Aug. 2, 2019

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Public Health Advisory Board meets September 19

What: A public meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board.

Agenda: Discuss 2019-21 legislative investment in local public health authorities; discuss statutes guiding the transfer of local public health authority and state responsibilities; review the Oregon Water Vision; discuss public health system changes and the role of the board in the 2019-21 biennium.

When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2-4:15 p.m. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 177, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Also available remotely by phone at 877-873-8017, access code 767068; and by webinar.

Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and the State Health Improvement Plan.

# # #

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 Cara Biddlecom at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY, or a.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

September 13, 2019

What: Subcommittees of the 2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) tasked with identifying strategies and measures, and developing work plans for implementing the SHIP, are holding their second meetings. Each of the five subcommittees is focused on one of the following priority areas:

• Access to equitable preventive health care.
• Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
• Behavioral health.
• Economic drivers of health.
• Institutional bias.

Agenda: Finalize priority goal and identify outcome measures.

Where: All meetings are held on the ninth floor of the Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Meetings also are available remotely. For remote meeting attendance options visit the subcommittee's meeting page:

• Institutional bias.
• Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
• Economic drivers of health (including issues related to housing, living wage, food security and transportation).
• Access to equitable preventive health care.
• Behavioral health (including mental health and substance use).

When:

• Behavioral Health Subcommittee -- Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2-4 p.m., Room 900.
• Access to Equitable Preventive Health Care Subcommittee -- Monday, Sept. 30, 1-3 p.m., Room 900.
• Adversity, Trauma and Toxic Stress Subcommittee -- Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m., Room 900.
• Institutional Bias Subcommittee -- Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to noon, Room 915.
• Economic Drivers of Health Subcommittee -- Friday, Oct. 25, 1-3 p.m., Room 900.

All meetings are open to the public. A five-minute public comment period will be held near the end of each meeting; comments are limited to one minute.

Background: Oregon’s SHIP identifies interventions and strategies to address health-related priorities in the state. The SHIP serves as a basis for taking collective action with cross-sector partners to improve heath of people in Oregon. The SHIP is based on findings of the State Health Assessment.

Program contact: Christy Hudson, 971-678-4347, isty.j.hudson@dhsoha.state.or.us">christy.j.hudson@dhsoha.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 Catherine Moyer at 971-673-1132, 711 TTY, ine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us">catherine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2kgOW5M

September 13, 2019

What: The Oral Health Program at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division is convening a series of rules advisory committee (RAC) public meetings to discuss amendments to rules related to Dental Pilot Projects.

The purpose of the RAC is to provide feedback and input on the development of amended rule language, as well as review the statement of need and fiscal impact for the proposed rules.

Agenda: Review background information; brief overview of the rulemaking process; review draft amended rules; next steps. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

When: Sept. 30, 9-11 a.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 900, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Conference line: 888-273-3658, access code: 766409.

Background: Senate Bill 738, passed by the Legislature in 2011, allows the Oregon Health Authority to approve dental pilot projects once an application has been approved. These projects are intended to evaluate the quality of care, access, cost, workforce and efficacy aspects of teaching new skills to existing categories of dental personnel; develop new categories of dental personnel; accelerate the training of existing categories of dental personnel; and teach new oral health care roles to previously untrained persons.

Materials: Meeting materials are available from the Dental Pilot Project's webpage at healthoregon.org/dpp.

Program contact: Sarah Kowalski, 971-673-1563, ah.e.kowalski@dhsoha.state.or.us">sarah.e.kowalski@dhsoha.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:

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sarah Kowalski at 971-673-1563, 711 TTY or ah.e.kowalski@state.or.us">sarah.e.kowalski@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2mg2Dme

Sept. 13, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

North Tenmile Lake recreational use health advisory lifted Sept 13

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for North Tenmile Lake in Coos County.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins (harmful algae toxins) in North Tenmile Lake are below recreational guideline values for human exposure. However, officials advise recreational visitors to be alert to signs of cyanobacterial (harmful algae) blooms, because blooms can develop and disappear on any lake through the season. Only a fraction of Oregon’s lakes and streams are monitored for cyanobacterial blooms.

People and especially small children and pets should avoid recreating in areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red in color, if a thick mat of blue-green algae is visible in the water, or bright green cells are suspended in the water. If you see these signs avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities.

It’s possible cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. Sometimes, cyanobacteria can move into another area, making water that once looked foamy, scummy or discolored now look clear. However, when a bloom dies elsewhere in the water body, it can release toxins that may reach into the clear water. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water near the surface.

For health information or to report an illness, contact the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) at 971-673-0482.

Learn more here.

Sept. 13, 2019

Media contact: Rebeka Gipson-King, 503-945-7141, ebeka.gipson-king@dhsoha.state.or.us">rebeka.gipson-king@dhsoha.state.or.us

Program contact: Jacee Vangestel, 503-945-2852, jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board meets September 19 in Salem

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board.

When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Oregon State Hospital, Callan Conference Room, 2600 Center Street NE, Salem. The public can also attend via toll-free conference line at 888-278-0296, access code 4294893.

Agenda: After the public comment period, topics will include introduction of the new OHA Behavioral Health director, updates on Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) oversight, policy for admission, and U.S. District court hearing.

Details: The Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board advises the superintendent, Oregon Health Authority director and legislators on issues related to the safety, security and care of patients. Members include consumers, providers, advocates, legislators, community members, consumer families and OSH union members.

For more information, see the board’s website.

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Jacee Vangestel at 503-945-2852, 711 TTY or jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On September 13, 2019, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) mail room reported receiving an envelope with an unknown substance. The mail room, which is in a small building outside of the main Penitentiary, was secured and evacuated. As a precaution, one mail room employee was taken to the local hospital. The Oregon State Police were onsite, and the Salem Fire Department cleared the building as safe for employees to return to work.

On September 11, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) also received an envelope with an unknown substance. The administration building was evacuated, and four employees were decontaminated and transported to a local hospital. The CCCF incident is still under criminal investigation.

At this time, these two incidents do not appear to be related. The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) is working with its law enforcement partners to determine next steps. More details will be released when available.

DOC’s 14 institutions receive thousands of pieces of mail every day. Each piece is opened and reviewed by DOC mail room employees. 

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses over 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including death row, disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept.13, 2018
Contact: yfr@oregonfb.org or Jacon Taylor at 541.589.9694

Young Farmers & Ranchers Program Offers Ag Tour of SW Oregon Coast

Oregon Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee invites farmers, ranchers, and others to an agricultural tour of the southwest Oregon Coast, Oct. 11-13.

The tour will be a fun, educational, three-day ag tour featuring a cranberry farm, sheep ranch, working forestland, and more stops along the scenic southwest Oregon Coast.

Current ag teachers can earn graduate credit from Oregon State University for continuing education if they attend the tour.

The tour will depart from Corvallis at 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, and will return by 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13.

• Get the registration form at OregonFB.org/agtour.
• Cost is $40 per person.
• The tour is open to voting and supporting Farm Bureau members. (Join Farm Bureau at at OregonFB.org/join.)
• Lodging reservations and costs are the responsibility of attendees.
• Transportation for the tour Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is included. Attendees are responsible for getting to the departure location in Corvallis (exact location to be determined). Most meals are included.
• Space is limited. Register by Sept. 30!

For more information, email yfr@oregonfb.org or call Jacon Taylor at 541.589.9694.

###

Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

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

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

The next ISOR-PH board meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2019 at 4:00 PM.

 

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that the Meeting of the Board will be held at:

 

1.Via Teleconference:

Conference Call Number: 1-888-824-5783

Conference Code Number: 54433245#

 

And

 

2.Via Web Conference

http://tinyurl.com/ISORPH-SchoolBoardMeeting

 

The Public has been invited to the Board Meeting with notices posted at the following locations:

 

A.FlashNet Newswire

http://flashalertbend.net/press-releases.html

 

B.Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Office

603 NW 3rd Street

Prineville, OR 97754

September 13, 2019 - Salem, Ore.  – Each time Stu MacDonald of Bend purchased his weekly Oregon’s Game Megabucks ticket, his wife, Claudia, would say, “Get the winning ticket.”

But when Stu went to purchase his tickets on Saturday, Sept. 7, Claudia forgot to tell Stu to get the winning ticket.

And Stu bought a ticket that was worth $4.6 million anyway.

“I am a very lucky guy,” MacDonald said. “I have survived cancer twice and here I am. This is amazing.”

MacDonald won the Oregon’s Game Megabucks jackpot on a quick pick ticket he purchased at Ashley’s Café on Northeast 3rd Street in Bend. MacDonald opted to take the bulk sum payment of $2.3 million, and after taxes took home $1.56 million.

"We are thrilled to learn that we sold a Megabucks jackpot,” said Tezra Kong, Director of Operations for Ashley’s. “We are excited for the team who sold the ticket. A big congratulations to our guests on their windfall. Some of the seller’s bonus will go back to the team that strive to delight our guests every day here at Ashley’s in Wagner Mall."

For selling the winning ticket Ashley’s Cafe will receive a 1-percent selling bonus of $46,000.

During the 2015-17 biennium, more than $28.9 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement in Deschutes County, where MacDonald lives and purchased the ticket. Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.

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 are advised to contact the Lottery office and schedule an appointment to claim their prize.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, Veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

For Immediate Release                                        

September 9, 2019

Contact:  Staci Yutzie    503-378-2426

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel for Phase 3 will hold a regular meeting on September 19, 2019 from 10:00 a.m  to 2:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

 Agenda Items:

1. Welcome 
2. Review Content Drafts
3. Assignments 
4. Conclusion

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

Medford, Ore. -- Catch the colors of autumn from atop Table Rocks! Building on the popular spring hike series, The Nature Conservancy and Medford District Bureau of Land Management are sponsoring three educational hikes in late September and early October. The public is invite to join “Autumn Outings on the Rocks!”

There will be a ukulele hike for all ages and skill levels; a night hike to learn about bats; and a family hike that will focus on the changes and adaptations that take place as the seasons change at the Rocks. Registration opens September 13. Information about the hikes and online reservations are available at https://table-rocks-hikes-fall2019.eventbrite.com. The hikes are free, but registration is required.

Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m., UPPER TABLE ROCK

Table Rocks Unplugged:  BYOU (bring your own ukulele) and join Tish McFadden, founder and leader of the Southern Oregon Ukulele Players (SOUP), and Jeff Kloetzel, local musician and songwriter, for a musical trip along the trail. A sing-along and jam session will be held at spots along the trail and at the top of the rock. All skill levels and ages are invited to make music in nature. Music booklets will be provided. (https://ukulele-hike-fall2019.eventbrite.com)

Saturday, October 5, 6:30 p.m., LOWER TABLE ROCK LOOP TRAIL

Batty about Bats: Join retired BLM wildlife biologist Tony Kerwin on a night hike to learn about the mysteries of bats as they come out to feed on flying insects. Dispel some common misconceptions about these amazing mammals that are critical to the ecosystem. Look for and listen to other creatures that are active at night on the Lower Table Rock Loop Trail (1/2-mile accessible trail). Bring a flashlight and wear good hiking shoes. (https://bat-hike-fall2019.eventbrite.com)

Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m., LOWER TABLE ROCK LOOP TRAIL

Adapt, Hibernate or Migrate? Join Mandy Noel, environmental educator, and Kate Halstead, ornithologist, for a family friendly hike on the Lower Table Rock Loop Trail (1/2-mile accessible trail) to learn how the wildlife and plants living at the Table Rocks prepare for winter. The hike will include activities for young naturalists. Dress for fall weather and bring your rain gear just in case! (https://family-hike-fall2019.eventbrite.com)

Hikers will meet at the designated trailhead for a 2.5 to 4.5 mile round trip hike up 800 feet along a moderate grade trail -- or ½-mile accessible trail in the case of the Lower Table Rock Loop hikes. Participants should dress for the weather and terrain and bring water and snacks since hikes may last three to four hours. Restrooms are available only at each trailhead; there is no drinking water. Because of limited parking at the trailheads, carpooling is encouraged. To help protect this special place, dogs and vehicles are not allowed on the trail.

Additional information about Table Rocks is available at:

www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/oregon-washington/tablerocks

###

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have helped protect 130 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.

September 13, 2019

Health advisories lifted September 13 for Agate, Beverly, Seal Rock State Park, Neskowin and Rockaway beaches

The Oregon Health Authority today lifted public health advisories for contact with marine water at Beverly Beach, Agate Beach, and Seal Rock State Park Beach located in Lincoln County and Neskowin Beach and Rockaway Beach in Tillamook County. The health authority issued the advisories September 10 and 11 after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from later samples taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. However, officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

State officials continue to encourage other recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect.

Since 2003 state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call the OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

http://bit.ly/2lV06gT

 

The Oregon State Sheriffs Association (OSSA) has partnered with TGF Productions to produce a public service announcement highlighting the importance of school bus safety. “We are proud to help promote school bus safety,” said Sheriff Craig Roberts, President of the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association. “We know many kids ride the bus every day to and from school and we want to make sure they stay safe.” Oregon elementary school students participated in the public service announcement along with Sheriff’s from across the state. The School Bus Safety PSA will air in television markets throughout Oregon. The PSA reminds drivers to stop when the red lights are flashing to allow for kids to safely cross the street. While school buses remain one of the safest way for kids to get to school, accidents can happen. Making sure that other drivers obey the traffic rules is essential for student safety. The SafeOregon Public Service Announcement can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUMGz4AJmc0&feature=youtu.be

Contact: Kim Lippert, Community Relations Specialist, 503-785-5016 or klippert@clackamas.us

On Friday, September 13, 2019 at approximately 2:10 A.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of Earl St. and Hwy 26 just west of Madras.

Investigation reveals that a Buick Lucerne, operated by Arrita Augustine Sampson (20) of Warm Springs, was traveling on Earl St. and failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection with Hwy 26.  She drove into the path of an eastbound CMV operated by Brandon McMurrian (30) of Prineville.

Sampson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

A passenger in the Buick, May Spino (18) of Warm Springs, was transported by ground to St.Charles - Madras and then by air to St.Charles - Bend for injuries.

McMurrian was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Madras Police Department, Jefferson County Fire/EMS and ODOT.

On Thursday, September 12, 2019 at approximately 4:49 P.M. OSP Troopers and  emergency personnel responded to a report of a crash on Hwy 20 near milepost 35 east of Sweet Home.

The investigation revealed a Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by Michael Falcioni (58) of Terrebonne,  was traveling eastbound when he lost control in a curve and crossed into the path of a westbound Ford F250 pickup operated by Dale Zoon (53) of Sweet Home.

Falcioni sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Zoon was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Sweet Home Fire and Medics and ODOT.

September 12, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA statement in response to FDA announcement to ban flavored e-cigarettes

On Wednesday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a news release announcing that the agency plans to finalize a compliance policy that would clear the market of unauthorized flavored e-cigarette products. The science is clear. Flavors are a key component of youth use and initiation of tobacco products, which is a major public health concern in Oregon.

In 2018 and 2019 OHA submitted comments to the FDA on the following dockets urging the FDA to take action on flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes:

• Docket No. FDA-2017-N-6565 – Regulation of flavors, including menthol, in tobacco products (2018)
• Docket #: FDA-2019-D-0661-0001 – Modifications to Compliance Policy for Certain Deemed Tobacco Products: Draft Guidance for Industry (2019)

Tobacco remains sweet, cheap, and easy to get in Oregon, and is the leading cause of preventable death and disease, killing nearly 8,000 Oregonians each year. E-cigarettes are the most popular tobacco products used among Oregon youth, with 21 percent of Oregon 11th graders reporting e-cigarette use in 2018. These products are available in thousands of flavors with kid-friendly names and candy-like packaging.

In Oregon, two people have been connected to the ongoing national outbreak of vaping-related severe lung illness. In one case, the illness was fatal. OHA continues to work with CDC, FDA and local health departments to investigate each case. No specific brands of e-cigarettes, vaping devices or liquids have been conclusively linked to the illnesses at this time.

If you or someone you know is ready to quit smoking or vaping, free help is available from the following resources:

• 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669), http://www.quitnow.net/Oregon
• Español: 855-DEJELO-YA (855-335356-92), https://www.quitnow.net/oregonsp/
• http://www.thisisquitting.com/ (youth quit resource for vaping)

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into this morning’s fatal crash on SR 201N near Ontario. 

On Thursday September 12, at about 11:18 AM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on SR 201N and NW 4th Ave near Ontario.

Preliminary Investigation indicates that a 2016 Ford F650 Uhaul Truck pulling a loaded car dolly, operated by Jimmie CAVANESS, age 71, from Centrailia, WA, was eastbound on NW 4th Ave attempting to cross SR 201N.  A 2007 Kenworth tractor and lowboy equipment operated by Nicholas KOTEK, age 34, from Meridian, ID, was southbound on SR 201N approaching NW 4th Ave.  For an unknown reason the Uhaul pulled out in front of the Kenworth and the front of the Kenworth collided with the driver’s side door of the Uhaul. 

CAVANESS was pronounced deceased at the scene.  KOTEK was uninjured.

Investigators are looking at Failure to obey a Traffic Control Device (Stop Sign) on the part of CAVANESS as a possible contributing factor in the crash. 

The northbound lane of SR 201N were closed for approximately 3 hours.

OSP was assisted by Ontario Police Department, Ontario Fire Department, Treasure Valley Paramedics, and ODOT.      

Photographs provided by OSP.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

 

On Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at about 10:30 a.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) and emergency personnel responded to a three-vehicle crash on State Route (SR) 82 near milepost 38.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Ford F150 pickup, operated by Christy ERICKSON, age 31, from La Grande, with two child passengers, was eastbound negotiating a curve when her vehicle left her lane of travel and sideswiped an on-coming Subaru Outback, operated by Mary IMPORTICO, age 31, and passenger Ryan IMPORTICO, age 32,both from Portland. The collision caused the Ford to continue to the left into the oncoming lane and struck a Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer nearly head-on, operated by Colby RIMMER, age 25 and passengers Daniel RIMMER, age 53, Michael CRAMER, age 41, and John KRAUS, age 38, all from California.

All three occupants from the Ford were transported to the Wallowa County Hospital where one child passenger was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The second child passenger was transported by air ambulance to a Boise Hospital. ERICKSON was treated and released for her injuries and no other occupants were transported for injuries.

State Route 82 was closed for approximately five hours and one lane opened up for three hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Wallowa Fire Department, Enterprise Ambulance, Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office, Enterprise Police Department, and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Photograph provided by OSP.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

PORTLAND, Ore.—Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, announced today the indictment of a Hoover Criminal Gang member for the 2015 murder of Portland resident Kyle Polk.

Javier Fernando Hernandez, 23, is charged with murder in aid of racketeering, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and causing the death of Polk through the use of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that on December 16, 2015, Hernandez murdered Kyle Polk for the purpose of maintaining and increasing his position in the Hoover Criminal Gang, a criminal enterprise engaged in racketeering in California, Oregon, Washington and elsewhere.

Hernandez made his initial appearance in federal court today and was detained pending a four-week jury trial on November 12, 2019 before U.S. Chief District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.

Murder in aid of racketeering carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison.

According to the indictment, the Hoovers are a criminal street gang operating in Oregon, and are known to engage in acts of violence including murder, assault, robbery, sex trafficking and the distribution of narcotics. The Hoovers originated in Los Angeles in the late 1960s and established a presence in Portland in the early 1980s. The gang has a loose hierarchical structure in which members have different amounts of power and influence based on age and gang activity. To maintain status and increase one’s position in the gang, members were expected to carry out violence on behalf of the enterprise.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

# # #

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2019

Oregon Farm Bureau statement on WOTUS repeal

The following statement about the repeal and replacement of the Waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS) may be attributed to Oregon Farm Bureau.

Sept. 12, 2019, SALEM, OREGON: “Oregon Farm Bureau applauds the repeal and replacement of the WOTUS rule. The WOTUS rule enacted by the previous administration exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ jurisdiction, could have required farmers to get permits just to work on their fields, and would have opened farmers up to costly citizen suit litigation. 

“Oregon already has strong water quality and fill-and-removal regulations. The rule proposed by the previous administration would not add anything, it would only give litigious environmental groups the ability to bring citizen suits against farmers who are already working to improve and protect water quality. We think enforcement is best left to the state, and the rule enacted by the current administration will help accomplish that goal.

“Oregon’s farmers and ranchers have always been proactive about protecting water quality. We supported Oregon’s agricultural water quality program, which was one of the first in the nation and has done a great job of protecting water quality in our state. Farmers and ranchers have also invested millions of dollars in on-the-ground work to help protect water quality on agricultural lands. OFB believes in working collaboratively with partners to achieve water quality goals, not in allowing farmers to be subjected to costly litigation with no measurable change in water quality.” 

###

Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

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

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Entertaining. Inspirational. Thought-provoking. Science fiction cinema as both art and insight into popular thinking on the future is celebrated at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) 2019 Sci-Fi Film Festival. 

For seven weeks this fall, the festival will showcase more than 25 of science fiction’s most memorable films on the Empirical Theater’s giant four-story tall screen. From genre classics such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Blade Runner to more recent favorites like Inception and Interstellar, the festival’s offerings are sure to appeal to science fiction fans of all ages and interests.

Festival Events
•    Saturday, October 5: Blue Pill, Red Pill: The Matrix Trilogy. Each attendee to the evening's screenings will receive a free pass to OMSI's new feature exhibition Exquisite Creatures. Limit 1 pass per person. 
•    Saturday, October 12: The Star Trek Trilogy: Kelvin Timeline. Attendees to each of the evening's films will receive a pass to OMSI's own star ship, the USS Blueback.
•    Thursday, October 24, 7:00pm: Reel Eats presents A Clockwork Orange with a menu of curated bites matching key moments in the film. 
 
Festival Passes
Plan on attending multiple shows or events? Festival pass holders receive access to all festival screenings and a discount to the October 24 Reel Eats featuring Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange.  
 
Festival passes are priced at:
•    $30 Adult / $25 Senior (63+) & Youth (3-13)
•    Add $30 to any pass for admission to the October 24 Reel Eats screening of A Clockwork Orange
•    OMSI members receive $3 off any pass option

Festival Tickets
Tickets are also available for individual Festival shows as follows: 
•    $7 Adult / $6 Youth (3-13) & Senior (63+)
•    OMSI members receive $1 off
•    Individual tickets for the October 24 Reel Eats screening of A Clockwork Orange are $35 for all ages.
•    Both Passes and Tickets may be purchased online at omsi.edu, at the OMSI front desk, or by telephone at 503-797-4000.

Festival Schedule

Thursday, September 19
6:30pm  Godzilla: King of the Monsters (Festival pass holder bonus screening)  

Friday, September 20
7:00pm  Edge of Tomorrow
9:15pm  The Thing (1982)
 
Saturday, September 21
5:00pm  2001: A Space Odyssey
7:45pm  Edge of Tomorrow
9:45pm  Serenity 

Sunday, September 22
6:00pm  Serenity

Tuesday, September 24
7:00pm The Thing (1982)

Thursday, September 26
6:30pm 2001: A Space Odyssey
 
Friday, September 27
6:30pm  Promare
8:30pm  The Man Who Fell To Earth

Saturday, September 28
5:00pm   When Worlds Collide
6:30pm   Interstellar 
9:30pm  Promare

Sunday, September 29
6:00pm   Interstellar
 
Wednesday, October 2
6:30pm  When Worlds Collide
8:00pm  The Man Who Fell To Earth

Friday, October 4
6:30pm  Escape From New York
8:30pm  Interstellar
 
Saturday, October 5
4:30pm  The Matrix
7:15pm  The Matrix Reloaded
9:45pm  The Matrix Revolutions

Sunday, October 6
6:00 Escape From New York

Tuesday, October 8
7:00pm  The Matrix

Wednesday, October 9
7:00 The Matrix Reloaded

Thursday, October 10
7:00pm  The Matrix Revolutions

Friday, October 11
7:00pm  Star Trek (2009)
9:15pm   Inception
 
Saturday, October 12
5:00pm  Star Trek (2009)
7:30pm  Star Trek Into Darkness
9:45pm  Star Trek Beyond

Sunday, October 13
6:00pm  Inception
 
Wednesday, October 16
7:00 Star Trek Into Darkness

Thursday, October 17
7:00pm  Star Trek Beyond

Friday, October 18
6:30pm   Time Bandits
8:30pm    Arrival

Saturday, October 19
4:00pm  E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
6:15pm  Fantastic Planet
7:30pm  Time Bandits
9:30pm  TBA

Sunday, October 20
4:00pm  E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Wednesday, October 23
6:30pm   Fantastic Planet
8:00pm   Arrival

Thursday, October 24
7:00pm  A Clockwork Orange
Reel Eats presents A Clockwork Orange accompanied by a 10-12 curated bites arranged in numbered boxes matching key moments in the film. 
Please note: Festival pass holders are eligible for discounted admission to this event.

Friday, October 25
6:30pm   Aniara
8:30pm   Under The Skin
10:30pm  Eraserhead

Saturday, October 26
6:00pm  Aniara
8:00pm  TBA

Sunday, October 27
6:00pm  TBA

Tuesday, October 29
7:00 Under The Skin

Friday, November 1
7:00pm  Blade Runner (Final Cut)
9:15pm  Blade Runner 2049

Saturday, November 2
5:00pm  This Island Earth
6:30pm  Blade Runner (Final Cut)
8:45pm  Blade Runner 2049

Sunday, November 3
6:00pm  Children of Men

Tuesday, November 5
6:30pm   This Island Earth
8:15pm    Blade Runner (Final Cut)

Wednesday, November 6
6:30pm   Children of Men
8:30pm   Blade Runner 2049

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 nearly every county in Oregon. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. 

Over ten years in the making, the South Wasco Parks and Recreation District’s efforts to secure funding for a new boat ramp at Pine Hollow has come to fruition.  On August 28, officials, local residents, and organized groups gathered at Pine Hollow’s old South Boat Ramp to break ground symbolizing the work ahead; to repair the south boat ramp and replace the North Boat Ramp.

Brian Manning, Chair of the South Wasco Park and Recreation District’s Board said, “There are many folks to acknowledge in the crafting of this outcome, so it was decided to celebrate the accomplishment with a ground-breaking ceremony and public description of the work ahead.”

The work is slated to begin September 17, 2019.  The South Ramp will be closed to allow contractors to mobilize construction materials to begin work.

Marine Board staff had been discussing the status of the boat ramps with numerous interested parties for the last 13 years, according to Boating Facilities Manager, Janine Belleque.  Agency staff also invested more than 850 hours of technical assistance through site surveys, design and engineering services.

Marine Board Member, Craig Withee (Bend, OR), made a heartfelt presentation during the ground-breaking ceremony saying, “We are very excited to see the successful completion (of the ramps) and the economic benefits for the county to follow. This is a great accomplishment and worth celebrating.” 

Pine Hollow is a popular recreation facility and significant economic generator for South Wasco County. The rehabilitation of the two access points will help sustain recreational opportunities for visitors and residents while also supporting local businesses.

###

The Marine Board is directly funded by boaters in the form of registration, title, and permit fees, as well as through marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees support the boating public through boating safety services (on-the-water law enforcement, training, and equipment), boating safety education, grants for the construction and maintenance of boating access facilities, and environmental protection programs. For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into this morning’s fatal truck crash on Interstate 5 near Rogue River. 

On September 12, 2019 at about 3:39 AM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a fatal truck crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 45. 

Preliminary investigation indicates that an International Box Truck hauling electronics, operated by Pavlo HRYZHUK, age 21, from Citrus Heights, CA, was traveling southbound on Interstate 5.  For unknown reasons the truck drifted to the right and collided with a large section of guardrail before traveling off a bridge and coming to rest on the roadway below.  The truck came to rest on Twin Bridges Road, which is the access to Valley of the Rogue State Park. 

HRYZHUK was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders.  Investigators are looking at the possibility of fatigue contributing to the crash.

Interstate 5 traffic was not affected during the crash.  The northbound exit to Valley of the Rogue State Park is currently closed while the truck is being recovered. 

OSP was assisted at the scene by Oregon Department of Transportation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Caveman Towing. 

Photograph provided by OSP.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

Deschutes County Sheriff L. Shane Nelson announced today he will seek re-election as sheriff. Nelson will file his bid for re-election September 12, 2019, at 8:00 a.m. at the Deschutes County Clerk's Office. 

Sheriff Nelson started his Deschutes County law enforcement career in 1993. Nelson became the ninth sheriff in Deschutes County history in 2015.

"As Sheriff, my top priority is our citizens’ safety,” stated Sheriff Nelson. “I am proud of our office's accomplishments which are directly tied to the work and dedication of the women and men I work with every day.  We have followed through with commitments I made during my term as your sheriff.”

Nelson has served with the sheriff’s office for nearly 26 years. During his time as sheriff, he counts among his office’s accomplishments the proactive efforts to offer programs including Blue Line Safety Zones, inmate work crew graffiti and litter removal, Deputy Day Camp/Youth Academy, Community Action Target Team patrols, illegal/black market marijuana enforcement, and addressing mental health concerns in the jail and on patrol.

"I am committed to ensuring we are fiscally responsible as we balance the resources and programs needed to ensure Deschutes County continues to be a great place to live, work, and recreate."

###

 

On September 11, 2019, at 8:25 a.m., the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) mail room reported receiving an envelope with an unknown white powdery substance. The mail room area was secured and the administration building evacuated.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Hazardous Materials Team and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are on site to evaluate the powder for any hazardous substances. Four employees were decontaminated and transported to a local hospital with minor symptoms.

More details will be released when available.

CCCF is a multi-custody prison located in Wilsonville accommodating 1,260 adults in custody. The prison has cell and dormitory housing, 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 individuals committed to state custody by the courts. The intake center houses approximately 400 adults in custody. CCCF’s minimum facility opened in 2001, and the medium facility opened in 2002.

####

News release from: Oregon State Sheriffs' Association

OSSA calls on Oregon Legislature to address catastrophic SB 5504 shortfall in Community Corrections funding

The Oregon State Sheriffs' Association is calling on the Oregon State Legislature to take immediate action to address a devastating shortfall for Community Corrections in the Department of Corrections (DOC) budget. As partners in public safety, we share a responsibility to keep our communities safe, reduce crime and address the underlying factors that lead to criminal activity. We ask the Oregon Legislature to fix the devastating impact on public safety and address this funding shortfall.

THE PROBLEM:

As passed, the currently approved DOC budget (SB 5504) funds county community corrections operations statewide at a "baseline" level of $268.5 million. This amount drastically fails to take into account the findings of the recently completed Oregon Department of Corrections “Actual Cost Study” (ACS), which recommended an increase in baseline funding of nearly $50 million to counties to meet the actual cost of providing supervision services. This comprehensive study determined the actual time and cost to supervise the 30,000 people under some type of formal supervision in Oregon counties. The ACS looks at factors including the current risk of the offender population, time spent by county community corrections officials with those on supervision and the costs associated with sanctions and services provided to the offender population. This information is then used to determine the daily rate per individual on supervision which is paid by the state to the county for those services. The ACS findings resulted in an increase of the daily rate from $11.69 to $14.24 per client -- which in turn increased the 2019-21 Baseline Funding to $318 million as the amount necessary to meet the actual costs to counties for community corrections services. However, the Oregon Legislature did not approve funding to meet the increased daily rate resulting in counties having to shoulder unfunded services.

THE IMPACT:

The resulting reduction in baseline funding for statewide community corrections will have immediate, measurable, devastating impacts on county services that treat addiction and reduce recidivism. It will impact public safety and the quality of life in our local communities statewide.

The impacts across Oregon counties are significant:

Multnomah County impact: On Aug. 27, Multnomah County posted a press release on the impacts: https://multco.us/multnomah-county/news/board-updated-substantial-public-safety-cuts-due-reductions-legislature According to the release: The cuts affect the County’s Department of Community Justice, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council. They translate to layoffs and losses in public safety staff, services and available jail beds. All of the cuts would leave people on parole or probation, or post prison release, with fewer services and interventions, public safety officials told commissioners. And the cuts will increase the number of people Multnomah County sends to the state’s prison system. Countywide reductions include: • Nineteen staff in the Department of Community Justice’s Adult Services Division, including corrections counselors, probation and parole officers, community justice managers as well as staff in the department's director's office. This includes the elimination of the County’s Change Center Program, a cognitive behavioral therapy program for people on supervision. • A jail dorm or 73 jail beds • 7.2 Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy positions • Reductions in Short Term Transitional Leave for people leaving prison • Reductions to the County’s Justice Reinvestment Program, which was created as part of a sweeping statewide initiative to reduce state prison costs. And because of the cuts, Sheriff Mike Reese said, the County’s jail system would surge past capacity, forcing daily releases of people who otherwise would stay in jail. Additional details, including reactions from Multnomah County Commissioners, can be found here: https://multco.us/multnomah-county/news/board-updated-substantial-public-safety-cuts-due-reductions-legislature

Marion County impact: • Overview of losses: Elimination of five full-time employees (FTEs), funding for Transitional Housing, and treatment programming within the county's Transition Center. Additional cuts will include a reduction in funding to Marion County's one-stop support center (the De Muniz Resource Center) and elimination of 2.5 full-time sworn and management staff. There will also be significant impacts to treatment and monitoring of sex offenders. • Estimated financial impact: $1.2 million • Estimated staff cuts: 7.5 full-time employees

Clackamas County impact: • Overview of losses: Approximately $1.4 million in cuts are expected, which would lead to the likely closure of the award-winning Transition Center, an all-in-one location providing crucial services to justice-involved individuals leaving jail or prison. (Learn more at https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/transitioncenter.html ) At risk are positions for 12 Community Corrections staffers, including Parole and Probation Officers and client counselors. Current contracts for mentor, GED, housing, and client-basic-needs services could also be reduced or cut. • Estimated financial impact: $1.4 million • Estimated staff cuts: 12 Community Corrections employees.

Washington County impact: • Overview of losses: Closure of a 36-bed substance-abuse program (5 positions), as well as the elimination of six full-time Parole & Probation staff, a Community Corrections Assistant Manager, and contract recovery and peer mentors. • Estimated financial impact: $1.2 million • Estimated staff cuts: 12 Community Corrections employees. However, Washington County bridged the gap by temporarily supplementing part of the state's funding shortfall, saving six Probation & Parole staff positions; net loss is 6 positions. Hood River County impact: • Overview of losses: Inability to fully implement necessary evidence-based programs (cognitive, mental health, drug and alcohol). No funding to hire/contract for the aforementioned services. Insecure funding for custody alternative sanction (work crew). • Estimated financial impact: $220,000

"These are not marginal reductions," said OSSA President and Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts. "These are cuts that impact quality of life and public safety. Treatment and transition programs are critical to stop recidivism. By offering treatment, we keep people from returning to jail and prison -- which frees up space to house the most dangerous offenders. The loss of treatment beds will put a strain on our local correctional systems. This reduction is compounded for our Eastern and Southern Oregon Counties which are already fiscally and resource distressed. It's bad for public safety and bad for the public we serve. It will lead to increased crime and diminished quality of life."

MORE INFORMATION:

A June 25 letter sent to legislators by the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association is also attached to this release; it summarizes the findings of the Actual Cost Study and offers background on the legislation, as well as the responsibility of counties to provide parole, probation, and post-prison supervision services.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Sheriffs are available to discuss these impacts -- and to connect reporters with people helped by the now-endangered programs in their counties. Please contact OSSA with interview requests.

[END]

Sept. 11, 2019

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Agate Beach, Beverly Beach and Seal Rock State Park Beach in Lincoln County.

People should avoid direct contact with the water in these areas until the advisory is lifted. Higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses.  This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While the advisory is in effect at Agate Beach, Beverly Beach and Seal Rock State Park Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. 

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Video and audio resources for media here.

 

 

 

Pacific Power media hotline:                                                  September 11, 2019

1-800-570-5838                                                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                               

 

Oregon’s Wallowa Lake State Park showcases new “micro hydro” renewable energy resource at

public open house Sept. 28

Free event will feature family-friendly activities and a chance to peek inside the park’s new micro hydro Power House

 

JOSEPH, Ore. — Nestled amongst the campgrounds, snow-capped mountains and gleaming waters of Wallowa Lake State Park lives a brand-new attraction: a small log cabin with a big new idea for producing clean, renewable energy for the region. The recently completed Power House is home to a micro hydropower turbine that uses the flow of the existing municipal water supply line near the head of Wallowa Lake to generate a continuous source of power.

 

            On Saturday, September 28, the public is invited to come get a special insider’s view during a free Power House Open House event. Tours of the micro hydro facility, short presentations and fun, hands-on activities for kids and families will provide a chance to learn more about the project. Guests can even take home a limited-edition bandana designed for the occasion.

 

The free event is hosted by Pacific Power, Wallowa Resources Community Solutions Inc., and Wallowa Lake State Park, who together with Energy Trust of Oregon, have helped bring the project to the park.

 

            “Wallowa Lake’s micro hydro project highlights how we can work together to grow renewable energy resources right here in our own backyard,” said Lori Wyman, Pacific Power’s regional business manager based in Eastern Oregon. “Through our partners and our own Blue Sky participants, this project will support our community for years to come, and hopefully inspire the park’s many visitors too.”

 

Annually, the new facility is expected to generate around 150,000 kilowatt hours of clean energy – enough to offset about 85 percent of the power needed to pump fresh drinking water to 160 nearby homes and businesses. Pacific Power’s Blue Sky customers provided $60,000 in funding to the micro hydro facility as part of its community project grant program, which supports community-based solar, wind, geothermal and renewable energy projects across Pacific Power’s service area. The project also received an $80,000 incentive from Energy Trust.

 

 “This project is a great example of using existing infrastructure and a local renewable resource to save energy dollars for the community and generate clean local energy,” said Kyle Petrocine, renewable energy program manager, Wallowa Resources.

 

Micro hydro works by converting the energy of moving water already used for irrigation, municipal or domestic use into mechanical energy, using a turbine. The turbine helps spins a generator which produces electricity. At the park, the new system directs water already flowing from State Park Springs through the Power House turbine before discharging back into the community water system. In cases where the community uses less water than the spring provides, the water eventually flows into Wallowa Lake.

 

Throughout the year, the Power House will welcome visitors with educational signage and windows allowing visitors to see the working turbine and generator from the outside in.

 

            Event Information

Power House Open House, hosted by Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program, Wallowa Resources and Wallowa Lake State Park

           

            Date: Saturday, September 28

           

            Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

How to get there: The event will be held at Wallowa Lake State Park, Wallowa Lake Hwy., Joseph, Oregon. Entrance to the event is from the Marina Parking Lot. Visitors can walk a short trail or ride a golf-cart shuttle to the Power House.

 

The event will also be held in conjunction with the community’s annual Alpenfest, taking place at the Wallowa Lake Marina the last weekend of September.

 

###

 

About Wallowa Resources

Wallowa Resources Community Solutions Inc. (WRCSI) is an Oregon-based small business providing professional consulting services in renewable energy and natural resource-based business and economic development.  As Wallowa Resources’ for-profit subsidiary, WRCSI creates and sustains small businesses and jobs tied to natural resources and renewable energy by providing capital, business services and technical assistance.  WRCSI projects are characterized by a no-impact environmental footprint while providing community benefits in the form of improved bottom lines, county resilience and sustainable natural resource utilization.  Learn more at www.wallowaresources.org or call 541-426-8053.

 

About Wallowa Lake State Park

 

Wallowa Lake is a glacial lake at the base of the heavily glaciated Wallowa Mountains. This range is in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and includes the renowned Eagle Cap Wilderness.  Wallowa Lake State Park is a base from which visitors can explore the mountain country and the approaches to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area on the Snake River.

 

The mission of the Parks and Recreation Department is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. 

 

About Pacific Power and Blue Sky
Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.9 million customers in six western states Information about Pacific Power is available on the company’s website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed via pacificpower.net.

 

Blue Sky is an opt-in program that gives Pacific Power customers the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint while supporting the development of new renewable energy. Through Blue Sky, customers can also invest in renewable energy projects for community-serving organizations. Since 2006, Pacific Power Blue Sky Block participants have supported more than 120 community-based solar, wind, geothermal and renewable energy projects across Pacific Power’s service area. To learn more, visit www.PacificPower.net/BlueSky.

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation.  Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 41, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap.

The video depicting the unidentified male, John Doe 41, shown with a child, was first noted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in March of 2018; therefore, the video is believed to have been produced around 2016 to 2018.

John Doe 41 is described as an African American male, likely between the ages of 18 and 20 years old.  He appears to be a thin-framed individual with black hair.  Anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov , or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).  The public is reminded no charges have been filed in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives, both of which represent strategic partnerships between the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  Operation Rescue Me focuses on utilizing clues obtained through in-depth image analysis to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation material, while ECAP seeks national and international media exposure of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics in association with child pornography images.

####

Sept 10, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Neskowin Beach health advisory issued September 10

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Neskowin Beach in Tillamook County.

People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. Higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While this advisory is in effect at Neskowin Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Resources for Media

Check out our beach water advisory video and audio resources

Salem, Ore. – Cultural organizations across Oregon will receive more than $2.7 million in funding from the Oregon Cultural Trust in FY2020 thanks to the generosity of citizens who invested in the state’s cultural tax credit.

The awards include a total of $682,005 to the Cultural Trust’s five statewide partners (Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Historical Society and the State Historic Preservation Office); $682,005 to 45 County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions – for regranting in their communities; and $1,354,339 in competitive Cultural Development Program awards to 86 cultural organizations serving most geographic regions of the state.

“We are incredibly grateful to the loyalty of our donors for this significant contribution to the great work cultural organizations are doing to enrich the lives of our citizens,” said Chuck Sams III, chair of the Cultural Trust board. “Our mission is to lead Oregon in cultivating, growing and valuing culture as an integral part of communities and these awards are our most important contribution to that effort.”

Overall grant awards are down slightly from FY2019, he added, due to a 5 percent decline in donations for the last fiscal year. A recent lapsed donor survey revealed the primary reason for the reduction was uncertainty around the change in federal tax laws.  

“We have learned that some of our donors took a break to evaluate the possible impact of the new federal tax laws,” said Brian Rogers, the Cultural Trust’s executive director. “We are working with the Oregon Department of Revenue and the Nonprofit Association of Oregon to develop messaging that reaffirms that the benefits of Oregon’s cultural tax credit, and its impact on our state’s cultural vitality, remain the same. That messaging will be a central focus of our 2019 fundraising campaign.”

Highlights of grant projects funded include:

• Restoration of the historic Santiam Pass Ski Lodge in Sisters;
• A tour of Northwest Children’s Theatre and School’s production of “Elephant and Piggie” to Portland suburbs and beyond;

• Construction of an interpretive kiosk on the 1851 Tansy Point Treaty Grounds in Warrenton by the Confederated Lower Chinook Tribes and Bands;
• Free and low-cost access to 15 annual art and cultural programs at the Four Rivers Cultural Center (Ontario) for children in Malheur County, Oregon’s poorest county; and
• The adaptation of “The Large Rock and the Little Yew,” a local story focused on children recovering from emotional and physical abuse, into a ballet by the Eugene Ballet.

The 86 Cultural Development Grants include first-time awards (marked with ) to 14 organizations. The grant awards range from $5,000 to $35,000 with an average grant award of $16,064. The five largest award recipients are: Friends of Santiam Pass Ski Lodge (Sisters); Northwest Children’s Theater and School (Portland); Portland Center Stage at the Armory (Portland); Portland Chinatown History Foundation (Portland); and World Stage Theatre (Troutdale).

Cultural Development Program awards fund projects that address access, capacity, creativity and preservation. Just under half of the 181 applications received were funded. Applications were reviewed and scored by peer panels; final award amounts were determined and approved by the Cultural Trust Board of Directors at its Aug. 30 meeting. Close to half of the grants in this program were awarded to organizations outside of the Portland Metro area; overall more than 60 percent of Cultural Trust funding (including awards to County and Tribal Coalitions) is awarded outside of the Portland Metro area.

Cultural Development Grants, organized alphabetically by geographic region (see end of release for region key), were awarded to:

Central Region (Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook Counties)

Deschutes Public Library Foundation, Bend: $11,099

The project will support “A Novel Idea,” a program that builds community through encouraging everyone to read the same novel and then explore it together through book discussions, cultural programs, art workshops and exhibits, author presentations and social media. “A Novel Idea” promotes and supports culture by hiring local and regional scholars and artists to present and engage participants at more than 25 cultural programs.

Friends of Santiam Pass Ski Lodge, Sisters: $35,000

The project will support the restoration of the historic Santiam Pass Ski Lodge. The lodge is noteworthy for its location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. It is associated with the Civilian Conservation Corps era and is representative of a unique period of recreational development on public lands. With the services of structural and electrical engineers, work will begin on restoring the Lodge and its immediate environment.

Great Eastern North Region (Umatilla, Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties)

Athena's Gem, Inc., Athena: $33,764

The capacity building project will focus on completing facility interior painting, flooring of various types, hand railings on staircases and re-installation of vintage theatre seats in the auditorium. The historic Athena’s Gem Theater is now closing up the interior walls with drywall using volunteer labor as an "in-kind" contribution, having wired, plumbed, installed HVAC and insulated last year using funding provided by the 2018 Oregon Legislature.

Metro Region (Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties) 

Adelante Mujeres, Forest Grove: $9,129

The project's goal is to promote a deeper understanding of the Latinx immigrant experience. Latinx artists and community members will share their history, culture and experiences in Adelante’s newly-renovated building in Forest Grove. Artists will interview Latinx people from various regions and collect their immigration stories in partnership with Portland Community College and the Forest Grove School District.

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland: $26,196

The project will support a new Word Press website, allowing Artist Repertory Theatre to employ mobile scanning devices and improve the interconnected systems of database management, digital marketing and optimized social media. This investment in technology and its support systems will not only benefit ART by building both internal and operational capacity but also the ArtsHub companies to reach new audiences.

Beaverton Civic Theatre, Beaverton: $6,764

The project focuses on the integration of performing arts programming with early literacy practices. BCT's Young Audience series eliminates accessibility barriers of cost and transportation for families. Extending beyond the goal of exposing families to quality theatre is the exploration of early literacy. Beaverton Civic Theater’s Young Audience series serves as a Brain Building resource to parents and caregivers.

Boom Arts Inc, Portland: $8,099

Boom Arts will launch a free summer outdoor performance festival in June 2020 called “Acting Out.” This three-day festival will mix contemporary outdoor theatre, promenade and circus performances, plus try-it-yourself workshops, in partnership with The Circus Project and Portland Parks and Recreation. Boom Arts has identified public space as a vibrant next stage to imagine new social and political possibilities through theatre and performance. 

Cascade Educational Broadcast Service, Portland: $10,485

The project supports the Numberz radio station (96.7 FM) to involve more community members as content makers and help grow its audience. Portland’s black community has been acutely affected by gentrification of North/Northeast Portland. The project aims to re-unify black Portland through the airwaves. The station will remove barriers to cultural opportunities by providing new ways to participate in media for Portland’s black community, making music and other content widely available.

Chamber Music Northwest, Portland: $6,248

The project celebrates Chamber Music Northwest’s 50th anniversary season. Support for the project will allow three resident ensembles’ participation in regular concerts, free community concerts, education programs and visits to those who face barriers to participation: centers for homeless teens, assisted living and medical facilities, community centers and social service agencies.

Ethos Inc., Portland: $23,933

The project supports Ethos’ rural outreach program, Music Across Oregon, which provides 10 rural communities with in-school general music instruction, after-school lessons, summer camps and community concerts. By partnering with the federal AmeriCorps program, Music Across Oregon leverages national service to bring arts education to youth. Music Across Oregon partner schools have not held a district-funded music program in at least six years.

Fear No Music, Portland: $5,000

The project supports the commemorative concert “The F Word” (“F” stands for Forgiveness), marking the 31st anniversary of the brutal murder of Ethiopian immigrant Mulugeta Seraw by three white supremacists on the streets of Southeast Portland. Mayor Ted Wheeler has proclaimed Nov. 13, 2019, to be “Mulugeta Seraw Day.” The program will feature a traveling exhibit, ”The F Word,” in partnership with The Forgiveness Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting restorative justice.

In Mulieribus, Portland: $5,000

The project commemorates the 400th anniversary of the birth of composer Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677), the most prolific composer of Italian Baroque vocal music. As part of In Mulieribus’ annual concert series aimed at reexamining women's contributions to music history, IM plans to celebrate Strozzi and highlight her musical achievements by presenting two concerts of her songs with pre-concert lectures by singer-scholar Hannah Penn that will provide important cultural context for her works. 

Japanese Garden Society of Oregon, Portland: $13,096

The project supports the Art in the Garden program exhibit “Refashioning Beauty,” featuring the work of avant-garde fashion designer and artist Noritaka Tatehana. The exhibition will invite people to view Japanese identity in a contemporary context by an artist actively working to preserve traditional arts and crafts. Tatehana’s oeuvre ranges from large-scale sculptures that play upon iconized objects associated with Japan, to acrylic paintings that borrow embossing techniques and patterns from textiles, to ornamental representations of platform shoes.

Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland: $13,920

The project supports the Garden’s Autumn Moon Festival, the second most culturally significant festival in China. The Festival will be filled with arts and cultural activities, engaging thousands of community members in cross-cultural learning. As development and gentrification in Old Town/Chinatown threaten to erase the historical and cultural roots of this neighborhood, the Festival helps engage new and longtime residents and offers a positive impression of a neglected yet culturally significant neighborhood.

Literary Arts Inc, Portland: $10,345

The project supports the Oregon Book Awards, which for more than 30 years has supported, promoted and celebrated the finest accomplishments by Oregon writers in the genres of fiction, graphic literature, drama, literary nonfiction and literature for young readers. This project will connect these writers with readers across the state through the Oregon Book Awards Author Tour. By partnering with local libraries, bookstores, writing groups and arts councils to organize and promote the tour, Literary Arts is able to provide residents of rural Oregon with access to writing workshops, author talks, readings and school visits. All tour events are free and open to the public.

Live Wire Radio, Portland: $21,006

The project will support the hiring of a full-time, experienced Executive Director who understands the business of running a dynamic and creative nonprofit. In the midst of a creative and organizational renaissance, Live Wire’s strategic plan calls for investing in its internal capacity at a time when listenership is increasing while many public radio programs are losing ground. Live Wire must invest wisely in an infrastructure to help it grow into its future potential.

Media-Rites, Portland: $5,000

The project supports the production of the play "Here On This Bridge: The --Ism Project," which addresses the divide and the backlash against People of Color, women, LGBTQI people, and immigrants and refugees that has become more visible and frequent recently. Media-Rites will tour the play and discussion series to southern Oregon and document the conversations through audio and video recordings (to be podcasted and archived online). All shows will be free for ages 14 and older.

Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland: $6,505

The project supports the Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s “Music and Equity Program” that addresses barriers to instrumental music for low-income youth. Funding for instrumental school music programs in Oregon remains inconsistent and limited, making instrumental music particularly difficult for low-income families to access. Increased investment will allow the Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s “School Concert Outreach” program, Tuition Assistance program and “Beginning Strings” classes to reach more students in Portland and Hillsboro.

Mittleman Jewish Community Center, Portland: $12,112

The project will expand the Center’s capacity to provide high quality cultural programming, support the cultural arts in Portland and strengthen the campus as a destination for arts-related experiences. Funds will be used to address the technical shortcomings of the theatre venue, allowing it to attract and retain rentals from outside organizations that wish to offer play productions, concerts, lectures, dance performances and much more.

Montavilla Jazz Festival, Portland: $5,000

The project will support the expansion of the festival program, focused especially on promoting and supporting local and emerging jazz artists. The Montavilla Jazz Festival is a growing cultural celebration that puts the East Portland neighborhood on the map of vibrant neighborhoods in a city with a competitive arts scene.

My Voice Music, Portland: $17,671

The project provides 100 additional youth access to the Artist Mentorship Program in the 2019-20 school year through a new drop-in after school program called Open Studio and added instruction hours. The program expansion will maintain “pay what you are able” tuition to ensure that there are no financial barriers to participation, and will serve working families for whom the need for after school programs is acute.

Northwest Children's Theater & School Inc, Portland: $35,000

The project will support the first year of NWCT “On Tour,” designed to bring the wonder of theater to children and families in Portland's suburbs and beyond. Expenses will only be significant in the first years, when essential equipment such as a cargo van will be purchased, and portable sets and props will be designed and constructed. Project support will increase operational capacity and internal capacity through job creation and new opportunities for artistic employees.

Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland: $14,095

The project supports OBT2, the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s junior company, in developing partnerships with theaters/schools in Crook, Deschutes, Umatilla and Union counties. The project will allow OBT2 to bring its art form, resources and talent out to new audiences in smaller communities, and coordinate with local partners to maximize access/outcomes. It will make the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s programming more broadly available to Oregonians, through in-school workshops, master classes, presentations and affordable performances.

Oregon Children's Foundation dba SMART, Portland: $8,762

The project will support SMART’s initiative to diversify the 145,000 children's books it places into the hands and homes of 11,000 young children throughout Oregon in the coming school year. The project will increase children's access to books representing diverse experiences by purchasing culturally-relevant literature to include in SMART's give-away book selection. SMART serves many low-income children and communities that exist in "book deserts" without book stores, school libraries and sometimes not even a public library.

Oregon Children's Theatre Company, Portland: $15,034

The project will support the production of “The Journal of Ben Uchida: Citizen 13559”, which depicts the imprisonment of 100,000+ Japanese Americans during World War II through the eyes of a young boy. The play is to be directed by Dmae Roberts of MediaRites/Theater Diaspora, Portland’s only professional Asian-American theater company, and will feature its actors. Lobby displays by the Vanport Mosaic and the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center will provide insight to the stories of past and present Asian-American citizens in Oregon.

Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Portland: $12,066

The project will allow OJMCHE to become the final venue for the travelling exhibition “Bernstein at 100!” curated by the GRAMMY Museum Los Angeles in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and the Bernstein Family. The project comprises the first large-scale multimedia exhibition to illustrate Leonard Bernstein’s life, Jewish identity and social activism in the context of his career. It features interactive media and sound installations along with approximately 100 historic artifacts, including Bernstein’s piano, marked-up scores, a conducting suit, an annotated copy of Romeo and Juliet used for West Side Story and family items and objects from his studio.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland: $8,829

The project supports “Exquisite Creatures,” an exhibit highlighting the work of Oregon artist Christopher Marley and his connection to nature. In his first Oregon show, the exhibit invites visitors to think about how we interact in/with nature. Through the message of conservation, visitors will not only be visually inspired but also learn a scientific story, engaging in a dialogue between art and science that the West has only recently begun to explore.

Oregon Symphony, Portland: $16,779

The project will provide Title 1 schools and free/reduced lunch students free access to the Oregon Symphony’s Kinderkonzerts, Young Peoples Concerts, Link Up, open rehearsals and the Prelude Series (students perform in the lobby prior to an Oregon Symphony concert, then attend the concert for free and are recognized from the stage).

Outside the Frame, Portland: $13,049

The project supports 35 young homeless or marginalized filmmakers in creating short films with guidance from film industry professionals and paid peer mentors. Outside the Frame currently provides open studio time each week for alumni of its film intensives. The project supports a pilot program with eight-week cycles in which youth complete short films about stories and issues that matter to them. Their work will culminate in a summer film festival for the public in June 2020.

Pacific Youth Choir, Portland: $5,000

The project will support the expansion of the Neighborhood Choir program to include Creston and Atkinson Elementary schools. Originally launched at Whitman Elementary in Portland’s Lents neighborhood, and now expanded to Marysville Elementary and Wattles Boys and Girls Club, the program brings choir activities into the neighborhoods of young people in outlying and underserved communities. It provides opportunities for students and their families to come downtown for concerts and participate in the life of the city.

Phame Academy, Portland: $17,170

The project supports the production and performance of PHAME’s original rock opera with the Portland Opera. The project creates high-level, specialized opportunities for PHAME students while bringing mainstream arts organizations into PHAME as partners for inclusion. By providing varied arts opportunities for as many students as want to participate, fostering inclusive practices outside PHAME and welcoming diverse audience members, this performance will do much to further the development of artists with disabilities.

Portland Baroque Orchestra, Portland: $21,884

The project makes key investments in Portland Baroque Orchestra’s infrastructure and staff. After several years of sustained increases in programming, the project will increase the organization’s stability, improve sustainability and ultimately increase the cultural impact of the orchestra as it realizes its potential.

Portland Center Stage at The Armory, Portland: $35,000

The project supports Portland Center Stage’s annual JAW: (“Just Add Water”) A Playwrights Festival. Since 1999, the festival has provided 81 playwrights with the resources to rethink and refine new plays that have gone on to enrich the repertories of more than 150 professional companies in Oregon and throughout the U.S. Each July, JAW brings four playwrights to PCS and supports their artistic development by providing them with: generous rehearsal time; gifted collaborators; smart, supportive dramaturgy; and guided feedback from both peer artists and JAW's engaged and insightful audience.

Portland Chinatown History Foundation, Portland: $35,000

The project is a one-time strategic investment in the Portland Chinatown Museum’s exterior, with a large exterior neon sign, while supporting development and marketing professionals in sharing its exhibitions, programs, collections and elder Chinese storytellers and docents with the community.

Portland Columbia Symphony, Portland:  $5,471

The project will invest in a database, a customer relationship manager and e-commerce solution software Arts People. Arts People boasts robust capabilities in areas of ticketing, reporting, segmentation and more. The data will be applied across all strategies and will significantly influence how Portland Columbia Symphony leverages channels that drive traffic to the website (email, social media, search engine marketing). A website rebuild will integrate Arts People, while yielding increased search engine recognition and site traffic, a stronger visual brand, streamlined workflow, accessibility compliance and a wealth of analytics to measure digital return on investments.

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland: $14,668

The project supports the 17th edition of the Time-Based Art Festival (TBA), activating venues around Portland with contemporary art programming for 10 consecutive days. TBA:19 features a diverse roster of artists, disciplines and forms, including dance, theater, performances, music, film, visual art, workshops, lectures, panels and more. The festival connects audiences to renowned and radical artists of our time; celebrates and amplifies diverse and underrepresented voices; and sparks dialogue and exploration of relevant and urgent social, political and cultural issues.

Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, Portland: $6,337

The project supports the performance of “From Maxville to Vanport,” a set of songs and short films about these two unique towns, in Malheur, Deschutes and Lane counties, for a combined estimated audience of 900 middle and high school students and 350 adults. Created in 2018 in order to connect audiences with African American Oregonians of the past from both urban and rural areas, “From Maxville to Vanport” acknowledges racism but places the greatest emphasis on a joyful celebration of perseverance and of the spirit of shared belonging to our home state.

Portland Meet Portland, Portland: $15,060

The project supports the “Experience: Oregon” podcast, which centers and amplifies the voices of marginalized groups by seeking out their culture-keepers and conducting interviews with them. The project then turns to historians who can draw out themes and connect them to the deeply held stories and myths of the state’s past. The end result will be an iterative podcast series, a discussion of the ways culture and history influence our perceptions of what it means to be an Oregonian.

Portland Youth Philharmonic Association, Portland: $6,996

The project supports a three-concert tour featuring young musicians from the Portland Youth Philharmonic. Joshua Ji, 14-year-old winner of Portland Piano International’s 2019 Youth Piano Concerto Competition, will be the featured soloist in Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F Major. This program will be performed three times throughout the state of Oregon: Corvallis (at OSU), Forest Grove (at Pacific University), and Portland (at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall), with ticket prices as low as $5 in Corvallis and Portland, and free of charge in Forest Grove.

Regional Arts & Culture Council, Portland: $25,726

The project expands RACC’s operational capacity by supporting the first full year of implementation and evaluation of the Right Brain Initiative’s use of Arts Integration Leadership Teams. Since 2014, RACC’s evaluation focused on helping teachers scale and sustain effective arts-based strategies long-term. Arts Integration Leadership Teams, composed of teachers, models arts integration for their colleagues and tailors their onsite training to meet the specific needs of the school.

Restore Oregon, Portland: $27,056

The project supports the development and implementation of a Historic Resources Inventory Toolkit to provide step-by-step guidance in identifying, documenting and creating inventories of culturally significant historic places. While Restore Oregon’s new toolkit will be available to all Oregonians, staff plan to work directly with members of the African American community in Portland’s Albina neighborhood, members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and historic theater stakeholders in Oregon’s rural communities to help identify, celebrate and preserve Oregon’s historic and cultural treasures.

Tavern Books, Portland: $10,327

The project supports a half-time Outreach/Publicity Coordinator. The Coordinator will focus on book promotion, event planning and volunteer coordination while the current two-person staff concentrates on editorial duties and development. Establishing marketing and publicity as a dedicated rather than secondary task will promote organizational stability by increasing earned revenue via book sales, and a stronger focus on outreach will deepen Tavern Book’s impact by improving connectivity with bookstores, the public, schools, libraries and other non-profits.

The Circus Project, Portland: $14,382

The projects supports “Pathways,” a program that creates more equitable access to arts opportunities and a safe, inclusive space for youth and adults to explore their physical and creative abilities. The Pathways Manager supports each student on an ongoing basis to address barriers that may arise and limit student participation in programming. Students may receive free classes or ongoing private lessons and other resources as needed.

The Library Foundation, Serving the People of Multnomah County, Portland: $5,853

The project supports “Everybody Reads,” a shared reading experience with the goal of discussing issues that matter, learning from one another and promoting greater understanding. This year, the teen selection “We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie fostered frank discussions about relevant, and sometimes difficult, topics in classrooms across our community. The project removes barriers to participation by enabling 945 teens from high-poverty schools and youth organizations to engage in Everybody Reads. Public library funds pay for part of the program but the purchase of thousands of books, including those for 2,100 teens, rely on private support.

The Shadow Project, Portland: $19,679

The project supports the “Reading Mentors” program, which equips Oregon students with disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism with assistive reading technology and pairs them with a caring mentor to help them discover a favorite literary genre. The project makes text-based art forms accessible for creative, capable children who have been marginalized because of their learning differences. Expanding the “Reading Mentors” program from 5 to 8 schools will make access to literacy more broadly available to students.

The Vanport Mosaic, Portland: $15,408

The project supports accessibility for The Vanport Mosiac’s public programming in cultural spaces meaningful to historically marginalized communities. Funding will contribute to project management; an outreach coordinator, transportation, venues rental, ASL and ADA, captions, as well as a venue mapping embedded throughout the Vanport Mosiac Festival. Through oral history recording and screenings, original theater, tours, exhibits and dialogues the Festival has engaged Portlanders with stories of resistance and resilience from multiracial communities.

Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Inc., Portland: $9,839

The project supports “SANCTUARIES’, a three-act contemporary chamber opera exploring the racial and political underpinnings of gentrification. Through jazz, performance poetry, sound design, video, historical and contemporary images and recorded narratives, it tells the tale of displaced residents of color in Portland’s historically black Albina district. Commissioned by Third Angle New Music, “SANCTUARIES” is conceived and composed by pianist and composer Darrell Grant, with a libretto by twice National Poetry Slam Individual Champion Anis Mojgani and stage direction by Los Angeles-based director Alexander Gedeon

Tucker Maxon School, Portland: $25,496

The project supports a new “Chalk Art Festival” to raise the school’s visibility in the community, drawing students with hearing loss and typical hearing to the school. Support for a full-time events manager will cement Tucker Maxon’s reputation as a center of art and music, as well as deaf education. The “Chalk Art Festival” will provide revenue for the school to support the financial aid program for students who are deaf and hard of hearing, ultimately ensuring the school’s sustainability into the future.

Willamette Light Brigade, Portland: $16,413

The project invests in a part-time development manager to support the stability and sustainability of the Portland Winter Light Festival. The new position support the creation and implementation of a fundraising plan to pursue funding opportunities, build an annual giving program, expand foundation and corporate relations, create fundraising events and cultivate new donors. The Light Festival’s attendance growth over the last four years from 30,000 in 2016 to 154,000 in 2019 highlights the demand for and interest in this free, accessible art program.

Wisdom of the Elders Incorporated, Portland: $33,671

This project supports the creation of the “Discovering Yidong Xinag” [“Discovering the Old Wisdom” in Athabascan] Educational Toolkit. It builds upon Wisdom of the Elder’s culturally tailored multimedia environmental science curriculum. Oregon Senate Bill 13 directs the Oregon Department of Education to develop curricula and train educators relative to the Native American experience in Oregon. The Educational Toolkit will engage Native and other students by integrating cultural arts into environmental science studies.

World Stage Theatre, Troutdale: $35,000

The project supports World Stage Theatre’s “Black History Festival NW” which celebrates African-American heritage and culture unique to the Pacific Northwest. The project showcases more than 100 of the region’s Black artists, organizations and businesses. The culturally specific activities help bridge generational, economical, racial, social and emotional gaps. With activities in diverse locations, participants are able to celebrate their connection to old and new communities.

YU Contemporary Inc, Portland: $34,904

The project supports the Yale Union Laundry building’s restoration of its second floor windows. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the preserved building can share the stories of American industrialization, commercial laundry business of the early 20th century, the women’s labor movement and the rise of the middle class. Efforts to repurpose the building into a contemporary art center help fulfill this goal by investing in historic preservation. Alongside this preservation project, Yale Union Contemporary will also engage the community with an artistic program related to the centennial of the laundry workers’ strike and discussions around labor and working conditions relevant today.

Mid Valley Region (Yamhill, Polk and Marion Counties) 

Gilbert House Children's Museum, Salem: $14,888

The project will support improved access by replacing the existing narrow entrance gate with a new safety gate, replacing residential yard fencing with security fencing and removing the current narrow ramps with ADA compliant ramps and hand rails. All efforts are part of a larger capital project to renovate and add new features to the 20,000 square-foot Inventor’s Yard Learning Play Area.

Keizer Homegrown Theatre, Keizer: $5,000

The project supports an initiative to provide free entry to all shows for Oregon Trail card holders. Support would also address a portion of production expenses including the cost for royalties, rights, costumes, equipment and theater space.

Linfield College, McMinnville: $7,382

The project will highlight the contributions of Oregon vineyard workers through a deep dive into the life and work of dedicated and skilled vineyard laborers, primarily seasonal migrants from Mexico or Central America. The Oregon Wine History Archive collects, preserves and shares materials documenting the history of the state’s wine industry (a $5.6 billion economic sector in Oregon). The focus of the project will be on the level of effort and skill required, the pride taken in the work, and the challenges and successes of life inside and outside the vineyard.

Oregon Black Pioneers, Salem: $21,634

The project will support the hiring of Oregon Black Pioneer’s first executive director in its 25-year history. The board president will help mentor the new executive director and work with a transition committee to ensure a successful transition for staff. OBP was one of four organizations selected to participate in the National Trust for Historic Preservation/National Museum of African American History & Culture board training in Oregon in March. During this workshop, the board worked on plans for a successful staff transition.

North Central Region (Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties)

Columbia Arts, Hood River: $9,330

The project supports Columbia Arts’ first Bilingual Onstage Series. This three-part series will demonstrate the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while promoting the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. Each installment will feature three theatre companies and/or performance-based artists presenting in dual language - Spanish/English. All events will be free and open to the public.

The Dalles-Wasco County Library Foundation, The Dalles: $26,175

The project supports South Wasco County’s new library in Maupin. The new library will be 2,900 square feet with a designated area for children and teens, several computer workstations and a study area. A 75-person community room will host library programs and community events. The library and meeting space will be equipped with current technology and provide access to high speed internet, seamlessly connecting rural residents with modern technology and the larger world.

North Coast Region (Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties) 

Astor Library Friends Association, Astoria: $17,327

The project will allow the Astoria Public Library to preserve archival materials dating from the founding of Astoria (1811) to the present. Volunteers and staff will rehouse the collection in archival-safe containers; create and publish descriptions for the main collection areas; scan and publish an initial 100 historical items online; and host two events to inspire community dialogue on the newly available historical assets.

Confederated Lower Chinook Tribes and Bands, Warrenton: $6,103

The project will support the construction of an interpretive kiosk on the 1851 Tansy Point Treaty Grounds, now owned by the Chinook Indian Nation. The forested wetlands property in Warrenton is bordered by two creeks and Youngs Bay, an area rich with Chinook salmon at its confluence with the Columbia River. The Chinook Indian Nation will tell their story and preserve their legacy at the site where the Tansey-Point treaties were signed in 1851 yet left unratified by the US Congress.

Liberty Restoration Inc, Astoria: $8,685

The project will support the development of a strategic marketing plan, prioritizing the redesign of the Theatre’s website and social media platforms. The Liberty Theatre has been operating for the past 13 years without a marketing plan or marketing activities. With new investment the Theatre’s digital presence will be optimized to convert traffic into increased ticket sales and overall revenue.

Tillicum Foundation, Astoria: $19,402

The project supports the “Radio for Good” campaign to perform a complete overhaul of Coast Community Radio’s aging equipment. The project increases the capacity to provide high quality broadcast and web-based radio transmissions over the long term, increasing community responsiveness and engagement via the ability to produce live remote broadcasts from far-flung, currently underserved communities located in rural Clatsop, Tillamook and Columbia Counties.

Trail's End Art Association, Gearhart: $10,368

The project supports the renovation of the 1903 Trail’s End Art Association building, a long-standing culturally historic building listed in the Gearhart Landmark Commission’s Historical Downtown Area Register. The building plays a significant role in the cultural vision of the City of Gearhart’s master planning for the downtown area. Through a major fundraising campaign and income from workshops, the organization is poised to complete the renovations for close to two-thirds of the building.  

Northeast Region (Wallowa, Union and Baker Counties)

Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center Inc, Baker City: $13,701

The project will support all-inclusive access to programming at the Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center for children with limited mobility or cognitive abilities and sight and hearing limitations. Working with Access Gallery, staff will assess needs, build capacity, add training, furnish facilities with specialized equipment and supplies, support targeted marketing and provide special classes to fully integrate students into regular programming. 

Eastern Oregon Regional Arts Council, La Grande: $9,116

The project will serve La Grande’s rural population with high-quality arts opportunities that support and showcase local artists and bring performers, teaching artists and arts exhibits to the region. Art Center East will provide free access for at-risk youth to gallery exhibits, community conversations and cultural experiences, and classes. Investing in these services enables Art Center East to connect artists and audiences disadvantaged by income and distance.

Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre Inc, Baker City: $16,374

The project is a one-time strategic investment into the Theatre’s capacity to restore a historic property on Main Street in Baker City as a cultural venue. The completed project will not only support all local performing groups with an acoustically sound and specifically designed stage and support structures with adequate seating capacity, but also make it possible to book professional performing groups requiring a quality venue.

Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum, Ontario: $7,698

The project supports free and low-cost access to 15 annual art and cultural programs for local children of varied socio-economic backgrounds in Oregon’s poorest county. Students in Malheur County can attend the Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum’s programs regardless of cost or language barriers. Four Rivers Cultural Center addresses issues of access by providing the community -- and specifically educators -- with dynamic learning, art and community resources.

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $29,471

The project supports the organization’s capital campaign to purchase its building, a stunning log structure on Main Street in downtown Joseph. The campaign will build community ownership in the Josephy Center while investing in the organization’s stability and sustainability in Wallowa County.

Liberty Theatre Foundation Inc, La Grande: $17,428

The project will support the inclusion of ADA access in the rehabilitation and restoration of the Liberty Theatre in downtown La Grande’s Historic District. The Liberty is a 100-year-old building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When complete, it will be the second ADA accessible performing arts venue in La Grande, making available significant space and a unique resource for the burgeoning and diverse arts community in Eastern Oregon.

South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties)

Klamath Film, Klamath Falls: $7,050

To support free youth programming and access to film arts, artists, equipment and knowledge/training in film studies in Klamath Falls and rural Southern Oregon. Klamath Film introduces year-round film events to its community from animation to Oscar winners; meets regularly to network and share knowledge of the craft; acquires and lends filmmaking equipment to its members including students; collaborates with city agencies to champion film awareness and infrastructure; and produces the Klamath Independent Film Festival.

South Coast Region (Douglas, Coos and Curry Counties)

Chetco Historical Memorial Project, Brookings: $10,057

The project supports the Chetco Indian Memorial, the only interpretive site that represents and focuses on an Oregon coastal tribe and its history on the very site of their ancestral village, making this project unique in the region. Creating a historical marker at this site will help the public understand the site’s historical significance and will ensure that it is protected.

Little Theatre on the Bay, North Bend: $15,525

The project is a strategic investment in Phase IV of the capital campaign to expand and enhance North Bend’s historic Liberty Theatre (1924). Improvements to the Theatre include expansion of the backstage and technical conditions of the fly loft, cat walk and ladder systems, allowing the Theatre to expand the number of programs, scope of performances and range of participants on and off the stage. They will also eliminate rental costs for set-building space and increase rental revenue paid by collaborative partners’ use of the Theatre.

South Valley/Mid Coast Region (Lincoln, Benton, Linn and Lane Counties)

Delgani String Quartet, Eugene: $10,618

The project supports a touring mixed-abilities dance and music production designed to alter audience perceptions of people with disabilities. “Shall We Dance” provides an accurate representation of a diverse cross-section of our society. The 11 collaborating artists will experience opportunities to build a range of social and creative skills, including development of interpersonal ties across artistic genres while building a sense of self-esteem, individual efficacy and the ability to work with diverse groups within a culture of artistic integrity. Bringing artists together from two separate fields will expand both organizations’ artistic reach and raise awareness throughout Oregon and online.

Eugene Ballet, Eugene: $24,221

The project will support the adaptation of “The Large Rock and the Little Yew,” a local story focused on children recovering from emotional and physical abuse, into a ballet. This project will provide an opportunity to present this message-filled story in another medium (dance), and the surrounding talks and presentations planned in conjunction with the performances will provide a forum from which the community will learn more about the challenges facing these youth. The completed project will be added to Eugene Ballet’s repertoire of family programming.

Eugene Opera, Eugene: $14,813

The project supports a new strategic direction for Eugene Opera, from a residency company model toward a more nimble, responsive and scalable company that performs at local venues. Funding will support research into alternative venues, strategic planning and strategic communication with the current audience and donor base regarding the new direction of the company.

Eugene Symphony Association, Inc., Eugene: $22,200

The project supports the Eugene Symphony’s music education programs Link Up and Encouraging Young Musicians to Achieve (EYMA). Link Up delivers an experiential music curriculum developed by Carnegie Hall to more than 2,100 students who engage in 18, 60-minute sessions at each school site. EYMA provides Symphony Teaching Artists to band and orchestra programs in Lane County. The Symphony works directly with educators to choose a teaching artist to co-create content that meets their students' needs, through sectional rehearsals, instruction, career discussion or performance by the teaching artist.

Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestras, Eugene: $9,794

The project supports the String Academy, free and low-cost beginning strings classes in area elementary schools, including the most culturally diverse, and those with the highest numbers of minority students in the district. Classes are taught on-site, after school, to help working parents avoid transportation barriers. ESYO removes financial barriers for underserved families by offering the lowest fees in the area for classes and instrument rentals, and scholarships for anyone who needs one.

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts Newport: $29,178

The project will support Phase VII of the capital campaign. Capacity constraints will be addressed by creating a fully functional, two-theatre venue that can host simultaneous performances. The audience experience will be enhanced by addressing seating, lighting and sound constraints in the newly renamed David Ogden Stiers Theatre. Backstage support areas will be added as well to improve efficiency and flexibility, improving the movement patterns for props and performers.

Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival Association, Newport: $8,986

The project will highlight musicians and enhance the stature and recognition of high school symphonies with the Composer’s Symposium. The Symposium will provide education opportunities for talented music students by serving as a resource for networking, professional development and collaboration. There is no similar opportunity in Oregon and virtually no instruction in music composition in Oregon high schools.

Shedd Institute for the Arts, The John G., Eugene: $10,321

The project supports a new full-time music school administrator position to assist with, and provide redundancy across, all aspects of running the music school, including: student performances; rental instrument bank; Road Scholar programs; Saturday classes; Shedd concerts and curricula for area schools; off-site student mariachi and jazz performances; student recruitment; registration; and more. Adding this position now to support future growth is critical to successful expansion.

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Eugene: $18,299

The project supports a new public exhibit and programs about the Civil Rights era in Eugene in partnership with the Oregon Black Pioneers. The project seeks to address the history of institutional racism and elitism at universities and museums. The project increases access to the museum by removing the barrier of cost through subsidized admission and increased awareness of discount programs; building relationships to co-develop programs that are engaging for target audiences; and training front-line staff to offer welcoming and inclusive experiences for broader, more diverse communities.

University of Oregon Foundation, Eugene: $22,057

The project supports the “Eugene Lesbian Oral History Project,” an on-going archival project seeking to recover, preserve and share the unique history of lesbians in Eugene. Housed in the University of Oregon Special Collections and Archives, 74 video interviews of lesbian-identified women in their 60s to 80s, along with their photographs, journals and other records, will inform a documentary film. This will be the first documentary film exploring the personal and social histories of this generation of lesbians, what they accomplished in Eugene and Oregon, and their reflections on their contributions.

Southern Region (Josephine and Jackson Counties) 

Ballet Folklorico Ritmo Alegre, Medford: $5,000

The project will support the organization’s transition to a Latinx managing director. Working with a consultant, Ballet Folklorico will engage in leadership training and succession planning with the board of directors. A Latinx and Spanish-speaking managing director will improve communication with families, donors and other Latinx organizations while empowering Latinx children who serve as cultural ambassadors to neighboring communities.

Butte Creek Mill Foundation, Medford: $26,366

The Butte Creek Mill and Ice House restoration project will return historic structures damaged by fire and revitalize the rural community of Eagle Point. This living history destination will educate and inform locals and tourists through an interpretative center, educational curriculum developed for field trips and summer camps, and internship/apprenticeship opportunities.

Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, Ashland: $5,000

The project supports the use of professional audio and videography services to record all four concerts in the 2019-20 season. Southern Oregon Repertory Singers will offer the audio and video recordings via its website, YouTube channel, Facebook, targeted ads and its email newsletter. The project will generate greater earned income from increased tickets sales and the sale of CDs.

The Hearth, Ashland: $30,851

The project supports a half-time operations manager for one year to oversee the implementation of the strategic business plan. The new position will be responsible for developing operational systems and policies; research and implementation of new technologies; assisting the Board in developing outreach and onboarding processes to expand and diversify; and supporting the executive director in targeting and marketing the programs of The Hearth.

First time grant recipient

Region key:

Central (Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook Counties)

Greater Eastern North (Umatilla, Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties)

Metro (Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties)   

Mid-Valley (Yamhill, Polk and Marion Counties) 

North Central (Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties)

North Coast (Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties) 

Northeast (Wallowa, Union and Baker Counties)

South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties)

South Coast (Douglas, Coos and Curry Counties)

South Valley/Mid-Coast (Lincoln, Benton, Linn and Lane Counties)

Southern (Josephine and Jackson Counties) 

# # #

Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust is a testimony to how much Oregonians value culture. No other state provides a 100 percent tax credit to inspire cultural giving. As uniquely Oregonian as public beaches and the bottle bill, the Oregon Cultural Trust was established 18 years ago by the Oregon Legislature as an ongoing funding engine for arts and culture across the state. Oregonians fund the Cultural Trust. We, in turn, fund the artists, potters, rappers, acrobats and dreamers who make Oregon, Oregon. In 2017 Oregonians gave $4.9 million to the Cultural Trust, our all-time record. Sixty percent of that went straight back to the field. The remaining 40 percent helped grow our permanent fund. Our three grant programs fund our five Statewide Partners, 45 County and Tribal Coalitions and qualified cultural nonprofits through competitive Cultural Development Grants.

 

PORTLAND, Ore.—Abel Lomas Murillo, 26, of Weston, Oregon, was sentenced today to 235 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.   

Murillo previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 15, 2019.

According to court documents, in November 2017, the Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team (BENT), the Oregon State Police (OSP) and the FBI began investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Murillo.

Abel Murillo sourced drugs from his older brother and co-defendant Noel Murillo who lived in Vacaville, California in the Eastern District of California. The investigation revealed that as early as July 2017, Noel Murillo transported drugs from Vacaville to Klamath Fall, Oregon where a courier would then deliver them to his brother. Abel Murillo and his co-conspirators also made multiple trips to Medford, Oregon to pick up drugs and transport them back to Morrow and Umatilla Counties for distribution in Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington.

In January 2018, an OSP trooper stopped one of the Murillo brothers’ couriers, Luis Alberto Navarro, in a vehicle traveling near Klamath Falls en route to Umatilla County. A search of the vehicle revealed 11 concealed packages containing more than 8 kilograms of methamphetamine.

In early May 2018, as the investigation continued, Abel Murillo enlisted another courier, Noel Ponce Villegas, to drive methamphetamine from Medford to Boardman, Oregon. Investigators surveilled Murillo as he traveled from Umatilla County to a storage locker in Medford and loaded a trailer being pulled by his truck. Murillo paid Villegas to drive his truck and trailer while he followed to minimize his own risk. In the early morning hours of May 6, 2018, investigators from BENT, OSP and FBI stopped Murillo and Villegas as they drove near mile marker 102 on Interstate 84.

Investigators seized 42 packages of methamphetamine, 36 of which were concealed in a false bottom of a propane tank. The packages contained approximately 17.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Later the same day, investigators executed a search warrant at Murillo’s residence, seizing 29 firearms and body armor. Pursuant to a separate search warrants, another 10 pounds of methamphetamine and five firearms were found in a Medford storage locker Murillo had visited earlier in the weekend.     

During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon ordered Murillo to pay $20,000 to satisfy a forfeiture money judgment. 

On May 7, 2018, Navarro pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. He will be sentenced on October 15, 2019.

On April 18, 2019, Villegas pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. He will be sentenced on December 3, 2019.

Co-defendant Noel Murillo is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. A three-day jury trial is scheduled for November 5, 2019.

This case was investigated by BENT, OSP and the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Sept. 10, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Rockaway Beach and D River Beach health advisory issued Sept. 10

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Rockaway Beach in Tillamook County and D River Beach in Lincoln County.

People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. Higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While this advisory is in effect at Rockaway Beach and D River Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482 or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Resources for Media

Check out our beach water advisory video and audio resources

In 2016, the Bend Police Department working with the Downtown association identified an increase in crimes and associated disruptive behavior that was significantly impacting the livability and overall family atmosphere in our Downtown area to include Drake Park and Mirror Pond parking lots.

The Police Department, The City of Bend City Council, City of Bend staff and the Downtowners Association, the Bend Parks and Recreation District collaborated to help make our downtown area more family friendly. The use of crime data correlation and mapping, the use of the City ordinance allowing for the exclusion of those committing crimes from downtown area, the Problem Oriented Policing Team working with City Staff to reengineer the Mirror Pond parking lots, and the Community Enhancement Program focusing on problem areas we have now seen the results in the form of significant reductions in crime and police calls in our key summer period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The Police Department was given permission to increase staffing and then used that staff to help targeted areas of high police calls and crimes, increased foot patrols, and worked closely with downtown merchants as a team to improve the downtown area. This proactive policing model approached increased traffic stops by 14.4% and increased Community Enhancement Program downtown time by 7.8%.

Between 2017 and 2019 reported calls for service reflect the following decreases in crime and calls:

• Calls for unwanted subjects decreased 20.9%
• Trespassing calls decreased by 53%
• Intoxicated subjects calls for service decreased 45.7%,
• Animal control complaints decreased 19%,
• Assault and dispute calls combined decreased 40%.
• Theft calls decreased by 59.6%
• Mental health calls decreased by 38%

The Bend Police Department is very appreciative of the support we receive from our community members and partners to help in the success of making our downtown area family friendly and a place that continues to be visited by many.

 

Submitted by: Lt. Juli McConkey

Medford, Ore. – The public is being asked to avoid some recreation sites near Lost Creek Lake due to upcoming logging activity on the west and north sides of the Lost Creek Lake, beginning September 10, and continuing through early October 2019. Area restrictions include: 

• Portions of the Rogue River Trail from Takelma Boat Ramp through, and including, Four Corners Campground; and
• Rogue River Trail near, and including, Fire Glen Campground.

Additionally, visitors should expect delays and use caution while driving on portions of Talkema Drive and Lewis Road due to increased traffic. 

Joseph Stewart State Park, all other recreation facilities and the majority of the Rogue River Trail around Lost Creek will still be accessible to visitors. Additional information on the Lost Creek Lake site is available at:

https://bit.ly/2m9AwoK

Additional information regarding the Lost Creek forest management project is available on BLM’s planning site at:

https://bit.ly/2lJnaiG    

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing will conduct routine F-15 night training missions September 10-12, 2019.

Night training allows the Citizen-Airmen pilots based at the Portland Air National Guard Base to stay current with mandatory Air Force requirements. Night flying is conducted as an essential training requirement for nighttime maneuvers. Training flights will be completed each evening before 10:30 p.m.

-30-

About the 142nd Fighter Wing:

The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,500 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region. The 142nd Fighter Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border, as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequalled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense to keep our kids safe from cyber bullies.

A 2017 study by the Centers for Disease Control showed that about 15% of high school students say they are bullied online. The bully may pretend to be someone else – such as a new boyfriend or gaming partner – to get the victim to share personal information. The bully may share – or threaten to share – messages that include rumors, lies, sensitive information or photos that are hurtful and embarrassing. Bullies may even threaten or encourage someone to kill themselves.

It is important that parents and kids are working together to keep students safe. The best thing you can do as a parent is to build a relationship with your child where you can both feel comfortable talking about and sharing your child’s online experience.

Let’s start with the parent portion of all this:

• Do you know or control what apps are on the phones in your home?
• Are you checking your child’s devices and accounts regularly? Parents should have the passwords to every device and every app or social media platform the student is using.
• Do you know who your student is talking to by text or email and on social media? What information and photos or videos they are sharing?
• Have you made clear your expectations about appropriate behavior and privacy?

Now some points for students to consider:

• Being kind to others online will help to keep you safe. Do not share anything that could hurt or embarrass anyone. You never know what someone will forward.
• Keep your passwords and PINs a secret from other kids. Even friends could give your password away or use it in ways you don’t want.
• Set your privacy settings to the highest levels on your devices and social media accounts. Only share your thoughts and photos with friends – not friends of friends or complete strangers.
• Keep your parents in the loop. Tell them what you’re doing online and who you’re doing it with. Let them friend or follow you. Listen to what they have to say about what is and isn’t okay to do.

We are lucky that in our state we have a really effective program to help kids dealing with cyber bullying and other threats. It’s called Safe Oregon, and it is a program that brings law enforcement and school officials together to help kids. You can report cyber bullying to Safe Oregon online at https://www.safeoregon.com/ There’s also information on that website about other ways you can report concerns by calling, texting or emailing. Choose the option that works best for you.

Parents - if you have younger kids at home, start the discussions early about appropriate online behavior and the damage that they can do to themselves and others if they make poor choices. The FBI has a cyber citizenship program called Safe Online Surfing – or SOS – to teach kids in third through eighth grade about safe and responsible internet use. The interactive, game-based program emphasizes the importance of cyber safety topics such as password security, smart surfing habits, and the safeguarding of personal information. This free program can be used by families at home or by teachers in schools. For more information about the SOS program, go to https://sos.fbi.gov

Thanks for joining us for this Tech Tuesday segment. Next week we will talk about student loan scams.

 

Burglary Suspect Arrested in Sisters

By:  Sergeant Troy Gotchy

Suspect:  Huber, Ryan Paul 43 years of age

                 Sisters, Oregon

Charges:  Burglary I

                Criminal Mischief II

                Criminal Trespass I

On 09/09/19 at approximately 0154 hours, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a burglary in progress at 1659 W. Carson Avenue in Sisters, Oregon.  Dispatch advised Deputies that an unknown male subject had entered the house there by breaking down the back the door of the residence.  The suspect (Huber) was confronted by the homeowner who was armed with a rifle.  Huber left the residence after being confronted.

Huber then went to the neighboring house and began ringing the doorbell.  The homeowner there also called 911, and told Huber to leave.  Huber then walked over to the area of the original house he broke into where he was again confronted by the armed homeowner.  The homeowner held him at gunpoint until Sheriff’s Office units arrived on scene.

Huber was detained at the scene without incident, and advised Deputies he believed his family, who lived nearby, was in grave danger and being held hostage.  Several Deputies went to Huber’s residence to conduct a welfare check, and found everyone safe and sleeping.

Huber was arrested for the listed charges, and booked into the Deschutes County Adult Jail.  There were no injuries during this incident.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Black Butte Police Department.

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

### End of release ###

 

corrected date 9-9-2019

Released by: Sergeant James McLaughlin

Release Date: 09/09/2019

ARRESTEE: David Edward Stryffeler, 36 year old male

CHARGES: Escape 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Possession Methamphetamine (felony), Attempt to Elude (misdemeanor), Parole Violation, Felon in Possession of Weapon

On 9-8-2019, at approximately 0956 hours, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were in the area of the 2000 block of NW 35th Street in Redmond investigating a possible Code/Ordinance Violation. During the investigation deputies learned of a male residing at the residence that had a State-Wide felony warrant for Parole Violation. The male, identified as David Edward Stryffeler (36 yom), attempted to hide from deputies in an adjacent lot. Deputies located Stryffeler who immediately began to flee the scene on foot with deputies giving chase.

The foot pursuit continued for about 100 yards before Stryffeler climbed a fence to a neighboring residence and was surrounded by deputies. At that point, Stryffeler stopped and began to approach deputies in a combative manner. After several unheeded warnings, deputies deployed a Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser) to detain Stryffeler.  Stryffeler was then taken into custody and treated at the scene by Redmond Fire/Paramedics. An area canvas was conducted and deputies located a felony amount of methamphetamine along with other drug paraphernalia.

Stryffeler was transported to the St. Charles Medical Center, Redmond, with non-life-threatening injuries sustained as a result of his attempt to resist arrest. He was later released from the hospital and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the above mentioned charges.

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

 

Salem – Oregon’s long-running success in managing the workers’ compensation system continues as businesses will see yet another drop in costs in 2020 as the key factor behind annual cost changes dips yet again. The numbers are indicative of a long-term trend:

• Employers, next year, on average, will pay $1.02 per $100 of payroll for workers’ compensation insurance, down from $1.11 in 2019, under a proposal by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). That figure covers workers’ compensation claims costs, assessments, and insurer profit and expenses.
• The pure premium rate – the base rate insurers use to determine how much employers must pay for medical claims and lost wages – will drop by an average 8.4 percent, under the proposal. In fact, the pure premium – filed by a national rate-setting organization and approved by DCBS – will have declined by 45 percent during the 2013 to 2020 period.

This will mark the seventh year in a row that businesses will experience an average decrease in their workers’ compensation costs. Those costs have steadily declined over the years, even as workers continue to receive good benefits. The ongoing decline in costs reflects Oregon’s comprehensive approach to managing the system, including efforts by the Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) and Oregon OSHA. For example, WCD enforces requirements that employers carry insurance for their workers, keeps medical costs under control, and helps injured workers return to work sooner and earn their pre-injury wages. At the same time, Oregon OSHA enforces on-the-job safety and health rules, identifies hazards so they can be corrected, and advises employers about how to boost worker safety and health.
 
“The steady decline in workers’ compensation costs is about more than just the numbers,” said Cameron Smith, DCBS director. “It demonstrates the hard work of employers, workers, insurers, and government to maintain essential worker protection programs and robust benefits for injured workers while keeping business costs low.”
 
Although average workers’ compensation costs have experienced upticks from one year to the next, the overall trend line is one of continuing cost decreases. Average wage replacement and medical costs for injured workers “are showing a long-term downward trend,” according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), the U.S. rate-setting organization whose recommendation DCBS reviews. Meanwhile, “Oregon’s lost-time claim frequency has generally been decreasing moderately over the past few policy years,” according to NCCI.  
 
Employers’ cost for workers’ compensation insurance covers the pure premium and insurer profit and expenses, plus the premium assessment. Employers also pay the Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment, which is a cents-per-hour-worked rate.
 
The decrease in the pure premium of 8.4 percent is an average, so an individual employer may see a larger or smaller decrease, no change, or even an increase depending on the employer’s own industry, claims experience, and payroll. Also, pure premium does not take into account the varying expenses and profit of insurers. 
 
The average decrease in the pure premium reflects a long-term trend of lower medical care costs and less severe claims. Helping sustain the trend is the stability of Oregon’s workers’ compensation system. The system includes the Workers’ Compensation Division, Oregon OSHA, the Workers’ Compensation Board, which resolves disputes over the state’s workers’ compensation and workplace safety laws, and injured worker and small business advocacy services. 
 
Those successful programs are funded by the premium assessment.
 
The premium assessment is a percentage of the workers’ compensation insurance premium employers pay. It is added to the premium. It would increase from 7.8 percent this year to 8.4 percent in 2020. The increase is needed to partially offset the decline in pure premium and to keep pace with a growing economy. This modest increase maintains stable funding for state workers’ compensation  regulation and worker protection programs that preserve historically low costs.
 
The Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment provides benefit increases to permanently disabled workers and to families of workers who died from a workplace injury or disease. It also supports Oregon’s efforts to help injured workers return to work sooner – through incentive programs to employers – and earn their pre-injury wages.
 
The fund’s revenue comes from a cents-per-hour-worked assessment. It would decrease from 2.4 cents per hour worked in 2019 to 2.2 cents per hour worked in 2020. The fund is healthy, made so by a growing economy, which allows the rate to be reduced.
 
The decrease in the pure premium is effective Jan. 1, 2020, but employers will see the changes when they renew their policies in 2020. The assessment changes are effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Oregon’s workers’ compensation premium rates have ranked low nationally for many years. Oregon had the sixth least expensive rates in 2018, according to a nationally recognized biennial study conducted by DCBS. That was an improvement from Oregon’s ranking as the seventh least expensive state the last time the study was done in 2016. Oregon’s experience of declines in workers’ compensation costs is part of a national trend.

The following chart summarizes all of the changes and includes the date, time, and place of the assessment public hearings: https://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/cost/Documents/wc-summary.pdf

Annual Oregon average pure premium rate changes and average changes by industry: https://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/cost/Documents/pure-premium-rate.pdf

More information about Oregon workers’ compensation costs:  http://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/cost/Pages/index.aspx

###

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

Portland, Ore. – Today the Bureau of Land Management is announcing the selection of Kurt Pindel as the new District Manager for the Coeur d'Alene and the Spokane Districts. 

In a nearly 30-year career in federal service, Pindel has worked for the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management across many of the western States. Over the last 30 years, Pindel has worked as a wildlife biologist, fire ecologist, recreation manager, and, recently, a Forest Service District Ranger in both South Dakota and Idaho.

“Kurt has helped build strong community relationships in his tenures as a District Ranger and looks forward to helping build and strengthen community relationships across Washington and northern Idaho,” said Oregon/Washington Associate State Director Theresa Hanley.

“Kurt has a proven track record as both a leader and a natural resource manager,” added BLM Idaho State Director John F. Ruhs.  “The BLM combined the management of the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene Districts several years ago, and we believe Kurt will bring exceptional skills to a demanding job. We are excited for him to start.”

Pindel was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but grew up in the suburbs of Boston. Pindel is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in wildlife management. In his personal time he loves to spend time with his family in America’s great outdoors.    

The majority of BLM public lands in Washington are east of the Cascade crest in the central Columbia Basin and in the highlands of northeastern Washington along the Canadian border. In addition, public lands are found in northern Puget Sound, north of Seattle in San Juan County, which have been designated as the San Juan Island National Monument. A full range of habitats are found on the public lands in Washington and include the maritime Puget Sound lowlands, the central Columbia Basin sagebrush regime, many riparian zones, and the coniferous forest and sub-alpine areas of northeast Washington.

The lands include one wilderness area, one wilderness study area and numerous areas managed principally for their recreational, riparian and wildlife values. These areas include recreation sites in the Yakima River Canyon (more than 600,000 visitor days each year), the Juniper Dunes Wilderness and nearby off-highway vehicle use area outside the Tri-Cities, and the Channeled Scablands riparian areas just west of Spokane.

BLM lands in northern Idaho include a mix of forests, grasslands and river corridors.  Altogether, the Coeur d’Alene District encompasses some 230,000 acres of land.  Water-based recreation and forestry are the two largest program areas on the Coeur d’Alene District, including 13 recreation sites on and around Lake Coeur d’Alene, plus numerous recreation sites along the Lower Salmon River. Several of the sites on Lake Coeur d’Alene provide public boat launch facilities, including the popular Blackwell Island boat launch adjacent to downtown Coeur d’Alene.

The Coeur d’Alene District has a robust, integrated forestry and fuels program utilizing timber harvest, prescribed burning, slash piling, mastication and other forestry treatments to minimize hazardous fuels and promote forest health and resiliency.  The District authorizes the harvest of an average 3 to 6 million board feet of public land timber each year, however large fire salvage projects in recent years have increased that amount. 

The Coeur d’Alene District was recently in the news with the announcement that archeologists at the Cooper’s Ferry site (in the Cottonwood Field Office) have found evidence that puts the first peoples on the North American continent about 1,000 years earlier than scientists previously thought. Archeological excavations at the Cooper’s Ferry site have been occurring for the past 10 years.

Spokane District contact information and map: https://www.blm.gov/office/spokane-district-office

Spokane District video: https://youtu.be/9Nz3NNh-Y5s

Coeur d’Alene District information is available: https://www.blm.gov/office/coeur-dalene-district-office

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.

On September 3, 2019 the Oregon State Police requested the public’s assistance with information regarding a spike elk found dead in Yamhill County. Suspicious circumstances such as the proximity (150 yards) to another recent bull elk kill, the location of the spike in a main trail, the well placed broad head wound, as well as other physical evidence at the scene suggested the elk may have been located by the shooter and ultimately wasted. 

Through the press release both un-related parties involved with the take of the harvested elk as well as the wasted elk contacted OSP.

Troopers were able to use a trail camera they placed on the animal, the ODFW Electronic Licensing System, physical evidence at the scene (type of broadheads used etc.), and data from both parties ONX maps to corroborate statements made by the involved parties. It was determined the hunter who shot the elk had made a reasonable effort to locate the elk but had lost it. Once it was determined the elk was in fact the one he had shot, Troopers informed him he was required to validate his tag, which he did.

No enforcement action was taken on this case and the Oregon State Police would like to thank these individuals for coming forward. 

The OSP Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance identifying the person(s) responsible for the waste of a bull elk in Yamhill  County.

On August 30, 2019, OSP received information that two bull elk carcasses had been found and one appeared to be completely wasted. Evidence at the scene indicates someone successfully located the wasted bull after it was dead, but failed to harvest the animal.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Dispatch at OSP (677) from a mobile phone or through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888. Reference Trooper Jerome

 

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:

Cash Rewards

$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat & Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer & Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar & Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)

$100 Game Fish & Shellfish
$100 Upland Birds & Waterfowl or Furbearers

 

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

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

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

On Friday, September 6, 2019 the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Division received a request to conduct an investigation where the suspect was a Grant County Sheriff's Deputy. 

On Monday, September 9, 2019 the Oregon State Police arrested Deputy Tyler Smith on charges of Child Neglect, Attempted Adult Rape, and Assault IV.

All further inquiries should be directed to the Grant County District Attorney's Office

(Springfield, Ore.) Sept. 9, 2019—PacificSource Health Plans was recently ranked No. 5 among large businesses on the Portland Business Journal’s annual list of Healthiest Employers of Oregon. (The survey qualified large businesses as those with 500-1,499 employees)

The annual survey, conducted by Healthiest Companies LLC, measured companies through an online assessment utilizing more than 70 questions, based on six key categories: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communications and marketing, programming and interventions, as well as reporting and analysis. 

“Being named as one of the Healthiest Employers of Oregon is an affirmation of the commitment PacificSource Health Plans has made to support our employees’ health and well-being,” said Sabrina Halstead, wellness coordinator for PacificSource Health Plans. “Our well-being program is constantly growing and evolving to help our employees be their best selves, empowering healthy lifestyle behaviors that will serve them at work, at home, and in their community. It’s all connected, and it’s important that our well-being program reflects that.”

PacificSource’s shift from employee wellness to the five Dimensions of Well-being played a critical role in the recognition, focusing on employees’ emotional, physical, financial, community, and occupational well-being. In particular, PacificSource was recognized for its efforts to support and destigmatize mental health, drastically increasing EAP utilization, and creating a safe environment for employees to get the care they need.

PacificSource also offers health-promoting tools that include sit/stand workstations, healthy food offerings at staff meetings and in vending machines, access to onsite fitness classes and exercise facilities, company-wide fitness challenges, an online health engagement web portal, complimentary run/walk entry fees, and an employee-focused wellness committee and dedicated employee wellness specialists on staff.

About PacificSource Health Plans:

PacificSource Health Plans is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource has local offices in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs 1000 people, serves more than 300,000 individuals, and has 3,900 employer clients throughout the Northwest. For more information visit PacificSource.com.

September 9, 2019

What: A public meeting of the Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative's Youth and Families Workgroup.

Agenda: Review feedback from Core Leadership Team; finalize requirements of a foster youth peers pilot project; discuss funding opportunity; discuss next steps for the workgroup.

When: September 11, 10 a.m. to noon.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1E, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland.

Details: The Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative (RBHC) brings together multiple sectors across the Portland metro area to collectively address and prevent behavioral health challenges. Its focus is on peer-delivered services and substance use disorder activities that can make an impact in 12 to 24 months.

For more information, see the RBHC website at https://www.oregon.gov/OHA/HSD/BHP/Pages/Regional-Collaboratives.aspx

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Summer Boslaugh at 503-753-9688, 711 TTY or email .h.boslaugh@dhsoha.state.or.us">summer.h.boslaugh@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

 

Community Invited to Groundbreaking at New High School

Event set 1 p.m. on September 19 in southeast Bend

 

Community members, local leaders, school officials and students will join together to celebrate the groundbreaking for Bend-La Pine Schools’ new high school in southeast Bend on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. The new 1,600-seat high school, which is slated to open to students in the fall of 2021, is part of the 2017 school construction bond.

 

“We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new high school alongside our community. We know this new school will go a long way to helping alleviate overcrowding at our Bend-area high schools and will offer exceptional learning opportunities for students,” said Superintendent Shay Mikalson.

 

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the high school construction site at the corner of Knott and SE 15th Street in Bend. The event will include a musical performance from students at High Desert Middle School, a ceremonial groundbreaking and light refreshments.

 

The new high school will include nearly 60 new classrooms, including several Career and Technical Education classrooms, a 600-seat auditorium, a library as the central focal point of the school, a football stadium and other sports fields, two secure main entries and more. Chris Boyd will serve as the principal for the new school, which will be the first large high school to open in Bend in two decades.

 

About the 2017 school construction bond: In May 2017, voters in Bend, La Pine and Sunriver approved a construction bond that authorized Bend-La Pine Schools to sell $268.3 million in bonds to fund the construction of two new schools and more than 150 safety, maintenance and classroom addition projects. These projects address continued enrollment growth, protect our community’s investment in its schools, support economic growth and go far to protect our quality of life now and for future generations. Thanks to construction of new schools and classrooms, more than 400 additional jobs are sustained in Deschutes County each year, according to IMPLAN economic data. Learn more about the bond on our 2017 Bond webpage

Low-income Oregonians may qualify through the Oregon Lifeline program

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is promoting National Lifeline Awareness Week September 9-13, 2019. Oregon Lifeline, a federal and state government program, provides a discount of up to $12.75 on monthly phone or high-speed internet service from select companies for qualifying low-income households. 

Lifeline helps eligible Oregonians stay connected and provides access to local emergency services, jobs, healthcare, education, and other vital resources. For some, Lifeline can mean the difference between having a social connection and complete isolation.

Oregonians receiving benefits from select public assistance programs such as Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may qualify for Oregon Lifeline.

For additional information about the Oregon Lifeline program, call 1-800-848-4442, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., or view details online.

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—After years of contentious litigation and attempts to obstruct justice, Andrew Franklin Kowalczyk, 44, formerly of Portland, was sentenced today to 270 years in federal prison followed by a life term of supervised release for the repeated sexual abuse, exploitation and torture of three young children.

On December 6, 2018, after a four-day trial and deliberating for just 20 minutes, a federal jury in Portland convicted Kowalczyk on nine counts of producing child pornography.

“Andrew Kowalczyk’s abuse and torture of his victims was unthinkable and will forever impact their lives,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Kowalczyk tried every conceivable tactic to delay prosecution and rob his young victims of the justice they deserve. Today his attempts to delay punishment for his horrific crimes have ended.”

“First and foremost, I commend the victims and their families for the strength they exuded while cooperating with a very difficult investigation,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle. “Individuals like Kowalczyk, who prey on those they are charged to care for, are extremely dangerous to our children and the community. HSI, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to bringing these appalling crimes to an end.”

“One victim in this case asked Kowalczyk “why” he committed these horrible acts of violence. We can finally say to this now-young woman that Kowalczyk will never be able to hurt a child again. The bravery, resolve and strength this young woman demonstrated throughout this investigation is a big reason why,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

According to court documents and information shared during trial, law enforcement first learned of Kowalczyk’s abuse in early 2008. On December 27, 2007, a Des Moines, Washington police officer stopped Kowalczyk for several traffic violations. Kowalczyk did not own the vehicle he was driving, did not have a driver’s license and gave the officer a false name. After refusing the officer’s request to step out of the vehicle, Kowalczyk fled, leading police on a high-speed chase that was later terminated for public safety reasons.

Kowalczyk was later located at the Northwest Motor Inn in Puyallup, Washington. A records check run on the alias used by Kowalczyk to book his hotel room returned an outstanding arrest warrant for failing to appear in an unlawful use of a weapon case in Washington County, Oregon. Kowalczyk was arrested early the next morning when attempting to leave the hotel in a cab. Officers seized Kowalczyk’s personal belongings including several pieces of luggage and a backpack.

In January 2008, Puyallup police detectives sought and obtained a state warrant to search computer equipment, a digital camera and digital storage devices found in Kowalczyk’s luggage. The search returned a tremendous amount of child pornography including a number of images and videos that appeared to be homemade. Numerous videos and images depicted an unidentified male sexually abusing two very young children. Metadata embedded in many of the digital images revealed that they were created using the same camera found in Kowalczyk’s luggage.

Puyallup Police officers later published certain non-pornographic images of the victims and an adult woman found on Kowalczyk’s devices in an attempt to identify the victims. An adult woman, later identified as the victims’ mother, saw the images and contacted Puyallup Police. She confirmed she knew Kowalczyk and that he had regular access to her daughters in Portland. After reviewing some of the images seized, the victims’ mother was able to identify locations where the images were taken.

The victims’ mother told investigators she met Kowalczyk, a friend of her deceased brother, in 2003. In 2005, after the victims’ mother and her children wound up in a domestic violence shelter, Kowalczyk offered to pay for them to stay in a motel. Between April and the beginning of June 2005, Kowalczyk arranged for the victims’ mother and her children to stay with or adjacent to him in three different Portland motels. Kowalczyk and the victims’ mother later rented separate apartments.

The victims’ mother frequently left her children alone in Kowalczyk’s care while she searched for work or housing. The victims’ mother believed Kowalczyk treated the victims well, buying them clothing, diapers, shoes, and even a birthday cake for their second birthday and was unaware of the abuse that transpired. The cake—with the victims’ names on it—appeared in some of the non-pornographic images found on Kowalczyk’s devices.

Investigators were later able to track down the Portland motel rooms Kowalczyk rented for the family. Kowalczyk took photos of himself sexually abusing two of the minor victims at each location. He took sexually explicit photos of the third minor victim at his apartment in Southeast Portland. In March 2008, investigators conducted a federal search warrant of a storage locker Kowalczyk rented in Woodlawn, Washington. They found a sofa, a mirror and several shirts depicted in the pornographic images found on Kowalczyk’s devices.

A federal grand jury charged Kowalczyk with a single count of sexual exploitation of children on February 2, 2008. A superseding indictment with eight additional counts of sexual exploitation of children was returned on March 21, 2012.

Since he was first indicted in February 2008, Kowalczyk sought the replacement of counsel more than a dozen times and filed extensive motions to suppress evidence, causing a decade-long delay in bringing the case to trial. Amidst his in-court attempts to delay, Kowalczyk also obstructed or attempted to obstruct justice from prison by asking his father to retrieve incriminating hard drives before they could be seized by law enforcement and soliciting the murder of an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, the Portland Police Bureau, and the Puyallup and Des Moines, Washington Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin and Gary Y. Sussman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at www.fbi.gov/tips.

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The Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant Program received $5 million in funding that was included in a lottery bond bill (HB 5030) during the 2019 legislative session. These funds will be available to Oregon Main Street Network organizations in the spring of 2021 to fund building improvement projects that spur economic development.

This grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session, and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The 2015 legislation established a permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, and provided an initial infusion of funds from the sale of lottery bonds. Additional funds were approved in the 2017 legislative session.

To date, 57 matching grants totaling $7,599,994 were awarded in 2017 and 2019 to Oregon Main Street Network organizations across the state. Awards range from $17,500-$200,000 for projects from façade improvement to elevator access and seismic upgrades. Successful applications were able to demonstrate how the proposed project met clearly established goals for the downtown improvement efforts and were going to attract or retain businesses, generate new or retain jobs, or create downtown housing opportunities.

There is quite a depth and breadth of funded projects to date including a number of upper floor and downtown housing projects that fill both a local housing need and have the added benefit of enhancing the local economy, putting back into productive use space that has been sitting vacant in some cases for years, and creating more vibrant downtowns. Some of these projects include:

• $200,000 in Coos Bay for eleven new apartments,
• $200,000 in Cottage Grove for six apartments and retail upgrades,
• $149,751 for four new apartments in Klamath Falls,
• $200,000 for four new apartments in Tillamook, and
• $200,000 towards 10?12 new units in Woodburn
• Klamath Falls Downtown Association received $100,000 to install elevators in two downtown buildings. The project will address the goal of downtown housing and make available 20 units.
• Astoria Downtown Historic District Association received $100,000 for a downtown housing project that comprises 40 units and retail space.

Several communities were selected for work to repair or restore their historic theaters in both rounds including: The OK Theatre in Enterprise $100,000, the Rivoli Theater in Pendleton $100,000, the Bungalow Theater in Woodburn $100,000, the Columbia Theater in St. Helens $200,000, and the Alger Theater in Lakeview $111,685.

Other types of projects include:

• A $100,000 project in Burns will restore a historic hotel left vacant for decades.
• A $100,000 project in Independence to rehabilitate an underused building to be a local brewery.
• And $200,000 to improve a block of façades in downtown Stayton.

The next round of the Main Street Revitalization Grant will be open in January 2021. The funds must be used to award grants to participating Oregon Main Street Network organizations to acquire, rehabilitate or construct buildings within the approved main street boundary to facilitate community revitalization. The program also requires that at least 50 percent of the funds go to rural communities as defined in the initial bill.  A series of webinars is planned for late fall and early winter to help organizations learn how to establish an overall  plan for the downtown revitalization effort, including goals and objectives; developing a process for selecting projects that meet the goals and objectives; and other potential matching resources for the Main Street Revitalization Grant.

For more information about the grant program, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. For information about the Oregon Main Street Network, visit www.oregonmainstreet.org  or contact Sheri Stuart at i.stuart@oregon.gov">sheri.stuart@oregon.gov or 503.986.0679.

Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, is offering a class to prepare volunteers to become mentors for children with an incarcerated parent.

After initial training and comprehensive background checks, volunteers are matched with a child in Bend, Redmond, Sisters or LaPine that share similar interests and activities and commit to spending a few hours a week together for a minimum of one year. This time is often spent going to community events, working on homework, attending art programs, participating in sports, or simply hanging out and talking.

On Saturday, September 21, COPY will offer thier fall orientation/training class. This six-hour class covers program policies, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, and communication skills. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required.

For additional details please call 541-388-6651 or email COPY@deschutes.org Additional program information is available at the Sheriff’s Office web site at www.sheriff.deschutes.org/copy.

Sept. 9, 2019

OHA report shows slight decrease in illegal cigarette sales, but illegal sales of little cigars doubled

PORTLAND, Ore. — The violation rate for tobacco sales by retailers to underage individuals decreased slightly in the past year, but the rate of illegal little cigar sales more than doubled, according to new Oregon Health Authority data.

The data, contained in a 2019 Oregon Tobacco Retail Enforcement Inspection Results report OHA published today, found that illegal sales of tobacco to people younger than 21 decreased slightly in the most recent round of inspections, from 18 percent to 16 percent (2018 to 2019, respectively). Despite this improvement, the report also found an alarming change: the rate of illegal little cigar sales more than doubled, from 13 percent to 28 percent in the past year. Little cigars, sometimes called "cigarillos," are popular with youth and come in fruit flavors like "Tropical Fusion" and "Boozy Mango."

"It’s heartening to see that the overall violation rates are down. However, the fact that little cigars are being sold to people under age 21 at even higher rates is very concerning," said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H, deputy state health officer at the OHA Public Health Division. "We know these products are sweet, and they’re sold for pocket change. Given that more than one in four retailers sold little cigars illegally last year, they’re also extremely easy for young people to get ahold of."

The OHA Public Health Division conducts retail inspections in collaboration with Oregon State Police. In 2019 the state inspected 1,100 retailers out of about 3,200 retailers who sell tobacco and e-cigarette products statewide. If a retailer violates the law, a citation is issued to the store’s clerk, manager on duty or owner. The annual inspection results report shows which stores passed inspection and which sold illegally to people younger than 21.

The slight dip in illegal tobacco sales in 2019 was driven by a decline in the violation rate for cigarettes, which dropped from 18 percent to 13 percent, and a decline in illegal sales in Multnomah County. The county’s violation rate was 9 percent in 2019, compared to the statewide rate of 16 percent. For e-cigarettes, violation rates held constant with just over one in five retailers selling to a person younger than 21. However, the rate of illegal little cigar sales more than doubled, with more than one in four stores inspected making an illegal sale. A recent OHA report on tobacco industry advertising showed that more than half of Oregon stores that sell little cigars advertise them for under $1. The flavors and low prices of these products make them appealing to youth.

In January 2018 OHA started enforcing a tobacco sales age of 21, up from 18. Initial results of an evaluation of Oregon’s Tobacco 21 law show it may reduce the number of youth who pick up smoking. But while the law made changes to who can be fined for an illegal sale, the recent inspection results suggest more needs to be done.

"One of the challenges of our inspection process is that only a few counties in Oregon require a license to sell tobacco — and there’s no state license," Jeanne said. "This means it is extremely difficult to enforce the minimum legal sales age by holding retailers accountable for illegal sales. A tobacco retail license would make it possible to track who is selling tobacco, educate retailers on how to comply with the law and have meaningful penalties for repeat offenders."

The list of Oregon tobacco retailers that violated the tobacco sales is available on the OHA Public Health Division website: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/TOBACCOPREVENTION/Pages/retailcompliance.aspx#inspections.

# # #

For more information about how the tobacco industry markets in Oregon, see the recent Tobacco Retail Assessment Report at https://smokefreeoregon.com/retailassessment/.

 

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will offer discounted rates for electrical and full-hookup RV campsites at selected state parks during October and November. Starting today, campers will be able to use the code FallFun19 at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com to receive a $7 discount off the nightly RV campsite rate, bringing the current rate from $24-34 down to $17-27.

The discount is available at the following parks:

October only:

• Milo McIver State Park
• Viento State Park

 

October and November:

• Bullards Beach State Park
• Champoeg State Heritage Area
• Detroit Lake State Recreation Area
• Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area
• Farewell Bend State Recreation Area
• Fort Stevens State Park
• Humbug Mountain State Park
• Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
• L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park
• Prineville Reservoir State Park
• South Beach State Park

 

Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) associate director, says the discount is intended as a pilot program to see if price can encourage campers to explore different parks during the shoulder season.

“The fall is a great time to enjoy the changing season, and there’s nothing like a cozy campfire on a brisk fall morning,” Havel said. “We challenge Oregonians to discover their new favorite camping season.”

 Additional details:

• The discount applies to online advanced reservations only and will not apply to reservations made by phone or to walk-in campers, nor can OPRD apply it to existing reservations.
• The discount is only for new reservations made on or after Sep. 9, 2019.
• Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
• The discount is for recreational vehicle campsites only.

ADA-accessible campsites are eligible for the discount. To reserve an ADA-accessible site and apply the discount, call the state parks information center at 800-551-6949, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
 

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EDITORS: A collection of fall photos is located here.

On Sunday, September 8, 2019 at approximately 1:36 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to to a three vehicle crash on I-84 near milepost 353.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Subaru Crosstrek, operated by Aislynn Hoang (19)(F) of Salt Lake City, UT, was eastbound passing a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when it lost control, struck the trailer of the CMV, crossed the median into the westbound lanes, and collided with a Ford F150 PU pulling a trailer.  

Hoang was transported by air to a hospital in Boise for injuries.

The passenger in the Subaru Crosstrek Garrett Carpenter (19) of Beaverton, OR sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

The operator of the F150 John Mcpherson (67) of Port Orchard, WA. and his passenger Lou Anne Heim (64) of Port Orchard, WA were transported by ground to an area hospital for injuries.

The operator of the CMV was not injured.

The road was wet at the time of the crash.

OSP was assisted by the Huntington Fire Department, Treasure Valley Paramedics, and ODOT

On Saturday, September 7, 2019 at about 5:55 PM, Oregon State Police (OSP) and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single-vehicle, serious injury, crash on US-20 around milepost 2.

Preliminary investigation revealed a brown 1978 Jeep CJ5, operated by Michael John Craycraft, age 52, of Newport, was traveling eastbound on US-20 when Craycraft lost control of the Jeep and began to spin off the south side of the roadway and struck an embankment. The unrestrained passenger, Rhawnie Lynn Harp, age 40, of Waldport, was ejected from the vehicle.  Harp was transported by ground ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital (SPCH) in Newport where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.  Craycraft was also transported to SPCH where he was kept overnight due to his injuries.

Hospital tests, on Craycraft, revealed presence of alcohol level over the .08%.  September 8, 2019 Craycraft was released from SPCH where he was immediately placed under arrest and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Manslaughter II, Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Endangering.

US-20 was closed to one lane for approximately three hours following the crash.  OSP was assisted by Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Oregon Department of Transportation, PACWEST Ambulance, and Newport Fire. 

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