Bend Fire and Rescue crews responded to a small brush fire in the City limits caused by the use of a weed burner. The fire causght several bushes and one juniper tree on fire. The crews were quickly able to extinguish the fire before it extended to any houses or other structures. Bend Fire & Rescue have been getting many calls from the community in the past few weeks regarding the use of weed burners. We would like to remind the community that weed burners are not allowed in the City limits at any time. Currently, burning season is closed in our surrounding rural areas, this also includes the use of weed burners. Even though we have gotten some moisture in our area in the past few weeks, the fuel moisture is still low.

Date: 05/31/20                                                        

Case # 2020-00084980

Date & Time of Incident:  05/31/2020 at 11:00 PM

Type of Incident:                Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing

Location of Incident:         1707 SE Tempest Dr #44, Bend, OR 97702

Victim Information:

43 year old Glen Luxner

39 year old Corisa Luxner

Suspect Information:

45 year old Michael Dean Fuller II

Narrative:

On 05/31/20 at 11:00 PM officers were dispatched to 1707 SE Tempest Dr #44 for a report of a male subject armed with a machete making threats to neighbors.  The male was later identified as Michael Fuller II.  Officers from Bend PD and Deschutes County Sheriffs Officer responded to the listed address.

Once officers arrived at the apartment they found Fuller had returned to his own apartment.  Fuller came out on the balcony of his apartment and interacted with Officers for the next hour and a half. 

During this time Fuller made statements that lead officers to believe he would continue to pose threat to the community.  Members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) were deployed to the location.  After continuing negotiation Fuller exited his apartment and was taken into custody without injury or incident. 

A search warrant was executed on in the apartment and Officers recovered the machete used to threaten the neighbors. 

Members of the Deschutes Mobile Crisis Team (MCAT) assisted in the assessment of Fuller and he was later transported to St Charles Emergency Room.  Fuller faces charges listed below.

Bend Police Department would like to thank the Deschutes County Sheriffs Officer, CERT (a team made up of officers from the Tri-County area), and the Bend Fire Department for their assistance.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Bend Police Department at 322-2960.

Charges:       Unlawful Use of a Weapon – 1 count

                        Attempted Burglary I – 1 count

                        Menacing – 2 counts

                        Disorderly Conduct II – 1 count

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2020                                                                          

Case # 20-0084778                              

Date & Time of Incident: May 30th, 2020 around 7:00pm                                

Type of Incident:  Domestic Violence                                                             

Location of Incident: Bend, OR

Victim:

15 year old                                                                                 Bend resident

Suspect:

Blair Belding                                                                                 Bend resident

Deschutes County Corrections Deputy

Narrative:

On May 30 around 8:30pm, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic dispute where an adult male had assaulted his teenage step-son during a family dispute. The adult male was identified as Deschutes County Corrections Deputy Blair Belding.  The dispute occurred at a Bend address, but the address is in response area of the of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. This is the reason for the call going to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office originally.

Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office contacted Bend Police and asked that they conduct the investigation. Officers with the Bend Police Department were assisted by officers with the Redmond Police Department during the investigation.  Belding was contacted and cooperated with officers throughout the investigation.

During the investigation, it was determined that in the evening hours of May 30th (around 7pm), an argument occurred between family members at Belding’s residence. Belding became involved in the dispute with a 15 year old juvenile, causing a minor injury to the juvenile. Based on the information learned, Belding was found to have committed a crime during the dispute.

Belding was arrested without incident for Assault IV and Strangulation. He was transported to the Deschutes County Jail, where he was processed. After processing, he was then transported by Bend Police to the Jefferson County Jail, where he was lodged for safety precautions.

Sergeant William Bailey, Sheriff's Office spokesperson said, "The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has placed Blair Belding on administrative leave as a result of this investigation." Please direct all questions regarding his employment to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

End of Release 

Released by:      Dep. Joshua Westfall, Assistant Search And Rescue Coordinator

Occurred:            06/05/2020     7:20 PM

Location:             Lower Whoops Trail (off Skyliners Rd)

Rescued:             Davis, Andrew, Bend, OR 23 year old male
           
  
NARRATIVE:

On June 5th 2020 at about 7:20 PM, Deschutes County dispatch received a 911 call regarding an injured mountain biker on the Lower Whoops Trail about a mile south of Skyliners Rd. The mountain biker, later identified as Andrew Davis, had reportedly sustained potentially serious injuries after crashing his bike while riding on the trail. 

Based on this information, 16 Deschutes County Sheriff Office Search and Rescue Volunteers responded to assist while one Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Deputy remained in quarters to coordinate the rescue. 

At about 8:00 pm, DCSO SAR medical team members arrived on scene with Davis and began tending to him. After being stabilized, Davis was transported by DCSO SAR members via wheeled litter to a SAR vehicle and then transported by vehicle to Skyliners Rd where Bend Fire and Rescue was waiting. Davis was transferred to Bend Fire without incident and then transported to St. Charles Bend via ground ambulance for further treatment.

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.
 

Date:  06/03/20

By:  Lt. Bryan Husband, DCSO Search and Rescue Coordinator

Location:  "Bens" Mountain Bike Trail, approximately 1.3 miles from Phil's Trail Head

Injured Subject:  Larry Rosenberg, 68 year old male, Bend, OR

On 06/03/20, at about 12:18pm, 9-1-1 Dispatch received a call from a subject recreating in the Phil's Trail system, who had come across an injured mountain bike rider on the "Bens" trail, approximately 1.3 miles from Phil's Trail Head.  Larry Rosenberg had just fallen off of his bike and landed on a rock.  It was reported that Rosenberg would need assistance getting back to the road so he could be attended to by Bend Fire Department.

Two DCSO Deputies responded to Rosenburg's location, while a call out was initiated for DCSO SAR Volunteers to respond.  The first deputy arrived at 12:55pm, with 13 DCSO SAR Volunteers arriving at 1:22pm with a wheeled litter.  It was determined Rosenberg could walk under his own power and he was assisted as he walked approximately 1/3 mile to Skyliners Rd via an alternate trail.  Rosenberg was turned over to Bend Fire personnel at approximately 2:10pm, who transported him to St. Charles Hospital in Bend for further treatment for non life threatening injuries.

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 ##

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense by recognizing signs of trouble. 

Indicators, or symptoms, that your computer or devices have been hacked can vary from nothing identifiable to the most obvious, like getting a ransomware message or having your financial accounts drained. 

Some of the more blatant indicators include:

• Your password not working. While this may be a temporary issue with an internet connection or a requested website having technical issues, it could be an instance in which an attacker has hijacked your account and changed the password. 

• People receive emails or social media invites from you that you did not send. 

• You get a large number of pop-up ads. 

• You get fake antivirus messages.

• You have unexplained online activity.

• You have new browser toolbars, applications, or software which you do not recognize or didn’t install. 

There are also indicators related to how your computer or device is behaving. For example: your device suddenly slows down, you see a marked increase in data usage, your device randomly restarts, or you are experiencing redirected Internet searches. 

Attackers will also use subtle ways to avoid detection. You may notice that your security or anti-virus software has somehow been turned off. The security settings on your device may have been changed, your logging or registry editor may have been disabled, or system settings may have been altered or disabled. 

Trying to identify if you have been hacked, and what may have been compromised, is a difficult task. Even large corporations with significant financial resources dedicated to cybersecurity fall victim. We hear or read about these incidents all of the time.

Organizations shouldn’t hesitate to hire professional cybersecurity experts, just as you would hire professional video services for an ad campaign or catering services for a fundraising event. Make sure you do your own research to identify a reputable firm. 

Strengthening your systems against attacks and making yourself less of a target for would-be cyber attackers is absolutely critical.  

As always, if you have been victimized by a cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov or call your local FBI office.

### 

On June 2, 2020, at approximately 9:58 A.M., a Trooper from the Central Point Area Command stopped a 2014 Nissan Sentra for Unlawful Lane Change and Failure to Drive with Lane, on Interstate 5 near milepost 36 northbound.  The Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity and a consent search of the vehicle was conducted.  The search of the vehicle revealed approximately 16.3 pounds of suspected heroin concealed in the gas tank of the vehicle. 

The driver was identified as Victor Aguilar (33) from Outlook, Washington.  Mr. Aguilar was lodged at the Jackson County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Heroin. 

The Oregon State Police was assisted by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations Medford Office. 

On June 4, 2020 at approximately 1:29 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 22 westbound near Highway 51, Polk County.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the black Nissan 300, operated by Ethan Rogers (21) of Rickreall, was traveling westbound on Hwy 22, when for unknown reasons went into the oncoming lane of a Chrysler Voyager operated by Derek Dornbros (40) of Willimina.

The passenger of Chrylser, Kimberly Johnson (41) of McMinnville, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.   Both drivers were transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries.

The highway was closed for approximately 4 hours following the crash. OSP was assisted by Polk County Sheriff's Office.

On Saturday, May 30, 2020 at approximately 1:33 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 90.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Buick Century, operated by Ruth Whittenberg (60) of Hammond, LA. was southbound when it crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a Toyota Tacoma operated by Lee Davis (27) of Tillamook.

Davis and passenger Nicole Gonzales (35) of Tillamook were transported to North Lincoln Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Whittenberg was transported by ambulance to Tillamook Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT, and Nestucca Rural Fire Department.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5 p.m. May 31, 2020

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power restoring power to Central Oregon customers after devastating windstorm
As of 5 pm 6,000 customers have been restored with 3,700 expected to be back in service by Monday morning

BEND ORE—Pacific Power crews have been at work repairing extensive damage since a destructive, fast-hitting windstorm slashed along the eastern slope of the Cascades the afternoon of May 30, . At peak, more than 10,000 customers were without power Saturday in the area, part of more 30,000 experiencing effects of the storm in both Oregon and Washington.

Downed trees and limbs strewn across a rugged landscape are complicating the work of more than 45 Pacific Power crew members and contractors working around the clock in the area on more than a dozen individual outages involving 36 downed poles.

Restoration work has been challenging due to the large number and geographically dispersed outages. Crews are making steady progress now and expect to continue to restore more customers into the evening.

As of 4 p.m., major outages were in:

• Prineville, 50 customers (projected restoration 9 p.m.)
• Madras & Warm Springs, 650 customer (projected restoration 10 p.m.)
• Culver & Metolious, 1,430 customers (projected restoration midnight)
• Crooked River Ranch, 1,620 customers (projected restoration midnight)

“With customers still contending with COVID-19, we know any additional strain needs to be minimized. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through this as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Matt Chancellor, Pacific Power’s regional business manager. “Crews are running into significant damage and in some places needing to clear roads before repair can begin.”

To assist crews in restoring power, Pacific Power reminds customers to follow these tips and safety precautions:

• Stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.
• Don’t drive over downed power lines.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those who may need special assistance, if you can do so safely.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. 
• If you are using alternate heat or cooking sources, remember to allow plenty of ventilation. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.
• If you are using a generator, make sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the generator is outside and not near any household air intakes. Do not connect the generator directly to your breaker box as this can create a dangerous situation for crews working on the powerlines. Instead plug essential appliances directly into the generator.

###

Portland, Oregon – The Bonneville Power Administration has released a comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan that lays out how it will keep its lines and other equipment from starting fires as well as how it will safely operate and communicate with first responders and others as wildfires burn near its equipment or rights of way.

"Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity," said Jeff Cook, BPA vice president of Transmission Planning and Asset Management. "This multi-pronged plan leverages our leading class vegetation management program and will help BPA consider wildfire mitigation in our asset planning strategy. The goal is not to have BPA equipment cause a wildfire and to continue to serve our customers safely and effectively when wildfires threaten BPA lines or substations."

The 2020 plan builds on and institutionalizes wildfire mitigation efforts BPA implemented in 2019. The plan addresses a simple industry standard equation: fire = fuel + ignition source. By appropriately managing brush, trees and other potential fuel sources around its transmission lines and substations, as well as by proactively monitoring, replacing and upgrading transmission line components such as insulators and other equipment that can be potential ignition sources when they fail, BPA believes this plan will mitigate the impact of wildfires on its system. In addition to its industry leading vegetation management practices, BPA crews routinely patrol lines to identify equipment that could possibly fail and start a wildfire. Issues identified during those patrols are repaired before wildfire season.

The plan goes beyond annual mitigation and applies risk management principles to analyze the criticality, health and risk of BPA assets as they relate to wildfires. The idea is that BPA can advance wildfire mitigation by considering hardware and equipment that performs better in fires. In this manner, BPA will consider replacing equipment in wildfire prone areas of its system sooner if it can further mitigation efforts.

"BPA is confident that our risk-informed methodology and focus on wildfire prevention will help us identify cost-effective and risk-based measures and deliver value to our customers," said Cook.

The plan also addresses how BPA will operate and communicate with other entities during wildfires. BPA crews and dispatchers who monitor the BPA transmission system in real-time work together to keep the lights on and protect first responders during wildfires.

"Bonneville crews and dispatchers have a lot of experience dealing with the challenges presented by wildfires that threaten BPA equipment, and work closely with first responders to protect safety around our lines," said Michelle Cathcart, vice president of BPA’s Transmission System Operations. "We don’t anticipate impacting customers by pre-emptively removing lines from service to prevent wildfires."

BPA’s wildfire mitigation plan is available at this link:https://www.bpa.gov/PublicInvolvement/Wildfire-Mitigation/Pages/Wildfire-Mitigation.aspx . 

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

###

BOISE, ID – As wildfire activity increases across the American West and Alaska, the Bureau of Land Management is responding. The BLM has mobilized wildland firefighters and aviation support to incidents in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and other states, with the goal of catching wildfires before they grow into large, problematic incidents.

“Every year, the BLM sends its wildland firefighters across borders for wildfire response, and this year is no different. We’ve planned carefully and strategically for wildfire suppression during the pandemic,” said BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs William Perry Pendley. “Now, we’re implementing safe, efficient fire suppression operations with our firefighters working as ‘family units’ to protect people, property and themselves.”

The BLM has sent smokejumpers to Colorado, Nevada, and Utah to respond to wildfires, and wildland firefighters in New Mexico and Arizona have responded to several incidents. Wildland fire engines have been sent from Montana to help suppress wildfires in Arizona, and BLM aviation resources are moving throughout the country to locations like Lake City, Florida and as far north as Fairbanks, Alaska.  

These efforts are part of a larger national wildfire reduction strategy guided by President Trump’s Executive Order 13855 – Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk, as well as Secretary’s Order 3372 – Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land through Active Management. The two orders direct Department of the Interior (DOI) to implement policies to improve forest and rangeland management practices by reducing hazardous fuel loads, mitigating fire risk and ensuring the safety and stability of local communities through active management on forests and rangelands.

Every year, the BLM works with its Federal, state, and local partners to suppress wildfires as soon as they ignite, a tactic known as “initial attack”. Aggressive initial attack is the single most important method to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public; it also limits suppression costs. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the wildland fire agencies will continue to work to suppress wildfires with the goal of reducing wildfire size and intensity. 

The BLM prepared for fire activity by working with its federal, state and local partners to develop specific COVID-19 wildfire response plans to provide for personnel and public safety. These plans outline best management practices to limit the spread of the virus and to provide a safe working environment for all wildland fire personnel.

“Overall, the BLM will use its wildfire response plans to ensure safe, efficient wildfire suppression operations during the pandemic,” said Pendley. “We will continue to send wildfire suppression resources wherever they are needed, because that is what our neighbors, stakeholders, and rural communities expect from the BLM, COVID-19 notwithstanding.” 

-BLM–

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon man pleaded guilty today for placing a hoax bomb at the Deschutes County Courthouse on July 29, 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Jonathan Tyler Allen, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiring to use a telephone to make a threat to destroy a building with an explosive.

            According to court documents, on or about July 28 to July 29, 2019, Allen and co-conspirator Kellie Cameron, 31, also of Bend, conspired with one another to shut down the Deschutes County Courthouse in Bend by planting a fake bomb and calling in a bomb threat. Around the same time, Cameron constructed a fake bomb using batteries, wiring, a circuit board, and a fuel filter, among other materials.

            On July 29, 2019, Allen and Cameron drove to the courthouse and placed the hoax device on a ramp near the building. At approximately 7:18am the same day, Cameron, who was with Allen, used a cell phone to call 911. He told the operator, “I just want to let you know that there are two bombs, one’s in the courthouse and good luck finding the other one.” Less than an hour later, with Allen again present, Cameron called 911 a second time to repeat his threat. Allen later threw one of the phones used into a canal to avoid being caught.

            On August 7, 2019, Allen and Cameron were charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to make a threat regarding explosive materials and conveying false information and hoaxes.

Allen faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on September 6, 2020 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will recommend Allen be sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.

Cameron made his first appearance in federal court on August 21, 2019. He entered a not guilty plea and was detained pending trial. Judge McShane continued the detention order pending sentencing.

            This case was investigated by the FBI, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Bend Police Department and is being prosecuted by Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

            PORTLAND, Ore.—A serial bank robber with three prior bank robbery convictions was sentenced today to federal prison after robbing three additional Pacific Northwest banks and making threats by mail.

Stanley Carl Green, 57, transient, and formerly a resident of Washington state, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. United States District Court Judge Ann Aiken also ordered Green to pay $11,570 in restitution.

            According to court documents, in December 2015, while on escape status from supervision, Green robbed a Federal Savings Bank in Olympia, Washington of $4,897. He was arrested for the robbery six months later and charged in Thurston County, Washington. Released on bond, Green again fled and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

            In November 2017, Green mailed threatening letters to two people who had restraining orders against him.

            In December 2017, Green robbed a Rogue Federal Credit Union in Port Orford, Oregon. With his face partially masked by a towel, Green brandished a box cutter and ordered the bank tellers to kneel on the floor. He fled with $3,833.

            Later the same month, Green robbed a Columbia Bank in Waldport, Oregon. His face was again partially covered and he brandished and displayed to the tellers what appeared to be a handgun. Green fled with $2,840.

            On January 17, 2018, investigators located and arrested Green at a campground in Curry County, Oregon. They seized $848 and BB ammunition. Green admitted to the three robberies and a fourth in Salem, Oregon. He told investigators that the gun used in the Waldport robbery was a BB gun he purchased at Walmart.

On November 27, 2018, Green pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and two counts of armed bank robbery. Prior to being sentenced today, Green pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure.

            This case was investigated by FBI, USMS, Port Orford Police Department, Bandon Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Tumwater Police Department and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Jeffrey Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and the Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office and the Curry County District Attorney’s Office.

            The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

EUGENE, Ore.—A Florida man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to federal supervised release today for falsely claiming to represent The Village People band and swindling $12,500 from The Mill Casino in North Bend, Oregon, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Howard Harlib, 67, was sentenced to time served in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Harlib has been in state custody in Florida since 2016 after being convicted of unrelated charges.

According to court documents, in August 2015, The Mill Casino, owned and operated by the Coquille Indian Tribe, received a flier from Harlib advertising the opportunity to book The Village People for a show at the casino. Casino employees contacted Harlib, who spoke with them about dates, pricing, and other matters involved in the booking. The same day, Harlib sent the casino a brochure with information about his company, Premier Entertainment. Harlib claimed the band had a show in Las Vegas, Nevada the night before one of the dates discussed with the casino and, therefore, traveling to North Bend would not be an issue.

Later, Harlib emailed the casino an artistic engagement contract, which the casino signed and returned to Harlib with a check for $12,500. Harlib cashed the check two days later. In January 2016, the casino discovered that The Village People were scheduled to appear in Florida the same day they were booked to play in North Bend. After having difficulty reaching Harlib, the casino contacted another representative of the band. The representative confirmed that Harlib did not have any association with the band. Harlib later admitted he had no authority to book the band.

Harlib’s history of frauds and swindles dates back decades, to at least 1992. In 2004, he was convicted of third degree grand theft in Florida for the same exact scheme: contracting with two victims to have The Temptations, The Supremes, and Jimmie Walker perform at their venues. After spending five years in prison for that conviction, Harlib spent another five years in prison for impersonating a doctor and possessing a variety of prescription medications.

On April 29, 2019, Harlib was charged by federal criminal information with one count of wire fraud. He pleaded guilty today to the same charge.

During his sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Ann L. Aiken ordered Harlib to pay $12,500 in restitution to the Coquille Indian Tribe.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

# # #

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of its 397th Basic Police Class.

The Basic Police Class is 16-weeks in length and includes dozens of training areas including survival skills, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, ethics, cultural diversity, problem solving, community policing, elder abuse, drug recognition, and dozens of other subjects.

Basic Police Class 397 will graduate during a private ceremony at the Oregon Public Safety Academy at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE in Salem, Oregon on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, while open for business, is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 health crisis and will not hold a public graduation ceremony but would like to congratulate these men and women from diverse backgrounds entering the law enforcement profession.

Graduating members of BP397:

Police Officer Tracy Alioth   

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Ivan Alvarez   

Portland Police Bureau

Trooper Aaron Barichio         

Oregon State Police

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Barnes  

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Darrin Breshears       

Linn County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Cotter Butler   

Umatilla Police Department

Police Officer Antonea Carson          

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer David Coan    

Oregon City Police Department

Police Officer Derrick Daley 

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Miguel Diaz   

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Brian DiCarlo 

Portland Police Bureau

Deputy Sheriff Katheryn Fowlds      

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Kayla Franck 

Gilliam County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Andrew Franklin       

Yamhill County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Jonah Gellman

Portland Police Bureau

Deputy Sheriff Maria Gray    

Klamath County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Dustin Kittel   

Newport Police Department

Deputy Sheriff Todd Lake     

Gilliam County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Jason Lasota   

Medford Police Department

Police Officer Davor Lukic   

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Daniel McEvoy          

Corvallis Police Department

Police Officer Preston Neumann       

Woodburn Police Department

Police Officer Sean Nieto      

Newport Police Department

Police Officer Cooper Noack

Keizer Police Department

Police Officer Emma Paranto

Sunriver Police Department

Police Officer Justin Prevo    

Baker City Police Department

Police Officer Daniel Reynolds         

Stayton Police Department

Deputy Sheriff Jared Riehl    

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Harrison Ross

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Michael Sanchez        

Grants Pass Dept of Public Safety

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Schwab         

Marion County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer JuliAnna Scusa           

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Austin Shouman         

Portland Police Bureau

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Skeels

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Michael Smith

Portland Police Bureau

Deputy Sheriff Michael Thran           

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Kenneth Wigham       

Toledo Police Department

Police Officer David Wohlers

Canby Police Department

## 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 Patricia Patrick-Joling, public citizen representative, 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.

EMBARGO UNTIL: June 3, 2020, 10 a.m.

Salem, OR – Today the Oregon Secretary of State released an audit report of the statewide childcare background check practices. The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), Background Check Unit (BCU) and the Office of Child Care (OCC) screen the backgrounds of thousands of childcare providers who participate in the Employment-Related Day Care subsidy program.

DHS agrees with and is moving forward on implementing most of the audit’s recommendations.

“DHS thanks the Audits Division for the opportunity to rigorously explore its background check systems, and for the advocacy in improving those systems and cross-agency communication,” said Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “Our background check system is critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in care, and there are many opportunities for improvement, as identified in the audit.”

The BCU and OCC screening process includes a thorough fitness determination of potential childcare providers that fully complies with federal and state statutes and is directly supported by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance. This fitness determination includes a consideration of all factors that could have an impact on child safety, as well as the employment rights of applicants and the value of lived experience. Among the many factors that are considered are evidence of rehabilitation and the passage of time since the crime or area of concern.

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Salem – Oregon OSHA has launched a free educational video to help employers and workers understand the requirements of a temporary rule that strengthens protections against the spread of the coronavirus in employer-provided housing and labor-intensive farm operations.

The 12-minute video – available in both English and Spanish – uses engaging graphics and concise narration to give an overview of the rule’s three key parts: field sanitation, labor housing, and transportation.

“This is a challenging time for employers and workers who operate in this industry and during this emergency,” said Roy Kroker, consultation and public education manager for Oregon OSHA. “That is why we created this video, which is part of our larger and ongoing educational efforts to help them understand the requirements of this rule.”

The video’s topics include the appointment of physical distancing officers and other rule changes in field sanitation and housing operations. It also addresses requirements in transportation.

The video is intended to supplement – not replace – a careful reading of the rule. The rule stems from a March 20 request to immediately adopt requirements related to such housing and operations. Instead, Oregon OSHA treated the request as a petition for rulemaking and put it on a faster evaluation track than normal. The division reviewed more than 120 comments as part of the public process.

The division delayed enforcement of the rule, most of which took effect May 11, until June 1 in response to requests from employers for more time to comply. The rule will remain in effect until no later than Oct. 24, 2020.

Learn more about the rule online or call 503-378-3272.

Learn about Oregon OSHA’s additional education and training services. Find out about the division’s virtual consultation services specific to COVID-19.

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Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit osha.oregon.gov.

The DOGAMI House Bill 2202 (2013) Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) will be considering new rules for aggregate mining on high value farm soils on Thursday, June 11, 9-11 a.m. The meeting will be conducted via a web meeting application. Note that interested members of the public can listen in to this meeting but will not be allowed to contribute to the RAC discussions. The public comment period for the proposed rule will be scheduled at the end of the RAC process via Notice from the office of the Oregon Secretary of State. To listen in on the meeting please contact Becky Johnson at (541) 967-2083 or mlrr.info@oregon.gov for web meeting information. You may also sign up for the DOGAMIrulemaking listserv on our web site at: https://www.oregongeology.org.

House Bill 2202 (HB 2202) was passed in the 2013 legislative session and resulted in ORS 517.825, which became effective on August 1, 2013.

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SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet by teleconference on Tuesday, June 9 at 10 a.m. Agenda items include:

• An annual Common School Fund performance review by Oregon State Treasury
• An annual report on the financial performance of Common School Fund lands managed by the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL)
• The DSL 2021-23 budget request
• The Oregon Department of Forestry’s 2021-23 budget request for management of Common School Fund forestland
• A request from Coos County for two permanent easements to maintain bridge crossings on Bear Creek
   

The full meeting agenda and materials are available here.

Teleconference audio will be livestreamed to the DSL YouTube channel and public testimony will be accepted by email to support the public’s ability to attend and comment virtually. Testimony is accepted regarding consent and action agenda items and may be submitted before or during the meeting to oard.testimony@state.or.us">landboard.testimony@state.or.us. Guidelines for providing testimony are available here.

If you need assistance to participate in the meeting due to a disability, please notify Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or in.n.smith@state.or.us">arin.n.smith@state.or.us at least two working days prior to the meeting.

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Bev Clarno and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

Public hearing to be held via Zoom on June 16, public comment period open until July 1

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Ocean Science Trust would be able to partner with private nonprofits for fundraising purposes under new proposed rules. 

The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) is seeking public comment on rules resulting from the Oregon Legislature’s 2019 passage of Senate Bill 753. The rules aim to clarify the Trust’s role and responsibility in granting and distributing funds for ocean science research.

Temporary rules are currently in place and will expire on August 27, 2020.

Public comment sought via Zoom hearing, written comments
A public hearing on the proposed rules will be held June 16, 2020, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit the DSL website for hearing details, to request the meeting link, or to review the draft rules.

The public comment period will be open until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Comments must be received by this date and time to be considered. Written comments may be submitted on the DSL website by online form, by email to ules@dsl.state.or.us">rules@dsl.state.or.us, or by mail to DSL Rules Coordinator, 775 Summer St. NE, Suite 100, Salem, Oregon 97301.

Once the public comment period closes, DSL will consider any comments received and revise the rule draft as needed. The earliest the permanent rules would go into effect is August 1, 2020.

About the Oregon Ocean Science Trust: In establishing the Oregon Ocean Science Trust, the 2013 Legislature created an opportunity for Oregon to understand how our ocean is changing, and take action to ensure a thriving coastal environment and economy for future generations.  The Oregon Department of State Lands is responsible for providing administrative support to the Trust.

WHO:              David Gerstenfeld, Acting Director, Oregon Employment Department

WHAT:            Acting Employment Department Director David Gerstenfeld will hold his first media briefing as the new leader of the organization on Wed., June 3 at 1:00 p.m. via teleconference. Gerstenfeld will share his vision for ensuring every Oregonian who qualifies for unemployment is able to get their payments, as well as urgent steps being taken to significantly increase claims processing and to improve communications with Oregonians whose claims are outstanding. He will also share new data of the number of claims processed to date, the number of outstanding claims and other helpful data.

WHEN:            Wed., June 3, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PT

WHERE:         Via teleconference; Members of the media must RSVP for call-in information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 12:00 p.m. PT on June 3; Teleconference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP to participate remotely; Headshot of David Gerstenfeld available here.

                                                                                      ###

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

June 5, 2020

Oregon reports 97 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 161, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 97 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 4,570.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (5), Clackamas (6), Deschutes (1), Douglas (1), Hood River (9), Jefferson (9), Klamath (1), Lincoln (4), Linn (3), Malheur (1), Marion (17), Multnomah (12), Umatilla (1), Wasco (3), Washington (20), Yamhill (4).

Oregon’s 160th COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old man in Multnomah County, who tested positive on April 29 and died June 3, at the Portland VA Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 161st COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old woman in Marion County, who tested positive on May 31 and died June 3, at Salem Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

Notes:

• One case previously reported in Crook County was determined not to be a case. The county case count has been appropriately adjusted.
• One case previously reported in Deschutes County was determined not to be a case. The county case count has been appropriately adjusted.

Daily case count is higher

Today’s COVID-19 case count marked the third highest daily count since the onset of the pandemic in Oregon with 97 presumptive and confirmed cases reported to OHA. That brings the total for the past three days to 238 reported cases.

The higher numbers are tied to several factors including the availability of more widespread testing, increased contact tracing, and active monitoring of close contacts of cases. There has been an increase in the number of household cases associated with a confirmed case.

Workplace outbreaks are another source of the higher numbers. Many of these are seasonal facilities and many are following public health recommendations by offering testing to their employees.

Although the numbers are higher, the overall rate of infection remains among the lowest in the U.S.

But higher case counts serve as a reminder that Oregonians need to continue to maintain physical distancing, wear face coverings where physical distancing cannot be maintained, avoid large gatherings, and follow good hand hygiene.

OHA to institute weekend reporting changes to COVID-19 daily update

Beginning this weekend, Saturday, June 6, OHA will no longer include a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The updates will be published Mondays through Fridays.

Relevant data collected during the weekends will be included in each Monday’s update. The daily news release for weekend days also will no longer include the county case count of new confirmed or presumed COVID-19 cases.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

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

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

# # #

June 4, 2020

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

Oregon reports 76 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, no new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 159, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 76 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 4,474.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (9), Coos (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (5), Jackson (1), Jefferson (1), Lane (3), Lincoln (5), Linn (2), Marion (12), Multnomah (30), Umatilla (1), Wasco (1), Washington (3), Yamhill (1).

Notes:

• One case previously reported in Polk County was determined not to be a case; the county case count has been adjusted to reflect this.

Active workplace outbreak reported

An outbreak of five cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Amazon Aumsville in Marion County. The investigation started on May 21.

State and county public health officials are working with the business to address the outbreak and protect the health of workers. The risk to the general public from this outbreak is considered low.

People who have symptoms of COVID-19 or concerns about risk of exposure, should contact their health care provider.

Additional information for this outbreak will be added to the COVID-19 Weekly Report for Wednesday, June 10. In that weekly report and going forward, OHA will disclose workplaces that have reported past outbreaks of COVID-19, along with all active outbreaks. OHA published the first list of workplaces in the June 3 weekly report.

OHA to institute weekend reporting changes to COVID-19 Daily Update

Also beginning this weekend, Saturday, June 6, OHA will no longer include a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The updates will be published Mondays through Fridays.

Relevant data collected during the weekends will be included in each Monday’s update. The daily news release for weekend days also will no longer include the county case count of new confirmed or presumed COVID-19 cases.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

June 3, 2020

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

Oregon reports 65 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 159, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 65 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 4,399. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (7), Deschutes (1), Douglas (1), Hood River (6), Jackson (1), Jefferson (1), Lincoln (1), Linn (1), Marion (18), Multnomah (13), Polk (1), Umatilla (2), Wasco (2), Washington (5), Yamhill (4).

Oregon’s 158th COVID-19 death is a 68-year-old male in Clackamas County, who tested positive on May 21 and died on June 2 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 159th COVID-19 death is a 60-year-old male in Multnomah County, who tested positive on April 17 and died on May 30 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Notes:

• Due to data reconciliation, one case originally reported as hospitalized in the 40–49 age group was determined not to have been hospitalized.
• One case previously reported in Josephine County was determined not to be a case; the county case count has been adjusted to reflect this.

OHA Posts Weekly Report; Now Includes Active Workplace Outbreaks

OHA today released its COVID-19 Weekly Report, which includes data about the pandemic in Oregon. This week’s report shows increased testing and a continued low percentage positive rate (1.9 percent).

Of note in today’s report is the inclusion of COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces of more than 30 employees with five or more reported cases. This is being done to keep the public fully informed about COVID-19 in the community.

The number of cases cited in a workplace outbreak will include cases among employees as well as cases among close contacts of employee cases, such as family members, customers and visitors. An active outbreak means that fewer than 28 days have passed since the onset of the most recent case. State and local health officials work intensively with workplaces to help them take steps that protect the health and safety of workers and the public.

Identification of an outbreak in a workplace does not imply a general risk either to all the employees there, or to the customers. When an outbreak is reported or discovered, public health officials investigate to determine who has been exposed and notify those persons directly. Such persons are generally quarantined for 14 days following exposure.

In the June 10 Weekly Report, past COVID-19 outbreaks – those considered closed – will be published. OHA is in the process of compiling those data.

Oregonians encouraged to “Answer the Call” to stop the spread of COVID-19

As Oregon begins to reopen, one key strategy to help stop the spread of COVID-19 is contact tracing. Contact tracers call people who may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 to provide them with guidance and support and help prevent further spread of the virus. OHA is working closely with local public and Tribal health departments on a statewide coordinated contact tracing effort.

To demystify the process of contact tracing, OHA has developed a webpage with downloadable resources, videos and social media cards. Oregonians can learn more about who will get a contact tracing call, what happens on a contact tracing call and how their privacy will be protected.

If you get a call from a contact tracer, we encourage you to answer the call. Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19.

Go to: healthoregon.org/contacttracing or healthoregon.org/rastreodecontacto to learn more and download resources.

OHA is now including a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The Daily Update is a detailed look at COVID-19 in Oregon, including testing data, hospital capacity, and cases broken down by demographic information such as age groups, gender, race and ethnicity.

To see more case and county-level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

June 2, 2020

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

Oregon reports 33 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 157, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 33 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 4,335. The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (1), Hood River (4), Lincoln (2), Linn (1), Marion (8), Multnomah (10), Umatilla (1), Wasco (2), Washington (4).

Oregon’s 155th COVID-19 death is a 36-year-old woman in Multnomah County, who tested positive on May 31 and died the same day at Adventist Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 156th COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old woman in Multnomah County, who tested positive on April 1 and died on May 22 at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 157th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman in Washington County, who tested positive on April 6 and died on May 26 at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Outbreak Reported at Bob’s Red Mill

An outbreak of 13 COVID-19 cases has been reported at Bob’s Red Mill in Clackamas County. State and county public health officials are working to investigate the outbreak and protect the health of workers. The outbreak investigation started on May 27.

The risk to the general public from this outbreak is low. If you have questions or concerns about your risk of exposure, please contact your health care provider.

Additional information about this outbreak will be added to the COVID-19 Weekly Report published tomorrow.

Last week, OHA announced that it will begin reporting large COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces. This will include all past and future outbreaks that involve five or more COVID-19 cases in a workplace setting. OHA is in the process of compiling information on past outbreaks for public disclosure.

OHA is now including a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The Daily Update is a detailed look at COVID-19 in Oregon, including testing data, hospital capacity, and cases broken down by demographic information such as age groups, gender, race and ethnicity.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

June 1, 2020

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

Oregon reports 59 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 154, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 59 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 4,302.

The new confirmed and presumptive cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (5), Deschutes (2), Jackson (1), Jefferson (11), Josephine (1), Lane (4), Lincoln (3), Linn (2), Marion (13), Morrow (1), Multnomah (6), Polk (2), Umatilla (4), Washington (4).

Oregon’s 154th COVID-19 death is a 59-year-old man in Marion County, who tested positive on May 29 and died the same day at Salem Hospital. He had underlying medical conditions.

Last week, OHA previously announced that it will begin reporting large COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces. This will include all past and future outbreaks that involve five or more COVID-19 cases in a workplace setting. OHA is in the process of compiling information on past outbreaks for public disclosure.

OHA is now including a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The Daily Update is a detailed look at COVID-19 in Oregon, including testing data, hospital capacity, and cases broken down by demographic information such as age groups, gender, race and ethnicity.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 153, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 58 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 4,243.

The new confirmed and presumptive cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (6), Deschutes (1), Hood River (2), Jackson (1), Jefferson (3), Lane (4), Marion (11), Multnomah (23), Wasco (1), Washington (5), Yamhill (1).

The Oregon Health Authority is now including a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The Daily Update is a detailed look at COVID-19 in Oregon, including testing data, hospital capacity, and cases broken down by demographic information such as age groups, gender, race and ethnicity.

OHA last week announced that it will begin reporting large COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces. This will include all past and future outbreaks that involve five or more cases in a workplace setting. OHA is in the process of compiling information on past outbreaks.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

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

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

June 3, 2020 – Salem, Ore. – When Sabrina Welch gets off work at the Chevron on 170th in Aloha, she likes to buy a few Scratch-its to take home with her. One of her favorite ways to pick which Scratch-its she buys is to use the age-old method of choosing… Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

“I was deciding which games to play and was going ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe,’” said Sabrina. “My co-worker behind the counter pointed to the Casino Royale Scratch-it and said, ‘Pick this one!’ So, I did.”

After taking her tickets home and scratching them, she soon discovered she had chosen the right ticket when her Casino Royale ticket revealed she had won the game’s $50,000 top prize! “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I showed my son and asked him what he thought, and he agreed with me. I ended up taking the ticket back to work and used the Lottery ticket scanner and it said I’d won $50,000!”

To protect the health and safety of its employees and the public, the Oregon Lottery has temporarily closed the Salem and Wilsonville Lottery offices. Officials with the Lottery continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. If players have a winning ticket, they can fill out a claim form on the Oregon Lottery website, https://oregonlottery.org/about/claim-prizes , and then mail in the signed ticket and claim form.

Players who have winning tickets of $50,000 or more, will need to make an appointment to come to the Oregon Lottery office in Salem. Call 503-540-1000 for assistance. As always, players should be certain to sign the back of their tickets.

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.

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

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June 3, 2020 – Salem, Ore. – When Sabrina Welch gets off work at the Chevron on 170th in Aloha, she likes to buy a few Scratch-its to take home with her. One of her favorite ways to pick which Scratch-its she buys is to use the age-old method of choosing… Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

“I was deciding which games to play and was going ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe,’” said Sabrina. “My co-worker behind the counter pointed to the Casino Royale Scratch-it and said, ‘Pick this one!’ So, I did.”

After taking her tickets home and scratching them, she soon discovered she had chosen the right ticket when her Casino Royale ticket revealed she had won the game’s $50,000 top prize! “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I showed my son and asked him what he thought, and he agreed with me. I ended up taking the ticket back to work and used the Lottery ticket scanner and it said I’d won $50,000!”

To protect the health and safety of its employees and the public, the Oregon Lottery has temporarily closed the Salem and Wilsonville Lottery offices. Officials with the Lottery continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. If players have a winning ticket, they can fill out a claim form on the Oregon Lottery website, https://oregonlottery.org/about/claim-prizes , and then mail in the signed ticket and claim form.

Players who have winning tickets of $50,000 or more, will need to make an appointment to come to the Oregon Lottery office in Salem. Call 503-540-1000 for assistance. As always, players should be certain to sign the back of their tickets.

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.

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

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June 1, 2020 – Salem, Ore. – Peter Malone of Portland will always like Season 2 of the Blacklist on Netflix. He and his wife were watching that show when they played an Oregon Lottery Scratch-it and realized they’d won $200,000.

“I buy the tickets and then she plays them,” Malone said. “We were watching this show and she plays it and said she thought she won $200. She didn’t have her glasses on, then she thought we won $2,000. When I looked at it, I was pretty sure we’d won $200,000!”

Malone purchased the $20 Triple Golden Cherries Scratch-it at the Milwaukie Safeway while getting groceries. Malone said he downloaded the Oregon Lottery mobile app to check the ticket to make absolutely sure he won.

“It started flashing lights and said we were winners!” he said. “That’s when we realized it was real.”

Malone said the couple were looking for their first house, and with the prize they are going to be able to have enough for a down payment without having to pay mortgage insurance.

To protect the health and safety of its employees and the public, the Oregon Lottery has temporarily closed the Salem and Wilsonville Lottery offices. Officials with the Lottery continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. If players have a winning ticket, they can fill out a claim form on the Oregon Lottery website, https://oregonlottery.org/about/claim-prizes , and then mail in the signed ticket and claim form.

Players who have winning tickets of $50,000 or more, will need to make an appointment to come to the Oregon Lottery office in Salem. Call 503-540-1000 for assistance. As always, players should be certain to sign the back of their tickets.

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.

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

Grant applications are being accepted through July 1, 2020, for the 2019-2021 Cycle Two funding from the Marine Board. Grants are available to public bodies such as cities, counties, state and federal agencies, and Tribal governments for recreational boating facility improvements. All of the above parties, in addition to non-profit, non-governmental, and private entities are encouraged to apply for boating safety, education, equipment for underserved communities. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to partner with new parties to address waterway access needs for all recreational boaters,” said Janine Belleque, Boating Facilities Manager for the Marine Board. “It’s also exciting to be able to compliment access improvements with boating safety education grant dollars in underserved communities that enhance water recreation opportunities.”

In 2019, SB 47 was passed by the Oregon Legislature, creating an account for boating facility grants for the development or improvement of non-motorized boating access sites, or for boating safety education programs in underserved communities. Revenue for the grants comes from Waterway Access Permit sales, which are required to be purchased and carried on board non-motorized boats 10’ long and longer (including some sailboats). The Marine Board approved new grant rules during their June 2020, meeting, integrating the Waterway Access grant application and scoring criteria into the now 50-year old boating facility grant program in the agency. This simplifies the process for applicants: one application for five competitive grant funding sources. Roughly $250,000 is available in Waterway Access grants and $500,000 of other Boating Facility grants are available for eligible applicants.   

Boating facility grant applications are awarded three times during a two-year biennium based on available funding. The Cycle Two funding allocates 20% of the available boating facilities resources and focuses on projects that can be completed within 12 months remaining in the biennium.  This includes property acquisition, construction within the in-water windows, and permitting for replacing boat ramps, boarding docks, repaving, or redesigning parking lots or sanitation renovations.  The Marine Board’s Boating Facility staff provide technical assistance to grant applicants through every step of the project concept, design/engineering, permitting, surveying, and inspections of any given project, often saving time and money for the facility provider.

Cycle Three allocates 10% of the available funding to factor in previously awarded grants with unexpected cost increases, or emergency situations. This funding cycle is dependent upon the successful completion of other projects and available revenue.

The Marine Board awards more than $5 million biennially for boating facility improvements.  Since 2001, the agency has awarded $44 million in facility grants throughout Oregon. These grants are funded from motorboat title and registration fees, marine fuel tax revenue, and in 2020, Waterway Access Permit fees. 

More information on Waterway Access Permits and examples of facility projects are available at www.boatoregon.com.  

Grant applications, a boating facilities procedures guide, and sample application are also available on the agency’s website.

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

As Oregon heads into the 2020 wildfire season, there are actions each of us can do to prepare ourselves, our families and our homes. 

Preparing your family in advance of an emergency is important.  Oregon Office of Emergency Management encourages individuals and families to be 2 Weeks Ready - a tangible action that creates self-sufficiency for at least 14 days in the midst or in the aftermath of an emergency or disaster. Have a “go kit,” make an action plan and communicate the plan with your family.  

In addition, be familiar with “Ready, Set, Go” emergency evacuation levels and sign up for emergency alerts in your county to receive evacuation notifications. 

“We can all do our part when it comes to prevention and knowing what to do when wildfire threatens our home and our community,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “In spite of the countless ways COVID-19 has changed our lives, these steps can help heighten levels of certainty and empowerment when it comes to personal safety. 

The statewide evacuation system is used to notify communities facing a threat, or potential threat, to lives and property. Evacuation levels are as follows:

• Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, and in some cases, pets and livestock. 

• Level 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. You should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice as this level indicates there is significant danger to your area. Residents should be prepared to voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. Residents may have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.

• Level 3 Evacuation means “GO.” Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent. If you choose to ignore this advisement, emergency services may not be available to assist you further. Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.

Each year, OEM partners with the Department of Forestry, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Keep Oregon Green and other state agencies to promote wildfire awareness and preparedness. For more information on how to be 2 Weeks Ready, or other personal preparedness resources, visit www.oregon.gov/oem/2WeeksReady.

# # #

State Parks Day is Saturday, June 6 and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites visitors to their local state park for a day of free camping and parking.

Overnight camping is free at all tent and RV sites in open state park campgrounds for stays over the night of June 6. Day-use parking is free June 6 at the 25 parks that charge a day-use fee.

“State Parks Day is our annual ‘thank you’ to Oregonians for supporting their state parks,” said Lisa Sumption, OPRD director. “2020 has been a difficult year for many people, and we’re proud to be able to provide safe natural places for folks to de-stress and enjoy the outdoors.”

State Parks Day is organized by OPRD and has been held annually since 1997. In the past, State Parks Day included guided hikes, interagency activities with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Lottery, free food and interpretation activities. 

Reduced staff, budget and resources keep the agency from hosting events this year. COVID-19 precautions also limit interactive opportunities but the public is still encouraged to visit a state park local to them and enjoy the outdoors.

The majority of state park campgrounds still remain closed until June 9; however, a few are currently open to first-come, first-served guests:

• Goose Lake, south of Lakeview
• Jackson Kimball, northwest of Chiloquin
• Minam, north of La Grande
• Hilgard Junction, near La Grande
• Catherine Creek, near Union
• Clyde Holliday, near John Day
• Cottonwood Canyon, southeast of The Dalles
• More campgrounds could be added before June 6, please check online at stateparks.oregon.gov

Campers should expect reduced levels of service at the campgrounds, including fewer staff and limited access to facilities.

Oregon State Parks do not receive tax dollars and are primarily funded by Oregon Lottery revenue and user fees. Learn more on stateparks.oregon.gov.

News release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release date: June 2, 2020
Media contact: Chris Havel, 503-986-0722 (desk), 503-931-2590 (cell)

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department restores some services, facing layoffs following drop in revenue

Salem, Ore – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will face months, even years, of critical challenges due to the economic fallout from COVID-19. The agency does not receive state General Fund tax dollars to operate any service, including its popular, heavily visited state park system. A decline in its main revenue sources – Lottery Fund and park visitors – has left it offering reduced services and facing layoffs to fill an estimated $22 million dollar gap in its July 2019-June 2021 budget.

OPRD’s budget is 44% Lottery Fund dedicated by Oregon voters in 1999 and 2010; 50% “Other Fund” from park visitors, a portion of recreational vehicle registrations, and other sources; and 6% Federal Fund, mainly for heritage-related programs. The projected Lottery Fund allocation is down 30% from pre-coronavirus estimates. The state park system was closed for two months, and is just now starting to offer limited services to campers.

When it became clear in spring that revenues were going to be unstable, OPRD froze hiring, curtailed discretionary spending, and suspended large improvement and repair projects and other programs such as grants.  The current estimated $22 million gap could grow or shrink, but it has necessitated the decision to lay off 47 positions by June 30. The number of positions laid off could change. State park field operations have borne the lion’s share of the workforce reduction already. Most of the state park workforce is hired seasonally, and of the 415 positions allotted to operate parks, only 77 had been hired by the time the system closed in March. Some seasonal staff may be hired on a case-by-case basis to flesh out the current skeleton crew. The upcoming reductions will focus on other areas of the department.

Some state park camping has started at smaller parks, and more will begin June 9 (see May 29 news release). Typical services such as trash collection, restrooms, and showers are limited, both due to their expense and the limited staffing. Fewer staff and funds are available for landscape maintenance and cleanup, a point driven home by storm damage in central Oregon this past weekend.

Given the uncertainties of staffing and public health considerations reservation services will resume, but in a likewise limited manner. Reservations will be accepted online at https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ and by phone at 800-452-5687, beginning Wednesday, June 3 at noon Pacific time. New reservations will be accepted one day to two weeks in advance only, instead of one day to 9 months in advance, which had been in place for years. Not all sites at all parks are available, and many were already reserved before the system closed. No walk-in or first-come, first-served camping will be available on the coast until further notice. For more information on camping reservations, visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov

Visitors can help by treating park properties gently, using as little water and power as necessary, and packing out trash.

“This is a heartbreaking time for our agency family, both for those who face a heavy workload as we roll into summer and for the dedicated professionals we have to release from service,” says Lisa Sumption, OPRD Director. “We’ll do everything we can to help them land on their feet. With support from Oregonians, the agency will rise to this challenge and adapt.”

# # #

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene via conference call for their third meeting of the year June 16 and 17.

Commissioners will meet 1 – 2:30 p.m. June 16 for a work session which is closed to the public.

Commissioners will meet 8:30 - 9 a.m. June 17 for an executive session to discuss acquisition priorities and opportunities, and potential litigation. Executive sessions are closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Members of the public will be able to listen to this call; instructions on how to join the call (Zoom meeting) will be available online prior to the meeting on the commission webpage on oregon.gov/oprd.

Notable requests on the business meeting agenda:

Land parcel transfer to Wallowa County
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking approval to transfer ownership of an undeveloped 35-acre land parcel to Wallowa County. County ownership of the parcel would allow for more consistent management, and include it in future public access plans for the area in accordance with the East Moraine project.

Approve funding for Land and Water Conservation Fund applicants
An agency committee is recommending 12 applicants receive federal grant funding for the 2020 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant cycle. If approved, awarded federal funds would total about $5 million.

State park development

• Adopt the updated master plan for Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint.
• Approve request to designate 236 acres of private land around Horseshoe Lake under the Oregon Natural Areas Plan.

Amend rules governing state administration of the National Register of Historic Places Program
OPRD is requesting permission to amend the Oregon Administrative Rules governing the historic register program to clarify language and streamline the process for program applicants. 

The full draft agenda and meeting packet are posted on the commission webpage on oregon.gov/oprd.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules, and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.

News release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release date: June 1, 2020

Media contact: Chris Havel, 503-931-2590

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department stands against racism; protests continue at State Capitol State Park

Salem, Ore – In troubling times, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reminds every Oregonian that all people are welcome at a state park.

“There is no place for racism in any Oregon State Park,” says Lisa Sumption, OPRD Director. “Period.”

At 6 p.m. Monday, June 1, the State Capitol State Park in Salem, often used as a venue for demonstrations and a platform to address the state seat of political power, will be the site of protests related to the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.

# # #

NOTICE OF WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JUNE 2ND, 2020 @ 6:30 p.m.

1-346-248-7799 passcode 638792021# and via Zoom at

 28TUhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/638792021

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

Summary: Policyholders will receive their dividend in October.

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Today, SAIF declared a $100 million dividend for policyholders. It comes at a difficult time for many Oregon businesses facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Oregon’s employers and their employees make dividends possible by working together to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses,” said Kerry Barnett, president and CEO. “Every business is being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and SAIF is no different. We are seeing declines in our premiums, investment returns, and overall capital. However, after careful consideration, we felt a dividend was the right thing to do to support our policyholders through this challenge.”

The dividend will be based on premium for policies whose annual term ended in 2019 and will be distributed in October. This is the eleventh year in a row SAIF has been able to offer a dividend, and the 23rd dividend in the past 30 years. More information will be available on saif.com in September.

During the pandemic, SAIF has remained open for business, serving Oregon’s employers and workers. This has included taking steps to help injured workers who faced challenges accessing care and working to reduce the financial burden on businesses.

SAIF also created the $25 million coronavirus worker safety fund, making more than 3,400 awards to businesses for expenses tied to making workplaces safer against the virus.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, 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.