoration that includes vegetation projects on lands managed by the US Forest Service or BLM. For definitions and eligible project activities, please refer to the guidance document.
Read the guidance document for Federal Forest Restoration Collaborative Project Development for full eligibility requirements.
Application deadline: Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 by 5 p.m.
How to Apply
Federal Forest Restoration Collaborative Project Development applications are available via OWEB’s online application website: https://apps.wrd.state.or.us/apps/oweb/oa/.
An OWEB Online Grant Management System (OGMS) login is required to access the online grant application. Only one login per organization is allowed. If no login exists for the applicant’s organization, please email Leilani Sullivan at Leilani.sullivan@oweb.oregon.gov to request one. Include the following in your email:
- Organization name and address.
- Grantee contact information: name, title, email address, and phone number for the person who will receive all communication from OWEB and sign any grant agreements.
- Payee contact information: name, email address, and phone number for the person who keeps records and submits payment requests and documentation.
- FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number). OWEB may enter into agreements only with legally established entities. OWEB will review potential applicants prior to creating an OGMS login.
For general questions and questions about the Online Application, contact:
Kathy Leopold
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
971-345-7017 or Kathy.Leopold@oweb.oregon.gov
or
Eric Hartstein
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
503-910-6201 or ic.Hartstein@OWEB.oregon.gov">Eric.Hartstein@OWEB.oregon.gov
For questions about Eligible Project Types, contact:
Kyle Sullivan-Astor
Oregon Department of Forestry
541-285-8685 or kyle.m.sullivan-astor@odf.oregon.gov
Oregon Arts Commission - 09/25/23 11:53 AM
Salem, Ore. – Subashini Ganesan-Forbes, the founder of New Expressive Works and former Creative Laureate of Portland (2018 – June 2021), has been elected by the Oregon Arts Commission to succeed Jenny Green as Commission Chair. David Harrelson, the Cultural Resources Department manager for The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and a Grand Ronde tribal member, was elected Vice Chair. He succeeds Harlen Springer. Green and Springer served full terms as Chair and Vice Chair.
Ganesan-Forbes is a choreographer, curator and arts administrator whose contemporary works showcase the nuanced, universal emotive expressions of Bharatanatyam. Her recent choreographic works have been featured at Middlebury College (Vermont), University of Oregon, Portland Opera, Third Angle New Music, Ten Tiny Dances, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art and Portland Center Stage. In 2012 she founded New Expressive Works, a vibrant performing arts venue that supports diverse independent performing artists through residencies, artist conversations and performance seasons.
In 2021, Ganesan-Forbes stewarded “Community Healing Through Art,” an arts-focused, community-informed project designed to leverage the power of arts and culture to support grieving and healing throughout Portland’s diverse communities. Currently she is an integral member of the Our Creative Future Steering Committee that is co-creating goals and strategies for a regional arts and culture plan. She serves as a Community Advisory Committee member of the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center and as a board member for the James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation.
“Every time we engage with the arts we give ourselves the possibility to experience empathy, healing and our collective humanity,” said Ganesan-Forbes. “Through this new role, I look forward to collaborating with artistic communities across Oregon so that we can build greater opportunities for soulful and meaningful cultural exchange."
Harrelson has championed the use of his people’s ancestral art forms for the purpose of public art. Recently he led the effort to create the Indigenous Place Keeping Artist (IPKA) Fellowship. He has worked in the field of cultural resources for 13 years.
Besides supporting art in an administrative capacity, Harrelson currently approaches art as a hobby, believing that the process of creating art should be accessible to everyone. The primary areas of inspiration for his art include his indigenous heritage and the landscape of western Oregon. He is active in his community serving his second year as an Oregon Arts Commissioner and previously serving on the State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation, Chehalem Cultural Center Board in Newberg as well as the editorial board for Smoke Signals, a free and independent newspaper covering the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon.
"It is an honor to serve alongside qualified and diverse arts commissioners from across the state with a focus on increasing the availability of funding to support the arts,” said Harrelson.
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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, services and special initiatives. The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.
Deschutes County Sheriff's Office - 09/25/23 10:33 AM
Evacuation Levels Updated for Petes Lake Fire on 09-25-23
Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: September 25, 2023
UPDATE:
Due to cooler weather, recent precipitation and decreased fire activity, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is dropping all evacuation levels around the Petes Lake Fire.
Much of the area west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy south of Mirror Lake Trail and north of the Six Lakes Trail is still under a Forest Closure issued by the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. For information regarding forest closures, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices
As conditions change, evacuation levels may change. Please follow us on social media and check www.deschutes.org/emergency for up-to-date evacuation notices.
END OF UPDATE
Evacuation Levels Updated for Petes Lake Fire on 09-21-23
Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: September 21, 2023
UPDATE:
Due to moderating weather conditions, leading to decreased fire activity, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is lowering the Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notice for the areas around Elk and Lava Lakes to Level 1 (Be Ready).
A Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:
Areas around Elk, Hosmer, Lava and Little Lave Lakes. This includes areas east of Cascade Lakes Hwy from Blue Lagoon north to Quinn Meadows.
Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
The Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation notice is still in place for the following areas:
All areas west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy from the Lucky Lake Trailhead north to the Mirror Lake Trail. This includes the areas around Lucky Lake, Leech Lake, Doris Lake, Blow Lake and Mirror Lakes.
Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuation immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.
As conditions change, evacuation levels may change. Please follow us on social media and check www.deschutes.org/emergency for up-to-date evacuation notices.
END OF UPDATE
Evacuation Levels Updated for Petes Lake Fire on 09-18-23
Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: September 18, 2023
UPDATE:
Due to increased fire activity and fire spread to the east over the last few days, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is issuing a Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notice for the areas around Elk and Lava Lakes.
A Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:
Areas around Elk, Hosmer, Lava and Little Lave Lakes. This includes areas east of Cascade Lakes Hwy from Blue Lagoon north to Quinn Meadows.
Level 2: Means “BE SET” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
The Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation notice is still in place for the following areas:
All areas west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy from the Lucky Lake Trailhead north to the Mirror Lake Trail. This includes the areas around Lucky Lake, Leech Lake, Doris Lake, Blow Lake and Mirror Lakes.
Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuation immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.
As conditions change, evacuation levels may change. Please follow us on social media and check www.deschutes.org/emergency for up-to-date evacuation notices.
END OF UPDATE
Evacuation Levels Updated for Petes Lake Fire on 09-01-23
UPDATE:
The Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notices for the area around Elk and Lava Lakes has been dropped. There are currently no Level 1 (Be Ready) or Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notices in place around the Petes Lake Fire.
The Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation notice is still in place for the following areas:
All areas west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy from the Lucky Lake Trailhead north to the Mirror Lake Trail. This includes the areas around Lucky Lake, Leech Lake, Doris Lake, Blow Lake and Mirror Lakes.
Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuation immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.
As conditions change, evacuation levels may change. Please follow us on social media and check www.deschutes.org/emergency for up to date evacuation notices.
Both Elk Lake and Lava Lake Resorts and campgrounds are open. There is fire traffic in the area between Devil's Lake and Lucky Lake Trailhead, which may result in travel delays.
If you are traveling to Lava Lake, please consider using FS 40 from the Sunriver Area to Cascade Lakes Hwy and then travel north to Lava Lake.
If you are traveling to Elk Lake, please use Century Drive to Cascade Lakes Hwy past Mt. Bachelor.
Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall
Release Date: August 27, 2023
A Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:
All areas west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy from the Lucky Lake Trailhead north to the Mirror Lake Trail. This includes the areas around Lucky Lake, Leech Lake, Doris Lake, Blow Lake and Mirror Lakes.
Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuation immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.
A Level 1 (Be Ready) Pre-Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:
Areas around Elk, Hosmer, Lava and Little Lave Lakes. This includes areas east of Cascade Lakes Hwy from Blue Lagoon north to Quinn Meadows.
Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
This decision was made after consultation with fire managers and authorized by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson. We will continue to work with fire managers to
ensure public safety and prevent conflicts between citizens and fire operations. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of residents.
Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information.
Current maps including evacuation areas can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency
For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at: www.centraloregonfire.org
Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alert and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org
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 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
Bend Police Dept. - 09/24/23 6:01 PM
Date: September 24, 2023
Case #: 2023-00058889
Incident: Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Investigation
Date / Time of Incident: Sept. 23, 2023 / 11:42 PM
Location: SE 15th Street south of Bear Creek Road, Bend
Updated Information:
Driver: Bryce Tanner Lupton, 23-year-old Bend resident
Deceased Passenger: Jacobic Lee Barnhill, 23-year-old La Pine resident
Second Passenger: Female, 22-year-old Redmond resident
The driver and deceased passenger information have been updated since the original release. Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in this crash. Any community members who witnessed the crash are encouraged to contact the Bend Police Department.
A 23-year-old Central Oregon man died in a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of SE 15th Street and Bear Creek Road. The deceased man had been a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The crashed vehicle was a 2012 Ford Focus that had been traveling on SE 15th Street. The Ford left the roadway and rolled during the crash.
Bend Fire and Rescue personnel responded and removed the driver and the second passenger. They were transported to St. Charles Medical Center for treatment.
Members of the Bend Police crash reconstruction team went to the area to investigate, and that area of SE 15th Street was closed until 6:00 AM on September 24, 2023. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.