Date: Thursday, April 19, 2018                                                                       

Case # 2018-111807                            

Date and Time of Incident:  April 19th, 2018 at 08:40am   

Type of Incident:  Motor Vehicle Crash

Location of Incident:  Southbound Bend Parkway near NW Hawthorne

Driver vehicle #1:

27 year old male                                                                         Bend resident

Passenger vehicle #1:

10 year old male                                                                         Bend resident

Driver vehicle #2:

33 year old male                                                                         Bend resident

Narrative:

On April 19 at 8:40am, the Bend Police Department and Bend Fire and Rescue responded to the report of an injury motor vehicle crash on the Bend Parkway near NW Hawthorne. Deschutes County 911 Dispatch advised that there was a person entrapped in one of the involved vehicles.

When first responders arrived on scene, they learned a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado had collided with a 2004 Subaru Impreza. A 10 year old child was removed from the Subaru by the driver of the Subaru and the child was contacted by first responders immediately. Bend Police Officers provided immediate lifesaving assistance to the child until Bend Fire and Rescue arrived a short time later. The child was transported to St. Charles Bend with life threatening injuries. The child has since been transported by air ambulance to a trauma center in the Portland Oregon area.

The driver of the Subaru did not suffer noticeable injuries. The driver of the Silverado pickup was trapped inside his vehicle until Bend Fire and Rescue was able to remove him. The driver was transported to St. Charles Bend with non-life threatening injuries.

The initial investigation has found the Silverado pickup was traveling northbound on the Bend Parkway. The pickup left the northbound lane, crossed the center median and collided with the Subaru Impreza, which was driving south on the Bend Parkway.

The Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation assisted with this investigation. The roadway was blocked for just over an hour.

This investigation is ongoing to find the cause of the crash. The Bend Police Department would like to ask if anyone was a witness to this crash to please contact us at 541-693-6911.

### End of Release###

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week, part two of building a digital defense against tech support fraud.

Last week we talked about how the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center – or IC3.gov – is seeing a huge increase in the number of people who are falling victim to “tech support fraud” schemes.

This is a scam in which the fraudster tries to convince you that you need his help fixing your computer or other device. He claims you have some dreaded – and usually non-existent – problem. He will ask you to pay him with a credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer, gift card or even virtual currency. Once you do, he says he just needs you to give him remote access to your device, and he will have that pretend-problem fixed in no time.

This week, we are going to talk about how the fraudsters are now taking this scam one step further.

IC3.gov is seeing cases where the victim receives a notification that she overpaid for some tech support incident and is due a refund. The criminal tells the victim that he can get the money refunded if she gives him remote access to her computer while she logs into her bank account. Now he has access to her bank account, and he can make it appear as if a refund has occurred just by moving her own money between savings and checking. To make matters worse, sometimes he will later tell her that he refunded too much, and he needs her to send some money back to him with an electronic funds transfer or pre-paid card. No matter how it plays out, the victim never received a refund and the criminal now has access to her bank account.

Another trend that IC3 is seeing these days involves criminals who are re-contacting their previous victims, this time pretending to be law enforcement or other government officials. In this case, the fraudster offers to help recover the previous losses, but to do so, he will need funds from the victim to assist with the investigation or to cover fees associated with returning the lost money.

A final trend to watch out for – criminals who pose as collection agencies claiming the victim did not pay for prior tech support services. The victim is often threatened with legal action if he or she does not pay a settlement fee.

So how do you protect yourself?

• Remember that legitimate customer, security, or tech support companies will not initiate unsolicited contact with you.
• Legitimate law enforcement and government officials will never ask for money to help victims recover lost funds. If in doubt, hang up, look up a public phone number for that agency, and call to confirm if the supposed investigator is real.
• Resist the pressure to act quickly. Criminals will use social engineering techniques – including fear – to try to make you act before you think things through.
• Do not give unknown, unverified people remote access to devices or accounts.
• Ensure all computer anti-virus, security, and malware protection is up to date.

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

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning’s fatal crash on Highway 97 north of Klamath Falls. 

On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at approximately 7:40am, OSP Troopers and First Responders were dispatched to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 266.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a gold Buick Century operated by Timothy KENYON, age 27, from Klamath Falls, was attempting to turn onto Highway 97 from Algoma Road.  However, for unknown reasons, KENYON turned directly in front of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), which was traveling northbound on Highway 97.  The CMV, operated by Robert GRIFFITH, age 32, from Central Point, was unable to avoid the collision and crashed into the Buick.

KENYON was ejected from the Buick and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the Buick, Cassandra DAVIS, age 28, from Klamath Falls, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  GRIFFITH was not injured.

Highway 97 was closed for about seven (7) hours with a detour put in place by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Fire District and ODOT.

Photograph courtesy of OSP.

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

On April 19, 2018, the Oregon State Police (OSP), with assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services executed a criminal search warrant at the business of Oregon Oils, Inc. located at 2515 NW 28th Ave, Portland, Oregon. The joint OSP and EPA investigation began in early February of 2018 after investigators learned about possible violations of the State and Federal laws pertaining to wastewater treatment and discharges. The City of Portland administers an industrial wastewater discharge permit for the facility and is assisting with the effort.

This case remains under investigation by the OSP and the EPA. Inquiries about the investigation can be directed to the Oregon State Police’s Captain Tim Fox, at (541) 419-8843.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality work in partnership to investigate and enforce Oregon’s Environmental laws. You can report pollution complaints to the DEQ Hotline at 1-888-997-7888 or to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.

On April 17, 2018, a Jackson County Grand Jury indicted eighteen year old Daniel Michael Cooley on one count of Rape in the first degree, one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the first degree and one count of Sexual Abuse in the first degree. The charges are related to a several month long investigation by the Oregon State Police in multiple counties.  The current charges involve a juvenile female who was reportedly under 11 years old at the time some of the offences occurred.

Cooley was arrested on March 14, 2018, in Josephine County where he remains lodged on a $100,000 bail. On March 20, 2018, a Josephine County Grand Jury indicted Cooley on two counts of Sexual Abuse in the first degree and one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the second degree. 

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming in separate counties. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Oregon State Police Detective Bryan Scott at (541) 618-7957.     

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning’s fatal crash on Highway 97 north of Klamath Falls. 

On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at approximately 7:40am, OSP Troopers and First Responders were dispatched to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 266.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a gold Buick Century was attempting to turn onto Highway 97 from Algoma Road. However, for unknown reasons, the driver turned directly in front of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), which was traveling northbound on Highway 97.  The CMV was unable to avoid the collision and crashed into the Buick.

The driver of the Buick was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the Buick was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  The driver of the CMV was not injured.

Names of those involved are being withheld pending next of kin notification. 

Highway 97 is still currently closed with a detour put in place by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  Motorists should check www.tripcheck.com for traffic updates.  OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Fire District and ODOT.

Photograph courtesy of OSP

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

Update on Ages

David Rausch's age is corrected to 33 and Kevin Faber's age should read 55 years old.

###

On Sunday, April 15, 2018, at about 5:45pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 20E near milepost 3.5 in Deschutes County.

Preliminary investigation revealed a blue Dodge 2500 pickup, being driven by David RAUSCH, age 23, of Bend, was traveling westbound on Highway 20E approaching Hamby Road.  A maroon Mercury Mystique, driven by Kevin FABER, age 44, of John Day, was southbound on Hamby Road at the stop sign for Highway 20E. Faber suddenly pulled out in front of the Dodge pickup and was Faber’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side door.  FABER suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Faber’s passenger, Dalena Norton (age 43 from John Day) suffered from non-life threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Neither Rausch nor his passenger, Clayton Coe (age 56 from Bend) sustained any injuries.

Highway 20E was closed for approximately one hour following the crash and then opened to one lane for an additional hour and a half.  Bend Police Department, Bend Fire, ODOT, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Deschutes County Medical Examiner’s Office assisted OSP.

###

On April 15, 2018 at approximately 3:00 a.m., Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a house fire in Northeast Salem. After preliminary investigation, the fire has been ruled an arson.

Detectives and emergency personnel responded to 3552 Ward Drive NE in Salem for a report of a house fire at the location. It was soon learned there were actually two separate fires. Fires were found at the residence and the barn at the location. The fire at the residence was contained to a single bedroom and the barn was fully engulfed and was a complete loss. There were no reported injuries.

The investigation determined the fire was suspicious and deemed it an arson investigation. The residence has been known to be occupied by transients and it is unknown who was the last to occupy both locations.

The Oregon State Police is seeking the public assistance regarding this case.  Anyone who has known people to frequent this location is asked to call the Oregon State Police at (800)  452-7888 and refer to case number SP18-135992. Detective Scott Yunker is the lead detective on this case.

The Oregon State Police was assisted by Oregon State Fire Marshall Office, Keizer Fire Department, Marion County Fire District One, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

###

On Friday April 13, 2018, at about 2:42 p.m., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle fatal crash on Highway 260 near milepost 13. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a black Chevrolet C15 pickup, operated by Luther Masumoto, age 70, of Grants Pass, was traveling northbound on Highway 260 when he attempted to pass a dump truck traveling in the same direction.  The driver side tires entered the ditch and the driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed both lanes of traffic and entered the northbound embankment and struck a tree. Masumoto suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Highway 260 was reduced to one lane for approximately two hours following the crash. OSP was assisted by Josephine County Sheriff’s Department, Josephine County Rural Metro Fire and ODOT. Speed is being considered as a contributing factor of the crash.

Contact: Bob Gravely                                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

(503) 813-7282                                                                       April 16, 2018

PacifiCorp wind expansion advances with Wyoming approval

 State commission approves settlement around “Energy Vision 2020” plan

Portland, Ore, April 16, 2018 – The Wyoming Public Service Commission on Thursday approved PacifiCorp moving ahead with a significant wind and transmission expansion plan that would add enough new wind energy to power more than 400,000 homes by 2020.

In a bench decision, the Wyoming PSC approved a settlement agreement between PacifiCorp, the Wyoming Industrial Energy Consumers, the Wyoming Office of Consumer Advocate and the Interwest Energy Alliance on the new wind and transmission portions of PacifiCorp’s Energy Vision 2020 proposal. The commission also approved the Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCNs) that are needed for construction of the Wyoming-based projects.

“Approval by the Wyoming commission marks a key step forward for our plan to significantly expand the amount of cost-effective renewable energy serving customers,” said Stefan Bird, president and CEO of Pacific Power, the unit of PacifiCorp that serves customers in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California.

As part of the settlement agreement, a previously announced 161 MW wind project in Uinta County, WY will no longer be included in the initiative. PacifiCorp also agreed to additional customer protections in the event of cost overruns as part of the agreement.

Included in the approved settlement are three new Wyoming wind projects that will provide a total 1,150 MW of new wind, which represents about a 60 percent expansion of PacifiCorp’s current owned and contracted wind fleet, as well as a 140 mile high-voltage transmission line in Wyoming that will help more wind energy connect to PacifiCorp’s transmission system.

In addition to the new wind projects and transmission line, the company’s Energy Vision 2020 initiative would upgrade, or “repower,” the company’s existing wind fleet in Wyoming, Washington and Oregon with longer blades and newer technology to boost output and extend the life of the projects.

The repowering plan is being considered separately by the Wyoming commission and is still pending. Components of the plan also are still waiting state regulatory approval in Utah, Oregon and Idaho.

Pending approval from state commissions, acquisition of rights of way, and receipt of permits, construction on the wind and transmission projects is expected to start in 2019.

The Energy Vision 2020 projects were identified in the company’s 2017 Integrated Resource Plan as the most cost-effective option to meet customers’ energy needs over the next 20 years. Completing the projects by 2020 will allow customers to realize the full benefit of production tax credits and provide a net savings for customers over the life of the projects.

Visit the following link for more information about Energy Vision 2020. www.pacificorp.com/ev2020  

###

State Department to host town hall on modernizing the Columbia River Treaty Regime

The U.S. Department of State announced on April 10 that it would host a town hall April 25 on upcoming negotiations between the United States and Canada to modernize the Columbia River Treaty Regime. The Town Hall, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington. For more information or to submit questions in advance, please email iaRiverTreaty@state.gov">ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov. Press inquiries should be directed to ess@state.gov">WHAPress@state.gov.

The full news release from the State Department follows:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
For Immediate Release
MEDIA NOTE
April 10, 2018

Town Hall on Modernizing the Columbia River Treaty Regime

U.S. Columbia River Treaty Negotiator Jill Smail will lead a Town Hall on April 25, 2018, as the United States and Canada prepare to begin negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime.  The Town Hall, which is free of charge and open to the public, will take place at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  At this event, U.S. government representatives will provide a general review of the upcoming process and plans for engaging the region.  They will also take questions from the public; feel free to send questions in advance to iaRiverTreaty@state.gov">ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov.  A call-in number will be available upon request for those unable to attend in person.

The United States recognizes the valuable and dedicated efforts of the tribes, state and local government representatives, stakeholders, and members of the public in contributing to the U.S. Entity Regional Recommendation for the Future of the Columbia River Treaty after 2024.  Consistent with the Regional Recommendation, key United States objectives include continued, careful management of flood risk; ensuring a reliable and economical power supply; and better addressing the ecosystem in a modernized treaty regime. 

For further information, please email iaRiverTreaty@state.gov">ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov.  For press inquiries, please email ess@state.gov">WHAPress@state.gov.

For Immediate Release                                          

April 19, 2018

Contact:              Mona Riesterer
                              (503) 378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.  The meeting will be held in the Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon.  The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.  A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Dial-in number: 888-273-3658 and Participant code: 4711910

If you dial-in for the meeting, please mute your phone unless you are addressing the group.  Doing so will enable you to hear the meeting more effectively.

Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2.  Approval of Meeting Minutes

Approve the minutes of the February 13, 2018 Corrections Policy Committee meeting.

3.  Review of Pilot Curriculum – BPP76

Presented by Chris Enquist

4.  Quarterly Review of DOC BCC

Presented by Robert Sigleer

5.  ORS 183.405 – Five Year Review of Agency Rules Adopted Information Update

Presented by Jennifer Howald

6.  Proposed Rule Changes for OARs 259-007-0010, 259-008-0070, 259-009-0070, 259-020-0200, 259-060-0300 and 259-061-0300; Board Disapproval of a Policy Committee Recommendation

Presented by Jennifer Howald

7.  Administrative Closures-Corrections

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

8.  Edison, James DPSST #38290 – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Corrections Certifications; Department of Corrections – PRCI

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

9.  Lagao, Mario DPSST #53203 – Basic Corrections Certifications; Department of Corrections-EOCI

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

10. Hanson, Shawn K. DPSST #58352 – Application for Training and Subsequent Certification; Department of Corrections – CCCF

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

11. Beers, Tyler DPSST #58455 – Application for Training and Subsequent Certification; Department of Corrections – EOCI

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

12.  Department Update

13.  Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – August 14, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Sheriff Jason Myers of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 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.

For Immediate Release                                          

April 18, 2018

Contact:              Linsay Hale

                              503-378-2427

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Criminal Justice Management/Executive Certification Workgroup will hold a regular meeting on April 26, 2018 at 1:30.  The meeting will be held at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem, Oregon 97317. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Agenda Items:

1. Discussion regarding Supervisory, Management and Executive level training for criminal justice professionals – Dr. Steve James, Washington State University
2. Next Steps

Administrative Announcement

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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

The Oregon Association of Chief of Police, Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, Oregon Peace Officers Association, and the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) are pleased to host the Oregon Law Enforcement  Career Fair at the Oregon Public Safety Academy at 4190 Aumsville Highway SE in Salem on Friday, April 20, 2018  and Saturday, April 21, 2018.  Both days will run from 10 am to 2 pm and more than three dozen agencies will be in attendance.

DPSST Director Eriks Gabliks said "across the state law enforcement agencies are looking to hire men and women from diverse backgrounds who are problem solvers interested in engaging with community members to help make communities safe.  With baby boomers getting ready to retire, there are more than 500 current vacancies and there will be many more to follow as more than 1,000 currently employed police, corrections and parole and probation officers and 9-1-1 operators around Oregon will be eligible to retire over the next three years.”

Gabliks said “The event will run from 10 am to 2 pm on both days and will not only allow interested applicants (friends and family members) to meet representatives from dozens of law enforcement agencies but also find out about the various career opportunities available that range from police, corrections and parole and probation officers; 9-1-1 operators; lab and evidence technicians; crime analysts; forensic chemists; nurses; and many others.  Specialties such as K-9, explosives technicians, marine patrol, tactical, and motor patrol will also be on hand to answer questions and display their equipment.”

Both days of the two-day event will also feature three panel discussions - Why Policing in 2018; Women in Law Enforcement; Military to Law Enforcement: Continuing to Serve.  Gabliks said "In previous years the panel discussions have been well attended and have allowed applicants (and friends and family members) interested in career opportunities to hear first-hand from those currently working in the field what to expect, what a day is like, what challenges and rewards they have experienced, what they wished they would have known when they applied, etc.  Each session includes active question and answer sessions."

A new statewide law enforcement careers webpage is a great tool for interested applicants, OregonPoliceJobs.com  Gabliks said “This is a new webpage that is an amazing tool that will help get the word out on what is available around the state at a centralized location"  

For more information http://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/HR/PublishingImages/2018%20Career%20Fair.pdf

Attachments included – 3 photos  

The words “school cafeteria food” are taking on new meaning at a two-day intensive training event at the Cascade Culinary Institute in Bend on April 20 and 21. Chef Garrett Berdan is training a growing number of child nutrition program professionals to prepare delicious and nutritious food for Oregon students.

A series of six culinary training events is underway to help improve school cafeteria menus statewide. With support from the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council and the Oregon Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs, this popular program is now in its eighth year.

Chef Garrett Berdan, RDN, coaches child nutrition program professionals on cooking-from-scratch culinary skills, while preparing 15 different recipes. It is offered at no cost to school nutrition professionals, who are able to practice menu planning, weights and measures, knife skills and other culinary techniques.

The preparation of healthy meals for students emphasizes nutrient-rich foods, because studies show that well-nourished kids perform better in school. The trainings use Oregon State University Extension Food Hero recipes that meet USDA school nutrition requirements and emphasize using locally produced foods and ingredients.

“Oregon farmers are helping provide creative solutions to old challenges that will benefit students now and into the future,” said Erin Hirte, Manager of Youth Wellness for the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council.

Oregon’s dairy farm families and processors invest in youth wellness and education. They are involved with schools across the state, supporting programs such as this training. Besides Bend, the 2018 series began in Central Point and other stops include Nyssa, Salem, Umatilla and Hood River.

Media is invited (invitation attached as PDF) to attend for lunch on Saturday, where you can interview Chef Berdan and participants, observe food prep and taste the prospective menu items. This video provides some background information: https://youtu.be/94u1NZQBD6s

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs this week awarded grants totaling more than half a million dollars to fund key projects that will improve veterans’ access to transportation, housing, health care and other vital services across the state.

The grants are funded through the Veteran Services Grant Fund, a new program established by the Legislature during the 2017 session. Based on the funding available, the evaluation committee selected 10 outstanding proposals from nonprofit, governmental and community organizations that are already providing significant and much-needed services to Oregon veterans and their families.

“Our partners are our greatest asset,” said Mitch Sparks, ODVA acting director. “They are doing amazing and innovative work to ensure all of our veterans have access to the care and benefits they deserve, and we are thrilled to be able to support and expand that work.”

The response to this new grant program was remarkable, as a total of 59 grant proposals were submitted, with requests in excess of $5.3 million — almost 10 times the amount of funding available.

Sparks said the response clearly highlights the large community of organizations who are doing important work for veterans statewide, as well as the many critical needs that still exist.

“This is a starting point,” Sparks said. “Through this process, we now have first-hand information that details the gaps in local services, with proposed solutions directly from the providers in those areas. We will be sharing this information with our legislative partners, and we are hopeful this program will be renewed for another round of funding.”

The Veteran Services Grant Fund receives funding from Lottery revenues, as authorized by Measure 96, which Oregon voters approved overwhelmingly in 2016. ODVA and its partners in the veteran community are grateful for the continued support and bipartisan leadership of Gov. Kate Brown, the Legislature and citizens across the state.

The complete list of grant awardees and their projects may be found here: www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Documents/Grants/2017-Veteran-Services-Grant/VeteranServicesGrantRecipients.pdf.

News Release

Date:     April 19, 2018

Contact:

Nick Hennemann, Public Affairs Specialist, Salem, 503-910-4311
Kyle Abraham, Private Forests Division, Salem, 503-945-7473

SALEM, Ore.—The Southwest Oregon Regional Forest Practices Committee will meet Wednesday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Inn at the Commons, 200 N. Riverside Avenue, Medford.

Agenda items that the committee will discuss and may take action on include:

• Private Forests Division update
• Siskiyou streamside literature review
• Tethered logging
• Marbled Murrelet rule analysis
• Food plots rulemaking
• Incentives

This is a public meeting and everyone is welcome. The agenda includes time for public comment at the beginning of the meeting. The meeting space is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting. For more information about attending the meeting please contact Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.
 
Regional Forest Practices Committees are advisory groups made up of forest landowners and the public who advise the board on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Additional information about Regional Forest Practices Committees is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/RFPC.aspx.
 
###
 

News Release

Date:  April 18, 2018

Contact:  Megan Ehnle, Board of Forestry Executive Support, Cell: 503-302-5603

Salem, ORE – The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet in Salem on April 25. The meeting is open to the public and a public comment period is on the agenda.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and end at approximately 5 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Administration Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St., in Salem.

Agenda items include:

• Oregon Department of Forestry Fiscal Report – An update on the agency’s current financial status.
• 2019 – 21 Biennial Budget Policy Packages – Presenting the agency’s proposed policy option packages for the 2019 – 21 biennium.
• Agency Initiative: 2019 – 2021 Agency Biennial Budget Request – Status update on the agency initiative development, including the draft framework and strategy to finalize the work for the Board to consider at the upcoming June meeting.
• Update from the USDA Regional Forester, PNW Research Station Director, and Oregon State Forester – Updates on the ongoing partnership that include the 2017 fire season close-out, Good Neighbor Authority, fire season preparedness, and joint research topics.
• Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee testimony – FTLAC comments and information on state forests.
• Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan – State Forests Division staff will present proposed building principles, definitions of financial viability and conservation, and a modified FMP Content Table.
• Forest Practices Act (FPA) Rule Enforcement Policy Review/Rule Process Relating to Marbled Murrelet Sites – Private Forests Division staff will present an overview of a draft Technical Report for Marbled Murrelets and seek direction to move forward with an expert review of the report.
• Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust – Overview of the history, mission, and key programs of the trust, and recommending the Board endorse the trust’s strategic plan.

Agenda materials are available at www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/BOFMeetings.aspx.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling the department’s Public Affairs Office, at least 48 hours in advance, at 503-945-7200.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. More information about the Board is available at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/AboutBOF.aspx.

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News Release

Date:  April 18, 2018

Contact:  Megan Ehnle, Board of Forestry Executive Support, Cell: 503-302-5603

Salem, ORE – The Oregon Board of Forestry Subcommittee on Federal Forests will meet in Salem on April 24. The meeting is open to the public and a public comment period is on the agenda.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. and end at approximately 5 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Santiam Room, Operations Building D, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St., in Salem.

Agenda items include:

• An overview of the Federal Forest Restoration Program, Good Neighbor Authority and HB 4118
• Information and discussion about priorities for fuel reduction treatments
• An update and review of current federal policy work

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling the department’s Public Affairs Office, at least 48 hours in advance, at 503-945-7200.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. More information about the Board is available at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/AboutBOF.aspx.

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Oregon’s Solid Job Growth and Low Unemployment Rate Continue in March

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in February and March. For 15 consecutive months, the rate has been close to 4.1 percent, its lowest level since comparable records began in 1976. The U.S. unemployment rate was also 4.1 percent in both February and March. The economy continues to expand as reflected by record highs in Oregon’s civilian labor force (2,132,000 individuals) and total employment (2,043,000 individuals).

In March, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment grew by 4,200 jobs, following a revised gain of 700 jobs in February. Recent growth was somewhat stronger than during much of 2016 and 2017 when growth averaged 3,700 jobs per month.

In March, retail trade added 2,400 jobs, due to stronger hiring patterns than normal during the first three months of the year. These gains followed somewhat lackluster holiday hiring in retail at the end of 2017. In the past 12 months, the retail components adding the most jobs were motor vehicle and parts dealers (+1,000 jobs) and food and beverage stores (+1,000 jobs).

Manufacturing rebounded in March, adding 1,200 jobs, following a loss of 900 in February. Oregon’s manufacturing sector is growing, adding 4,200 jobs over the past 12 months. Durable goods manufacturing picked up the pace of hiring in recent months. Its growth was led by computer and electronic product manufacturing, which added 2,100 jobs over the past 12 months.

Professional and business services was the only other major industry with a notable over-the-month job change in March. It added 800 jobs, putting this large industry back on a track of modest expansion. Within the past 12 months it added 2,800 jobs, or 1.2 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment grew by 41,000 jobs, or 2.2 percent, since March 2017. Oregon is adding jobs faster than the U.S. rate of 1.5 percent.

Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the March county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, April 24th, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for April on Tuesday, May 15th.
 
Notes:
All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted except for the component industries within retail trade and manufacturing.

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

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

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

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

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

April 19, 2018

Contact: Jennifer Uhlman, 503-939-5267, .m.uhlman@state.or.us">jennifer.m.uhlman@state.or.us  (meeting information or accommodation)

Health Aspects of Kindergarten Readiness Technical Workgroup meets April 20 in Wilsonville and by webinar

What: A public meeting of the Health Aspects of Kindergarten Readiness Technical Workgroup

When: April 20, 2-5 p.m.

Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center, 29353 SW Town Center Loop E., Wilsonville

The public may also attend by webinar or by conference call at 877-848-7030, participant code 695684. Register for the webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6656206289436141313.

Agenda: Welcome and introductions; reflections from March meeting; scope and work plan refresher; review draft conceptual framework; review draft criteria for measure recommendations; public comments open at 4:45 p.m.

Details: For more information including a full agenda, please visit the technical workgroup’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/KR-Health.aspx.

# # #

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

•         Sign language and spoken language interpreters

•         Written materials in other languages

•         Braille

•         Large print

•         Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Melisa Otrugman at 503-689-5238, 711 TTY, ugman@state.or.us">melisa.z.otrugman@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

# # #

April 18, 2018

Toxic Free Kids Program Rules Advisory Committee to meet April 23, May 9, May 14

What: A series of public meetings of the Toxic Free Kids Program Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to implement requirements set forth by SB 478 of the 2015 legislative session

Agenda: Provide background information and purpose of RAC; review the rulemaking process; review draft rule language; request input and feedback; discuss next steps

When: April 23, 9 a.m.-noon via teleconference; May 9, 9 a.m.-noon (in person); May 14, 9 a.m.-noon (in person, if needed)

Where: Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. The meeting on May 9 will be in Room 1E; the May 14 meeting if necessary, will be in Room 1B. The public may attend any or all all of the three meetings by telephone conference call at 888-363-4735, participant code 1027039.

Who: The Toxic Free Kids Rules Advisory Committee includes representation of Oregon Environmental Council, The Toy Association, Oregon Business and Industry, American Chemistry Council, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Multnomah County Department of Health, Metro Regional Government, Washington Department of Ecology.

Program contact: Justin Waltz, 971-673-1217, justin.waltz@state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Justin Waltz, 971-673-0429, 711 TTY, or Justin.Waltz@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2JWo7Mf

April 18, 2018

Tobacco Reduction Advisory Committee to meet April 26 in Portland

What: A regular public meeting of the Tobacco Reduction Advisory Committee

When: April 26, 1-2:30 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1C, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Please note that space is limited.

Who: The Tobacco Reduction Advisory Committee is appointed by the Governor and comprised of private organizations and state agencies dedicated to the reduction of the harmful impact of Oregonians’ tobacco use.

Details: Agenda items include: updates on the tobacco retail evaluation, Tobacco 21 and compliance checks; and a Tobacco Metrics Accountability Work Group update.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sarah Barnard at 971-673-1347, 711 TTY or ah.barnard@state.or.us">sarah.barnard@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2vsu4xa

April 18, 2018

Dental Pilot Project Advisory Committee quarterly meeting April 23

What: The state Dental Pilot Project Advisory Committee is holding its quarterly meeting. This meeting will cover Dental Pilot Project #100, “Oregon Tribes Dental Health Aide Therapist Pilot Project.”

Agenda: Review site visit findings; review project modification request; discuss next site visit; discuss modification of administrative rules for Dental Pilot Project program.

When: April 23, 10 a.m. to noon. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1A, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Conference line: 888-273-3658, participant code 76-64-09

Background: Dental Pilot Projects are intended to evaluate the quality of care, access, cost, workforce, and efficacy by teaching new skills to existing categories of dental personnel; develop new categories of dental personnel; accelerate the training of existing categories of dental personnel; or teach new oral health care roles to previously untrained persons.

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

# # #

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

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

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

http://bit.ly/2HciSX0

April 17, 2018

Attend a public meeting this week to help shape the future of the Oregon Health Plan

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Health Authority is holding a series of public meetings to gather suggestions that will help shape the future of the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

The first meeting is this Friday, April 20, and two others will follow on consecutive Saturdays:

• Portland – Friday, April 20, 9-11 a.m., Mercy Corps Northwest, 43 SW Naito Parkway
• The Dalles – Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wahtonka High School, 3601 West 10th Street
• Woodburn – Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m. to noon, Legacy Health Wellspring Conference Center, 1475 Mt. Hood Ave.

Anyone is welcome, and advance registration is appreciated.

Spanish language interpretation services will be available at the meetings. If you need interpretation in another language or have a request for accommodation, please contact Stephanie Jarem at em@state.or.us">stephanie.jarem@state.or.us.

The Oregon Health Plan and coordinated care organizations

At the meetings the public can make suggestions to improve the Oregon Health Plan and coordinated care organizations (CCOs).

CCOs are independent organizations that contract with the state to provide health care for nearly 1 million Oregonians on OHP.

CCOs were formed in 2012 with a commitment to improve care and save taxpayers money.

Since then, CCOs have saved taxpayers an estimated $2.2 billion, reduced emergency room visits, and improved health care.

But improvements are still needed in several areas, including:

• Better access and treatment in mental health and addiction medicine
• Finding new ways to limit growth in health care spending
• Paying providers for improving quality rather than for each visit or test
• Providing better access to housing, transportation, education, and other health-related services
• Reducing language and cultural barriers that affect access to health care

The next CCO contracts start in 2020, but OHA is taking public comment now to help inform those contracts.

# # #

April 17, 2018

Contact: Heather Johnson, 503-508-8276, .n.johnson@state.or.us">heather.n.johnson@state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Metrics and Scoring Committee to meet April 20 in Wilsonville

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority Metrics and Scoring Committee

When: April 20, 9 a.m. to noon. Public testimony will be heard at 9:10 a.m.

Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center, Room 211, 29353 SW Town Center Loop E, Wilsonville

Attendees can also follow the presentation by webinar and listen to discussion by phone. Register for the webinar at https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/7438627555801803523. Conference line: 888-204-5984, participant code 1277-166. The telephone will be unmuted during public testimony.

Agenda: Welcome, consent agenda and updates; public testimony; program planning, electronic health records and screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (EHR-SBIRT); oral health measures; CCO 2.0 update

For more information, please visit the committee's website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/hpa/analytics/Pages/Metrics-Scoring-Committee.aspx.

# # #
 

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Heather Johnson at 503-508-8276, 711 TTY, .n.johnson@state.or.us">heather.n.johnson@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2Hvg1f7

April 16, 2018

Conference of Local Health Officials meets April 19 in Portland

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

Agenda: Public Health Advisory Board Committee updates; discussion of proposed 2019-21 Public Health Modernization priorities; update on Tobacco Prevention and Education Program accountability metrics and program element; OHS fiscal monitoring information; local public health authority (LPHA) updates; Intergovernmental Agreement for Financing of Public Health Services equipment inventory requirements.

When: April 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public. No conference call option is available for the public.

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

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

Program contact: Danna Drum, 971-673-1223, um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Danna Drum at 971-673-1223, 711 TTY or um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2H0B3CS

April 16, 2018 - Salem, Ore. –Linda Breeze of Hood River won nearly $33,000 playing Keno while enjoying a night out with her mom.

Breeze took her mom, May, to the Hood River Eagles Lodge for burger night and played a few Keno games during the event.

“As I was putting toppings on my veggie burger, I looked up and saw all my numbers hit,” Breeze said. “I didn’t even know what the jackpot was, all I knew is that I won. I was so excited I couldn’t eat my burger.”

Breeze said she uses the same numbers that she picked at random, because she feels they are lucky.

Breeze brought her mother with her to the Oregon Lottery’s Wilsonville Payment Center when she claimed her $32,857.10 Keno 8-Spot prize. Breeze played Special Keno, which means she won $25,000 when she matched all eight numbers and then the 8-spot Rolling Jackpot of $7,857. When players play the Keno 8-Spot, if no one has selected all eight numbers drawn, the rolling jackpot continues to grow.

“My daughter, Sarah, and I will probably go shopping with the winnings,” Breeze said. “We do our shopping in Hood River to keep it all local.”

During the 2015-17 biennium in Hood River County, where Breeze lives, more than $10 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement projects.

Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

The Oregon State Marine Board is holding a Wake Sports Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting on April 25, at the Marine Board office, 435 Commercial St. NE, in Salem.  The meeting will begin at 3 pm.

The RAC is meeting to assist in developing statewide rule proposals to increase safety and reduce boating concerns related to wake sport boat operation within 200 feet of the shoreline and objects in the water.  The committee will also assist in the assessment of a fiscal impact of any proposal.

The public is invited to attend and observe by coming to the agency; however, public comment will not be accepted at this time.  A formal public comment period will be opened at the appropriate time during the rulemaking process.

To view the agenda, or listen to the audio recording after the meeting, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx. 

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The Oregon Recreational Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) will meet 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 4 at Klamath Falls City Hall, 500 Klamath Ave., Klamath Falls. The meeting will be open to the public. 

On the agenda: presentations from local trail advocates and land managers about area trail projects; an update on the Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation; a presentation on the review of the Umpqua River Greenway designation application; a discussion of the Doug Newman Award nominee; and the committee’s vision for trails statewide.

ORTAC was established by the Legislature in 1971 to advise the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and to promote non-motorized trail recreation and development in Oregon. The council’s seven volunteer members are appointed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission and represent the five Oregon congressional districts. ORTAC meets four times annually in different locations across the state. 

For more information about the meeting or ORTAC contact Nicole Sprecher, Administrative Support Specialist, at 503-986-0968, echer@oregon.gov">nicole.sprecher@oregon.gov. Individuals that require special accommodations to attend the meeting must contact Nicole Sprecher at least three days in advance.

The Statewide Database Licensing Advisory Committee (SDLAC) will meet on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PST at the State Library of Oregon. The agenda is included.

This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Arlene Weible, 503-378-5020 or arlene.weible@state.or.us, so that appropriate arrangements may be made.

The SDLAC advises the State Library and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Council on the Statewide Database Licensing Program, and its membership is representative of school, public, tribal and academic libraries. The current member list is available at: http://oregon.gov/OSL/LD/technology/sdlp/index.shtml.

Questions or concerns can be addressed to Arlene Weible, 503-378-5020 or arlene.weible@state.or.us.

Klamath Falls, Oregon Three Rivers Mosquito and Vector Control will be hosting a ribbon cutting celebration in partnership with the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce on April 26, 2018 at 11:00AM, located at 651 Market Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon. Refreshments, snacks and mingling will occur afterward.  Depending on weather, a demonstration of our new Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) will take place after the ribbon cutting.

Three Rivers Mosquito and Vector Control is a locally owned business, providing environmentally responsible vector control options and services for municipalities, Districts and organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest, Africa and Asia.  While the company has been in its current location for over a year, we are celebrating the incorporation of innovative technologies, being the first in the industry to take efficiency to a new level.

Every day, an average of seven people die in home fires throughout the United States. Most of these deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. That’s why the American Red Cross, in partnership with the Jefferson County Fire District #1, will be holding a mass smoke alarm installation event in Madras called Sound the Alarm. Save a Life. The event, which will take place on May 5, aims to install 300 smoke alarms in homes that need them and is part of the nationwide Red Cross effort to install 100,000 lifesaving smoke alarms in homes across the United States to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires. Community members can sign up to volunteer at the event or request a free smoke alarm installation by visiting SoundTheAlarm.org.

WHAT:    The local Red Cross and Jefferson County Fire are holding a Sound the Alarm mass home fire safety and smoke alarm installation event. Red Cross volunteers and local partners will be canvassing neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms and helping families create fire escape plans.

WHERE:  Jefferson County Fire District #1, 765 SE 5th St., Madras, OR 97741 (kick-off location)

WHEN:    May 5, from 9 – 10 a.m. (event kick-off and media availability)

People interested in volunteering to help or receiving a free smoke alarm may visit SoundTheAlarm.org.

WHO:           

• Red Cross Regional Chief Executive Officer Candace Horter will be joined by Jefferson County Fire Recruitment and Retention Officer Kasey Skaar to deliver remarks on the importance of the Sound the Alarm campaign and local home fire safety efforts.
• Bend locals Cody Parr and Jake Woodmansee will share their story of how Red Cross responders helped Jake after his home caught fire and how the incident inspired Cody to give back to the Red Cross through his local comedy club.
• Read Cody and Jake’s story here: http://www.redcrossblog.org/2018/04/back-to-future-to-help-red-cross.html
• Also, Bobbi Gilbert, a Warm Springs resident, will share her story of how the Red Cross installed free smoke alarms in her home, which alerted neighbors to a fire in her home when she was not there. Thanks to this alert, the fire was contained quickly. Read Bobbi's story here: http://www.redcrossblog.org/2018/04/the-alarm-sounded-for-lucky-smoke-alarm.html

MEDIA CONTACTS:

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or find us on Facebook at Red Cross Cascades, Twitter at @RedCrossCasc and on Instagram at @RedCrossCascades.

Portland, OR – Chess for Success is a non-profit organization that teaches chess to children in high-poverty schools. Chess for Success would like to announce the Game Changer Luncheon annual fundraiser on April 26th at the Hilton Portland. The doors will open at 11:30, with the program starting at 12:00 p.m. Business and community leaders from Portland and beyond will be in attendance to support and celebrate the 25th Anniversary.

The keynote speaker is Shemia Fagan. Thanks to great Oregon schools, Shemia was able to put herself through college and law school. Today, Shemia is running to represent East Portland in the Oregon Senate. When Shemia isn’t fighting for issues that matter to Oregonians, she’s polishing her 1991 Oregon State chess championship trophy and passing on the tradition of chess to her children.

Richard Meeker, President of City of Roses Media Company, and Founder of Willamette Week’s Give!Guide will emcee the event. With a special guest appearance by Guadalupe Guerrero, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools.

The mission of Chess for Success is to help children develop the skills necessary for success in school and in life through learning chess. During the 2017-2018 school year, Chess for Success reached over 3,800 students in 78 school clubs in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Chess for Success also organizes the state chess tournament, and a variety of other tournaments. To find out more information about Chess for Success or to buy tickets to the event, visit their website at www.chessforsuccess.org.

Girl Scouts Honor Earth Day with Service Projects Throughout Oregon and SW Washington

PORTLAND, Ore. – April 19, 2018 – This weekend, local Girl Scouts will roll up their sleeves and honor Earth Day by participating in service projects throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

“Through Girl Scouting, girls develop a lifelong respect and love for the Earth,” says Karen Hill, CEO of Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington. “Earth Day service projects, camping and other outdoor adventures with Girl Scouts help girls understand their relationship to the Earth, and the vital role they have in caring for it and conserving it for future generations.”

BEAVERTON, OR—Parks and Trails Preparation

Troop 40110 will help to inspect parks and trails throughout the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District in order to identify areas that need attention before the summer season. Girl Scouts will also complete trash pickup during their inspections.

CLACKAMAS, OR—Cemetery Clean-Up

Girl Scout Service Unit 11 (Milwaukie, Clackamas and Gladstone, Oregon) will join SOLVE for Weekend Cemetery Clean Up at Clackamas Pioneer Cemetery in Clackamas, OR. Clean up will include debris, tree branches and blackberry removal and mulch spreading.

KLAMATH FALLS, OR—Clean-Up along the OC & E Woods Line State Trail

Girl Scout Service Unit 65 (Klamath, Lake and Harney counties) will join SOLVE, along with other community organizations, to do litter clean-up along the OC & E Woods Line State Trail in Klamath Falls. Girl Scouts will focus on the portion of the trail that spans from Washburn to Altamont.

SHERWOOD, OR—Garden Preparation and Spring Nature Mandala

Together with the Sherwood Rotary Club, members of Girl Scout Troop 45496 prepared and weeded the garden at the Our Table Cooperative. At 9 a.m. on the morning of April 22 (prior to an Earth Day Celebration), girls from Troop 45496 will create a spring nature mandala around the peace pole at Our Table Cooperative. Mandala-making is an ancient art form—traditionally, mandalas are bright and vibrant mosaics representing the universe, made from colored sand or rice. Nature mandalas, like those made by Troop 45496 will be made from found items including leaves, pine cones, shells, stones and flowers from the Girl Scouts’ own gardens. The Earth Day celebration at Our Table Cooperative takes place on April 22, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

UMATILLA, OR and PASCO, WA—Improving Habitat at McNary National Wildlife Refuge

On April 21, Girl Scouts from Service Unit 22 (Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler counties in OR) will work with the Army Corps of Engineers to clean-up a local pond in West Park, part of the McNary National Wildlife Refuge in the Columbia Basin, minutes from the Tri-Cities of Washington (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, WA). Local Girl Scouts—from the Pendleton and Hermiston areas of Oregon—will plant Coyote Willows and Cottonwood trees, remove invasive Russian Olive trees, and help make the wildlife area more habitable for the many species of animals that live there. In addition, they will remove debris and rubbish around the wildlife park. Afterwards, the girls will get to travel to the Bechtel National Planetarium, at Columbia Basin College, in Pasco, WA, to hear a special presentation about the life of trees.

STEVENSON, WA—Camp Arrowhead 70th Anniversary, Tree-Plantings and Trail Restoration

More than 80 Girl Scouts and their family members and friends will commemorate Earth Day and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Camp Arrowhead, located in Stevenson, Washington—in the Columbia River Gorge area—with tree-plantings and trail restoration on April 21-22, 2018. Attendees are traveling from Englewood, CO; Boardman, OR; the Portland/Willamette Valley area; Westchester, CA; Seattle, WA; and Irrigon, OR to attend the celebration. Three trees—a Douglas Fir, a Mountain Hemlock and a Western Red Cedar—will be planted at Camp Arrowhead to help commemorate Earth Day as well as celebrate 70 years of outdoor skill-building, friendships and appreciation for nature.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING

To learn more about GSOSW’s local outdoor programming, please visit: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/camps/explore_our-camps.html. Additional information about outdoor programming in Girl Scouts, including 34 outdoor skill-building badges, can be found at: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/our-program/our-program/outdoors.html.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON | GSOSW

Our council serves 13,955 girls in 38 counties with the help of over 10,000 volunteers. Girl Scouts is proven to help girls thrive in five key ways as they: Develop a strong sense of self; Display positive values; Seek challenges and learn from setbacks; Form and maintain healthy relationships; Identify and solve problems in the community. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

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Six programs and two individuals were recognized Thursday during PACE Awards presentations. Debbie Laszlo, chair of the PACE Board of Trustees, presented the awards during the “PACE Day: Safe and Secure Schools” event in Salem.

The awards highlight significant contributions made in 2017 to the Property and Casualty Coverage for Education (PACE) program. PACE (pace.osba.org) is an insurance pool made up of roughly 300 Oregon member school districts, charter schools, education service districts (ESDs) and community colleges.

The Klamath County School District was recognized as the statewide Safety Star, selected from among all applicants. The award carries with it $5,000 from PACE to be used in a school safety improvement effort. Klamath won the award for its half-day active shooter drill. Over 500 people participated by acting as students in classrooms as more than 50 first responders fired blanks. The goal was to have staff experience an active shooter event so they could be better prepared for such a crisis.

Dave Harvey, PACE administrator, said Klamath County schools had exemplified PACE’s values by working together to keep students and staff safe.

“Nothing is more important to us than getting every child and every employee home safe, every day,” he said. “That requires a lot of planning from our members, and through the PACE Awards we can thank them for their hard work.”

Other awards included:

Outstanding programs – Clatskanie SD, which retrofitted all its lights to LED, saving money and reducing eye strain on students and staff; Seaside SD, for its monthly school safety contest for students, designed to reduce workers compensation claims; Springfield SD, for its risk evaluation of boiler and mechanical rooms, a continuous program that has identified and reduced safety hazards; Chemeketa CC, for its centralized Title IX compliance program, which assures compliance and standardizes practices; and InterMountain ESD, for its interest in door-locking systems.

Outstanding individuals – Tim Witcher, chief financial officer of the Clackamas ESD, for establishing a culture of caring, safety and wellness; and Michelle Brady, safety and emergency preparedness manager of the Hillsboro SD, for improved safety and compliance tracking and training.