Update on Missing Person Case:

On February 11th, 2019 at about 2:00 PM, The Deschutes County Search and Rescue deployed a team of 27 searchers and Sheriff’s Office personnel to assist the Bend Police Department with this ongoing missing person’s investigation. After approximately 2 ½ hours of searching, two human scent K-9 teams and another searcher began checking the area of Cooley Rd. and NE 18th St. Upon a search of the area, these searchers located a deceased male within a large hole in an area that was under construction. The male was mostly covered with snow. Investigators determined the male was John Love. Bend PD investigators are working with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death. John Love’s next-of-kin have been notified. 

Submitted by: Lt. Jason Maniscalco

Type of Incident:  Menacing and Disorderly Conduct

Date/Time:  02/11/19 09:00 AM

Case #19-00046459

Suspect:  Richards, Gabriel Paul  28 year old Bend Residence

Charges:

Menacing

Disordering Conduct in the Second Degree

Narrative:

On February 11th at about 9:00 AM, Bend Police Officers responded to the area of NE Butler Mkt. Rd. and NE Wells Acres Rd. for a reported male walking in a bathrobe carrying a knife.  It was reported that the male was “acting” like he was throwing the knife at passing vehicles.  Bend Police Officers contacted the male, later identified as Gabriel Richards, near the entrance to Burning Tree Village, 1700 NE Wells Acres Rd.  Richards was uncooperative and threw the knife in the direction of officers.   The officers successfully negotiated Richards into custody without further incident.  Richards was taken to St. Charles Medical Center for evaluation. 

Submitted By:  Lt. Jason Maniscalco

John Love, Bend Fire Department Employment:

John Love was hired by the City of Bend Fire Department on 4/1/96 as a Firefighter, promoted to Fire Engineer 6/10/02. He retired on 4/3/13, but was rehired and worked as a Volunteer Coordinator from 3/31/14-1/26/16.

Prepared by:  Lt. Jason Maniscalco

------------------------------------------------------------Previous Media Release---------------------------------------------------------------------

Missing/Endangered Person

Date:  02/11/19

Case # 19-44137

Missing Person:   John Love, 60 Year Old Bend Resident

On February 9th, 2019 John Love was reported as a missing person to the Bend Police Department by a family member.  Bend PD investigators learned through the investigation that a cab driver had dropped Love off in front of his residence on St. Cloud Ct. on February 6th between 2:30 AM and 3:30 AM.  Love has not been seen or heard from since that time. Love was last seen wearing a green jacket, blue jeans and tennis shoes.  John love is a retired Bend Firefighter. Bend Police investigators are requesting anyone with information related to John Love’s whereabouts call (541)693-6911.

Prepared By:  Lt. Jason Maniscalco

Previous release states nearly 20,000 seized plants, this is incorrect.  The correct number is over 1950 seized marijuana plants. 

Date: 

February 12, 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Date and Time of Incident: 

Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 at 1000 hours

Type of Incident: 

Illegal Marijuana grow/ search warrant

Location of Incident: 

52848 Wayside Loop  Lapine, Or.

Suspect(s):

Onat, Sam O.  51 yoa Lapine resident

Fleming, Christopher J.  41 yoa   Lapine resident

Narrative:

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team culminated a short term investigation of an illegal marijuana grow by serving a search warrant at 52848 Wayside Loop in Lapine, Oregon.  Members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response team (CERT) assisted with the execution of the warrant. 

The CODE team and Marijuana Enforcement Detectives began the investigation after receiving numerous complaints of a suspected illegal marijuana grow at the Wayside Loop address.

After an initial review to determine if the location was licensed through the state, it was determined no licenses to grow hemp, recreational or medicinal marijuana had been obtained.

As a result of this investigation, it is apparent the operation has been in existence for a few years.  Investigators noted the entire property, which included a converted 4 car garage, 2 outbuildings and 2 metal transport containers, had been retrofitted to house the illicit growing operation which included self-contained watering units and climate control equipment.  The packaging of the illegal marijuana was taking place in the residential structure.

As a result of the search warrant, over 1950 marijuana plants were seized, over 350 lbs of dried marijuana was seized as well as some BHO (Butane Honey Oil), although the location did not show signs of an illegal BHO lab. 

Further evidence from the investigation supported a money laundering operation was occurring which included a substantial amount of currency and a money counter in addition to other evidence.

Both Onat and Fleming were arrested on scene and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the below listed charges.

Charge(s):

Onat:

Delivery, Manufacture and Possession of a schedule II controlled substance (marijuana), Criminal Conspiracy, Money laundering

Fleming: 

Delivery, Manufacture and Possession of a schedule II controlled substance (marijuana), Criminal Conspiracy

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the following Central Oregon law enforcement agencies:  Deschutes County Sheriff’s office which includes a Proactive Marijuana enforcement detective funded by the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners, Oregon State Police, Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department, Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s, and the Oregon National Guard. 

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement task forces to disrupt or dismantle local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident

Released by:          Sgt. K. Dizney

Release Date:        2/13/19

Driver #1:                Farey, Frank E         Age:  84

Vehicle #1:              Red 2002 Suzuki SUV

NARRATIVE:

On Tuesday, 02/13/19, at approximately 10:21 AM, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported injury motor vehicle accident in the 65000 block of Old Bend Redmond Highway near Journey Avenue.  Deschutes County 911 received reports of a single vehicle that had driven through a fence and impacted head on into a tree which was reported to be operated by an elderly male driver with no passengers. 

Deputies arrived on the scene with medics from the Bend Fire Department and determined the driver, identified as Frank Farey, had been operating a red 2002 Suzuki SUV traveling northbound on Bend Redmond Highway, when for unknown reasons at this time, failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway.  Mr. Farey drove off the embankment into the yard of a residence on the east side of the roadway, crashing through a fence and impacting head on into a large juniper tree causing significant front end damage to the vehicle. 

Bend Fire Department was able to remove Mr. Farey from the vehicle and transport him to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, where Mr. Farey passed away from his injuries.  Speed, drugs/alcohol are not believed to be factors in this crash at this time.  The roadway was dry with no obstructions.  The sheriff’s office was assisted on scene by the Bend Fire Department.  One lane of travel was partially blocked for approximately 30 minutes to allow for emergency vehicle parking and both directions of travel on the highway were maintained.  This investigation is ongoing. 

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 ##

Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies, with the assistance of Portland Police Bureau, Beaverton Police Department and the FBI, arrested Robert Norman Benham on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at his Beaverton home without incident. According to the federal criminal complaint filed in this case, Benham, age 53, faces charges related to a series of bank robberies that occurred starting in mid-December. Those charged robberies include:

• December 11, 2018 - Wells Fargo Bank (located inside a Thriftway), 7410 SW Oleson Road, Portland
• December 24, 2018 - Columbia Bank, 4805 SW 77th Avenue, Washington County
• January 30, 2019 - Columbia Bank, 4805 SW 77th Avenue, Washington County

Benham appeared before a federal magistrate judge on Wednesday, and the judge ordered himheld pending further court proceedings.

Investigators are gathering information related to as many as six other unsolved bank robberies in this area between November 2018 and now. Anyone with information on these other robberies is asked to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181, Washington County Sheriff's Office at (503) 846-2700, the Beaverton Police Department at (503) 526-2282 or Portland Police Bureau at (503) 823-3333. Information may also be submitted via the online portal at https://tips.fbi.gov/

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and all defendants should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

###

The FBI charged Douglas B. Smyser, age 21, with interfering with a flight crew for alleged disturbing behavior aboard Compass Air flight 6054 on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. Smyser, a Bonney Lake, Washington, man, boarded the flight at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The flight, bound for Los Angeles, diverted to Portland International Airport when the crew became concerned about Smyser's actions. The plane landed at 7:51 pm in Portland, and both Port of Portland Police officers and the FBI responded.
 
According to the federal criminal complaint filed in this case late Thursday, witnesses and crew report there were multiple incidents that occurred between the time the plane left the gate in Seattle and when it landed in Portland. About 20 – 30 minutes into the flight, the captain said the crew became concerned that Smyser would rush the cockpit, and he made the determination at that time to divert to Portland.
 
Specifically, witnesses and crew reported incidents involved Smyser throwing his backpack in the aisle and claiming it wasn’t his; his refusal to stay in his seat; and his pacing the aisle with several attempts to move towards the front of the plane. A crew member also said that Smyser told her at one point that “someone has a gun in the back row of this plane.” As the plane was approaching Portland for landing, a passenger helped return Smyser to his seat and used his body weight to physically block Smyser from leaving his seat until Port officers took him into custody.
 
On Wednesday night, Port officers charged Smyser with two state crimes: menacing and disorderly conduct 2. On Thursday, February 14, 2019, the FBI filed the federal criminal complaint charging him with interference with a flight crew. Smyser is expected to make his initial appearance before a federal magistrate at 1:30 pm on Friday, February 15, 2019, at the U.S. District Courthouse in Portland.
 
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and all defendants should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
 
###

The FBI's mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution. With the withdrawal of the city of Portland from the Joint Terrorism Task Force, that mission doesn't change.

The agents, analysts, language specialists, legal experts and other professional staff of the FBI who work every day to keep our community safe will continue to do so, addressing threats of violence and criminal activity that impact our neighborhoods. To this end, the FBI will continue to partner formally with other members of the JTTF as well as informally with cities and counties across the state to share information and address threats as appropriate.

Robust discussions about law enforcement's role in our society are valuable. Recognizing the fears that exist in the community, we will continue to visit with community leaders and work together to keep Oregon safe while addressing those factors that can drive a wedge between us.

I want the people of Oregon to know that the men and women of the FBI do their work with the utmost respect for and adherence to our shared Constitutional protections that allow us to speak, gather and worship freely no matter who we are or where we come from. I thank them for the work they do every day, and I thank the Portland Police officers who have joined us the past few years for their work in keeping our shared community safe.

-- Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon

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

To get you in the mood for the mushy gushy day that is Valentine’s, we want to share a little love story with you… a love story gone very, very wrong.

An older gentleman – looking for love – picks a pretty well known dating website and starts the hunt.

He finds what he believes to be a nice woman living in Africa. They text and chat online for months, falling hopelessly for each other. It’s at this point that the girlfriend proposes - not marriage, but a partnership. They can make some money while their love continues to grow. He agrees, and he helps by providing her with some seed money for their import/export business.

Many romance scams end at this point, but, unfortunately, this story continues on. Over time, the girlfriend asks him to set up multiple corporations in Oregon and open several dozen accounts at different banks. So-called customers would send the gentleman money, which he would manage and then wire out of the country per her instructions. Over the course of about two years, investigators believe the gentleman wired more than a million dollars to bank accounts in Africa and China.

So who were those “customers”? Turns out that they, themselves, were victims of romance scams. People from all over America thought they had found online love with U.S. military or government contractors living overseas. When they wired the older gentleman money, they thought they were sending it to their new girlfriends and boyfriends.

How does this story end? Unfortunately, not well. Law enforcement officers found out about the scam and warned the gentleman that both his business and his girlfriend were phony. Love is a powerful motivator, though, and he continued to receive money from other victims and send it to fraudsters in other countries.

In the end, the gentleman ended up pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering and now must pay more than $200,000 in restitution.

So, how do you keep Cupid on the up-and-up? Here are a few warning signs to watch for:

• Your new beau presses you to leave a dating website where you met to communicate solely through email or instant messaging.
• She sends you a photo that looks like a glamour shot out of a magazine.
• He professes love quickly and tries to isolate you from friends and family.
• She claims to be working and living far away -- whether that's on the other side of the country or overseas.
• He makes plans to visit you but then always has to cancel because of some emergency.
• She asks for money or your help moving money.

If you have been victimized by this scam or any other online scam, report it to the FBI. You can file an online report at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.

###

On February 7, 2019 at approximately 11:45 AM, Oregon State Police (OSP) Troopers responded to a serious injury crash on US Hwy 97 near milepost (MP) 133. OSP has learned the seriously injured driver succumbed to her injuries on February 09, 2019.

The preliminary investigation revealed a southbound Ford Edge, driven by Anita Johnson (age 75 from Redmond) was slowing for another vehicle when a 1994 Kenworth tractor- trailer with a semi-trailer, driven by Chelsea Rice (age 28 from Aumsville) loaded with gravel rear ended the Ford Edge. The Ford Edge went off the highway to the right and struck a tree.  The Kenwood came to rest partially blocking the slow lane and right shoulder.

Johnson sustained life threatening injuries and was transported, by ground ambulance, to St. Charles Hospital in Bend where she died from her injuries on February 9, 2019. Chelsea Rice sustained minor injuries.

The highway was diverted to a single lane of travel for both SB and NB traffic for approximately 4 hours.  The investigation of the crash is still on-going. OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Deschutes County Fire and Rescue.

###

On February 11, 2019 at 10:30 AM, Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a non-injury commercial motor vehicle crash which leaked approximately 2,500 gallons of diesel onto the highway.

Preliminary investigation a Space Age semi-tractor pulling two tanker trucks was eastbound on I-84 near milepost 54. The driver, James Altman, age 34 from Portland, was driving too fast for the snowy conditions on the roadway. Altman lost control of the commercial motor vehicle and the tankers flipped onto their sides. When the tankers flipped they started leaking onto the diesel onto the highway. The diesel eventually seeped underneath the barrier onto the westbound lanes of travel. Two tanks completely spilled their diesel.

The highway has been partially blocked since 10:30 AM. Space Age has contracted a company to clean-up the spill and tows are on scene. ODOT and OERS have been notified and are en route to assist. The highway is expected to open shortly. Check WWW.tripcheck.com for current highway conditions and closures.

###

On Saturday, February 9, 2019 at approximately 11:07 A.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a report of a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 at milepost 193.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a green 1999 Ford Explorer, operated by Jamie Jones (52) of Mapleton, was northbound on Hwy 101 when the vehicle lost control, on the snow/ice covered roadway, and entered the southbound lane of Hwy 101. The Explorer collided with a white 2015 Isuzu delivery truck, operated by Daniel Crump (25) of Reedsport, that was southbound on Hwy 101.  

Crump and his passenger, Nicholas Housego (32) of Bandon,  were transported to the Florence Peace Harbor Hospital for serious injuries.

Jones was transported to the Florence Peace Harbor Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Jones’ companion dog was found deceased at the scene.

Hwy 101 was closed for approximately 3 hours following the crash.

OSP was assisted by Siuslaw Valley Fire, Western Lane Ambulance, ODOT, and Mast Brother’s Towing.

I-84 WESTBOUND is closed in La Grande at Exit 265 due to three semi trucks that crashed (two on fire) near MP 234, 27 miles west of La Grande. The eastbound lanes are open. This is expected to be an extended WESTBOUND closure lasting several hours. If you plan to use alternate routes, expect winter conditions throughout the region. For update conditions check TripCheck.com or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon call 503-588-2941.

I-82 is closed at the Oregon/Washington border due to highway closures in Washington. Check TripCheck.com for Oregon road and weather information. Check wsdot.com for Washington information and links to photos. Expect winter conditions if driving this weekend. Know before you go and stay safe. 

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking nominations to fill three positions on its National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board.  Selected Board members advise the BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) from the perspective of a particular interest in wild horse and burro management. The call for nominations released today is for the positions that represent humane advocacy, livestock management, and wildlife management interests.

The board plays an important role in the Department of the Interior’s efforts to be a good neighbor in states where the BLM and USFS oversee wild free-roaming horses and burros. The advisory board advises the BLM and USFS on the protection and management of wild free-roaming horses and burros on public lands administered by those agencies. The board typically meets twice annually, but the BLM may call additional meetings when necessary. Members serve a three-year term without salary. Members are reimbursed for approved travel and per diem expenses related to their activities on the board.

The advisory board is comprised of nine members who represent a range of interests. Individuals qualify to serve on the board because of their education, training, or experience that enables them to give informed and objective advice regarding the interest they represent. Successful nominees will demonstrate experience or knowledge of the area of their expertise and a commitment to collaborate in seeking solutions to resource management issues.

Any individual or organization may nominate one or more persons to serve on the Board; individuals may also nominate themselves. Federal and state government employees are not eligible to serve on the Board. 

Interested parties should submit an application packet that includes at a minimum a resume and nomination letter. Provide the following information as part of the application packet:

• The nominee’s first, middle, and last name.
• Position(s) for which the nominee wants to be considered.
• Business and home addresses and phone numbers.
• E-mail address.
• Present occupation/title and employer.
• Education (colleges, degrees, major field(s) of study).
• Career highlights (significant related experience, civic and professional activities, elected offices, including prior advisory committee experience or career achievements related to the interest to be represented).
• Relevant education, training, and experience.
• Experience or knowledge of wild horse and burro management.
• Experience or knowledge of horses or burros (equine health, training, and management).
• Experience in working with disparate groups to achieve collaborative solutions.
• Identification of any BLM permits, leases, or licenses held by nominee or employer.
• Indication of whether the nominee is a federally registered lobbyist.
• Explanation of interest in serving on the Board.
• Reference letter(s) from special interests or organizations the nominee desires to represent.

References may include, but are not limited to, business associates, friends, co-workers, and local, state and/or federal government representatives or elected officials. All nominations must include at least one letter of reference.

Submit nominations by e-mail to Dorothea Boothe, acting Wild Horse and Burro Program Coordinator, at dboothe@blm.gov. To send by U.S. Postal Service, mail to the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street, N.W., Room 2134 LM, Attn: Dorothea Boothe, WO-260, Washington, DC 20240.  To send by FedEx or UPS, please mail to the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 20 M Street, S.E., Room 2134 LM, Attn: Dorothea Boothe, Washington, DC 20003.

Nominations must be received no later than 45 days after the notice has been published in the Federal Register, or postmarked by the same date. The BLM request for nominations appears in the February 13 edition of the Federal Register.  For more information on the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board, visit the BLM website.
 

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.

For Immediate Release                                        

February 14, 2019

Contact:                Jessie Charlton
                                503-378-2256

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Police Career Officer Development Revision Advisory Panel will hold a regular meeting on March 1, 2019 from 9:00a-3:00p.  The meeting will be held in conference room A235 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.  PCOD Curriculum Review

3.  PCOD Hour Breakdown Review

4.  Revision Discussion

5.  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 Police Career Officer Development 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.

Across the nation first responders (law enforcement, fire and EMS) are helping residents in crisis on a daily basis. To assist our state's first responders with training for these types of incidents, Oregon identified the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model as an effective and collaborative approach for law enforcement response to persons with a mental health crisis. One component of CIT is a 40-hour training class that includes information on mental health, de-escalation, consumer voices, resources, and other issues that are specific to a jurisdiction.

With staffing and funds provided by the Oregon Legislative Assembly and Oregon Health Authority, the Department of Public Safety and Standards Training (DPSST) in collaboration with Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) created Oregon's CIT Center of Excellence (CITCOE). CITCOE serves as a training resource clearinghouse which works with law enforcement and behavioral health agencies across the state to develop, implement and support CIT’s. Currently there are 26 CIT’s in Oregon and several more are being developed.

The more than 900 women and men who work around our state as 9-1-1 communications professionals are an important part of the public safety family and in many ways are the first, first responder.  Their interaction with a person in crisis is different than with other first responders as they can only rely on the information they can gather by talking with a caller over the phone, or via Text to 9-1-1, as opposed to interacting with an individual in person.  This specialized contact does not make the 40-hour CIT training ideal for the public safety telecommunicator.

To help address this need, approximately 18 months ago an ad-hoc work group was formed that brought together interested parties from across Oregon.  This dedicated team spent countless hours to develop a Public Safety Telecommunicator CIT that will be relevant to 9-1-1 professionals in all areas of the state. The CIT training class will be a model that can be used by an individual agency or as a regional 9-1-1 CIT training opportunity in different parts of the state. The pilot Oregon Public Safety Telecommunicator CIT class will be held on February 20-21, 2019.  This class will be offered at DPSST's Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first statewide class of its type in the nation.

The 9-1-1 CIT work group was co-chaired by Melanie Payne with Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) and Erica Stolhand of Hood River County 9-1-1. Work group members included Sgt. Bill Wright of the Umatilla Police Department, Sgt. Jason Ritter of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Captain Jason Wade of the University of Oregon Police Department, 9-1-1 Supervisor Jennifer Reynolds of Central Lane 9-1-1 (Eugene), Telecommunicator Jeremy Hipes of Clackamas County 9-1-1, Communications Supervisor Karen Primmer of the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, 9-1-1 Training Coordinator Karma Fletchall of the Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA), 9-1-1 Training Supervisor Megan Craig  Deschutes County 9-1-1, Emergency Communications Supervisor Mickie Reed Portland BOEC, Officer Tom Hietala of the Bend Police Department, 9-1-1 Training Program Coordinator Tamara Atkinson of DPSST, Training Coordinator Eilene Florey of GOBHI/CITCOE, and Crisis Intervention Training Program Coordinator Linda Maddy of DPSST.

DPSST Director Eriks Gabliks said "public safety agencies around Oregon work in partnership with both public and non-profit organizations in communities around our state to help our residents in crisis.  The program this work group created to train our 9-1-1 professionals to assist people in crisis is greatly appreciated and will help make a difference in our emergency response system." 

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Sheriff Jason Myers of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 45,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem: certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of Basic Corrections Local #BCL035 on Friday February 22, 2019 at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. 

We would like to invite you to join us in observing the ceremony and congratulating Basic Corrections #BCL035 on their successful completion of basic training.  The event will begin at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow after the ceremony.  Undersheriff Chris Hoy of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office will be the guest speaker.

The graduating students appreciate the family, friends and guests who make graduation an appropriate conclusion to their basic training at the Oregon Public Safety Academy.

Members of Graduating Class BCL035:

Deputy Sheriff Cade Alcorn

Curry County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Lisa Ambrose-DeLapp

Washington County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff John Anderson

Coos County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Talissa Baldovino

Union County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Rachel Brewer

Tillamook County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Joshua Bruns

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Grace Bubar

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Corrections Officer Lacy Byrne

Springfield Police Department

Deputy Sheriff Samuel Cummings

Tillamook County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Tahner deJongh

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Alan Denham

Lane County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Jourdan Dixon

Washington County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Jason Ellis

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Russell Felmey

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Amy Hay

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Heikes

Lane County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Hill

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Corrections Officer John Jarrett

Eugene Police Department

Deputy Sheriff Camisha Keene

Coos County Sheriff's Office

Corrections Officer Travis Kinyon

Warm Springs Police Department

Deputy Sheriff Colin Mackenzie

Lane County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Krystal Maroney

Yamhill County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Devin Merritt

Malheur County Sheriff's Office

Captain Jenna Morrison

Clackamas County Community Corrections

Deputy Sheriff Pennsota Nguyen

Washington County Sheriff's Office

Corrections Officer Hector Nunez

Washington County Community Corrections

Deputy Sheriff Jozef Nunez

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Darron O'Donnell

Josephine County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Andreas Pherigo

Washington County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Travis Piercy

Grant County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Emily Radmer

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Iesha Ruiz

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Mikel Rusk

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Cassandra Ruwaldt

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Corrections Officer Derek Sanchez

Clackamas County Community Corrections

Deputy Sheriff Cory Skidgel

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Lindsey Stiff

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Justin Stofiel

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Angus Swan

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Grant Towers

Marion County Sheriff's Office

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Sheriff Jason Myers of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of its 113th Basic Telecommunications Class.

The two-week course includes emergency call handling techniques, stress management, civil liability, ethics, criminal law, overview of fire-rescue and law enforcement operations, and a number of other topics. Upon completion of the course, students will return to their employing agency to continue their training for a number of months with a field training officer.

The 9-1-1 training program began in 1993 when the Oregon Legislative Assembly enacted legislation which requires that individuals who receive emergency calls for assistance from the public, meet professional standards for training and certification. There are approximately 950 men and women across the state who work in this profession in city, county, tribal, regional, and state public safety communications centers.

Basic Telecommunications #BT113 Graduation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. Telephone: 503-378-2100.  The guest speaker is Captain Kathy Lieuallen of Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office.   DPSST would like to invite you to join us in observing the ceremony and congratulating Basic Telecommunications #BT113 on their successful completion of basic training.

The graduating students appreciate the family, friends and guests who make graduation an appropriate conclusion to their basic training at the Oregon Public Safety Academy.

Reception immediately following.

Members of Basic Telecommunications Class #113

Dispatcher Krysta Byers        

Yamhill Communications

Dispatcher Connor Cavasher 

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Autumn Clemmons          

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Jessica Daniel      

Central Lane Communications Center

Dispatcher Crystal Domke-Grimm    

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Kara Garcia         

Yamhill Communications

Dispatcher Tiffany Geringer  

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Katelyn Grissom  

Grants Pass Dept of Public Safety

Dispatcher Hayley Hardwick

Willamette Valley Communications Center

Telecommunicator Jessica Howard  

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Cherrie Hutchison

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Jody Kister          

Central Lane Communications Center

Dispatcher John Lucero         

Malheur County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher William McAlister           

Deschutes County 9-1-1

Dispatcher Caitlin Ryan        

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Victoria Spino     

Warm Springs Police Department

Dispatcher Ceaira Standish   

Deschutes County 9-1-1

Dispatcher Rachel Stout        

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Jennifer Stringer  

Grants Pass Dept of Public Safety

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Sheriff Jason Myers of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

SALEM, Oregon –  Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) will host its regular stakeholder meeting on February 22, 2019 in Salem. Join us in person, by phone or online.

DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht, along with the agency’s Executive Leadership Team, will present brief updates followed by a question-and-answer period. Updates will be provided on each of the agency’s divisions: Aging and People with Disabilities, Child Welfare, the Office of Developmental Disabilities, Self-Sufficiency Programs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Central and Shared Services.

Date:          Friday, February 22, 2019

Time:         1:30 to 3 p.m.

Participate:

• In-Person: Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, Room 137, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem
• By phone: Take part by conference call. Dial-in number: (800) 260-0719. Participant Code: 464300
• Online: Join from any PC or mobile device browser: Join the meeting.

Participate in the conversation on Twitter by using #ORDHSforum.

Learn more about the services DHS offers: www.oregon.gov/dhs

The U.S Department of Agriculture has asked states to provide early issuance of March benefits for those who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food security. This request is due to the partial federal government shutdown that occurred in January.

Oregonians who normally receives their SNAP benefits between the 1st or 9th of each month will get their March allocation on March 1, 2019.

This is the second month that SNAP benefits will be issued differently than the regular issuance schedule. The early March issuance date will help to ease the burden on affected households who have had a longer than usual gap between their usual SNAP issuances.

“We understand that this disruption in the schedule of how benefits are distributed can be difficult for SNAP participants,” stated Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Kim Fredlund. “Our goal, during this unprecedented time, is to ensure we provide vulnerable Oregonians with access to food benefits and help them find additional resources if needed.”

If people are concerned about running out of SNAP benefits, they can contact to 211Info, the Oregon Food Bank or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) to find resources in their local communities.

To find a local DHS office, go to www.oregon.gov/dhs and click on Office Locations.

(Wilsonville, Ore.) – The Quality Measurement Council will meet from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2019, in Training Rooms 1 and 2 at the Oregon Child Development Coalition, 9140 S.W. Pioneer Court, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Quality Measurement Council

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

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(Salem, Ore.) – The Medicaid Long Term Care Quality and Reimbursement Advisory Council meets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, Room 285, 500 Summer St. N.E., Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

Agenda items include: public comment, Governor’s Recommended Budget document, bills of possible interest and council business.

For those who can’t attend in person, there is a toll-free phone number that can also be accessed through Skype for Business: (503) 934-1400, participant code 50479028.  

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Alex Pelusi at alex.j.pelusi@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting.

For questions about this meeting, please contact: Max Brown, 503-945-6993 or max.brown@state.or.us.

About the Medicaid Long Term Care Quality & Reimbursement Advisory Council

The Medicaid Long Term Care Quality and Reimbursement Advisory Council (MLTCQRAC) was established by the 1995 Legislative Assembly to advise the Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities program on changes or modifications to the Medicaid reimbursement system for long-term care and community based care services.

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(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committee will hold its full advisory and executive committee meetings on Feb. 15 in Salem.

The full advisory committee will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Room 160 of the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. N.E., Salem, Oregon, 97301. Agenda items for the meeting, which is open to the public, will include public comment, announcements, new staff introduction, new membership discussion, retreat priorities, other budget items, legislative updates, and bylaws committee scheduling.

The executive committee, which is also open to the public, will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 160 of the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. N.E., Salem, Oregon, 97301. Agenda items include will include public comment, announcements, 2019 meeting planning, brochure and website ideas, and new business.

Sign language interpreters, close vision interpreters, FM assistive listening devices and live captioning will be provided for each meeting. Those who are unable to attend in person, may join each meeting by calling toll-free phone number, (503) 934-1400, and using Conference ID 8113673#.   

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Request.ODHHSP@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting.  For questions about these meetings, please contact: Max Brown at 503-945-6993 or max.brown@state.or.us

About the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committee

The committee assists the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Program (ODHHSP) by providing information and expertise on issues affecting individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and those with additional disability.

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(Salem, Ore.) – The Governor’s Commission on Senior Services (GCSS) will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at 4074 Winema Place N.E., Room 227/228, Salem, Oregon, 97305.

The meeting is open to the public. Agenda items include regular and new commission business including applications, an update from the Aging and People with Disabilities Program, discussion of the Governor’s budget and current legislation, an update on the Adult Foster Home program, and a presentation from the LGBTQ Aging Coalition. Those who can’t attend in person may call into the meeting using this conference line and access code: (888) 808-6929, 4517555.

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Lori Watt at Lori.C.Watt@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. For questions about the meeting, please contact: Deb McCuin, program analyst at Debbie.Mccuin@state.or.us.

About the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services

The Governor’s Commission on Senior Services is dedicated to enhancing and protecting the quality of life for all older Oregonians. Through cooperation with other organizations, and advocacy, the commission works to ensure that seniors have access to services that provide, choice, independence, and dignity.

# # #

The next meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 6, at Southwestern Oregon Community College, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, in Brookings.

The meeting will be open to the public and participation from the local veteran community is encouraged. One of the purposes of the meetings, which are held periodically in different areas of the state, is for committee members and ODVA leadership to hear from Oregon veterans about their needs and challenges.

The committee is made up of veterans appointed by the governor to provide counsel on veteran issues and represent veteran concerns across Oregon. Its nine members serve in a vital advisory role to the director and staff of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The advisory committee’s meetings are held quarterly on the first Wednesday in March, June and December, and the second Wednesday in September.

More information can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Pages/advisory.aspx or to contact the Advisory Committee, please email vaac@odva.state.or.us.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Clinton Adams, died the evening of February 14, 2019. Adams was incarcerated at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. 

Adams entered DOC custody on September 5, 2012, out of Washington County, with an earliest release date of January 5, 2022. Adams was 62 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. 

Next of kin has been notified. No other details are available at this time.

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

####

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Mark Mryczko, died on the afternoon of February 11, 2019. Mryczko was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary and passed away in the infirmary while on Hospice. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Mryczko entered DOC custody on November 13, 2014, from Lincoln County, with an earliest release date of December 2, 2021. Mryczko was 46 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state.

Next of kin has been notified. No other details are available at this time.

OSP is Oregon's only maximum-security prison, located in Salem, and houses over 2,000 individuals. 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, inmate work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon's only prison.

####

February 15, 2019

Media contact: Saerom England, 971-239-6483, om.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us">saerom.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us

Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Communities of Color Workgroup meets February 20

What: The second public meeting of the Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Communities of Color Workgroup.

Agenda: Review themes from the January meeting; review opportunities, barriers and resources identified at the November 6, 2018, kickoff meeting; discuss options for focus of workgroup.

When: February 20, 9-11 a.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1D, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland.

Details: The Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative 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.

February 12, 2019

Contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us (media inquiries)

Pete Edlund, 503-559-2216, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

All Payer All Claims Technical Advisory Group meets February 14 in Portland

What: A regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s All Payer All Claims Technical Advisory Group.

When: February 14, 2-4 p.m.

Where: 421 SW Oak St, Suite 850 Abraham Room, Portland. Attendees can also join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2239280069326082306 and conference line at 877-810-9415, access code 1773452#.

Agenda: Introduction and meeting goals; general updates; 2020 administrative rule final edits; discuss changes to memo accompanying rule (Discussion Document #5); timeline for administrative rule changes; public comment.

For more information, please visit the committee's website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/All-Payer-All-Claims-TAG.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 Pete Edlund at 503-559-2216, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

February 12, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7174, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Conference of Local Health Officials meets February 21 in Portland and Salem

What: The monthly public conference meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO).

Agenda: Local health officer back-up coverage; 2018 Public Health Modernization progress report planning; 2019-21 Local Public Health Authority Intergovernmental Agreement proposed language changes; Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division updates; Draft 2019 Public Health Accountability Metrics Report; School-Based Health Centers Program Element; Maternal and Child Health Program Element; public health emergency preparedness federal funding application letter of concurrence; CLHO committee appointments.

Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the Conference of Local Health Officials website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ prior to meeting.

When: Feb. 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public. No conference call option is available for the public.

Where: Portland State Office Building Room 1E, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland; and Local Government Center, 1201 Court Street NE, Salem.

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.147. (ORS 431.340)

Program contact: Danna Drum, 503-957-8869, um@dhsoha.state.or.us">danna.k.drum@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 Danna Drum at 503-957-8869, 711 TTY or um@dhsoha.state.or.us">danna.k.drum@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

February 12, 2019

Contact: Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s Health Plan Quality Metrics Committee.

When: February 14, 1-3:30 p.m.

Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center Room 210, 29353 SW Town Center, Loop E., Wilsonville. The public also may join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/5441985918617611266 and listen-only conference line at 877-336-1828, access code 9657836.

Agenda: Welcome, general updates; public testimony 1:15-1:25; Health Equity Measurement Workgroup presentation; measure structure and prioritization recommendations; preview of 2020 aligned measure set; adjourn.

For more information, please visit the committee's website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/Quality-Metrics-Committee.aspx.

http://bit.ly/2GFjCGQ

# # #

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 Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

February 11, 2019

Contact: Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee.

When: February 15, 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: Five Oak Building (formerly Lincoln) Suite 775 Transformation Training Room, 421 SW Oak St., Portland. The public also may join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3895887851300669185 and listen-only conference line at 888-204-5984, access code 1277166.

Agenda: Welcome, consent agenda, and general updates; public testimony 9:15-9:25; equity measure proposal for 2020; quality: how measurement is key; review program structure; individual measure review (SBIRT; Initiation and engagement in drug/alcohol treatment; PCPCH; postpartum care; adolescent well-care visits); adjourn.

For more information, please visit the committee's website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/Metrics-Scoring-Committee.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 Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2TJM1iF

February 13, 2019 - Salem, Ore. – A recently-retired Fairview man won the top prize of the Win for Life game and will take home $1,000 per week for life.
Robert East of Fairview will now receive $1,000 per week for life, thanks to his Oregon Lottery win. He matched all four numbers for the Monday, Feb. 11 drawing. He purchased the ticket at CJ’s Pub on Sandy Boulevard in Portland. East said he is a regular player of Lottery jackpot games and was very surprised when he realized he won.
“I was at home and Googled the results from my phone,” he said. “I looked at the ticket again, checked the date and double checked it. Then I immediately called my best friend.”
East said he stopped by the store and scanned the ticket to be sure, and confirmed it was the winning ticket.
“I recently retired so this is going to help me relax in retirement,” he said. “I have limited income so this will make me more comfortable.”
CJ’s Pub will receive a retailer sales bonus of $13,000 for selling the winning ticket.
Chris Taylor, owner of CJ’s Pub said that the bonus money would be going back into the business.
“We need some (heating and air conditioning) work and will get new chairs,” Taylor said. “It’s all going back into the business.”
Taylor said he has a number of regular customers who will love the fact he sold the winning ticket.
“I think my wife might have sold the ticket,” he said. “It’s just tremendous. It boosts you and makes you want to work harder and continue to grow our business.”
During the 2015-17 biennium, more than $109 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement in Multnomah County, where East 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 nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
 

With recent wet weather and more rain on its way, now is a good time to prepare for floods, check your emergency supplies, and adhere to basic flood safety. Some simple tips include clearing out leaves or remaining ice/snow from storm drains and culverts to prevent localized flooding, and having an emergency kit with necessary supplies. Oregon Office of Emergency Management recommends being 2 Weeks Ready http://bit.ly/2dxylmA. 

Many flood-related fatalities are caused by vehicles driven into hazardous waters.  Six inches of moving water can knock over an adult and 12 inches can carry away a small vehicle. Remember “Turn Around, Don't Drown.”

• Heavy rains reduce drivers' visibility. When driving, turn on your lights, increase following distance, slow down, and watch for bicyclists and pedestrians. Follow the Oregon Department of Transportation tips for driving in the rain: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/pages/winter-driving.aspx
• Give yourself more time for heavy traffic. Keep a safe distance between you and the driver in front of you. Make sure your windshield wipers in are good working condition.  Obey the speed limit and drive slower in the rain. Turn on headlights. 
• If you are in your vehicle and floodwater is blocking your evacuation route, go to a building on high ground. If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof. 

A flood does not have to be a catastrophic event, and you do not have to live in a high-risk flood area to suffer flood damage. Around twenty percent of flood insurance claims occur in moderate-to-low risk areas. Property owners should remember to: 

• Buy Flood Insurance. Most standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is affordable, and important to protecting your investment. An average flood policy costs around $890 a year, and rates start at less than $516 a year for homes in moderate- to low-risk areas. 
• Prepare Now. Review your insurance coverages. No flood insurance? Remember: It typically takes 30 days for a new flood insurance policy to go into effect, so get your policy now.
• Plan Ahead. Plan evacuation routes. Keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place. Conduct a home inventory; itemize and take pictures of possessions and the inside and outside of your home. For more information about flood insurance, please call your insurance agent or contact the National Flood Insurance Program Call Center (NFIP) at 1-800-621-3362 for information about the NFIP or questions about an existing policy.  Visit the National Flood Insurance Program at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program to learn more about flood risk and flood insurance.

NORTH BEND, Ore. – The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet at 9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22 at the Mill Casino, 3201 Tremont Street, North Bend, OR 97459, and consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The meeting is open to the public.

Friday’s meeting agenda: a presentation by the national register program coordinator, and hearings of one delisting request and three proposed nominations. Hearings will begin at 10:15 a.m. For specific hearing times, refer to the online agenda: www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/NATREG/Pages/nrhp_sachphome.aspx

The committee will review a delisting request for the John M. and Elizabeth Bates House in Lake Oswego. The committee will review three proposed nominations: the Roy E. and Hildur L. Amundsen House, Gresham; the Oregon Trail: La Grande to Hilgard Segment, Union County; and the Q’alya ta Kukwis shichdii me Traditional Cultural Property Historic District, Coos County.

Nominations recommended by the SACHP go to the National Park Service, which maintains the Register under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields.

The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.

More information about the National Register of Historic Places process is online at www.oregonheritage.org (click on “National Register” at left of page).

The decision to withdraw the Portland Police Bureau from the Joint Terrorism Task Force is a mistake that defies logic. It’s disappointing that in spite of the overwhelming evidence presented of JTTF successes in Oregon and across the nation, a majority of the city council chose a politically-expedient broadside against the federal government over the safety and well-being of their constituents. The law enforcement community’s duty and commitment to ensuring public safety and protecting civil rights will not be deterred by the politics of the moment.

-- Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon

EUGENE, Ore.—A federal jury found David George Hopkins, 60, of San Diego, California, guilty today for traveling with the intent to engage in sex with a minor and other related charges.

“This case is another example of the extraordinary lengths some will go in an attempt to victimize children,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “It is also an example of the dogged determination of federal law enforcement to intercept individuals who seek to victimize children. I hope this conviction will serve as a warning to would-be child predators who believe they can pursue minors online without consequences.”

“Today’s conviction started with one person who was so concerned that she reported her disturbing interactions with Mr. Hopkins to law enforcement. Her willingness to step forward was critical to our ability to protect children from this predator. I would ask anyone with such information in the future to contact the nearest FBI office or submit tips online at https://tips.fbi.gov,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

According to court documents and information shared at trial, on June 9, 2017, Hopkins traveled from San Diego to Portland, Oregon believing he would be able to have sex with a 13-year-old girl named Paula along with her mother, Norma, and her mother’s friend, Ana, with whom he had been chatting online. Unbeknownst to Hopkins, he had been chatting with an FBI Special Agent acting as both Norma and Paula, and with a person using the alias Ana.

Hopkins and Ana began chatting online in 2012, and during one of the conversations, Hopkins raised the topic of having sex with a minor female in Peru and sent Ana a photo of what was purportedly him receiving oral sex from a minor.

In February 2017, Hopkins again contacted Ana and they began communicating using Skype and Facebook. In their first few conversations after reconnecting, Hopkins disclosed more details about his sexual relations with a minor in Peru. He also claimed to have had similar illicit contact with a minor in Panama. Hopkins later wrote, “did it bother u i [sic] had sex with young girls?” Hopkins did not present his conduct as a fantasy and Ana did not believe it was.

Concerned by the information shared with her, Ana reported Hopkins to the Eugene Police Department who referred the matter to the FBI. In March 2017, Ana met with an FBI Special Agent and agreed to cooperate with an investigation of Hopkins.

Ana continued chatting with Hopkins and their conversations grew increasingly more detailed and graphic as Hopkins shared information about his claimed past sexual experiences with minors and his desire to continue such behavior. In one conversation, Ana mentioned her fictitious Peruvian friend Norma. Hopkins asked if they could all have sex together. Ana also mentioned that Norma had a daughter named Paula. Hopkins also expressed an interest in having sex with Paula.

Ana told Hopkins that Norma had agreed to let him have sex with Paula. Shortly thereafter, Hopkins began communicating directly with Norma, the FBI Special Agent. The conversation quickly turned sexual and they discussed Hopkins flying to Oregon. In subsequent conversations, Hopkins began asking Norma about having sex with Paula, and, later, began communicating online directly with Paula. Hopkins chatted with Paula about having sex with her, describing in detail what he wanted to do.

In June 2017, Hopkins flew from San Diego to Portland with intent to engage in sexual conduct with Paula. He was met and arrested by the FBI at Portland International Airport upon his arrival. Hopkins claims of abusing children have not been corroborated.

In an indictment returned on June 20, 2018, a federal grand jury in Eugene charged Hopkins with one count each of attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct, attempting to coerce or entice a minor, traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and transferring of obscene material to a minor.

Hopkins will be sentenced on May 23, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It was prosecuted by Amy Potter and Jeff Sweet, 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. 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 https://tips.fbi.gov.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—On February 12, 2019, Kenneth Wenberg, 72, a medical doctor from Heppner, Oregon, pleaded guilty to a single count of tax evasion. The government demonstrated it could prove Dr. Wenberg failed to report income resulting in a tax loss of approximately $187,000.

According to court documents, Dr. Wenberg created nominee entities to hide assets and income he personally earned while serving as a physician at the Morrow County Health District (MCHD) and Urgent Health Care Center (UHCC) in Heppner. Dr. Wenberg instructed MDHD and UHCC to make payments for services he performed directly to sham entities to avoid income tax liabilities. Dr. Wenberg opened numerous bank accounts and purchased real property in the names of his nominee entities. He also paid for his and his family’s personal living expenses out of the nominee accounts. Dr. Wenberg failed to report his income to the IRS, despite knowing he owed taxes.

Wenberg faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on June 6, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez.

As part of the plea agreement, Wenberg has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the full amount of the tax loss as determined by the court after sentencing.

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and is being prosecuted by Clemon D. Ashley and Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS-CI remind Oregonians that tax day is Monday, April 15, 2019. For tips to assist taxpayers in choosing a reputable tax professional or preparing their own taxes, visit the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/help-resources.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.—Benjamin Jaramillo Hernandez, 69, of Eugene, pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime and illegal possession of ammunition charge arising from a series of progressively more threatening and violent actions targeting St. Mary Catholic Church in Eugene in September 2018. Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams for the District of Oregon and Special Agent in Charge Renn Cannon of the FBI in Oregon made the announcement.

“The Civil Rights Division stands firm in the belief that all people should be able to live their lives free from threats of violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Dreiband. “The Department of Justice will continue to uphold the rights of individuals who are victimized for exercising their religious beliefs and prosecute those who seek to violate those rights.”

“Hate crime laws protect fundamental American values including the free expression of religion. Today’s guilty plea reaffirms the basic principle that no one should live in fear because of their faith,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Our office will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute hate crimes, pursuing justice for all victims.”

“Threatening violent action strikes at the heart of our fundamental right as Americans to live, work and worship without fear. Working with the community and our local law enforcement partners, we will always find strength in our shared values of keeping everyone safe regardless of race, religion or political belief,” said Special Agent in Charge Cannon.

According to court documents, on September 9, 2018, Hernandez was escorted from St. Mary property following an angry outburst during the sacrament of communion. Five days later, on September 14, a church employee reported to the Eugene Police Department that someone had dispensed pepper spray on the exterior door handles and through the mail slot of the St. Mary office front door. Employees reported burning sensations in their fingers and respiratory distress. A Eugene police officer and FBI agent identified Hernandez in church surveillance footage as the person responsible for both incidents.

On September 16, 2018, Hernandez was again spotted near St. Mary. A witness saw Hernandez across the street from the church when he stopped near the Eugene Public Library and shouted at the witness, “I’ve got something for you right here,” while pointing to a bag he was carrying.

A few days later, on September 20, St. Mary employees reported finding a threatening note and seven 10mm Sig hollow point bullets left in the office. The note threatened the church with “2 MP5s w/ 50 rounds each,” a type of submachine gun. The note concluded: “Eugene is going on the [expletive] map.”

A Eugene police officer again reviewed church surveillance footage and identified Hernandez as the individual who dropped off the note and bullets. On September 21, 2018, Eugene Police arrested Hernandez at the Eugene Public Library and charged him with second degree intimidation, second degree criminal mischief and two counts of second degree criminal trespass. During a search of Hernadez’s person, officers located a partially empty can of pepper spray, three .410 shotgun shells and thirteen 10mm Sig hollow point bullets.

Hernandez was charged by criminal information with one count each of obstruction of persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs and felon in possession of ammunition.

He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the hate crime conviction, and 10 years in prison for the unlawful possession of ammunition. Hernandez will be sentenced on May 22, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken.

This case was investigated by the Eugene Police Department and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division.

For more information about DOJ’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to DOJ hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.—Tayva Tucker, 41, of Madras, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count of theft of government funds for stealing nearly $40,000 in Social Security payments from ten mentally disabled adults.

According to court documents, beginning in March 2014, Tucker was employed by a social services organization in Madras where she oversaw outreach to mentally disabled clients as part of the organization’s mental health program. As part of her work, Tucker assumed representative payee duties for some her disabled clients’ Title II and Title XVI Social Security benefits. A representative payee is appointed when the beneficiary is incapable of managing his or her benefits. As a representative payee, Tucker was required to use the Social Security payments for the current and future needs of her clients.

In the summer of 2016, an organizational audit uncovered unusual movement of funds between various client accounts, as well as funds transferred from client accounts to Tucker. When confronted, Tucker admitted to taking clients’ Social Security benefits for her personal use. An investigation revealed that Tucker had stolen $39,277 from 10 victims.

Tucker faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on April 25, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken.

As part of the plea agreement, Tucker has agreed to pay $39,277 in restitution.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Chocolate offers instant gratification, but lower fees, great rates, and member perks last longer.

PORTLAND (Feb. 12, 2019) – With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s a great time to remember all the sweet deals from your credit union. Members enjoy a variety of money-saving perks that are better than a box of chocolates, whether you’re treating yourself or someone special on the big day.

If your idea of a romantic dinner out is more steak-and-lobster than burger-and-fries, try a free financial education course, such as budgeting, to align your finances. Hoping to take a romantic sunset drive in a new car sometime soon? Credit union members save big on auto loan financing with an average of $116 per year. Want to start a long-term financial relationship with a low-interest credit card? You could be enjoying a credit card rate 2.93 percent lower than those offered at other financial institutions. All of these benefits are available for more than two million Oregon credit union members and joining a credit union is easier than you think.

These perks and savings aren’t just candy-coated promises. They exist because of credit unions’ not-for-profit structure. Credit unions are owned by their members so they do not pay Wall Street stockholders. Instead, they return profits to their members in the form of favorable loan rates, better returns on savings accounts, and lower fees.

Oregon credit unions love their members and Valentine’s Day is a great time to remember all the sweet deals waiting for you at your credit union. Want to join a credit union? Find one that best suits your needs at www.asmarterchoice.org.

Oregon Benefits of Membership Report, a Credit Union National Association study based on Datatrac, NCUA, and CUNA comparison of bank and credit union rates, for 12 months ending in Sept 2018.

                                                                          <END>

The Northwest Credit Union Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing over 180 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 7.3 million consumer members. Northwest Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, owned by their members. Credit unions help members achieve their financial goals.  All earnings in excess of operating expenses and required reserves are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and higher interest paid on savings. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit http://www.asmarterchoice.org

Portland, OR – February 15, 2019 – Wells Fargo has awarded the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation (ATNI-EDC) with a two-year $257,900 grant to support the expansion of a small business micro-lending program for tribal members. The nonprofit organization will use the funding to build infrastructure including hiring a loan program manager, renting office space and developing marketing materials for the loan program.

The ATNI-EDC Revolving Loan Fund provides access to capital to help Native entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses in the Pacific Northwest. The Wells Fargo grant will enable ATNI-EDC to double its lending capacity to $500,000 with a goal of 10 loans per year.

“This grant is a game-changer for our organization,” said Amber Schulz-Oliver, executive director for ATNI-EDC. “With increased capacity, we will be in a strong position to better serve the economic development needs of tribes. When we leverage the vast economic power generated by Pacific Northwest tribes, we succeed in elevating our communities out of poverty and into prosperity.”

In April 2019, ATNI-EDC will host an economic summit in Portland to help tribal leaders implement economic development initiatives, share best practices, strengthen inter-tribal relationships and advance solutions to common barriers. 

The Wells Fargo Foundation grant is part of the company’s five-year, $50 million commitment to expand its focus on tribal philanthropy to provide greater economic empowerment in Native American and Alaska Native communities. The philanthropic investment aims to increase homeownership, energy sovereignty, and workforce development on tribal lands, promote development of Native-owned small businesses, and help build capacity for nonprofits to better serve their clients in Indian Country.

“Wells Fargo has been serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities for more than 50 years,” said Jon Campbell, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation. “We believe it is important to support nonprofit and community organizations that empower tribal communities to determine their own way of life on their own lands — according to their time-honored cultures, traditions and beliefs — while also providing access to the tools and opportunities that can lead to financial success and well-being.”

National nonprofit organizations serving individuals, families and businesses in Indian Country who wish to be considered for a grant under the foundation’s commitment should contact AIANPhilanthropy@wellsfargo.com to determine eligibility. Community-based, local 501(c)(3) organizations serving the American Indian/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities can continue to apply for grants through Wells Fargo’s online tool.

About Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation  

Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation provides community and

economic services to nearly 60 Tribes in the Pacific Northwest, including all nine tribes of Oregon, all 29 tribes of Washington, and all five tribes of Idaho, as well as four tribes in California, two tribes in

Nevada, four tribes in Montana and three tribal communities in Alaska.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,800 locations, more than 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 37 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 259,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune’s 2018 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In 2017, Wells Fargo donated $286.5 million to 14,500 nonprofits and Wells Fargo team members volunteered a record 2 million hours. Wells Fargo’s corporate social responsibility efforts are focused on three strategic priorities: diversity and social inclusion, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. 

Celebrate 32 years of Waterfront Blues during the 

July 4thholiday weekend

Preliminary line-up announced, passes on sale February 15 for the award-winning event
 July 4 - 7 at Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore.

Portland, Ore. (February 15, 2019)– Join blues legends, up-and-comers and regional favorites to mark the 32nd  Annual Waterfront Blues Festival July 4-7, 2019 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. 4-Day passes go on-sale Friday, February 15. 

This year’s festival will feature more than 100 acts on four stages. Highlights include:

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue • St. Paul & the Broken Bones • Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe • Vintage Trouble • California Honeydrops • Shemekia Copeland  • Cyril Neville • Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings with special guest & Carlos Reyes 
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram  • Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band • Sugaray Rayford • Songhoy Blues • Southern Avenue • Brother Yusef • Lucious Spiller • Kevin Burt • Feu Follet • Curley Taylor • Vanessa Collier • Sarah Grace of The Voice…

…and many more to be announced, including additional headliners!

This year’s lineup includes new, as well as some festival favorites from years past. Closing headliner Troy“Trombone Shorty” Andrewsmade his first public Northwest appearance at Waterfront Blues Festival more than a decade ago, playing on the festival’s Front Porch Stage and on a late-night cruise. “We’ve been trying to get Shorty back to our main stage ever since,” said festival Artistic Director Peter Dammann, who first encountered a scrawny Shorty, then in his mid-teens, busking on a street corner more than 15 years ago in New Orleans’ French Quarter. “Even in those days, playing for tips on the sidewalk, Shorty was already considered by those-in-the-know to be one of the major up-and-coming horn players on the planet.” In the interim Shorty has headlined major stages all over the world, including five appearances at the White House. The festival is thrilled to welcome him back this year.  

Joining Shorty on the Festival’s Sunday salute to the Crescent City will be legendary vocalist/percussionist Cyril Neville and his Uptown Rulers; and ‘zydeco junkie’ Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band who headline two-days of Cajun/zydeco dancing on the festival’s Front Porch Stage. 

Newcomers this year include the high voltage, horn-driven soul-rock of Alabama-based St. Paul & the Broken Bones; the swaggering rock-soul of Vintage Trouble; North Africa desert grooves of Songhoy Blues; the powerful Oakland bluesman Kevin Burt,winner of the 2018 International Blues Challenge in threecategories; Arkansas/Mississippi Delta bluesman Lucious Spiller; the masterful, up-and-coming vocalist/saxophonist Vanessa Collier (“Amazing!” – Buddy Guy); Louisiana’s ‘future of Cajun music’, Feufollet; and Houston’s 16-year-old “pint-sized powerhouse,” Sarah Grace, whose soulful vocals carried her into the final 10 on this season’s The Voice.

Returning are some of the festival’s favorites from years past, including: the bluesy soul/funk of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe; the California Honeydrops (“the most refreshing act to roll down the blues highway in some time.” – Living Blues); the searing vocalist Shemekia Copeland (“A powerhouse, a superstar, she can do no wrong,” Rolling Stone); slide guitar virtuoso Roy Rogers(“One of the rare guitar heroes who values feeling over flash” - Rolling Stone) in a collaboration with Parguayan violinist/harpist Carlos Reyes; young Mississippi guitar phenom Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, about to release a debut album produced by Buddy Guy (festival fans may remember Guy brought Kingfish on stage for his headlining WBF set four years ago); ‘Fatback Blues’ master, Brother Yusef,a favorite of swing/blues dancers.

“Stay tuned, we have some more announcements to come,” said Dammann, “including of course our world-class soul and blues acts from the Northwest.”

“This is the concert deal of the summer,” continues Dammann. “Four days, four stages, more than 100 eclectic performances, starting at just $50 for a 4-day pass—that’s only $12.50 a day!”

The following four-day passes offered this year: 

4-Day Fan Pass($50—just $12.50 a day!) — Four-day pass, priority re-entry.

Blues Buddy Pass($75 early bird discount) — Four-day pass, EARLY entry, priority re-entry, and discounted admission to Waterfront After-Hours Concerts in the Marriott Ballroom (just $5 each, these after hours shows are otherwise $20 advance; first-come, first-served).

Gold Pass($350) — Four-day EARLY entry and priority re-entry, access to Main Stage shaded seating, access to central stage shaded seating, admission to After-Hours concerts, four meal and drink vendor coupons, festival T-shirt and poster, parking pass & more! SOLD OUT LAST FEW YEARS!

Platinum Pass($1,250) — Four-day EARLY entry & priority re-entry, priority access to on-stage seating at Main Stage and Blues Stage, access to central stage shaded seating, access to VIP Hospitality Pavilion with catered buffets and VIP restrooms, admission to After-Hours concerts, parking passand many other VIP perks. SOLD OUT LAST FEW YEARS!

Also on sale now are tickets to the Festival’s exciting After-Hours Shows in the Marriott Ballroomacross Naito Parkway from the festival site. Featured this year:

Friday, July 5: California Honeydrops • Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe presents “Eat Lots of Peaches” Allman Brothers tribute

Saturday, July 6: Southern Avenue with special guest Christone “Kingfish” Ingram • Vintage Trouble.

Tickets and lineup information for the popular Blues Cruisesaboard the Portland Spirit, will be available in early April. 

For artist bios, preliminary schedule, videos and music samples, visit the newly updated: waterfrontbluesfest.com.    

About Waterfront Blues Festival:

Since 1988, the Waterfront Blues Fest has raised funds and awareness to fight hunger in our region. Since its inception, the festival has raised nearly $11 million and more than 1,000 tons of food to fight hunger in Oregon. Last year Oregon Food Bank, producer of the event since its inception, turned over ownership and production responsibilities to its long time production company, Waterfront Blues Production LLC, so the agency could refocus on its core hunger mission. The 2018 festival featuring George Thorogood, The Revivalists and Beth Hart was the first under the management/ownership of WBP. The Festival again this year welcomes as its Community Partner, the Portland Sunshine Division, which will run the event’s food drive to help stock its two emergency food pantries.

This Portland flagship festival has become a treasured tradition for locals and visitors alike, and has served as downtown Portland’s signature Fourth of July Celebration. It is the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi, the second-largest blues festival in the nation, and one of the most revered festivals of its kind in the world. It is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Memphis-based Blues Foundation’s coveted Keeping the Blues Alive Award for ‘Best Festival.’ Since its inception, the festival has been committed to elevating the presence of local non-profits through fundraising and exposure. 

Major sponsors: Buick GMC of Beaverton, KGON radio, KOIN-TV, The Oregonian.

More information: waterfrontbluesfest.com 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Dammann, Festival Artistic Director
503-283-3225, 503-341-2068 c
damray@europa.com

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical, opens at Linkville Playhouse March 1st, the musical comedy is based on the popular 1988 MGM film, and takes the audience to the French Riviera for high jinks and hilarity. It is a sophisticated and suave tale with a good dash of mischief.

The Linkville Playhouse production features:

Dan Neubauer as Lawrence Jameson, a sophisticated con artist

Jeff Gardner as Freddy Benson, a clever, aspiring con artist

Sarah Smart as Christine Colgate, a good-natured American heiress and “Soap Queen”

Chris Mallory as Andre Thibault, Lawrence’s French assistant (and Chief of Police)

Shelley Andersen as Muriel Eubanks, a wealthy and attractive American socialite

Katelyn Christiansen as Jolene, the "Princess of Petroleum” from Oklahoma

The singing and dancing ensemble is:

Tori Brooks

Justice Bussard

Ed Joesting

Sierra Kincaid

Renita Larsen

Cory Stamper

Alex Burris

The play is directed by Charles “Chip” Massie, musical direction is by Dan Crenshaw, and the choreography is by Sam Burris. This hysterical comedy features a delightfully jazzy score by David Yazbek, and a witty book by Jeffery Lane, and was nominated for a staggering eleven Tony Awards.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical, plays every Friday and Saturday night in March, curtain is at 7:30pm. There will be two Sunday matinees on March 17th and 24th, curtain is at 2pm. Tickets are available at Main Street Jewelers.

The Linkville Players, located at the Linkville Playhouse at 201 Main Street in Klamath Falls, Oregon, is the oldest community theater group in the Klamath Basin. It is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization devoted to presenting an annual season of dramatic productions for the benefit and enjoyment of local residents, visitors to the area, and others interested in theater. You can get more information at www.linkvilleplayers.org and you can follow Linkville Playhouse on Facebook at www.facebook.com/linkville.playhouse.

Today it is with mixed emotions Chess for Success announces Executive Director Julie Young will retire after 21 years. She will remain in the position until a new Executive Director is hired, and then continue with CFS to both ensure a smooth transition and to continue sharing her passion for the mission as an ambassador.

Julie has been the Executive Director since 1998 and was the first to hold the position. In her first year, she was a part-time employee supporting 32 clubs in Portland Public Schools but soon expanded the mission’s reach by taking responsibility for Oregon’s state scholastic chess championship.

Over the next 20 years she expertly led the growth of the program, increasing our reach to 87 schools in 14 districts covering Oregon and SW Washington. She has built strong partnerships, allowing the program to be found on Native American reservations, therapeutic schools, and the Oregon Youth Authority as well as within the K-12 system. Julie has also expanded the CFS team to include four full-time employees, seven part-time program managers, and over 100 chess coaches. At chess tournaments Julie is best known as the Queen of Chess, as she will often appear in her full regalia to encourage the students to enjoy the game.

In a letter to the board announcing her retirement, Julie writes, ‘This change happens at a wonderful place in time where chess clubs thrive and popularity grows, while also being at the beginning of the next phase of our founders’ dream.’

‘Julie turned our small, local program into a statewide, highly respected educational program that makes the lives of thousands of children better every year. Julie is the heart and soul of Chess for Success and can take much of the credit for what it is today’  according to Phillip Margolin, renowned author and co-founder.

“Thousands of children in Oregon and Southwest Washington have received the benefits of chess thanks to the tireless dedication and devotion of Julie Young. For that, we offer our sincere gratitude.” – Charlie Engelberg, Board President.

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 13, 2019                                                                             

Media Contacts

Sarah Shipe, Director of Communications

(503) 977-6861 | After Hours (800) 626-6543 | sshipe@girlscoutsosw.org

Maureen A. Kenney, Public Relations and Advocacy Manager

(503) 977-6817 | mkenney@girlscoutsosw.org

Thousands of Girl Scout Cookie Booths Open February 15

Girl Scout S’mores™ cookies back by popular demand!
 

PORTLAND, OR. – February 13, 2019 – Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW) is about to launch the 2019 Girl Scout Cookie booth season. And, back by popular demand are Girl Scout S’mores™! Cookies can be purchased from more than 30,000 Girl Scout Cookie booths between Friday, February 15 and Sunday, March 10, 2019.

“I’m excited for girls to have this business experience, and put themselves out there,” says Chief Operations Officer, Paige Walker. “As they’re talking with community members at booths, they’re learning people skills. As they’re making decisions about their cookie business, they’re practicing skills that prepare them for a successful future.”

While the girls ask for the sale, Walker has an ask for customers, too: “When you meet a Girl Scout at a cookie booth, ask her why she is selling Cookies!”

COOKIE FINDER

Signature Girl Scout Cookies, including Thin Mints®, Samoas® and Trefoils® will be offered among the eight Girl Scout Cookie varieties at all booths throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Girl Scout S’mores™ cookies and gluten free Toffee-tastic™ specialty cookies are available at select cookie booths while supplies last. Customers can find a Girl Scout Cookie booth near their location with the Cookie Finder at girlscoutsosw.org/cookies or use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app available for iPhone or Android.

THE POWER BEHIND THE GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM

The Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls the skills they need to become effective leaders, manage finances and gain confidence in handling money—skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. Each box of Girl Scout Cookies sold powers real-life experiences for thousands of local girls.

“We are so grateful to the stores, businesses and organizations that host Girl Scouts at cookie booths,” says Walker. “The community partners that provide these spaces are making a valuable investment in girls’ entrepreneurial experience.”

KEEPING IT LOCAL

100 percent of the net revenue earned from cookie sales remains within the local region. Every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies helps provide for new and unique opportunities for local girls including valuable educational experiences that offer lifelong impact. Girl Scout campers in Oregon and Southwest Washington use cookie program proceeds to fund their own camp and travel adventures. And, nearly every Girl Scout troop uses some portion of their cookie proceeds to give back to their local communities.

COOKIE BOOTH SALES AND COOKIE FINDER

Girl Scouts will sell cookies at booths in front of local retailers throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington from February 15 through March 10, 2019. Customers can find a Girl Scout Cookie booth near their location with the Cookie Finder at girlscoutsosw.org or use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app available for iPhone or Android.

ABOUT THE GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM

A little more than a century ago, girls began participating in what would evolve into the largest entrepreneurial training program for girls in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program. To learn more about the history of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, please visit girlscoutcookies.org.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

In partnership with more than 8,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington prepares 14,500 girls in grades K-12 for a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. GSOSW’s programs in civic engagement, financial literacy, the outdoors and STEM serve girls in 37 counties in Oregon, and Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Farm Bureau statement on Hammonds grazing permit reissuance

SALEM, OREGON, February 15, 2019 – “On Feb. 14, 2014, the Bureau of Land Management revoked the grazing permit of Hammond Ranches. Almost five years to the day later, on Feb. 13, 2019, BLM signed documents that reissued the permit, allowing the Hammond family to get back to the business of raising cattle in eastern Oregon.

“This reissued grazing permit signals that justice has finally been achieved for this rural family. While nobody can restore what the Hammonds have lost to years of prosecutorial overreach and bureaucratic vendetta, we are grateful that this awful chapter is closed.

“Oregon Farm Bureau was proud to play a role in advocating on the Hammonds’ behalf, including gathering over 25,000 online signatures and working directly with officials, so the family can return to doing what they love and keep a proud heritage of ranching alive.”

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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.

MEDIA PREVIEW:

Please join us for a private exhibit tour with Oregon Historical Society Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk and Museum Director Helen B Louise on Tuesday, February 12 at 11am. Email achel.randles@ohs.org">rachel.randles@ohs.org if you plan to attend.

PRESS PHOTOS:

High-resolution photos (now including images of the exhibit) with captions can be downloaded via http://bit.ly/eopresskit  

Portland, OR – Visitors of all ages, and from all parts of the world, come to the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) each year to learn about Oregon. Whether you were born here, have chosen to make this place home, or are just passing through, it is undeniable that there is something special about this state. From its varied geography to its innovative legislation, Oregon is complex and distinctive, filled with people whose stories are the foundation of the state we see today.

On Thursday, February 14, the Oregon Historical Society will unveil a new 7,000 square foot exhibition, Experience Oregon, a dynamic educational space that allows visitors to learn about the countless people, places, and events that have shaped this place. February 14 is also Oregon’s 160th birthday, and OHS will celebrate the grand opening with a blessing led by members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon. Other celebrations during the weekend include a Family Day event filled with cultural performances and activities on Saturday, February 16, and free admission all weekend, February 14 through 18.

“Experience Oregon is very aptly named,” says Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society. “It is a state-of-the-art immersive experience that brings to life the remarkable and dramatic history of Oregon and those who have called it home. From priceless artifacts to breathtaking images to unforgettable stories of the individuals who have made and changed history, there is truly something for everyone in this exhibit.”

Visitors enter Experience Oregon through a panoramic theater that introduces major themes and sets the stage for the exhibit. Land and water are two of the most pervasive topics covered, displaying the diversity of Oregon’s landscape, as well as people’s historical and ongoing relationships with its resources. Visitors follow a “river” along the floor to reinforce the importance of water to Oregon’s history, and to the many people who call this place home.

“Across Time” stations throughout the exhibit use broad themes such as home, water, and land to draw connections between yesterday and today. Experience Oregon’s design continually directs visitors back to the present, emphasizing why learning about history matters.

Interactive stations throughout the exhibition include a “Stories from the Archives” tablet game, a covered-wagon replica visitors can walk through, role-playing games that allow visitors to take sides in historical debates, listening wands that bring to visitors voices from the past, and opportunities to offer ideas and opinions on relevant themes. As visitors leave the exhibit, they can create a memory blanket as a digital “takeaway” using photographs and artifacts, as well as Pendleton blanket designs, to help recall favorite moments from the exhibit.

Over three years in the making, developing Experience Oregon has really been a collaborative undertaking. Oregon Historical Society staff, trustees, and volunteers; Oregon Tribes; educators; content specialists; historians; community members; and multiple design firms from across the country have contributed their talents to create this new cornerstone of our museum.

“The design process for Experience Oregon was truly cutting-edge, and is one of the aspects that makes this exhibition so unique,” says OHS Museum Director Helen B Louise. “It’s impossible for a single person to adequately tell a history this immense as there are so many points of view to consider. Rather than having one single curator, the content and conceptualization for Experience Oregon has been a collaboration of stakeholders, making this such a rich exhibition, both in content and design”

OHS has scoured our collections to display artifacts from across the state’s geography and history – some on exhibit for the first time. One beloved artifact is the Benson Automobile, one of the first cars built in Oregon. Nils Benson began building this car in 1904, and then displayed it at the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition the following year. Another favorite artifact returning to display is the Scarborough canoe, a quintessential Chinook-style canoe. Local Tribes refer to the canoe as the “ancestor,” and it has inspired the carving of new canoes in its likeness that Tribes use today. OHS will also be displaying for the first time a housewife (sewing kit) that was carried by George Shannon, the youngest non-infant member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

All of the artifacts on display in Experience Oregon are from the Oregon Historical Society museum collection, and our research library preserves the vast majority of the archival materials on view. Experience Oregon would be impossible without the countless Oregonians who, for over a century, have turned to OHS to preserve their histories.

Experience Oregon officially opens to the public on February 14 at 12pm. The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week, Monday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 12pm – 5pm. Admission is $10, and discounts are available for students, seniors, and youth. Admission is free every day for OHS members and Multnomah County residents.

OPENING WEEKEND EVENTS:

Grand Opening Celebration

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Festivities begin at 12pm

Celebrate Oregon’s 160th birthday and the grand opening of Experience Oregon with birthday cake, music from the Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers, a blessing from the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde, and the official ribbon cutting to unveil the exhibit!

Family Day

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Activities from 12pm – 4pm

Enjoy musical performances from Portland Taiko, BRAVO Youth Orchestras, Oregon Trail Trio, The Prairie Blossoms, and Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. Listen to traditional Kalapuya/Coos storytelling, pan for gold with representatives from the Wells Fargo History Museum, and take home a souvenir of your visit from one of our activity stations.

Free Admission Opening Weekend: February 14 – 18, 2019

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

Summary: Reach out to your co-workers in need.

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Instead of focusing on romance this Valentine’s Day, consider reaching out with kindness.

According to research by Mental Health America, Oregon has one of the worst rates of mental health issues in the country.

“Mental health is a taboo subject in general, but especially at work,” said Liz Hill, Total Worker Health® advisor at SAIF. “Reduce that stigma by reaching out to your co-workers.”

Hill points out several factors that impact mental health this time of year. Cold, dark days can be tough for Oregonians, especially those dealing with seasonal affective disorder. Bills from the holiday season are due. And Valentine’s Day can underscore loneliness or loss for some.

Small gestures can make a big difference, according to Hill. Here are some ways you can reach out to a co-worker in need:

• Grab a cup of coffee or tea
• Go for a walk
• Ask how they’re doing, and just listen

You can also direct co-workers to your employee assistance program or the many community-based resources that are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress through local crisis centers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

More information and 60-second stress break videos can be found at saif.com/relax.  

About SAIF

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