SALEM, Ore. –  The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) has received a revised removal-fill permit application for the Jordan Cove Energy Project. 

The application covers the three main elements of the project: the liquefied natural gas (LNG) slip and access channel, the LNG terminal, and the natural gas pipeline. The application is available on the DSL website.

DSL has until Dec. 6, 2018, to review the application for completeness. The completeness review determines whether the applicant has provided the information required for DSL to evaluate the application. 

If the application is determined to be complete, a 60-day public review and comment period will begin. DSL will hold five public hearings to hear comment on the application: 

• Monday, Jan. 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Klamath Falls Community College, 7390 S 6th St., Klamath Falls, Ore.   
• Tuesday, Jan. 8 in Jackson County, time and location to be announced 
• Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Seven Feathers Casino, 146 Chief Miwaleta Ln., Canyonville, Ore.  
• Thursday, Jan. 10 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Mill Casino, 3201 Tremont Ave., North Bend, Ore. 
• Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Department of State Lands, Land Board Room, 775 Summer St NE, Salem, Ore.

If the application is determined to be incomplete, the hearings will be canceled. 

(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are seeking public comment on amendments to the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Statewide Transition Plan.

DHS and OHA amended the plan by outlining how Oregon will fully comply with current federal rules in attaining Medicaid reimbursement for HCBS services by March 17, 2022.

All of Oregon’s HCBS providers have gone through an assessment to determine their compliance. Of these facilities, 19 were identified as requiring federal heightened scrutiny as they are presumed to be institutional, based on criteria set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS will decide whether these facilities comply with the federal HCBS rules. The plan details how these settings can overcome the presumption that they are institutional. 

The amended plan has been posted online at: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/HCBS/Pages/Transition-Plan.aspx. In addition, paper copies are posted at local DHS offices and requests for individual paper copies can be made at any local DHS office or at the Human Services Building, 500 Summer Street N.E., Salem.

Background

 In 2014, CMS issued new rules to define HCBS settings to:

• Require HCBS settings be more home-like and less institutional.
• Require a better recognition and assurance of service recipients’ rights and freedoms. This includes the right to have visitors at a time they choose, have access to their own food when they wish, or lock the door to their room if they so choose.

The purpose of the HCBS rules is to ensure that HCBS recipients can seek employment and work in competitive and integrated settings, engage in community life, control personal resources, and receive services in the community, to the same degree as individuals who do not receive HCBS.

To be eligible for Oregon Medicaid payments, HCBS providers must comply with these rules. Oregon receives federal matching funds only if the service setting complies with these rules.

This is important to Oregon, and the residents who benefit from these services, because the federal government pays for about 70 percent of the cost of Medicaid HCBS through federal matching funds.

Initially, CMS gave states up to five years to comply, but recently extended the deadline to 2022 for states that request an extension.

Oregon is considered a national leader in creating home and community-based service options. The state wants to maintain the maximum level of independence for Oregonians who currently receive HCBS or may require them in the future.

Request for comments

Family members, advocates, stakeholder groups, providers, delivery system representatives, and members of the broader community are invited to review the amended HCBS Statewide Transition Plan and submit their comments for a submission of the plan to CMS. To make comments:

• Send an email to hcbs.oregon@ state.or.us;
• Send written comments to HCBS Transition Plan Comments, 500 Summer Street NE E-09, Salem, OR 97301.

OHA and DHS will consider all comments received. The final amended Statewide Transition Plan is due to CMS by Dec. 28, 2018.

MEDIA RELEASE  

Injury MVA

 Released by:         Sgt. Doug Sullivan

Location:                Deschutes Market Rd. near the intersection of Garcia Rd.

Vehicle 1:                2005, white, Ford F550, Tow Truck (Epic Towing)

Vehicle 2:                1997, green, Land Rover, Discovery

Vehicle 3:                2013, gray, Toyota, Highlander

Driver 1:                  Anaya, Brittany                                Age:   24

                                  Bend

Driver 2:                  O’Mahony, Barry                             Age:   60

                                  Bend

Driver 3:                  Bacon, Nicole                                  Age:   48

                                  Redmond

Passenger (vehicle 3): Bacon, David                           Age:    40

Passenger (vehicle 3): Juvenile male                          Age:    9

Citations:                Anaya, Brittany issued citation for Careless Driving

NARRATIVE:         

Deputies and Bend Fire responded to the crash around 1:16pm on Deschutes Market Rd. near the intersection at Garcia Rd.

An investigation determined that Barry O’Mahony of Bend was driving a green 1997 Land Rover Discovery SUV, heading north on Deschutes Market Rd, when he stopped and waited to turn left into a driveway on Deschutes Market Rd.

That’s when O’Mahony’s SUV was hit in the rear by a 2005 Ford F550 tow truck being driven by Brittany Anaya, also of Bend, and owned by Epic Towing.

The impact of the rear-end collision sent O’Mahony’s SUV into the oncoming lane and the path of a southbound gray 2013 Toyota Highlander SUV driven by Nicole Bacon, of Redmond.

All three drivers were transported via ground ambulance to SCMC, Bend with non-life threatening injuries. Bacon’s passengers were not injured in the crash.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service organization providing patrol, criminal investigations, corrections, civil and search and rescue. Special operations include Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 units. Founded in 1916 and today directed by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the more than 185,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 180 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

EUGENE, Ore.—Curran Millican Manzer, 37, of Springfield, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to a single count of possession with intent to the distribute marijuana after repeatedly shipping marijuana out of state.

“Illegal export continues to plague Oregon’s under regulated and insufficiently enforced state laws governing state-licensed marijuana. The extreme overproduction of marijuana in Oregon has prompted many individuals to seek out-of-state distribution opportunities to recoup the costs of both illegal and legal in-state production. Disrupting these interstate distribution channels remains a priority of our office,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, in September 2017, the Springfield Police Department began an investigation after being contacted by United Parcel Service (UPS) regarding several packages Manzer shipped to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that had a strong marijuana odor. UPS later confirmed that, in October 2017, Manzer sent several additional packages next day air to Oklahoma City also believed to contain marijuana. During the same time period, several packages containing numerous stacks of cash bound in $1,000 increments were sent to Manzer’s home address in Springfield.

In November 2017, Springfield Police obtained a search warrant for all packages sent or received by Manzer via UPS. Shortly thereafter, an officer was conducting surveillance at a UPS store in Springfield when he saw Manzer arrive in a pickup truck with “Curran’s Taxidermy” written on the side. The officer observed Manzer bringing six packages into the store, which he dropped off for next day shipment to Oklahoma. A Springfield Police canine unit responded to the scene and the canine alerted to the packages.

The Springfield Police officer executed a search warrant on the packages and located six large Styrofoam rocks containing 143 pounds of marijuana.

Manzer faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and a three-year term of supervised release. He will be sentenced on February 26, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken.

As part of the plea agreement, Manzer agrees to forfeit any criminally-derived proceeds and property used to facilitate his crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Springfield Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Salem, Ore. –  Strike teams from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) were released today by Cal Fire from their assignment on the Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif. Heavy rains forecasted for much of the area are expected to improve conditions and provide a much-needed reprieve for wildfire suppression throughout the region.

Reported as the deadliest wildfire in a century, the Camp Fire is estimated at 151,373 acres and 70 percent contained, with at least 79 civilian fatalities reported and over 13,000 structures destroyed. Tasks completed by ODF and DFPA resources included fire line construction and improvements, burning operations to assisting in recovery efforts in the City of Paradise and surrounding communities. The teams worked alongside Cal Fire and California Office of Emergency Management as well as numerous fellow firefighting agencies.

The 28 agency and association personnel head home to their families today just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Our crews came down readily willing to serve Cal Fire and the citizens of Butte County,” said ODF Agency Representative Matt Howard. “While the work they completed was within their scope, training and experience, the difference with the Camp Fire was the sheer magnitude of the incident. The severe loss of human life, infrastructure, and natural resources are unlike anything our folks have experienced.

“As the agency representative, I am extremely humbled to have shared this assignment with the two experienced Engine Strike Teams from the Oregon Department of Forestry and Douglas Forest Protective Association. Our homecoming is bittersweet as we head home to our loved ones,” Howard added. “Our heartfelt wishes are with our fellow firefighters, Paradise and surrounding communities, and all those impacted by this tragic fire.”

###

NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE AT THIS TIME – PUBLIC RELEASE FORTHCOMING

Media Partners,

The Redmond Police Department, in cooperation with the Redmond School District, Redmond Fire & Rescue, and several other groups, is conducting a mass casualty drill at Obsidian Middle School, 1335 SW Obsidian Ave, Redmond, OR, on Friday, November 30, 2018.  Training will be beginning at 0800 and complete by 1700 hours.  There are two planned training scenarios, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The purpose of the training is to rehearse the unimaginable, so we and all associated stakeholders can be better prepared in the event an actual mass casualty incident occurs at a school, or another location.  During the training, a large first responder presence will be visible to passersby.  The Redmond School District will also be practicing “reunification,” which is a necessary part of any incident similar to this.  In March 2017, Redmond Police and Redmond School District had a successful evacuation of Obsidian Middle School and reunification at MA Lynch Elementary as part of a domestic violence incident occurring across the street from the middle school. 

Students and staff from the Redmond School District will be assisting by role-playing, and Redmond Fire & Rescue, with St Charles Health Systems, will be rehearsing transporting a large number of injured people.  Additionally, school buses will be used to transport the non-injured to the reunification center.

As part of the training, we want to invite our media partners to a faux “press conference.”  The “press conference” will take place at 12:00 PM at Obsidian Middle School, and will relay details of the training scenario as if it had actually occurred.  We will have RPD, RSD, and RF&R media representatives on the scene.  In addition to the faux “press conference,” we will be allowing the media to take pictures and videos of the training in the afternoon session.

It is the vision of the Redmond Police Department to make Redmond the safest community in Oregon.  By preparing for an event which we hope never happens, we can better respond if this type of incident does occur, whether it be at a school, hospital, airport, or another location.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Antonio Oswaldo Burgos, 48, of Portland, pleaded guilty today to one count of bribery of a public official after attempting to bribe a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer.

“Attempting to bribe a federal law enforcement officer is a serious crime and will be met with equally-serious consequences,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I commend the ICE officer involved in this case for responding to Burgos’ criminal proposition with the utmost level of professionalism and resolve.”

“We rely upon our officers to perform their duties with integrity,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Seattle. “Because of the deportation officer’s actions, Burgos is being brought to justice. This case should send a strong message that those who attempt to coerce a public official will be punished.”

According to court documents, on May 24, 2018, Burgos followed an ICE deportation officer in his vehicle from the ICE office in Portland until the officer stopped in a parking lot in Vancouver, Washington. The defendant offered the officer money to deport his wife who he had met in El Salvador and was in the process of divorcing. The officer declined Burgos’ offer and reported the event to the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

On May 31, 2018, the officer made a recorded call to Burgos with the assistance of an OPR investigation team. Burgos offered to the pay the officer $3,000 to remove his wife from the U.S. On June 5, 2018, the officer and OPR team made a second recorded call on which Burgos again offered to pay the officer for his wife’s removal. Burgos and the officer proceeded to discuss logistics for an in-person meeting.

On June 6, 2018, Burgos met the officer in a pre-determined location and offered to pay $4,000 for the removal of his wife and his wife’s minor child from a previous relationship. Burgos was arrested on June 29, 2018.

Burgos faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on May 6, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon.

This case was jointly investigated by ICE OPR and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Rachel K. Sowray and Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Shepherd’s House Ministries will be feeding the homeless for two days during this Thanksgiving Season. 

On Wednesday, November 21 at noon, Compass Church of Bend and Shepherds House Ministries staff and residents will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings to anyone in need. 

On Thursday, November 22 at noon, community volunteers, staff and residents will serve another traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

Come on by and join us on either day. You can help serve food, share a meal with a homeless person, donate a needed item, or bring your family to eat a meal. Help spread love and hope to the hurting and broken.

Happy Thanksgiving

Donations needed include hams, turkeys, socks, and jackets. 

You can also make a monetary donation to help our meal drive this holiday season.

1854 NE Division St, Bend, OR 97701

(541) 388-2096

Online Donations: https://shepherdshouseministries.org/donate/

# # #

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense against airfare scams.

We are just two days away from Turkey day – and only a month away from Christmas – leading us into one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. 

Going home to see the family – or maybe even jetting off to an exotic locale to celebrate in style – always seems better when you save money doing it. Today, though, we are warning of a travel scam that we are seeing reported more and more often.

In this fraud, the bad guy uses stolen credit cards to buy plane tickets for flights during peak holiday travel times. Once purchased, he will then cancel the ticket and collect a credit from the airline. With just a few keystrokes, he posts that credit for sale on a popular online sales platform. He gives some excuse as to why he had to cancel his trip – the more heartbreaking the better. He may even include the confirmation number from the original ticket in an attempt to make it look authentic.

You pick up those credits, points or vouchers at a below-market cost, leading you to think you got a great deal.

Of course, by this time the airline is wise to the fraud and cancels the voucher. When you go to cash in that great deal you bought, the airline tells you that you are out of luck. Bottom line on this one – don’t buy airline tickets or vouchers when you can’t verify the origin.

Another travel scam to watch out for – the promise of free airline tickets if you click on, like or repost something on social media. No airline is going to run a promotion like that or they would end up out of business. Oftentimes, these are scam artists who are just trying to build up a fan base for a completely different product or they are hoping to catch you in a phishing scam. You click on the wrong link and you can end up with malware on your device, leading to many months of fraudulent activity on your accounts.

To avoid this scam, make sure you follow your favorite airlines on their verified social media accounts. You will be able to find any legitimate special deals they may make available on those accounts.

Finally – a warning about false bookings. Much of the time, Americans are pretty adept at making their own reservations and travel arrangements. But if you are planning a really big or complex trip – especially an expensive one – a travel agent may make sense. In some cases, though, people are finding that their plane tickets or hotel reservations don’t exist after paying disreputable agents thousands of dollars. Do your homework and confirm that your agent is legitimate with a long history of good service.

If you have been victimized by one of these scams or any other online scam, contact the FBI immediately. You can file an online report at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.

On Monday November 19, 2018, at about 3:22PM, Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on  Hwy 199 near milepost 30.5, south of Cave Junction, in Josephine County.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 1993 Chevy S10 Blazer, operated by Evelyn Parmerlee (89) of Cave Junction, was traveling south on Hwy 199. Parmerlee attempted to turn left onto Pinewood Way when her vehicle crashed head-on with a brown 1988 Ford Bronco II, operated by Michael Finley II (54) of Cave Junction.

Parmerlee suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.

Finley and his passenger, Rachel Lawson (44) of Cave Junction were transported by AMR ambulance to Three Rivers Medical Center with serious injuries.

US Hwy 199 was closed for approximately 3 hours after the crash.

OSP was assisted on scene by Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Illinois Valley Fire, American Medical Response, and ODOT.

November 19, 2018

OHA sets community meeting November 29 to discuss Precision Castparts public health assessment

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Oregon Health Authority has scheduled a community meeting to share the findings from a public health assessment at Precision Castparts Corp. in southeast Portland.

The meeting is Thursday, Nov. 29, 6-8:30 p.m., in the library at Lane Middle School, 7200 SE 60th Ave., Portland. Environmental health experts from the OHA Public Health Division will provide an overview of the public health assessment’s findings, which found low health risks from contaminants detected near the facility. They also will provide an overview of the public health assessment development process and answer questions from community members.

The agenda is as follows:

• 6-7 p.m., open house.
• 7-8:30 p.m., presentation and Q&A session.

There are other opportunities to provide comments on the assessment and get more information:

• Visit the OHA Precision Castparts environmental assessment webpage at http://www.healthoregon.org/pccpha for more information.
• Provide public comment by Jan. 15, 2019, by email at ehap.info@state.or.us, or by mailing comments to OHA at 800 NE Oregon St., Suite 640, Portland, OR 97232.
• Pick up a copy of the assessment at Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave., Portland.
• Attend other community meetings: Dec. 4, 6 p.m., Milwaukie City Council meeting; Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Brentwood Darlington Neighborhood Association meeting.

The Precision Castparts PHA, released Oct. 29, found that measured concentrations of metals and other chemicals in air, soil and water near the metal components manufacturer’s Southeast Harney Drive facility were below levels that would be expected to harm public health.

The findings reflect conditions since 2016, since they are based on environmental samples collected in 2016 and 2017. The report found that a quantifiable evaluation of potential health effects from previous exposures to the metals and other chemicals was not possible due to a lack of historical sampling data from before 2016.

The public health assessment is available on the Public Health Division website at http://healthoregon.org/pccpha. For more information, email ehap.info@state.or.us.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Julie Sifuentes at 971-673-0438, 711 TTY, julie.sifuentes@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2OQFAa8

Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating and apprehending the person(s) responsible for shooting a bull elk on the evening of Friday, November 16, 2018 in Jackson County. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that the elk was shot and partially cut up off of South Fork Little Butte Creek Road about 2 miles from Lake Creek.

A vehicle of interest is a dark colored SUV that was observed in the area around 9:15pm on that evening after rifle shots were heard.  Anyone with information about this or any other vehicles or individuals seen in the area on or about the timeframe listed is asked to call with information.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Sergeant Jim Collom at (541)841-0416 or through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677).

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Bighorn Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

Or the TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

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

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

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

Portland, Oregon. — The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Darwin Goodspeed as the new Director of the VA Portland Health Care System.  Goodspeed will oversee delivery of health care to more than 94,930 Veterans and an operating budget of $729 million. 

“We are excited to bring Mr. Goodspeed on board as the new director of the VA Portland Health Care System,” said Michael J. Murphy, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 Director.  “His sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the facility, the employees and volunteers, and most importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve.  His start date is November 25, 2018.”

Goodspeed joined the VA more than 10 years ago and has held progressive leadership positions in Texas, Ohio and Sioux Falls. Most recently, he served as the medical center director at the VA Sioux Falls HCS, a complexity level 2 facility with 40 acute medical/surgical beds and 58 Community Living Center beds.  The SFVAHCS has nearly 1,000 employees who provide care to over 27,000 Veterans in eastern South Dakota, northwestern Iowa and southwestern Minnesota. 

Goodspeed holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from Baylor University and is a Certified Mentor and a Government Fellow.  He is also a recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal and a Navy Achievement medal.   He is a graduate of the Veterans Health Administration’s Executive Career Field Development Program and the VA Executive Career Field program.  

The VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) is a two-division, Joint Commission accredited 1A facility that administers a full range of primary, emergency, specialty, tertiary, and long-term care to Veterans throughout Oregon and Southwestern Washington. In addition to two main divisions located in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, VAPORHCS operates nine Community Based Outpatient/Outreach Clinics (CBOCs) located in Newport,

Lincoln City, Warrenton, Bend, Salem, Fairview, downtown Portland, West Linn, Hillsboro, and The Dalles. The VAPORHCS catchment area covers more than 30,000 square miles and 26 counties. In addition to these clinics, VAPORHCS also operates a Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC) which serves homeless Veterans in downtown Portland. VAPORHCS has a $729M annual budget with over 4,000 employees and volunteers. The Portland campus includes 167 Medical/Surgical, locked Mental Health, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. The Vancouver campus includes a 72-bed Community Living Center (CLC), a 35-bed Residential Rehab Treatment Program, and a transitional Transplant Lodging Unit. Approximately 743 medical residents, 310 medical students, 240 nursing students and 230 students from other healthcare fields rotate through VAPORHCS annually.

###

Update on this crash investigation:

Deceased Driver:  Derrek Wesley Finnell, 33 year-old Bend Resident

Reference Case #18-359085

At this time the investigation has determined that Derrek Wesley Finnell was the driver of the pickup inolved in this crash.  The involved vehicle was a 2005 Ford F250.  There is no driver toxicology information available at this time, but the investigation is ongoing.

Previous Media Release

Date/Time of Incident:  Sunday, 11-18-18, 9:51 PM

Location:  61600 Block of Fargo Lane

Multiple residents in the area reported a single vehicle, rollover crash.  Arriving officers found a crashed pickup truck, resting on its top, in the driveway of a residence.  Bend Firefighters responded and extricated a deceased male driver from the vehicle. 

A preliminary investigation indicated that the crash did not involve any other persons or vehicles.  The pickup truck appeared to have been traveling north on Fargo Lane when it left the roadway, struck objects on the shoulder and rolled over.  Based on evidence at the scene, speed appears to have been a factor in this crash.  The driver’s name is not being released pending notification of next of kin.  The crash remains under investigation and attempts will be made to determine if alcohol or drugs contributed to this crash.

Correcting meeting date to Tuesday, Nov. 27

November 19, 2018

Oregon Cannabis Commission meets by conference call November 27

What: The bi-monthly public meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: Review, discuss, and vote on barriers and recommendations of HB 2198 Report; OCC and HB 2198 next steps; public comment.

When: Tuesday, November 27, 1-4 p.m.

Where: By conference call only: 877-848-7030, access code 753428.

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

# # #

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

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

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

http://bit.ly/2OOYZIp

Tattoos can be reminders of the past and a lifestyle that is best left behind. For the women housed at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) they have the opportunity to start anew as they transition towards becoming members of our community.

In March of this year, the Department of Corrections (DOC) in partnership with Portland Community College (PCC) began a tattoo removal program at CCCF. Tammy Kennedy, a PCC leader who contracts with the institution, runs this potentially life-changing initiative along with the CCCF hair design program. Ms. Kennedy has a certificate in Advanced Esthetics, which she pursued in part, to bring additional treatment, skills, training and certification options to the incarcerated women.

As she operates the tattoo removal laser she says, “Many of these women come to our facilities with anti-social tattoos. Whether they are gang, drug or domestic abuse related tattoos, helping them remove that part of their past is rewarding work. Many of these tattoos were directly related to what brought them here. What they once thought was permanent can now be a thing of the past.”

One incarcerated woman wrote about her tattoo removal experience, “For 22 years, I’ve had a shackle around my ankle, the permanent brand of a past abusive relationship that I’ve had to be reminded of every day as I put on my shoes. The tattoo removal program that you brought to Coffee Creek is changing that.”

To date, 362 people have been treated and approximately 750 tattoos have been, or are in the process of, being removed. The longer term objective is to bring tattoo removal to the men incarcerated, as well.

CCCF is a multi-custody prison located in Wilsonville accommodating all of Oregon’s female inmates (approximately 1,260). The prison has cell and dormitory housing, inmate work programs, skills training, treatment programs, health services, religious services, physical plant, a central records unit, and administrative areas. CCCF participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, including a contact center, auto CAD, and document scanning. In addition, CCCF houses the state’s intake center, which provides intake and evaluation of all inmates committed to state custody by the courts. The intake center houses approximately 400 male inmates. CCCF’s minimum facility opened in 2001, and the medium facility opened in 2002.

Boxes, buckets, and benches are a few of our least favorite things.

Whether you’re hanging lights, topping the tree, or adorning that 10-foot-tall snow person, this time of year is full of long reaches and tall surfaces. But now is not the time to get creative in how you reach new heights.

“It’s easy in the holiday hustle to want to use whatever is around to reach something up high,” said Leigh Manning, senior safety management consultant at SAIF. “But avoiding an injury is worth taking the time to grab that ladder from the garage.”

That’s the message of a new video SAIF released today, urging Oregonians to use ladders over other, less safe options.

“We see slips and falls regularly caused by using the wrong climbing surface, and those injuries are pretty easy to avoid,” said Manning.

It’s important to secure the ladder’s feet on a firm, level surface, and avoid stepping on the top step or platform of a self-supporting ladder. And work with a buddy—elf or otherwise. 

But ladders aren’t the only hazards this time of year. Manning offered these seasonal tips for staying healthy and safe when you are over-scheduling, over-indulging, or over-the-top decorating.  

• Be merry and eat healthy. Offer nutritious options such as veggie dips and fruit platters at office potlucks and holiday parties. Eat a light, protein-packed snack beforehand, so you don’t arrive starving. Use small plates, so you’re not tempted to overindulge. For more ways to eat well at work, visit saif.com/nutrition.
• Let it snow and let stress go. Increased workloads, financial worries, and other distractions can raise your risk of getting hurt or sick. A brisk walk in the fresh air, a stretching break at your desk, or a few calming breaths can help clear your mind and boost your body’s defenses. Take a 60-second relaxation break at saif.com/relax.
• Ready to spot more holiday hazards? Watch these 360-degree videos and see how many you can identify at work and at home.

“We hope everyone has a happy holiday season, and that starts with staying safe and healthy,” said Manning. 

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. Since 1914, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.

Making a turkey dinner for family can be stressful enough, but in homes and communities across the Oregon, thousands of Oregonians are pulling double duty: keeping up family traditions while also caring for older parents, spouses and other loved ones, helping them to stay at home as they age.

“Family caregivers help their loved ones with everything from bathing and dressing to preparing meals and administering medication, usually while also working full- or part- time jobs,” said AARP Oregon Government Relations Director Jon Bartholomew. “We want to give a shout out to folks who are caring for loved ones during National Family Caregiving Month this November.”

AARP has taken the cause of family caregivers to the state capitol. Bartholomew noted that Oregon was one of the first states in the country to pass the CARE Act, which requires hospitals to provide family caregivers with some training when a loved one leaves this hospital. During the 2019 legislative session, AARP Oregon will advocate to provide for paid family and medical leave so working caregivers can care for loved ones during a time of need.

“Our goal is to help make family caregivers’ big responsibilities a little bit easier. That’s why we’ll be urging the state legislature to offer paid family leave,” Bartholomew said. “In Oregon, we have 469,000 unpaid family caregivers helping folks to stay out of more expensive facilities in the comfort and familiarity of home.”

AARP has other tips as well – including urging family caregivers to take care of themselves and avoid burnout, especially during the holidays. “As a caregiver, you can ask for help or cut back on a few traditions and still have a memorable holiday,” Bartholomew said. Click here for more holidays tips for caregivers.

 Additionally, AARP has a free guide that is downloadable aarp.org/preparetocare. And for Oregon-specific information, check out the Aging & Disability Resource Center,https://www.adrcoforegon.org/

Much more must be done to support family caregivers and their loved ones—and your voices will make the difference as we continue to fight for change. Your stories are powerful—showing your struggle, illustrating your love, and making the case for action. Raise your voice, and share your story today.  aarp.org/iheartcaregivers

Shepherd’s House Ministries will be feeding the homeless for two days during this Thanksgiving Season. 

On Wednesday, November 21 at noon, Compass Church of Bend and Shepherds House Ministries staff and residents will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings to anyone in need. 

On Thursday, November 22 at noon, community volunteers, staff and residents will serve another traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

Come on by and join us on either day. You can help serve food, share a meal with a homeless person, donate a needed item, or bring your family to eat a meal. Help spread love and hope to the hurting and broken.

Happy Thanksgiving

Donations needed include hams, turkeys, socks, and jackets. 

You can also make a monetary donation to help our meal drive this holiday season.

1854 NE Division St, Bend, OR 97701

(541) 388-2096

Online Donations: https://shepherdshouseministries.org/donate/

# # #

UPDATE TO EARLIER PRESS RELEASE

NARRATIVE:

On November 16th, 2018 officers from the Bend Police Department reached out to an adult female regarding information received from a Facebook post last night regarding a robbery on the west side of Bend.  Name(s) are being withheld at this time due to an ongoing investigation.

The Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office worked together to determine a possible location of occurrence, NW Shevlin Park Rd / NW Chardonnay Ln. 

Bend Police Detectives worked throughout the day interviewing the adult female, conducting a scene investigation and analyzing other items of evidentiary interest.  Bend Police confirmed neither college campus was involved or connected in any way to this investigation.

Based on the investigation, we have no credible or substantiated information to believe there is an active threat to the public or either college campus.   

The Bend Police Department would ask the residents in the area of NW Shevlin Park Rd / NW Chardonnay Ln to check any and all surveillance cameras for suspicious activity or a large black van within the last 36 hours.  Please contact the Bend Police Department Non-Emergency number if you have any additional information relevant to this investigation (Re: Bend Police Department Case #2018-356489).

The Oregon National Guard hosted a delegation from Vietnam's National Committee for Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM) this week, Nov. 13-16, 2018, as part of the ongoing State Partnership Program.

The visit included dialogues to discuss the relationship between VINASARCOM and the Oregon National Guard as emergency managers and to reaffirm their commitment to an enduring and constructive State Partnership. The delegation also toured Oregon National Guard, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, and U.S. Coast Guard facilities related to emergency management and emergency response.

The relationship between VINASARCOM and the Oregon National Guard as state partners and the lead military agencies for emergency management in their respective country and state was established in September 2011 with a memorandum of understanding to advance bilateral defense cooperation through U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) and Vietnam Bilateral Defense Dialogue (BDD). The relationship recognizes that building and maintaining capabilities as emergency managers in times of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) is for the benefit of all countries and promotes stability, prosperity and domestic resiliency in the entire region.

The partnership between the Oregon National Guard and VINASARCOM was made official in November 2012 as part of the National Guard Bureau-sanctioned program. The State Partnership program complements broader U.S. engagement with Vietnam in pursuit of shared priorities such as disaster relief, education, health, trade and the environment. The program directly supports the broad national interests and security cooperation goals of the United States by engaging partner nations via military, socio-political, and economic conduits at the local, state, and national levels.

PHOTOS:
181116-Z-IW846-0062: Vietnam Sr. Lt. Gen. Pham Ngoc Minh (left), Deputy Chief of the General Staff, and Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel (right), Adjutant General, Oregon, sign the State Partnership Program Dialogue Joint Minutes, outlining initiatives and desired focus areas for the Oregon National Guard’s continued partnership with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM), at the Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland, Oregon, Nov. 16, 2018. The Oregon National Guard hosted the Vietnamese delegation to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. The delegation toured facilities around the state of Oregon to gain insights into disaster response. (National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Steven Conklin, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

181115-Z-CH590-079: Sr. Lt. Gen. Pham Ngoc Minh (left), Deputy Chief of the General Staff, and other visiting dignitaries from Vietnam receive a briefing at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Warrenton, Oregon, Nov. 15, 2018. The Oregon National Guard hosted a delegation with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM), to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. The delegation toured facilities around the state of Oregon to gain insights into disaster response. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181115-Z-CH590-237: U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer AMT2 Stu Esham (left) gives a demonstration of rescue equipment to visiting dignitaries from Vietnam and members of the Oregon National Guard during a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Warrenton, Oregon, Nov. 15, 2018. The Oregon National Guard hosted a delegation with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM), to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. The delegation toured facilities around the state of Oregon to gain insights into disaster response. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181114-Z-OT568-008: Sonya Pedersen (left) and Kelly Jo Craigmiles (center), both with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, brief a delegation of officers with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM) on how the Emergency Communications Center works during disaster response, Nov. 14, 2018, in Salem, Oregon. The Oregon National Guard hosted the VINASARCOM delegation to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181114-Z-OT568-011: A delegation with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM), led by Sr. Lt. Gen. Pham Ngoc Minh (center left), Deputy Chief of the General Staff, pose for a photo with Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel (center right), Adjutant General, Oregon, and other Oregon National Guard leaders in front of a UH-72 Lakota helicopter during a tour of the Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Oregon, Nov. 14, 2018. The Oregon National Guard hosted the VINASARCOM delegation to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. The delegation received an overview on how the Oregon National Guard uses helicopters to assist civil authorities during emergencies. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) strike teams (ST) continue critical work on the Camp Fire Incident burning in Butte County, California.  The OSFM currently has 75 engines and approximately 300 personnel from throughout the Oregon Fire Service currently assigned to the incident.   The Camp Fire is the nation’s deadliest wildfire in a century and although cooler weather is helping firefighters to gain ground, we know that the search for people will continue.  As the number of fatalities increase, we continue to monitor the effects this has on our first responders and to provide the necessary peer support.  The safety and well-being of our firefighters is, and will remain, our number one priority.

Thirteen OSFM ST are working 24 hour shifts on the fire constructing direct lines and holding control lines to mitigate the threat of fire escaping.  They are also engaged in mop up and patrol. Two OSFM ST are assigned to the Rescue Division, working 12 hour shifts. Their assignments involve securing water lines, gas lines, and LPG storage and lines, as well as working to clear structures and assisting search and rescue recovery efforts.

Chief Deputy Ruiz-Temple states, “Oregonians can take great pride in the sacrifice of our firefighters during this time of year. We also keep their families in our thoughts who will certainly miss them during the upcoming holiday. When giving your thanks next week, please keep everyone affected by the fires in your thoughts as they face the grim task of rebuilding their property and lives”.

The Oregon strike teams are expected to remain on the fire through Friday, November 23rd; however as conditions improve their return home may change.

Portland, OR—State agencies will meet by teleconference November 27 and 28 on a proposed gold mine in Malheur County. 

The Technical Review Team (TRT) Tailings Storage Facility Subcommittee will meet by teleconference on Tuesday, November 27 at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. PST. The TRT will meet by teleconference on Wednesday, November 28 from 9 a.m. to noon PST. 

The meeting agendas are available at https://www.oregongeology.org/mlrr/chemicalprocess_Calico-GrassyMtn.htm

The public and media may listen to the meetings in person at the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) office at 229 Broadalbin Street SW, Albany or by phone. For call-in instructions, see the agendas. 

The TRT is an interdisciplinary team of state agencies that reviews information related to a proposed mine during all phases of the application process, and ultimately develops consolidated permit conditions that conform to Oregon regulations. 

###

November 16, 2018

 For more information: Peter Murphy

ODOT Public Information Officer

541-388-6224

Oregon DOT Carries “People’s Tree” on Statewide

Well-wishing Highway Enroute To D.C.

(Travel to Capitol Will Retrace Oregon Trail)

BEND – Oregon is sending the 2018 U S Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C. for the holidays.  The first stops on the route that will retrace the Oregon Trail were within the state and the “People’s Tree” is now on a multi-state journey that will end in the Nation’s Capitol on Monday, November 26.

Video clips produced by the Oregon Department of Transportation about the in-state sendoff are available for unlimited use at:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1til3llcod4au6y/u.s. capitol christmas tree tv.mov?dl=0

##ODOT##

(Wilsonville, Ore.) - The Quality Measurement Council will meet from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, in Training Rooms 1 and 2 at the Oregon Child Development Coalition, 9140 S.W. Pioneer Court, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070.

The Quality Measurement Council was formed with the passage of House Bill 3359 in 2017. The council meeting is open to the public.

Agenda items include will include a discussion on collecting and reporting metrics.

Sign language interpreters and live captioning will be provided. Those who are unable to attend in person, may join by calling toll-free phone number, 1-888-363-4735, and using Conference ID #3439085. 

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Rebecca Mapes at 1-541-735-0058 or Rebecca.Mapes@state.or.us  Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting.

For questions about this meeting, please contact: Rebecca Mapes at 1-541-735-0058 or Rebecca.Mapes@state.or.us

About the Quality Measurement Council

The council was established to create and maintain a system through which community-based, long-term care facilities report reliable and meaningful data that will make possible a system for measuring a facility’s performance compared with other long-term care providers in the state.

                                                                                                # # #

EDITORS: Steve Robison, lead author of the study, is available for interviews after 11 a.m. today. To set up an interview, call 971-246-9139 or email PHD.Communications@state.or.us.

November 16, 2018

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@state.or.us

High-dose flu vaccine reducing hospitalizations in seniors, study shows

Researchers examined vaccine with four times antigen level of typical vaccine

PORTLAND, Ore.—High-dose influenza vaccine reduces hospitalization for the virus among Oregon seniors, a new Oregon Health Authority study has found.

The study of more than 144,000 seniors, ages 65 and older, living in the Portland metropolitan area showed that high-dose flu vaccine was 31 percent more effective at preventing senior flu-related hospitalizations than the standard-dose flu vaccine during the 2016-2017 season, according to the study appearing in the scientific journal Vaccine.

A high-dose vaccine contains four times the antigen of a standard flu vaccine. Antigens are the molecular structures on the surfaces of viruses that trigger the body’s immune response. Seniors typically have a weaker immune response to standard influenza vaccines than younger adults, and benefit from vaccines that are high-dose or "adjuvanted" specifically for seniors.

Putting another chemical, an adjuvant, into the vaccine helps create a stronger reaction to the antigen of the vaccine. Seniors should get a vaccine that is intended to boost their immune response.

Steve Robison, epidemiologist in the Oregon Immunization Program, is the lead study author. Co-author is Anne Thomas, M.D., public health physician in the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. They say protecting vulnerable seniors during flu season each year is a constant challenge.

"Seniors are at greater risk of severe illness from flu," Thomas said. "What’s more, typical flu vaccine doses aren’t adequately protective for many seniors. We wanted to know whether a widely used high-dose flu vaccine would benefit a large population of seniors, particularly in reducing hospitalizations."

For their study, Robison and Thomas focused on seniors who reported receiving a flu vaccine by Dec. 11, 2016, which is roughly four weeks before the typical onset of substantial local flu disease activity. It also ensured that seniors who received the vaccine had enough time to achieve full "seroconversion," which is when flu antibodies develop and become detectable.

The study population consisted of 78,602 seniors who received high-dose flu vaccine and 65,705 seniors who received the standard vaccine dose.

Robison and Thomas found that senior use of high-dose flu vaccine, compared with standard-dose vaccine, was associated with a "substantial reduction in the risk of hospitalization" with laboratory-confirmed influenza.

"The message is: do not give the standard flu vaccine to seniors. Give the high-dose vaccine or adjuvanted vaccine," Robison said. He said that while the adjuvanted vaccine was not addressed in the study, it also is a good alternative to the standard-dose vaccine for seniors.

Robison explained that because adult influenza is not a reportable disease in the United States, only limited data on actual amounts of disease exist. However, due to funding from CDC’s Emerging Infections Program, the OHA’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention program tracks influenza hospitalizations in the Portland metro area.

"We are fortunate here in Oregon to have accurate data on flu hospitalizations," Robison said. "Coupled with a strong immunization registry in our state, we have the ability to use our hospitalization and vaccination data to figure out how well vaccines are working. In this case, our study tells us at least one of these vaccines may be working better than we think."

The study is available on the Science Direct website at www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X18313197?dgcid=author.

It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Local flu clinics can be found by using the flu vaccine finder tool at http://www.flu.oregon.gov/. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also is promoting National Influenza Vaccination Week on its website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/nivw/ to highlight the importance of flu vaccination.

# # #

November 16, 2018 - Salem, Ore. –  Someone who purchased a Powerball ticket on November 25, 2017 has, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, one extra day to claim their $1 million prize. But time is running out!
Lottery prizes are good one year from the date of the drawing. Since the one-year anniversary of the unclaimed $1 million Powerball ticket falls on Sunday, Nov. 25, Lottery rules stipulate that the prize can be claimed the next business day. In this case, Monday, Nov. 26. Since the prize is more than $50,000, it can only be claimed at the Lottery’s Salem Headquarters, at 500 Airport Road SE in Salem. The Salem office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The ticket was sold in the Southeast Portland area, and the winning numbers are 08-13-27-53-54 with a Powerball of 04. The player matched five numbers but missed the Powerball number.
All unclaimed prizes go into the state’s Economic Development Fund. Each year approximately $5 million in unclaimed prizes goes into the fund. In fiscal year 2016, more than $5.3 million in unclaimed prizes were transferred to the fund. In fiscal year 2017, more than $5.4 million was transferred.
The Oregon Lottery also recently released new mobile phone applications for both iPhone and Android phones. One of the features of the new app, available at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, is the ability to scan Lottery tickets to let players know if they’ve won a prize.
Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
 

Date:  Friday, November 16, 2018

Case:  2018-355588

Date & Time of Incident:  Thursday, November 15, 2018 @ 1439 hours

Type of Incident:  Menacing

Location of Incident:  NE 8th St / NE Olney Ave

Victim:

Kory Allen                     27 year old  Bend, Oregon Resident

Brittani Williamson        23 year old  Bend, Oregon Resident

4 year old female

1 year old male

Suspect:

Zeke Duge          71 year old  Sisters, Oregon Resident

Narrative:

On November 15th, 2018 at around 1439 hours, Bend Officers were dispatched to a ‘Road Rage’ incident involving a firearm near NE 8th St / NE Olney Ave.  Officers learned the victims in this incident, Kory Allen and Brittani Williamson, called to report a male, later identified as Zeke Duge, pulled a gun and pointed it at them near the intersection.  Two small juveniles were in Allen’s vehicle at the time of this incident.

Officers quickly located the suspect vehicle near NE Neff Rd / NE Purcell Ave are were able to take Duge into custody without incident.  Officers were able to confirm Duge did point a loaded firearm at Allen’s vehicle and all four occupants.

A firearm was recovered from Duge’s vehicle and he was transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail where he was lodged on the below listed charges.

Charges:

• Reckless Endangering
• Unlawful Use/Carry of a Weapon
• Disorderly Conduct II
• Menacing
• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 16, 2018) – Give the gift that lasts all year! Starting Friday, Nov. 23, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is offering 15% off all memberships during their annual membership sale, which runs through Jan. 1. 

OMSI members receive a wide array of benefits:
- Sneak peeks to big exhibits
- Chinook Book App access (with exclusive OMSI coupons)
- Discounts on summer camps, movie tickets, sub tours, food, events and more
- Reciprocal access to more than 325 museums across the country (see entire list)
- Tax deductible expense

Membership levels and sale price:

OMSI for 2 - $84
•    1 named adult + 1 guest or 2 named adults
•    2 theater or submarine vouchers

Family - $97.75
•    2 named adults + 4 children

Family Plus - $123.25
•    2 named adults + 4 children
•    1 guest per visit
•    4 theater or submarine vouchers

Friend - $144.50
•    2 named adults + 8 children
•    2 guests per visit
•    8 theater or submarine vouchers
•    Unlimited Planetarium Matinee showings

Patron - $191.25
•    2 named adults + 10 children
•    3 guests per visit
•    Unlimited Planetarium Matinees
•    2 OMSI After Dark attraction passes
•    Free Parking Pass
•    10 theater or submarine vouchers

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

Released by:  Sergeant William Bailey – Public Information Officer

Release Date:  November 15, 2018

Inmates:

McCallister, Shawn D.      Age: 34

Turre, Christopher G.       Age: 30

NARRATIVE: 

On November 14, 2018, a Corrections Deputy and four inmate workers were at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Rescue Ranch, east of Bend.  The inmate workers were at the ranch to perform clean up and assist with the care and feeding of the rescue animals we have there.

At approximately 11:25am, the supervising Deputy lost sight of two of the inmates and began searching for them at the east end of the ranch.  The Deputy discovered the entrance gate onto the property had been forced open.  The two inmates had forced the gate open using the quad and left the property.

As the Deputy began making notifications of the escape, Deschutes County 911 received a call of two males on a quad speeding and “doing cookies” in the area of Arnold Market Road and Rimfire Rd.  The description of the two subject and quad matched that of the two missing inmates.  As deputies and other law enforcement resources began searching the area, another witness reporting seeing the two inmates and quad on China Hat Road heading towards Bend.

An Oregon State Police (OSP) aircraft in the area on regular patrol responded to the area of China Hat Road to assist with the search.  The OSP aircraft was able to locate, track, and coordinate responding resources to the inmates and quad.

At 1228 hours, Inmate Christopher G. Turre was located and taken into custody by an OSP Trooper on National Forest land to the east of the Lava Butte.  The second inmate, Shawn D. McCallister, was located and taken into custody approximately 35 minutes later.  Deputies located him after he had abandoned the quad and fled on foot into a nearby lava field to hide.  Both inmates were returned to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail a short time later.

An investigation into the escape determined Turre and McCallister had both drank hand sanitizer from a container that had been located in the jail transport van.  Hand sanitizer is usually around 60% alcohol, with is equivalent to 120 proof liquor.  The hand sanitizer was available to the inmates as a disinfectant during their work crew duties.

Inmates McCallister and Turre now face charges of Escape 2, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Mischief 1 from this incident.  McCallister will also face additional charges of DUII, Attempt to Elude Felony, Attempt to Elude Misdemeanor, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Driving While Suspended Misdemeanor. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police, Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Departement, Sunriver Police Department, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM Ranger) for their assistance.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service organization providing patrol, criminal investigations, corrections, civil and search and rescue. Special operations include Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 units. Founded in 1916 and today directed by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the more than 185,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 180 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

Date:  11/15/18

By:  Lt. Bryan Husband, Search and Rescue Coordinator

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications from members of our community who are interested in becoming a Search and Rescue Volunteer. Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (DCSO SAR) is one of the busiest search and rescue units in the state of Oregon. In 2017, DCSO SAR completed 127 missions and over 300 trainings. Our Volunteers are highly skilled and range from general searchers to those capable of highly technical missions such as Mountain Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Diving operations and more.

Selected applicants, who must be at least 21 years of age, are required to complete the DCSO SAR Academy, which consists of approximately 100 hours of training. The 2019 SAR Academy will begin on April 1st, with Volunteers graduating on May 9th. Generally, training occurs on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm-9pm, which consist of classroom exercises and is followed up with a day of training on Saturday for outdoor practical exercises.

Academy attendees will receive instruction in several areas including, but not limited to: navigation, tracking, wilderness survival, search tactics, first aid/CPR and how DCSO SAR operates. Included in the academy, is a "pack test", which consists of a five mile hike (2 1/2 miles uphill and 2 1/2 miles downhill) carrying a 25 lb. back pack. The time limit for this test is 100 minutes. Each academy attendee will be assigned a mentor to assist with the successful completion of the academy.

Applications can be found online at www.deschutes.org/jobs and must be submitted by January 18th, 2019 at 5 PM.

Once applications are reviewed, applicants that meet minimum qualifications will be contacted and required to attend an informational session. Applicants will also be required to attend an oral board interview. A background investigation will be completed for all applicants who are selected after the oral board interview. Some qualities necessary include a flexible schedule enabling mission attendance, the ability to fit in with our current volunteers, a good attitude and the ability to function as a team player. There is a $100 entry fee for those selected, which covers initial Search and Rescue Volunteer clothing issued upon graduation from the academy.

Additional questions can be answered by telephoning the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Special Services Unit at 541-388-6501, as well as going online to http://sheriff.deschutes.org/Special-Services/sar/ and www.deschutessearchandrescue.org.

Contact Info:
 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites people to play for free Nov. 23 in celebration of “Green Friday.” The agency will waive day-use parking fees in 25 state parks the day after Thanksgiving.

"We started Green Friday four years ago to encourage people to opt outside and the response has been very positive," said Lisa Sumption, OPRD director. "We’re thrilled that many families now include a state park outing as part of their holiday tradition.”

Parking is free year-round at almost all state parks; the waiver applies to the 25 parks that charge $5 daily for parking. The waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 23, except at Shore Acres State Park, where it expires at 3 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. A list of parks that require day-use parking permits is available online.

Driving directions and more info about state parks is on oregonstateparks.org.

EUGENE, Ore. – Eric L. Scully, 35, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to endangering human life and illegally possessing and manufacturing marijuana after a November 2017 butane honey oil (BHO) explosion in Cottage Grove.

“Manufacturing hash oil is extremely dangerous and poses a grave risk of injury or death to producers and unknowing, innocent victims. Federal authorities will continue targeting BHO producers and the illicit distribution networks providing them with butane gas. Together with our local partners, we will put an end to this severe public safety threat,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“This investigation highlights the significant dangers that these extraction operations pose,” stated Keith Weis, DEA Special Agent in Charge of the Pacific Northwest Region. He further added, “This explosive event in Cottage Grove’s community was caused by highly reckless criminal activities surrounding butane honey oil (BHO) production, this time we were very lucky that lives were not lost.”

According to court documents, on November 16, 2017, the Cottage Grove Police and Fire Departments responded to an explosion at a storage facility in Cottage Grove. Officers found Scully at a local hospital where he was being treated for serious burn injuries. Investigators later learned that, at the time of the explosion, at least three other individuals were inside the facility.

Two days later, Cottage Grove Police and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents executed a search warrant at the storage facility. Inside, they found a large, sophisticated, and unlicensed BHO extraction lab. BHO is a concentrated form of marijuana extracted using highly flammable or combustible solvents. During the search, agents found more than 1,900 pounds of marijuana bud and shake, 728 marijuana plants and over 80 pounds of marijuana extract. Each plant was either mature or had leaves and readily observable root formation.

The investigation determined that while manufacturing BHO, one of Scully’s machines, located in a room containing combustibles, caught fire. The machine and combustibles exploded, injuring Scully and placing the other individuals present at substantial risk of harm.

Scully faces up to 40 years in prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence, a $5 million fine and a mandatory four-year term of supervised release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and defense counsel are jointly recommending a non-binding, 87-month sentence for Scully who will be sentenced on February 21, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

As part of the plea agreement, Scully agrees to pay restitution to each victim as determined by the court, including payments for property damage, physical injuries caused by the explosion and the reimbursement of insurance companies. Scully also agreed to forfeit $25,980 in criminal proceeds and a pickup truck and trailer used to facilitate his crimes.

This case was investigated by DEA and the Cottage Grove Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

November 15, 2018

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@state.or.us (media inquiries)

Marisha Childs, 971-673-0389, isha.childs@dhsoha.state.or.us">marisha.childs@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information and accommodation)

Nurse Staffing Advisory Board Acuity Subcommittee meets November 21 in Portland

What: A public meeting of the Nurse Staffing Advisory Board's Acuity Subcommittee.

Agenda: Overview of the acuity cross-walk, subcommittee members’ discussion and questions. The agenda is available on the OHA’s nurse staffing website.

When: November 21, 3-4:30 p.m. No public comment period is offered.

Where: Portland State Office Building Room 368, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland; or by conference call at 877-336-1829, access code 2075141.

Background: The Nurse Staffing Advisory Board's acuity subcommittee advises the Oregon Health Authority on acuity measuring and how acuity is measured on a nurse staffing survey. Board members serving on the subcommittee will review the acuity cross-walk and advise OHA for future nurse staffing surveys.

For more information, see the OHA nurse staffing website at http://www.healthoregon.org/nursestaffing.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Marisha Childs at 971-673-0389, 711 TTY or isha.childs@dhsoha.state.or.us">marisha.childs@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

SALEM, OR – Today Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) released the draft Breaking New Ground: the OHCS Statewide Housing Plan, a five-year look at the agency’s priorities, goals, and strategies in ensuring a stable and affordable housing landscape. Drafted after combining robust statewide outreach and partner input sessions with quantitative data analysis, the document reflects what is needed to address the housing and service needs of both rural and urban communities across Oregon. OHCS will seek feedback over the course of the next month to clarify strategies and strengthen the Plan.

Director Margaret Salazar will be releasing a video interview later this month, ahead of five public meetings to introduce the draft plan and seek feedback on the strategies. The five meeting dates and locations are listed below.

• La Grande – November 29th 1 PM – 3 PM at Cook Memorial Library
• Eugene – December 10th 10 AM -12 PM at a location to be determined
• Redmond – December 11th 12 PM – 1 PM at Redmond City Hall
  • Part of the Housing For All meeting
• Forest Grove – December 11th 1 PM – 3 PM at Forest Grove City Hall
• Newport – December 13th 1 PM – 3 PM at Oregon Coast Community College

Additional details about the Statewide Housing Plan, including details about 2017 outreach and county profiles, are available online.

On Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at approximately 6:15 AM Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 89.

Initial investigation revealed that a 2000 Dodge Ram PU, operated by Zachary Rivera (32) from Mulino, OR, was westbound on Interstate 84 when the vehicle hit the guardrail, crossed both lanes, and went down an embankment on the south side of Interstate 84.  

Rivera was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.  He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Oregon State Police were assisted by Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue and ODOT.

CORRECTION -  Richard Hillmann 

On November 22, 2017, Richard Hillmann attended a day before Thanksgiving gathering at a friend’s house on Pleasant Valley Road in Josephine County.  He left the party between 8 - 9 PM in his green 1997 Toyota SR5 pickup (OR License VWT 361) and has not been seen since.

Hillmann's residence is within 5 miles of the Pleasant Valley gathering.

The Oregon State Police adopted the case in March of 2018 and has interviewed many witnesses, friends, and neighbors. Hillmann had few close associates and primarily stayed to himself.

Investigators believe that Hillmann is the victim of foul play and the person(s) involved were known to Hillman.

Oregon State Police investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating Hillman and/or his vehicle. If anyone has seen Hillmann, the vehicle,  or have any information regarding his disappearance they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-776-6111 or OSP and reference case number SP18-076662 / Detective John Anderson.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Aubrey Richardson, died today, November 14, 2018. He was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,900 men and women who are incarcerated in the 14 institutions across the state. Richardson entered DOC custody on November 22, 2016 from Linn County.  His earliest release date was September 19, 2021. He was 76 years old. Next of kin have been notified.

TRCI is a multi-custody facility in Umatilla that houses more than 1,800 men.  It delivers a range of correctional services and programs including education, work opportunities, and cognitive programming.  The minimum facility opened in 1998 and the medium facility opened in 2000.

On Wednesday November 14, 2018 at approximately 8:44 pm Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian on Hwy 99 milepost 4.5.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Ford F150 PU, operated by Jordan Abbasi (33) of Missouri City,
Texas, was traveling northbound on Hwy 99 near milepost 4.5 when he hit a pedestrian in the roadway.  The pedestrian , identified as Bonnie Weyburn (52) from Vancouver, WA.  was transported to the hospital but later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Abbasi was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation.

OSP was assisted by EMS, Jackson County Fire, and ODOT.
 

November 15, 2018

Contacts: Saerom England, 971-239-6483, om.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us">saerom.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us (media inquiries)

Daphne Peck, 503-373-1985, c.info@state.or.us">herc.info@state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Chronic Pain Task Force meets December 5 in Lake Oswego

What: A public meeting of the Health Evidence Review Commission's Chronic Pain Task Force

When: December 5, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Crowne Plaza hotel, Plaza 2 & 3, 14811 Kruse Oaks Drive, Lake Oswego. The public also may attend via a listen-only conference line by calling 888-204-5984, participant code 801373.

Agenda includes: Review opioid tapering evidence evaluation by Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Evidence-based Policy; review results of CCO survey of implementation of previous back and neck pain coverage changes and implementation of other potential coverage changes related to chronic pain; review and discuss potential alternatives to task force proposal; public comment will be accepted for 30 minutes starting at about 11 a.m.

For more information about the meeting, visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/DSI-HERC/Pages/Meetings-Public.aspx. The meeting agenda and materials will be available one week before the meeting.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Daphne Peck at 503-373-1985, 711 TTY or c.info@state.or.us">herc.info@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the event. Written comments are also welcome at C.info@state.or.us">herc.info@state.or.us.

November 15, 2018

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@state.or.us

OHA reminds public to practice safe food handling with parody ‘Salmonella’ Twitter account

Oregonians encouraged to keep food safety in mind this holiday season

Nothing ruins a holiday gathering quite like an unwelcome guest, particularly when that guest is a bout of food poisoning.

That’s what the Oregon Health Authority hopes to help Oregonians avoid this holiday season by sharing prevention messages through Salmonella, a parody Twitter account personifying the salmonella bacteria.

Through his tongue-in-cheek tweets, Salmonella (inadvertently) highlights ways Oregon cooks can make their kitchens less welcoming to the illness-causing contaminant.

In his messages, Salmonella enthusiastically tells people that using the same cutting board for both raw meats and vegetables is a great way to invite him to dinner; cooking stuffing inside the turkey appeals to his sense of living dangerously; and not to believe the nay-sayers—eating raw cookie dough really is a great way to get sick.

"We want people to know salmonella can have serious consequences for your health," said Emilio DeBess, DVM, state public health veterinarian and an Oregon Health Authority salmonella expert. "But you can keep it off your menu by taking simple steps as you prepare your food."

Each year 400 to 500 cases of salmonella are reported in Oregon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates salmonella causes 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths in the United States each year.

OHA offers the following tips for preventing food poisoning at home:

• Wash hands and surfaces often.
• Don’t cross-contaminate.
• Cook foods to the proper internal temperature.
• Refrigerate foods promptly.

Although cases of salmonella are most common during the summer months, food is often a central part of holiday preparations, making Thanksgiving and the winter holidays a good time to raise the subject.

Children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to foodborne illnesses and should take extra precautions to practice safe food handling.

Popular social media platforms handle billions of messages each day and are effective ways for people to share information. Robb Cowie, OHA communications director, said the Salmonella social media campaign offers a new way of getting attention for an important public health issue.

"If health experts always deliver food safety messages in the same way, we run the risk that people will tune them out," Cowie said. "Social media can help spread the word, but it means we have to take a different approach. Our intent with Salmonella’s light-hearted tone is to reach more Oregonians and warn them: Don’t take Salmonella lightly. He can ruin your holiday—or worse."

Through the campaign, the Salmonella parody account will respond to Oregon-based audiences posting on social media about preparing or consuming food and deliver a timely food safety message. In its first 72 hours, Salmonella has reached nearly 50,000 Oregonians.

Using social media to deliver public health messages is an emerging health communications practice and similar campaigns have shown positive results. In its "Melanoma Likes Me" campaign, Melanoma Patients Australia created a Twitter persona for Melanoma to reach young Australians, the group most at risk for the lethal cancer. Over the summer of 2014-2015 the campaign reached 2 million people and helped generate a 1,371-percent increase in unique visits to the Skincheck mobile site, a site that helped users check their moles and marks for signs of cancer.

Oregonians can follow Salmonella at @SalmonellaOR.

For more information on safe food handling practices, visit the Oregon Health Authority website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/FOODSAFETY/Pages/tips.aspx.

# # #

Motor Vehicle Crash blocks La Pine State Recreation Road

Prepared by:  Sergeant Troy Gotchy

Driver:  Meeker, Michael Cody 37 years of age

                Klamath Falls, Oregon

Vehicle:  2012 GMC Acadia (unknown color due to fire damage)

Charges:     DUII

                   Reckless Driving

                   Criminal Mischief 1 x 2

On 11/14/18 at approximately 1703 hours, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the La Pine Fire Department were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on La Pine State Recreation Road.  The reporting person advised the vehicle had hit the bridge going over the river, and that the vehicle was in the river and on fire.

When Deputies arrived on scene, they found a 2012 GMC Acadia fully engulfed in flames along with the surrounding vegetation.  The roadway was blocked by the damaged guardrail, and a large amount of debris.  La Pine State Recreation Road was blocked in both directions.  La Pine Fire units arrived on scene, and quickly extinguished the fire.

The accident occurred when the driver, Michael Meeker, was driving west bound on La Pine State Recreation road.  He left the roadway on the north side of the roadway striking the guardrail and bridge over the river.  The vehicle then spun 180 degrees, landing in the dry portion of the river under the bridge.  There was severe damage to the guardrail and the pedestrian portion of the bridge, along with conduit and wiring belonging to Midstate Electric.  The vehicle was a total loss.

A DUII investigation was conducted, and Michael Meeker was arrested for Driving Under the Influence (alcohol), Reckless Driving, and Criminal Mischief I.  He was lodged at the Deschutes County Jail.

Midstate Electric and the Deschutes County Road Department responded to the scene.  The bridge was found to be safe, and both traffic lanes were opened at approximately 1840 hours.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the La Pine Fire Department, the Oregon State Police, and the Deschutes County Road Department.

SALEM, Ore. – The County Opportunity Grant Program Advisory Committee will meet 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 510 Hawthorne Ave. SE, Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

The bulk of the agenda will feature County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) applicants presenting their proposed projects to the committee for review. Project presentations will run 9:40 a.m. – 2 p.m. For specific presentation times, refer to the full meeting agenda on the grant program website.

The committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The priority ranking list will be forwarded to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.

The COGP Advisory Committee consists of seven members who represent counties, recreational vehicle owners, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The COGP provides grant assistance on a project basis for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and planning of county park and recreation sites that provide camping facilities. The program was established in 1983 to direct a portion of revenue from recreational vehicle registration fees to counties for park and recreation sites and programs. All Oregon counties are eligible to apply to the COGP. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

For more information about the COGP, visit oprdgrants.org.

Individuals who need special accommodations to attend the meeting must contact Mark Cowan, OPRD grant program coordinator, 503-986-0591 or k.cowan@oregon.gov">mark.cowan@oregon.gov, at least three days in advance.

It’s the season of giving and the holiday season is a time when many non profits make their annual request for donations. But just as important is the need for volunteers, said AARP Oregon State Director Ruby Haughton-Pitts.

The founder of AARP, Ethel Percy Andrus, noted that “It is only in the giving of ourselves of others that we truly live.” She believed in community service. It’s part of the DNA of AARP. "We are proud that we have more than 150 community volunteers statewide, but we also help with other AARP family programs such as AARP Tax Aide, The AARP Smart Driver Course and Experience Corps, hosted in Portland through Metropolitan Family Services. All of these programs and many more are looking for volunteers and offer meaningful ways to give back and make a difference!" Haughton-Pitts said.

Volunteering is great for the community, but it’s valuable to volunteers as well! Psychology Today ran a story a few years ago about some of the benefits of volunteering. Did you know people who volunteer are healthier and live longer?  Health and longevity gains from volunteering come from establishing meaningful volunteer roles before you retire and continuing to volunteer once you arrive in your post-retirement years.  Another great aspect of volunteerism, is that it helps us develop and maintain social connections and make new friends. It gives us a sense of purpose.

And for people who are still in the workforce, volunteering can help develop new skills and abilities. It can be great for your career! You meet key people and can learn new skills – and open up possibilities such as leading teams.

Here are some of the great organizations serving older adults. Volunteers receive training and support from staff.

Elders in Action. As our community of older adults grows, their needs grow as well. Elders in Action is looking for volunteers to give presentations and advocate in the community to raise awareness about the problem of elder abuse and to provide direct services to low-income adults. Elders in Action provides training to new volunteers every month. Please contact Laura Berrutti to learn more about volunteer opportunities and trainings: a@eldersinaction.org">Laura@eldersinaction.org and 503-595-7533, or visit:  http://eldersinaction.org/volunteer/  

Ride Connection Volunteer Drivers help their neighbors stay active, independent, and connected with the places that mean the most to them. Whether you’d like to drive an older adult to the senior center, a neighbor with a disability to a medical appointment, or a Veteran to visit a loved one in a care facility, we’ll match you with riders in need of transportation at times that are most convenient for you.For more information on our flexible volunteer opportunities, contact Pam Monahan, Volunteer Outreach Specialist, at (503) 528-1738, pmonahan@rideconnection.org, or visit our website: https://rideconnection.org/

Store to Door is a local nonprofit that supports independent living for Portland area seniors and people with disabilities by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service.  Store to Door looks for dedicated volunteers to help take weekly nourishment and social connection to homebound seniors in Portland.  Currently, they have a critical need for volunteers to help as weekly Delivery Volunteers and/or Order Takers.  Email Volunteer@Storetodooroforegon.org or call 503-200-3333 ext 106 More information can be found at www.storetodooroforegon.org/volunteer

Meals on Wheels – The most common volunteer job is delivering meals and friendly greetings to homebound seniors.  The program helps stop senior hunger and social isolation. Find a local place to volunteer through https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/americaletsdolunch?sign-up=1

AARP Smart Driver Program – Driver Safety volunteers teach and organize the award-winning AARP Smart Driver™ classroom course curriculum in their local communities throughout the state. Learn more at https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/volunteer/

AARP Foundation Tax is looking for help in putting $50 million in refunds back in the pockets of Oregonians in 2019. You can help by training as a Tax-Aide volunteer. To find an opportunity near you in Oregon and apply, sign up at:  https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/

Long Term Care Ombudsman volunteers will respond to concerns of residents in nursing homes, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, and adult foster care homes. https://www.oltco.org/ltco/volunteer

State Health Insurance Benefits Assistance volunteer counselors help people in their community understand their Medicare insurance choices and their rights through individual counseling, education, and referrals. Ehttps://healthcare.oregon.gov/shiba/volunteers/Pages/volunteer.aspx

AARP Oregon volunteer – We’re currently looking for individuals who would like to learn about AARP issues and become advocates. Write to aarp@aarp.org">oraarp@aarp.org to learn more.

The Oregon State Marine Board recognized marine law enforcement from around the state for seven water-related rescues during their post-season Marine Law Enforcement Conference, held in Redmond on October 16.  The Marine Board also recognized individuals for outstanding service that went above and beyond in helping improve boating safety on Oregon’s waterways.

Life-Saving Recognition

The agency’s annual lifesaving awards recognize personnel who have exhibited heroism, going above and beyond the call of duty, by directly attempting to rescue one or more persons involved in a water-related incident.  These awards are open to all law enforcement, boating safety volunteers, and other marine partners.  Seven rescue events occurred during the boating season with nine lives saved.    

On January 22, OSP Trooper Aaron Miller was conducting a boat patrol with the Oregon State Police on Tillamook Bay.  Trooper Miller was actively monitoring the dive cockle fishery in the bay due to reports of violations.  On this day, Trooper Miller was invited to conduct a boat patrol with Deputy Paul Fournier who is assigned with the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol.  The officers located a dive boat in an area commonly known as Crab Harbor and they noticed visible violations.  The officers tied up to the dive boat and were talking with the captain when one of the divers showed signs of distress and fell unconscious underwater.  Due to quick thinking by another diver to drop the gear, the diver in distress was able to surface.  The officers recovered the unconscious diver, blue in color, and not breathing.  As Deputy Fournier operated the boat in an effort to get the diver to medical personnel, Trooper Miller started chest compressions.  While on-route to the docks, the diver regained consciousness and started breathing on his own.  The diver was transferred to medical personnel immediately upon arriving at the docks. 

On March 27, shortly after midnight, Deputy Ron Osborn and Deputy Scott McLellan received a call of a car stopped and blocking one of the eastbound lanes of the Steel Bridge in Portland.  The Portland Police Bureau asked the Multnomah County River Patrol to do an area check in case there was a jumper.  No one had been seen attempting to jump from the bridge.  From the marine patrol boathouse, it took nearly 30 minutes for the deputies to arrive on-scene.  Once the deputies arrived, they were able to spot a face and hands sticking out of the water.  The person was located next to an ocean-going grain ship at the grain terminal downriver from the Steel Bridge. 

They pulled next to the person and were able to get him on the boat, then transported him to the Fire Bureau dock where they met AMR medics.  The person was unresponsive by that time and was transported to OHSU where he regained consciousness and survived his injuries.  Rescues of this type are very difficult in the dark under quickly changing wind and weather conditions.  Deputy Osborn and McLellan’s keen vision and expertise helped locate the person just in time.

At noon on May 27, Deputy Jerry Williams and Deputy Dave Young from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling the North Santiam River, just upstream from the confluence where the North and South Fork of the Santiam River meet, near Jefferson.  While patrolling the river, Williams and Young spotted two young men in inner tubes.  Neither of the floaters was wearing a life jacket and they were approaching a sizable tree snag that was above the waterline and extended below the waterline like a chain link fence of wood, maple vines, and debris.  One of the floaters was able to make it to the other side of the river to safety without incident, but the other person in the inner tube was entangled in the snag and the tube overturned.  The man was pinned underwater and was pulled by the current under the snag.  Deputy Williams drove the boat as Deputy Young grabbed the wrist of the man, held on as hard as he could, and pulled the man up to keep his head out of the water so he could breathe.  Deputy Williams and Deputy Young instructed the man to climb the snag until they could pull him into the jet boat safely.  They transported the man to Jefferson Fire Department medics. 

In August, Lane County received a call of a water rescue on Fern Ridge Reservoir.  There were six family members that were boating and enjoying their afternoon when tragedy hit.  A nine-year-old child called to report that their mother and father were both in the water and that they were in critical need of help.  The child also reported that the father was underwater.  Deputy Guy Pease and Deputy Jon Bock were on Fern Ridge at the time of the call but on the other side of the reservoir.  The conditions were very rough, with three-foot swells and high wind conditions.  Another call came in that an eight-year-old and 11-year-old were also in the water.  Deputies Pease and Bock responded from across the lake and began the search.  They quickly spotted two boys who were hysterical and struggling to keep their heads above the large waves.  One of the boys was screaming that his dad was dead.  Both of the boys were pulled from the water and brought to safety.  Deputy Pease saw the mother in the water, holding the father.  The mother had one arm through a life jacket and was struggling to hold onto the father.  The mother was hysterical and kept sinking below the surface.  Deputies brought the father onto the boat and Deputy Bock began chest compressions.  Deputy Pease grabbed a CPR mask and took over compressions as Deputy Bock pulled the mother into the boat.  All of the individuals involved were taken to the boat launch at Orchard Point.  Regrettably, the father was unable to be revived, but the heroic actions of Deputies Pease and Bock, the other three people were rescued. 

On September 10, Deputy Mike Cahill from the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office dove into the Columbia River to rescue a suicidal woman.  Deputy Cahill responded to a call at 3:23 pm after launching his patrol boat roughly ½ mile downstream from Channel Marker 40 near Boardman.  Deputy Cahill spotted a woman in the water about 50-75 yards out.  There were three to four-foot swells with visible whitecaps, as she struggled to keep her head above the water, moving further out into the river.  There wasn’t time to deploy a boat, so Deputy Cahill immediately dove into the water in an attempt to rescue the woman.  The woman went underwater several times and didn’t resurface, but not before Deputy Cahill was able to get a visual on her and get close enough to grab her by one of her elbows.  He identified himself and told her he wanted to take her back to shore.  She tried to break loose, but the deputy was able to maintain good contact with her.  As Deputy Cahill was attempting to get the woman back to shore, she begged him to let her go.  Deputy Cahill spoke calmly and reassured her as he swam them both back to shore.  The woman repeated she wanted to be let go and tried to escape, but Deputy Cahill didn’t give up.  He was working against the water, the wind, the strong current and the woman he was attempting to rescue.  Deputy Cahill was able to swim her to shallow water where Boardman Police entered the water to assist.

On July 18, a man attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Fremont Bridge into the Willamette River, more than 380 feet below.  On any other day, this would be a short and sad story, but just a half a mile away was River Deputy Kevin McAfee from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol.  As soon as the call was broadcast, McAfee immediately motored to the location –by himself.  There’s a brief moment after a person enters the water where the body’s survival instinct and body chemistry take over.  If a person is conscious and had the ability to move at all, they will automatically try to breathe.  Those moments are fleeting as a person’s body is instantly impacted by cold water shock, in addition to any severe injuries that can lead to drowning.  After 20 years with the sheriff’s office marine patrol and several years of service on the Dive Team, and Search and Rescue, McAfee knew this reality all too well.  Portland Police, Portland Fire, and the Coast Guard were all notified and responding to the call.  The patrol boat, “Munson” is equipped with cameras and recorded the event as McAfee approached the Fremont Bridge in search of the man.  The camera was not immediately able to detect the man in the river.  Portland Police located the man’s vehicle on the bride, giving McAfee a better idea of where to begin looking, just past the center of the bridge.  The traffic unit was able to spot the man, struggling in the water toward the middle of the river.  The man had very little capacity to hold on to life.  McAfee spotted the man and using extreme skill and care, adjusted the boat speed, dropped the front gate on the boat and pulled the man on board –with perfect timing.  This is exceptionally difficult to do, let alone solo.  The Portland Fire Bureau boat 6 Rescue Craft personnel arrived moments later, boarded the boat and started rescue medical attention.  They took the man to a waiting ambulance and on to the hospital.  The medical lifesaving procedures performed by fire, ambulance medics, nurses and doctors were equally as miraculous and deserving or recognition.  But if not for Deputy McAfee’s dedication to protect and serve the public, this man may not be alive today.  

On a chilly October afternoon, Deputy Scott McDowell and Sergeant Steve Dangler from the Multnomah County River Patrol were dispatched to assist Vancouver Police Department with a female suspect who had fled into the Columbia River.  The woman was in the river ranging from knee-high to the center of her chest.  As she continued to move around, she stumbled and eventually fell into the river. As the officers got closer, Sergeant Dangler dropped the front door of the boat.  This gave Deputy McDowell a clear view of the woman and would allow them to pull her aboard.  While in the river, she kept talking to herself and yelling out.  The goal was to corral her to the shore so she did not go under water.  This part of the river drops off substantially and given the mental state of the woman currently fighting to evade them in the river, the deputies were certain she would not be able to swim. The high winds made it challenging to maintain the boat position or move with her. Underwater pilings and high wind and waves put the woman, the officers, and the patrol boat at risk.  Sergeant Dangler decided that they had to act immediately or risk damaging the boat or losing the subject in the river.  He stripped some of his gear and told Deputy McDowell to position the boat on the next approach for him to hop off and securely grab her.  Sergeant Dangler jumped in the water, grabbing the subject under her right arm and tightly holding her against him so she could not turn out and away.  Once Sergeant Dangler got his footing, he positioned her to the left to pull her off balance.  Sergeant Dangler carried the woman to shore where two more Vancouver Police Officers were waiting. Vancouver took the woman into custody without further incident.  Due to the quick actions by all, the woman was able to get awaiting medical attention despite her resistance.

Marine law enforcement officers from 32 county sheriff’s offices, tribal representatives and the Oregon State Police train for swift water rescue, boat maneuvering, and a myriad of other life-saving scenarios each year during the Marine Board’s Law Enforcement Academy.  Academy training, in addition to the Marine Board’s drift and jet boat training schools, has proven to be well worth the time and effort in the number of lives saved each year.  

The Marine Board is sincerely grateful for every marine officer who puts their own lives at risk every time they patrol Oregon’s waterways and the thousands of people they impact through their presence.   

Program Awards

Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Wade Holom –Boat Maintenance Award

Marine law enforcement boats and equipment are purchased for marine programs using recreational motorboat dollars from the Marine Board, in addition to funding for boating safety education and patrol hours.  Boats and equipment require maintenance, and depending on the areas of patrol, some boats can experience extreme wear and tear from season to season.  In the first award of its kind, the Marine Board recognized Deputy Wade Holom of Malheur County with a Boat Maintenance Award.  Deputy Holom takes exceedingly good care of the county boat by conducting and verifying all of the required maintenance, communicating regularly with the agency’s Waterway Program Coordinator, Brian Paulsen about needed repairs, and finding creative solutions to get the maximum value and life out of the watercraft.  Deputy Holom’s dedication and efforts to ensure the boat is well maintained to prolong the life of the boat, deserves commendation.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Rayce Belmont -Rookie of the Year

This award recognizes a top performing marine officer who completed the current year’s marine academy and dives in as an active and effective new recruit.  Deputy Belmont’s excellent attitude, stellar boat operation skills, positive energy and easy-going demeanor helped garner him 639 boater contacts, where he issued 136 warnings and citations, along with some boating education. 

Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Charles Douglass –Most Valuable Contribution

The Most Valuable Contribution Award is one that is selected by unanimous consent of the Oregon State Marine Board’s Boating Safety Program staff.  A combination of action and attitude, Douglass has both character attributes.

Deputy Douglas was hired in 1999 by Lane County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to the Marine Patrol on September 20, 2008.  Douglass is a top performer in boater contacts year to year, is a top jet boat operator, one of our foundational instructors, and finds time every year to teach at the Marine Law Enforcement Academy, Drift and Jet Boat Schools. He also serves on the state’s Boating Accident Investigation Team and holds many advanced certifications that make him one of the top, if not the top, boat accident investigators in the state.  For the Marine Board’s “Operation Ship Shape” during the 2018 boating season, Douglass contacted 68 boaters addressing 80 violations in a single weekend and claimed over 200 documented boating violations between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  The Marine Board is incredibly grateful to have a deputy of Douglass’ caliber, setting the standard for others. 

Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Daren Krag –Officer of the Year

The annual Officer of the Year Award is the Marine Board’s top award, selected by the Law Enforcement Advisory Group, recognizing someone with outstanding skill, attitude, and exceptional service to Oregon’s boaters over the last 12 months. 

Dep. Daren Krag, of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, is a renowned Boating Under the Influence (BUII) detection expert.  Krag is also an educator, an excellent instructor and boat operator, and is beyond dedicated to the cause of boating safety. 

As a corporal of the Marine Unit, Krag is responsible for all the administrative tasks as well as the job of Marine Deputy. His interactions with the public are charismatic.  Most citizens he contacts – even those he arrests – will tell you he is a great guy, fair, honest and caring.

Daren’s program consistently ranks at the top for boater contacts.  Most noteworthy, Krag averages well over half of all BUII arrests in the state, and during the 2018 season was nationally recognized for his specific contributions to the region to ensure the waterways are safe for everyone.  Krag is also an instructor at the Marine Law Enforcement Academy, Drift and Jet Boat Schools, and teaches boating safety in the local schools and to community groups. The Small Boat Rescue Team, under his leadership, is an effective, efficient resource that benefits all of Klamath County.  Krag’s willingness to aid other counties with tools and equipment such as side-scan-sonar has helped families of victims find closure.  The Marine Board is indebted to the service of Deputy Krag, the example he sets for others, and the kindness he shows to everyone he encounters. 

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The Marine Board is funded by registration, title fees and marine fuel taxes paid by motorized boaters.  No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees are used to support the agency or its programs.  Boater-paid fees go back to boaters in the form of boating safety services (on-the-water enforcement, training, and equipment), education/outreach materials, and boating access facility grants (boat ramps, docks, parking, restrooms, and construction and maintenance).  The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit program is dedicated funding to pay for border inspection stations, decontamination equipment, inspectors, and signage/outreach materials.  The Mandatory Education Program is self-supporting and revenue helps pay for education materials and boater education cards.  For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Michael Krajeski died on November 10, 2018. He was incarcerated at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) and passed away in the institution’s end of life care program. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Micheal Krajeski entered DOC custody on July 25, 2012 from Multnomah County.  His earliest release date was August 17, 2019. He was 60 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,900 men and women who are incarcerated in the 14 institutions across the state. Next of kin has been notified.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2018

CONTACT:

Ariel Nelson                                       

Government Relations and Communications Liaison

Oregon Housing and Community Services

503-949-0201, iel.Nelson@oregon.gov">Ariel.Nelson@oregon.gov    

State to announce 10 communities selected for Operation Welcome Home

Operation Welcome Home Launch will take place November 15th at 2 PM at Seavey Meadows in Corvallis.

SALEM, OR – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will formally announce ten communities selected to participate in Operation Welcome Home tomorrow at 2 PM. OHCS, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA), will support communities by providing technical assistance in their initiative to end veterans’ homelessness. The selected communities will gather for the Operation Welcome Home Launch at Seavey Meadows (1099 NE Sorrel Place Corvallis, OR 97330), a veterans’ affordable housing community funded with state resources.

“It’s unacceptable that any veteran would experience homelessness,” said OHCS Director Margaret Salazar, “but we know that veterans are more likely to face these challenges. Operation Welcome Home centers the goal of ending veterans’ homelessness and uses national best practices and clear goalposts to advance that goal. The ten communities selected demonstrate a desire and ability to address veterans’ homelessness, and we are proud to support them in this effort.”

Operation Welcome Home is a campaign to address veterans experiencing homelessness that will run from November 2018 to May 2019. This initiative is supported through Measure 96 lottery funds allocated by the 2017 Legislature, and represents the first stage in supporting local communities as they work to end veteran homelessness. Throughout the course of this campaign, OHCS and ODVA will provide communities the support needed to house 500 veterans across Oregon. This investment will not only support local community efforts, but it will create a lasting infrastructure to make an impact well into the future.

“Veterans and their families deserve stable housing,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “This technical assistance will help communities create a by-name list of veterans experiencing homelessness that will allow multiple services providers to coordinate and leverage resources to help each veteran experiencing homelessness. This approach ensures we are looking at the person experiencing homelessness rather than another statistic.”

The selected communities are listed below. Additional details about Operation Welcome Home available online.

• NeighborImpact and Central Oregon Veterans Outreach: Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties
• Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agencies: Marion and Polk Counties
• ACCESS: Jackson County
• Yamhill Community Action Partnership: Yamhill County
• Oregon Coast Community Action: Coos and Curry Counties
• United Community Action Network: Douglas and Josephine Counties
• Community Action Partnership of Oregon: Baker, Grant, Harney, Hood River,
• Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Sherman, Union and Wasco Counties
• Community Services Consortium: Benton, Lincoln and Linn Counties
• Clackamas County Social Services: Clackamas County
• Lane County Human Services Commission: Lane County

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(Salem) – The State of Oregon has launched a new optional energy-efficient code to help achieve increased energy efficiency in commercial structures.

This week, the Oregon Zero Code Efficiency Standard was approved by the Building Codes Structures Board and adopted by the Building Codes Division for use throughout Oregon.

The code is based on nationally developed standards and establishes a predictable and efficient path for achievable energy-efficiency improvements. Adopting fully vetted, cost-effective, and federally recognized standards provides Oregon businesses with predictability and creates a more efficient regulatory framework.

“This continues Oregon’s national leadership in providing innovative construction regulatory options. The adoption of the Oregon Zero Code Efficiency Standard creates a framework for ongoing improvement in energy efficiency, while providing predictability and regulatory efficiency to Oregon businesses,” Building Codes Division Administrator Mark Long said. “Providing businesses with an additional regulatory path helps Oregon meet our overall energy-efficiency goals.”

The code is a statewide alternate method, which provides additional options for Oregon businesses.

“Oregon is fortunate to have the ability to make these efficient options available to industry working through our advisory boards,” said Long. “This is another example of regulatory success in Oregon.”

The code is based on a federally recognized energy standard that establishes robust, but achievable, construction standards that align with Oregon’s energy goals. The standard also  includes a fully programmed online tool, allowing builders to enter their construction choices for ventilation, windows, and other elements in order to confirm compliance with Oregon code.

Builders who want to use the Oregon Zero Code Efficiency Standard will document compliance with the standard using an Oregon-specific tool and Architecture 2030’s Zero Code Energy Calculator to help designers identify potential renewable energy sources to improve efficiency. The information will be recorded as part of the permit file for the building.

Review the Oregon Zero Code Efficiency Standard statewide alternate method.

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The Building Codes Division (BCD) adopts statewide construction standards, which ensure a uniform and predictable regulatory environment in Oregon. For more information, visit www.oregon.gov/bcd.

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

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 14, 2018) –  This holiday season, jingle all the way to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to see towering sculptures, sweet science demonstrations and build-it-yourself workshops at the third annual Gingerbread Adventures, opening Nov. 17.

Local architecture firms and bakeries have teamed up to design and build gingerbread sculptures focused on the theme “Egypt”:

•    Soderstrom Architects & Bon Appetit Management Company with “Despicable Megypt”
•    Lewallen Architecture & New Seasons with “Fa La La La Ra”
•    Scott Edwards Architecture & Sugar Cubed Cakes with “Sweet AfterLife”
•    LRS Architects & Love Bites by Carnie with “Under Wraps”
•    Walker Macy & Sarah’s Cookies with “Khepri Rising”
•    LEVER Architecture & Pix Patisserie with “Ain’t No Party Like an Afterlife Party” 
•    WRK Engineers & Ankrom Moisan Architects & Delice Chocolate & Confections with “A Game of Cat & Mouse-oleum”

Gingerbread Adventures, sponsored by New Seasons with support from Bob’s Red Mill and Macy’s, highlights the innovation and food science that goes into assembling elaborate gingerbread sculptures. Food science intertwines biology, technology, engineering, architecture and physics in the creation of these artistic creations showcasing Portland’s diverse cultural experience, innovative food scene, and architectural expertise. 

“The last two years of Gingerbread Adventures have been so much fun, and I’m always impressed by the creativity of the teams,” said Melony Beaird, OMSI events manager. “The architect firms really push the boundaries of what the bakers can accomplish with edible materials, and you will see new and innovative ways to use gingerbread and sugar.” 

There will be more than just amazing sculptures on view. Located in OMSI’s Auditorium, guests can learn how to make an origami Sphinx, decode hieroglyphs, design a winter scene and more. Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for the “People’s Choice Award,” selecting their favorite gingerbread sculpture.

Returning this year is the popular food science workshop: How Does the Cookie Crumble? Adults will spend an evening learning how buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes. Then, they’ll have a chance to design, build and test their own quake-proof gingerbread house. Workshops will be held Dec. 13, 18 and 20; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per gingerbread house (up to 2 people per house).

Gingerbread Adventures is included with general admission to the museum and will be on view in the OMSI Auditorium from Nov. 17 through Jan. 1, 2019. For more information, visit omsi.edu.

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

November 12-19 is Transgender Awareness Week, dedicated to educating people about the transgender community and raising awareness of the issues facing transgender and gender-nonconforming people — and Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette is taking this opportunity to remind everyone of the need for people of all gender identities to have access to inclusive, nonjudgmental, high-quality health care.

“Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette is proud to provide quality, compassionate health care to transgender people in Oregon and Southwest Washington,” said Anne Udall, President & CEO. “Our services and programs are open to people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Our goal every day is to make each person who comes through our doors feel welcome, comfortable and cared for while providing the best possible care.”

Last month, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette launched gender-affirmation services for people 18 and older at its Bend Health Center. As part of PPCW’s commitment to community engagement, staff are connecting with community members, LGBTQ-serving organizations and other healthcare providers to ensure that the services offered meet the diverse needs of the community.

“Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette believes that all people deserve high-quality, affordable health care, no matter who they are,” said Liliana Cabrera, Community Education and Outreach Coordinator. “We are committed to improving the way transgender people receive health care in our region, and our doors are open to everyone.”

Transgender people face many barriers and challenges when accessing health care. In 2011, the “Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Discrimination Survey” of transgender and gender-nonconforming people from across the United States found that:

• 28% of respondents were subjected to harassment in medical settings and 2% were physically assaulted in doctor’s offices
• 19% were refused medical care, with higher numbers for people of color (21% of black trans people and 23% of Latinx trans people were refused care due to bias)
• 50% had to “teach my provider” about basic transgender health
• 28% postponed medical care when sick or injured due to discrimination
• 41% postponed medical care when sick or injured due to inability to afford it
• Respondents reported more than 4 times the national average of HIV infection (black trans people reported more than 7 times the national average)

The study also showed the compounded effects of anti-transgender bias and racial bias on black and Latinx transgender people. For example, 19% of respondents reported having no health insurance; for black transgender respondents, the number was 31%.

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive healthcare provider and advocate, serving 2.7 million patients through its healthcare service providers, and 1.5 million people through education and outreach in 2013.

Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette’s seven health centers in Oregon and Southwest Washington offer a wide variety of preventive health services, and more than 55,000 patients annually depend on PPCW for quality, affordable health care. Visit PPCW.org to find the health center nearest you.

Oregon Adds 4,600 Jobs in October

In October, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment grew by 4,600 jobs, following a revised gain of 4,700 jobs in September. Monthly gains in October were widespread, with nine of the top 13 industries adding jobs, led by professional and business services (+1,500 jobs); wholesale trade (+1,000 jobs); and government (+1,000 jobs). Only two major industries cut jobs substantially in October: private educational services (-800 jobs) and financial activities (-900 jobs).

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in October, the same as in August and September. These were Oregon’s lowest unemployment rates since comparable records began in 1976. The U.S. unemployment rate held steady at 3.7 percent in both September and October.

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 38,100 jobs, or 2.0 percent, since October 2017. In that time, construction remained the fastest growing industry, with a gain of 8,200 jobs, or 8.2 percent. Health care and social assistance added 6,200 jobs, or 2.6 percent. Professional and business services also grew rapidly, adding 5,400 jobs, or 2.2 percent. However, three of Oregon’s major industries slowed recently, with gains close to one percent since October 2017: financial activities (+1,000 jobs, or 1.0%); leisure and hospitality (+1,700 jobs, or 0.8%); and retail trade (+1,200 jobs, or 0.6%). And two industries declined over the year: information ( 100 jobs, or -0.3%) and private educational services (-800 jobs, or -2.2%). 

Over the past two years, retail trade has seen multiple store closures and the bankruptcies of several major national retailers. These closures and other factors contributed to a moderation in overall retail employment growth. Since October 2016, Oregon’s retail employment grew at an annual rate of only 1.0%, which was about half the growth rate of Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment. Somewhat counterbalancing retail’s slowing was moderate growth in wholesale trade (up 2.8% in the past 12 months) and in transportation, warehousing, and utilities, which grew consistently close to a three percent annual rate over the past six years. 

Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the October county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, November 20th, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for November on Tuesday, December 18th. 

Notes: 
All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted.

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

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

Effective with the January 2018 data, employment of Oregon’s approximately 17,000 home care workers are counted in private health care and social assistance instead of state government. The change was due to legislative action clarifying that for purposes of workforce and labor market information, home care workers are not employees of state government. The reclassification affects private sector and government monthly change figures for January 2018 and will affect over-the-year change figures through December 2018. It does not affect total payroll employment levels.

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

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

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

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services has issued a cease-and-desist order against Helen Kyung Lee and Joany Inc., also known as Impact Health Inc., for forging consumers’ signatures on insurance documents, which violates the Oregon insurance code. The department, through its Division of Financial Regulation, is pursuing fines and seeking to revoke the licenses of Lee and Joany Inc.

Lee and Impact Health Inc. offered consumers a $50 gift card for filling out an insurance survey through either Facebook or Craigslist. The survey required consumers to provide a copy of their health care identification card with a valid effective date and member number. Lee, or representatives of Impact Health Inc., then forged consumers’ signatures on a form that identifies the consumers’ insurance agent, also known as an agent of record form. This allowed Lee to receive commissions from insurance companies without the consumers’ consent or knowledge.

Approximately, 1,600 Oregonians completed the survey in 2017, and more than 900 agent of record forms were filed as a result. The division has attempted to contact several consumers who filled out the survey. At least 12 have confirmed that their signatures were forged, and that they did not ask Lee nor Impact Health Inc. to be their agent. 

“The division takes attempts to deceive both consumers and companies that serve Oregonians very serious,” said Andrew Stolfi, insurance commissioner. “We encourage everyone to be on alert for attempts like this to dupe consumers and businesses for financial gain, and to contact our consumer advocates if you believe you have been harmed.”

The division wants anyone that filled out a survey from Impact Health Inc. to do two things:

1. Contact your insurance company to confirm it has the correct agent on file for you. If you filled out the survey, but do not have an agent, confirm that your insurance company does not have one listed for you.
2. Oregonians who learn that the agent of record is not correct, contact the division’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) to report it.

This was a multi-state scheme. If you live outside Oregon and filled out a survey from Impact Health contact your state's insurance department to report it.

The division believes similar efforts exist to obtain consumers’ personal information. Be mindful of these schemes, and avoid them with these steps:

• Be suspicious of offers to receive gift cards or similar prizes for providing personal information. If it seems too easy to earn a prize, it is probably a trick. 
• Do not give out your personal information by phone, email, or text. Government agencies, insurance companies, banks, and credit unions typically do not ask for this information unprompted.

To learn more about protecting yourself and your finances visit, dfr.oregon.gov.

Oregonians who have questions, concerns, or problems with an insurance or financial services company, agent, or broker can contact a consumer advocate at 888-877-4894 (toll free).

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