This Memorial Day Weekend, whether you are headed to the beach, camping, visiting family, or just commuting to work, remember highways are going to be filled with people doing the same. No matter what your plans are on this Memorial Day weekend, we can guarantee that there will be a rise in the number of cars on Oregon’s highways.

The Oregon State Police takes these historically high-traffic weekends to have what we call an “All Patrol Day”. All Patrol Day for OSP is the day that all sworn members travel the highways to increase our patrol presence during these busy weekends.

The Oregon State Police has a wide range of programs and specialties our sworn ranks are in charge of, such as major crimes, tribal gaming, lottery security, arson, collision reconstruction, fish & wildlife, explosives, K-9, aviation, and more. OSP leadership makes it a priority that at the end of the day, all sworn members need to stay in tune and up-to-date with why the Oregon State Police was founded to keep our highways safe.

OSP is one of many Law Enforcement agencies that will be out in force trying to ensure that all travelers are getting to their destination safely.  

We want everyone to be safe when they are traveling, so we suggest that you follow these simple tips.  Please, plan ahead, be prepared, and above all else be patient.

- Timing your departure can make all the difference. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination without getting frustrated when heavy traffic puts a pause on your travels.

- Know your routes and options if you come across detours or construction. OSP likes to encourage all drivers in Oregon to use the Oregon Department of Transportation www.tripcheck.com.

- Ensure your vehicle is properly equipped and in good working order to avoid maintenance emergencies

- If you are traveling with children, have something to keep them occupied. Games, snacks, and pillows for sleeping will not only keep them occupied, but they will keep your attention where it is needed, on the road.

Oregon State Troopers will be focusing on maintaining the flow of traffic as well as enforcing all traffic laws but especially the Fatal 5. These 5 major categories of driving behaviors contribute to most fatal or serious injury crashes.

• SPEED
• OCCUPANT SAFETY
• LANE SAFETY
• IMPAIRED DRIVING
• DISTRACTED DRIVING

If you will be one of the many traveling this weekend, remember that OSP will be out in force. 

Drive safe!

Additional Safety Messaging in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation. The month of May highlights many national transportation safety messages. The big takeaway from all the campaigns is to drive, bike, and ride thoughtfully. Watch out for fellow road users and our maintenance and construction crews. Remember to slow down and move over to give our emergency responders space to safely do their jobs.  

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at approximately 12:16 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 252, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Nissan Titan, operated by Heriberto Morado Ledesma (35) of Coos Bay, was traveling north on Highway 101. The Titan was negotiating a curve, drifted into the southbound lane (for unknown reasons), and struck a southbound blue Jeep Cherokee, operated by Vera Lee Belcher (76) of Cottage Grove, head-on. 

The three occupants- Ledesma (operator), Hector Mireles Gallo (35) of Coos Bay and Alberto Ramirez Vazquez (40) of Coos Bay- of the Titan were transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment and further medical evaluation. 

The two occupants- Vera Lee Belcher (operator) and Clayton Gene Belcher (78) of Cottage Grove- of the Cherokee were pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation.  The investigation is on-going at this time.

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Medical Examiner, the Coos County District Attorney, two Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains, Bandon Fire Department, North Bend PD, Coos Bay PD, Coos County SO, Bay Cities Ambulance, and Amling-Schroeder Funeral Service. 

On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at approximately 8:30 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 21, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Chrysler Town and Country, operated by Ruben Nanez (69) of Yreka (CA), was traveling south on the interstate, when for unknown reasons, it drifted off the roadway and impacted a ditch embankment. The van overturned and landed in a small creek. 

Fire and Medical personnel extricated the single male occupant and attempted life saving measures, however the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The roadway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Jackson County Fire, ODOT, Phoenix PD, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

On Monday, May 22, 2023, at approximately 6:21 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 140E, near milepost 16, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Sienna minivan, operated by Guy Robert Attride (51) of Klamath Falls, was westbound when the vehicle went off the roadway for an unknown reason, overcorrected back onto the roadway, and rolled several times before coming to rest on its tires. 

The operator was declared deceased at the scene. 

A female passenger was ejected from the vehicle and transported via Airlink with serious injuries.  The passenger has not been identified at this time.

OSP was assisted by Klamath County Fire District 1 and Bonanza Fire.

Update from the Grants Pass Area Command Saturation Patrol. 

For two days, May 18 & 19, 2023, roughly 23 OSP Troopers were on Highway 199 between Grants Pass and the California border to target OSP’s “Fatal Five” which are 5 dangerous driving behaviors known to be contributing factors to serious injury and fatal crashes.

OSP refers to the Fatal Five as 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃- Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Safety, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving. During that patrol, of the over 500 traffic stops that were initiated the following warnings/citations were issued:

𝐒peed 311 

𝐎ccupant Safety 33 

𝐋ane Safety 36

𝐈mpaired Driving 1 

𝐃istracted Driving 12 

And all other 231

Immediately following this high visibility Patrol, Troopers over the weekend noticed a significant change in driving behavior including decreased number of drivers speeding. 

The Oregon State Police stays ever so diligent in keeping drivers safe in Oregon. Be a 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃 driver by ensuring you are mindful of the Oregon State Police’s Fatal Five and obey all traffic laws for your safety as well as the safety of everyone else on the highways. 

The Oregon State Police will be leading a saturation patrol on Highway 199 (Redwood Highway) as we are approaching the highly traveled summer months. On May 18 and May 19, 2023, Oregon State Police Troopers, Grants Pass Police Officers, and Josephine County Sheriff’s Deputies will be enforcing those driving behaviors most commonly contributing to fatal crashes, which we refer to as the FATAL 5. OSP’s Fatal 5 are Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Usage, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving. These categories of traffic violations have been proven to be the primary contributors to serious injury/fatal crashes. These enforcement activities will be focused on the entirety of Highway 199, from the California border to the Grants Pass City Center.

The Oregon State Police would like to remind drivers that the Oregon Department of Transportation has designated Highway 199 as a Safety Corridor from milepost 20 to milepost 27.5. Under ORS 811.483, fines for traffic offenses committed in safety corridors are doubled and fines for certain traffic crimes are greatly enhanced.

These heavy enforcement activities will continue to occur throughout the summer months of June, July, and August. 

The Oregon State Police, in conjunction with our agency partners, encourage drivers to drive within the posted speed limits and allow themselves sufficient time to arrive safely at their destination. The primary goal is to ensure that you and your family enjoy a safe commute on Oregon’s highways.

OSP will be posting real-time updates on our Twitter account https://twitter.com/ORStatePolice (@ORStatePolice) on Thursday, May 18 in the evening and Friday, May 19 in the morning.

On June 23, 2022, the Oregon State Police executed a search warrant at the residence of Norman Jones. The warrant stemmed from information gathered in a previous search warrant of a co-conspirator which linked Jones to poaching several deer using a rifle. Jones has a prior felony conviction. During the execution of the search warrant the following firearms were seized as evidence; a Winchester model 88, .308 caliber rifle with mounted scope and a Marlin model 550, .22 caliber rifle with a mounted scope which also included a flashlight taped to the barrel.  

In addition to the firearms, Jones possessed a variety of wildlife parts including numerous sets of deer and elk antlers that were still attached to the skull. Jones was unable to provide documentation to show the majority of the antlers or other wildlife parts were lawfully possessed resulting in the seizure of the following wildlife as evidence:

• 3 spike deer
• 17 Forked-horn deer (2pt)
• 19 Three-point deer
• 18 Four-point deer
• 2 Bull elk (5x5 and a 4x4)
• Owl parts, including wings and legs

Prior to being indicted on the previous charges, OSP received additional information that Jones was again in possession of a firearm.

On April 6, 2023, OSP executed another search warrant at Jones's residence. Seized as evidence during the search warrant was a Savage model 111, .300 Win Mag rifle with scope. 

Jones was subsequently lodged in the Clackamas County Jail.

On April 11, 2023, Jones was indicted by the Clackamas County grand jury on the following charges:

• Unlawful Possession/Take Big Game Mammal (Class A Misdemeanor) 38 counts
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Class C Felony) 4 counts

On Sunday, May 21, 2023, at approximately 11:14 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 95, near milepost 25, in Malheur County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a 2017 Ford Explorer, operated by Ryan Michael Mercer (38) of Springfield (MO), was traveling northbound, in the southbound lane, on US-95 in a no-passing zone. A 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Walter Robert Gilmore (73) of Star (ID), was traveling southbound in the southbound lane followed by a 2022 Ford Edge, operated by Joseph J Luia (37) of Sparks (NV). The Jeep swerved onto the southbound shoulder to avoid a collision with the Ford Explorer and struck a fog marker before coming to a stop. The Ford Explorer and Ford Edge collided in an offset head-on crash in the southbound lane. The Ford Edge continued southbound and came to an uncontrolled rest, along the southbound shoulder, in an upright position. The Ford Explorer continued northbound, entered into a roll-over event before coming to an uncontrolled rest along the southbound shoulder on its driver's side. 

The operator of the Ford Explorer (Mercer) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Jeep Cherokee (Gilmore) and passenger, Diana Lynn Bonsey-Gilmore (72) of Star (ID), were uninjured during the crash.

The operator of the Ford Edge (Luia) and a rear passenger, Alexander E. Murillo (33) of Reno (NV), were transported with serious injuries.  The front passenger, Felissia A. Luia (37) of Sparks (NV), was injured but not transported.  A rear passenger, Lisa K. Johnson (58) of Sparks (NV), was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was closed for approximately 2 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff's Office, Jordan Valley Ambulance, and ODOT.

Update:

The following update is for the release of the victims names only.  All other information related to the crash itself will come from the Marion County District Attorney's Office.

The two victim vehicles parked along the shoulder of Interstate 5 were occupied by the following:

• Commercial Motor Vehicle
  •  Eduard Netesov (36) of Gresham- uninjured
• Ford Econoline Van
  • Adan Garcia Garcia (40) of Woodburn- Minor injury
  • Hector Galindo (45) of Gervais- Serious injury
  • Maria Flores Martinez (60) of Salem- Serious injury
  • Jose Eduardo Solis Flores (41) of Gervais- Serious injury
  • Eduardo Lopez (31) of Gervais- Deceased
  • Alejandro Jimenez Hernandez (36) of Gervais- Deceased
  • Josue Garcia Garcia (30) of Salem- Deceased
  • Luis Enrique Gomez Reyes (30) of Woodburn- Deceased
  • Javier Suarez (58) of Woodburn- Deceased
  • Alejandra Espinoza Carpio (39)- Deceased
  • Juan Carlos Leyva Carrillo (37) of Woodburn- Deceased

At this time, the three van occupants with serious injuries are still at medical facilities receiving treatment for their injuries.

The is an active criminal investigation. All further releases of information related to this crash will come from the Marion County District Attorney's Office.

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, at approximately 2:06 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a three vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near the Santiam Rest Area, in the northbound lanes.

At this time, OSP will release the following information:

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 when it left the roadway on the east shoulder.  The CMV struck a Ford Econoline passenger van, occupied by 11 people, and pushed the van into another parked CMV.  The force of the crash caused extreme damage to the passenger van.

As a result of the crash, 6 persons in the van were declared deceased at the scene.  One victim from the van was transported by Life Flight and later declared deceased at the hospital. The other four occupants suffered various injuries and were transported via ambulance for medical care.

At this time, we are not releasing the names of the victims until notifications have been confirmed. The victims will be identified in a later update- after notification have been made. 

The operator of the parked CMV was not injured.

The operator of the at-fault CMV, Lincoln Clayton Smith (52) of North Highlands (CA), was transported for medical evaluation.  Smith was later arrested and lodged at the Marion County Jail for DUII, Reckless Driving, Manslaughter 2 (x7), and Assault 3 (x3).

This is an on-going criminal investigation and additional details regarding the crash will not be released.  Any future press releases, except the victim name update, will come from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

OSP was assisted by Jefferson Fire, Turner Fire, Lebanon Fire, Albany Fire, Life Flight, Falck Ambulance, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains, and ODOT.

On May 18, 2023, at approximately 2:05 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to the three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 northbound, near milepost 241 (Santiam Rest Area), in Marion County.

The initial report involves two commercial motor vehicles (semis) and a passenger vehicle.  At this time, there are 7 deceased adults and multiple injured.  The cause of the crash is under investigation at this time.

Expect significant delays on Interstate 5 northbound due to the on-scene investigation.  All traffic should use other routes and avoid the area.  Southbound traffic may also back up- so be alert.

More information will be released after notifications have been made and the on-scene investigation has concluded. This will likely take approximately 24 hours.

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, at approximately 9:47 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 30, near milepost 35, in Columbia County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Salina Gable Malynn (27) of St Helens, crossed the eastbound lane while attempting to turn onto Butterfield Road. While turning, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was impacted in the passenger side by eastbound 2007 Ford Focus, operated by Steven Bayard Sullivan (34) of Hillsboro, in a “T-bone” type crash. 

The driver of the eastbound Ford Focus (Sullivan) was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of the Ford Focus, Danielle Dawn Yoemans (36) of Hillsboro, was declared deceased at the scene. 

The driver of the westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee (Malynn) was uninjured. The passenger of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Katie Ann-Devona Witt (24) of St. Helens, was transported to St. John’s Medical Center in Longview, WA. 

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Columbia City Police Department, the Oregon Department of Transportation and Grumpy’s Towing.

Bend Fire & Rescue, in conjunction with the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (COFCA), announces the seasonal end of debris burning at sunset on May 31st.  Starting June 1^st, debris burning will be closed for fire season. Outdoor debris burning within the city limits of Bend is closed year-round by City of Bend Ordinance. 

Backyard fires, which include warming fires, campfires, cooking fires, and ceremonial fires are typically allowed year-round in the Bend area, when used within the guidelines set forth in the Bend Fire Department Burning Regulations. Additional restrictions on campfires may be implemented during the hottest parts of summer to help further reduce the risk of fire. Check the current restrictions by calling our burn information line at 541-322-6335. Burn regulations are available online at www.bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.

There are still a few days left to dispose of yard debris for FREE at Knott Landfill Recycling Center as part of the FireFree program. Yard debris can be dropped off daily 7am to 4pm through Sunday 5/21/23. After that is only $4 per yard to dispose of yard debris at Knott and the surrounding transfer stations. Much of that debris is shredded and broken down into compost that can be spread back onto your lawns and gardens to help build up the soil, improve plant growth, and improve water retention in the soil. Visit www.firefree.org for more information.   

As a reminder for everyone living in Central Oregon, be sure your home has good defensible space around it to help protect your home from the threat of wildfire. More information about creating defensible space and preparing for the upcoming fire season can be found on our website at www.ownyourzonebend.org.

As a reminder to all Central Oregon residents, be advised that regulations may vary between fire protection jurisdictions.  Please contact your local, state or federal fire agency for specific requirements and closures.

Date: May 25, 2023

Case #: 2022-00042246

Incident: Redmond man arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material and animal sexual abuse

Arrested: Jacob John Trudell, 32-year-old Redmond man

Charges: Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse I (10 counts), Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse II (10 counts), Sexual Assault of an Animal (2 counts), Encouraging Sexual Assault of an Animal

In July 2022, Bend Police received multiple tips from the International Crimes Against Children Task Force Program that a local person was in possession of child sexual abuse material and animal sexual abuse material on a cloud storage account.  

Detectives investigated the tips and determined the cloud storage account belonged to 32-year-old Jacob John Trudell, of Redmond.  

In January 2023, Bend Police served a search warrant at a residence in the 2800 block of Pumice Place in Redmond related to the case. Police seized a variety of evidence, including cell phones, computers and hard drives.

Detectives obtained additional search warrants to analyze devices belonging to Trudell. Those search warrants uncovered evidence of Trudell sexually assaulting a dog at a residence in Bend, as well as evidence of past sexual abuse of a minor. 

Bend Police detectives worked with detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit to identify the children in multiple images found on Trudell’s devices. A Charlotte, N.C., man was arrested on charges associated with those images.   

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, a grand jury indicted Trudell on 23 counts related to this investigation, including 10 counts each of first-degree Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse and second-degree Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse, as well as two counts of Sexual Assault of an Animal and one count of Encouraging Sexual Assault of an Animal.

On Wednesday, May 24, a $1 million bench warrant was issued for Trudell, and on Thursday, May 25, Trudell was arrested in Eagle, Idaho. Trudell will be extradited to Oregon to face these charges. 

Bend Police would like to thank the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, deputies from the Ada County Sheriff’s Office in Idaho, and detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their assistance and hard work on this multijurisdictional investigation. 

Date: May 25, 2023

Case #: 2023-00030526  

Incident: Trespasser with warrant arrested after fleeing Bend home

Date / Time of Incident: May 24, 2023 / 10:53 p.m.

Location: 60000 block of McMullin Drive, Bend

Arrested: Christopher Michael Lavery, 31-year-old Bend man

Charges: Criminal Trespass II, felony probation violation, misdemeanor warrant

At approximately 10:53 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, Bend Police responded to a report of a Bend man who was trespassing at a home in the 60000 block of McMullin Drive in Bend. 

The man, identified as 31-year-old Christopher Michael Lavery, had been trespassed from the property, was on probation for strangulation, and had a warrant in Deschutes County. 

As police arrived, Lavery ran from the home and jumped a fence onto another property. 

Officers and K9 Harry tracked Lavery through the neighborhood, finding pieces of his property in two separate yards. Lavery was located in the backyard of a home in the 60000 block of Granite Drive. 

Lavery was taken into custody without further incident and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on a felony probation violation, second-degree criminal trespass, and the warrant.  

Release By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: May 27, 2023

Location: Paulina Lake, Newberry National Volcanic Monument

On May 27th, 2023, at 10:58 am, Deschutes County 911 Dispatch received a 911 call regarding an injured hiker on the Paulina Lakeshore Trail in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument near the Paulina Lake Lodge. The caller reported that a 66-year-old female fell while hiking resulting in injuries that prevented her from walking.  Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers were activated, and a total of 7-SAR volunteers responded to this mission.   

Two SAR teams responded to Paulina Lake Lodge to access the trail. Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol deputies also responded to this call to assist as the Lakeshore trail was in-part accessible by boat. 

At approximately 12:03 pm both teams arrived at the Paulina Lakeshore trailhead.  SAR Team 1 arrived to the patient at approximately 12:12 pm and began to evaluate the hiker’s injuries.  SAR Team 2 arrived with a wheeled litter. The patient was then transported by wheeled litter to a boat accessible location on Paulina Lake. The patient was loaded onto a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol boat and transported to the Paulina Lake Lodge boat dock arriving approximately 1:15 pm where they met with La Pine Fire / Paramedics. The patient was subsequently transported by ambulance to St. Charles Bend. 

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, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: May 27, 2023

On Friday May 26th, 2023, at about 2:30 PM. Deschutes County 911 Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a motorcycle crash in the East Fort Rock OHV trail system area near China Hat Rd. milepost 17.5.  The 911 caller reported that a 63-year-old female had been riding on OHV "Trail 18" when she crashed on her motorcycle and sustained non-life-threatening injuries that limited her mobility. 

This 911 call was split to Bend Fire and Rescue, though due to the location of the patient, Bend Fire requested the assistance of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue volunteers.  The patient was reported to be approximately 1.5 miles from the nearest ambulance accessible road (China Hat Rd. FS 18).  Vehicle Access to the patient was limited (single track motorcycle trail) though people within the injured patient group reported that an ATV could access this location.  

At approximately 2:44 pm SAR volunteers were dispatched.  A total of 8-SAR volunteers with 6-SAR ATV's responded to this call, as well as two Special Services Deputies assigned to Search and Rescue.  At approximately 3:50 PM a Special Services Deputy arrived in the area and met with two motorcycle riders who were riding with the patient at the time of the crash.  

These riders assisted by identifying the quickest trail access to reach the patient for the responding SAR volunteers. At about 4:10 pm two SAR teams arrived at the staging location and deployed on ATV'S. At about 4:15 pm the SAR volunteers arrived with the patient.  

The patient's injuries were evaluated by SAR medical team members, and she was subsequently loaded into a litter and onto a patient transport ATV trailer (ATV towed trailer). The patient was then transported out of the trail system to China Hat Road where Bend Fire and Rescue were staged with an ambulance. The patient was then transported to St. Charles Bend. 

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, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

Release By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: May 26, 2023

Location: Lost Tracks Golf Course, Bend, Oregon

Arrested: Laura Malinda Ann Allison, 42-year-old female, Bend

Charges: Assault 4^th Degree, Menacing (2 counts)

Arrested: Michael Edward Parker, 47-year-old male, Bend, Oregon

Charges: Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing 

Victims: 16-year-old male, name withheld 

   18-year-old male, name withheld

Narrative:

On May 24, 2023, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the Lost Tracks Golf Course on a report of an assault that had just taken place. Initial reports detailed a female had just assaulted a golf course employee and that during the assault a male had brandished a machete. Both assailants were believed to be residents of the houseless camps on U.S. Forest Service land that borders the golf course.

During the course of the investigation, it was learned the female assailant, later identified as Laura Allison, had confronted one of the golf course employees about golf balls being hit over the driving range netting. During this confrontation Allison screamed obscenities at the juvenile employee and eventually began chasing him when the juvenile employee attempted to leave the area.

Allison then confronted the second golf course employee and struck him in the head with her fist. The employee defended himself and was able to eventually restrain Allison while the other employees contacted Deschutes County 911 Dispatch. During this melee Michael Parker arrived on scene, walking from his camp trailer that is located on U.S. Forest Service land that borders the golf course. Multiple witness advised deputies Parker was armed with a machete, which he removed from its sheath and brandished it in an aggressive manner towards the employee restraining Allison.

The employee, being afraid for his own safety and the safety of the others present opted to release Allison. Both Allison and Parker returned to their nearby camps.

Parker was located shortly after the incident and taken into custody. Parker was lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on the above listed charges.

Allison was contacted on May 25, 2023, and taken into custody. Allison was lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on the above listed charges.

Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

La Pine, OR – 

On Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, detectives with the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement team and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team concluded a several-month-long investigation involving a group based in the La Pine area home that is allegedly growing and processing illicit marijuana and delivering to the mid-west and eastern portions of the United States. 

This case began with community complaints and tips about a Bend man operating an illicit marijuana grow in a residential area on Berg Lane in North Bend.

The Deschutes County Illicit Marijuana Enforcement Team requested the assistance of the Central Oregon Drug Team to further their investigation. As a result, CODE and DCIME detectives, drug agents, and intelligence analysts conducted surveillance of the identified man. During these surveillance operations, detectives identified a large criminal organization with an additional property in NW Bend and three growing and processing properties in La Pine.

On May 23rd, 2023, at approximately 7:00 AM, CODE and DCIME detectives, with the assistance of the Deschutes County Sheriff's SWAT Team and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), executed simultaneous Search Warrants in the following areas. 

· 800 block of NW Newport Ave, Bend

· 63000 block of Berg Lane, Bend

· 16000 block of Dyke Road, La Pine

· 52000 block of Polar Drive, La Pine

· 52200 block of Polar Drive, La Pine

During these search warrants, a total of 665 lbs. of processed marijuana flower and 630 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized as evidence from the five locations. In addition to marijuana, detectives also seized a large amount of US currency, evidence of inter-state trafficking, and financial crimes. 

During the execution of these search warrants, several people were detained and interviewed at the scenes. No arrests have been made at this time. However, several arrests are pending Grand Jury indictments. The names of these people are being withheld until additional follow-up investigations are complete, and indictments have been issued. 

Detectives are attempting to locate the following people of interest in this case;

Daniel Liautaud, age 36, of Bend, Oregon

Jackson Liautaud, age 31, of La Pine, Oregon

Anyone with information about the Liautauds' whereabouts is asked to call Detectives Dustin Miller or Tony Ramos at 541-693-9111 and reference case 23-25857. Do not attempt to arrest or detain them if seen. 

Possessing small amounts of marijuana is legal for recreational use in Oregon. However, large, unlicensed marijuana operations remain illegal. These unregulated operations pose dangers to the public and the environment. 

For example, during the search warrant on Berg Lane, detectives found the septic system was malfunctioning and overwhelmed with waste. Raw sewage was flooding the property and nearby soil for a lengthy time. A failing septic system can contaminate well water and nearby waterbodies. Untreated wastewater is a health hazard and can cause many human diseases. Once this untreated wastewater enters the groundwater, neighborhood wells and groundwater can be contaminated. Contaminated water used to cultivate illicit marijuana and later sold to the unwitting public is unsafe for consumption.

A Deschutes County Building Code Compliance Officer assisted after detectives observed numerous additional building code violations, in addition to the failing septic system. Some properties had dangerous electrical wiring, unpermitted electrical panels, exposed electrical wires, and unpermitted interior walls.

The Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement (DCIME) program is a partnership between the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, the Bend Police Department, and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office to address illegal marijuana activity in Deschutes County. 

CODE and DCIME were assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Deschutes County Sheriff's Street Crime Unit, Redmond Street Crimes Unit, Bend Police Department and the Oregon State Police with the investigation, eradication, and dismantling of these sites.

Release By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: May 22, 2023

Location: 64000 block of Tumalo Rim Drive, Bend, Oregon

Arrested: Vincent, Jeremiah Anthony 47-year-old male, Bend

Charges: Probation Violation (Original Charge Assault IV)

Narrative:

On the morning of May 22, 2023, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 64000 block of Tumalo Rim Drive to conduct a welfare check on a female resident, and her two infant children.

Initial reports detailed the female was a prior domestic violence victim, and the offending party Jeremiah Anthony Vincent was on scene and had assaulted her. The reporting party advised Deschutes County 911 Dispatch the female victim was too scared to contact law enforcement, and her two infant children, under the ages of four were present with her at the residence.

Deputies responded to the area of the residence, and attempted phone contact to the victim who denied being at the residence. Deputies were able to determine this was not true and began initiating protocols for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team to respond.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT members responded to the scene and assumed command of the incident. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to the scene and assisted with the investigative portion of the incident.

Based on the knowledge of the female being a prior victim of domestic violence, the fact two infant children were on scene, and the training and experience of the investigators about the cycle of abuse, this incident was treated as a hostage rescue.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence, to include all outbuildings and curtilage.

All investigative and negotiation tactics were employed during the over six-hour event. The female eventually agreed to exit the residence with her two children, however Jeremiah Vincent remained inside and refused to exit.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team members continued to loud hail the residence as they had for over three hours. Vincent eventually exited the rear of the residence when the front door was breached. Vincent was taken into custody and lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on the above listed charge.

Residents close to the incident were notified through the Emergency Preparedness Network, and advised there was no current threat to the community however heavy law enforcement presence was occurring in the area.

Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

Effective June 1, 2023, Redmond Fire & Rescue will close all outdoor debris burning for the season, until further notice. During this closure, all outdoor debris burning is prohibited in all areas served by Redmond Fire & Rescue in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. 

As a reminder, the closure of outdoor debris burning prohibits all of the following: 

1. Backyard or open burning (branches, yard debris, etc.). 

2. Agricultural burning (agricultural wastes, crops, field burning, ditches etc.). 

3. Any other land clearing, slash, stump, waste, debris or controlled burning.

The burn ban does not prohibit: 

1. Small outdoor cooking, warming or recreational fires at residential properties. These include portable or permanent fire pits, fire tables, and campfires, with a maximum fuel area of three feet in diameter and two feet in height in a safe location away from combustibles or vegetation and are fully extinguished after use.

2. Barbeque grills, smokers and similar cooking appliances with clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels.

There may be more restrictive fire safety rules on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF)-protected land. ODF restrictions may include prohibitions on campfires, smoking, target shooting, powered equipment, motorized vehicles, and other public/private landowner and industrial fire restrictions. More details about ODF fire restrictions are available at Oregon Department of Forestry Public Fire Restrictions.

Outdoor fires in violation of this closure may be immediately extinguished. If a fire agency responds to a fire that has been started in willful violation of this closure, the person responsible may be liable for all costs incurred, as well as legal fees per ORS 478.965. Burning restrictions are authorized under Oregon Revised Statute 478.960, Oregon Fire Code 307 and Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance 5.

Fire Officials in Deschutes County encourage the public to use extreme caution with activities that could start a fire. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent and be prepared for wildfires. Residents are encouraged to continue exercising caution and taking steps to prevent and prepare for the threat of wildfires. That includes: 

Creating defensible space:

• Mowing and watering lawns.

• Removing brush, dry grass, and leaves from underneath decks and crawlspaces.

• De-limbing tree branches 10 feet off the ground and well away from your roof.

• Planting low-growing, fire-resistant plants near your home.

• Eliminating fuel sources near and around your home – firewood, fuel tanks, etc. 

Maintaining access: 

• The road or driveway to your home should be clear of all debris, dense vegetation, and low-hanging branches. Turn-out areas are needed if the road or driveway to your home is not large enough for two-way traffic or your home is located at the end of a long driveway or dead-end road.

• The driveway to your home should be designed without sharp curves or steep grades.

• If crossing a bridge is necessary to access your home, it should support 50,000 pounds.

Signing up for Alerts:

To make sure you are receiving the most current alerts regarding Emergency Evacuations (Fire, Flooding, Public Welfare, etc.), Natural Disasters (Fire, Flooding, etc.), Severe Weather or Neighborhood Emergencies, you can sign up for Deschutes Alerts.

Redmond, OR – The Redmond Police Department is attempting to locate Ms. Loni Michelle, 56 years of age. Ms. Michelle has a mental health diagnosis, and we believe her welfare to be in danger. Ms. Michelle was last observed at her southwest Redmond apartment during the afternoon of May 21. She was last contacted during the early morning hours of May 23 on US Highway 97, between Redmond and Bend, before she was reported missing by her family. The family indicates Ms. Michelle tends to wander and may be in remote and/or undeveloped areas. 

Ms. Michelle was last known to be wearing blue jean capri-style pants, white/gray sneakers, and a green checkered shirt. 

If you have seen Ms. Michelle or you know her current location, please contact the Redmond Police Department reference case report 2023-15140 or your local law enforcement agency. All Deschutes County law enforcement agencies can be contacted by calling Deschutes County 911 at 541-693-6911. 

Date: Friday, June 2, 2023  

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Pacific

Where: Prineville District Bakeoven Facilities in Maupin, Oregon

Maupin, Ore. –  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting a grand opening for its new Bakeoven facilities in Maupin, OR. The facilities will serve as the BLM’s operations center for the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River and include an office, workshop, and seasonal staff housing. The BLM Prineville District manages the river with the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and the State of Oregon. The new facilities will support the ability of river managers to enhance visitor experiences while protecting the river’s remarkable values. The completion of this project was made possible through funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), a historic investment to reduce the backlog of maintenance projects on America’s public lands. With these new facilities, the BLM and its partners will be a better neighbor to the communities that rely on the river’s natural and economic resources.

RSVP: By COB Tuesday, May 30, 2023. RSVP to Morgan Rubanow, BLM Public Affairs Specialist: mrubanow@blm.gov or 503-545-9717. Address given upon RSVP. 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
 

Hines, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management announced today the Steens Mountain Advisory Council (SMAC) has scheduled a June 2023 field tour and meeting. The public is welcome to participate in the field tour to the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area on Thursday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT. On Friday, June 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT, the public can attend the public meeting in person at the Frenchglen School, 39235 Highway 205 Frenchglen, Oregon, or online through the Zoom for Government platform. Meeting details and the online attendance link are available at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington/steens-mac.

On June 15, the SMAC will tour the greater Steens Mountain area. Locations may vary depending on road, weather, and access conditions, but could include the Riddle Brothers Ranch, Page Springs Weir, or fuels treatment project sites. The public is welcome to attend but must provide their own personal transportation and amenities like appropriate clothing and footwear, food, and water. High clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.

The June 16 agenda includes information sharing from the Designated Federal Official and Andrews/Steens Field Manager, a brief recreation program update, discussion on the Bridge Creek Area Allotment Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement, and an opportunity for committee members to share information from their constituents or present research. Any other matters that may reasonably come before the SMAC may also be included.

“The Steens Mountain Advisory Council is a forum for the community to participate in the land management process,” said Jeff Rose, Burns District Manager and Designated Federal Official for the SMAC. “If you are interested in public land decisions for Steens Mountain, this is a great opportunity to listen and share with a collaborative group,” continued Rose.

A public comment period will be available on Friday, June 16 at 11 a.m. Unless otherwise approved by the Council chair, the public comment period will last no longer than 30 minutes, and each speaker may address the SMAC for a maximum of five minutes.

Sessions may end early if all business items are accomplished ahead of schedule or may be extended if discussions warrant more time.

For more information about the Steens Mountain Advisory Council, please contact Tara Thissell at 541-573-4519 or tthissell@blm.gov. Additional information about the Steens Mountain Advisory Council is available online at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington/steens-mac.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Portland, Ore. – Fire restrictions go into effect on May 23 for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. The BLM encourages all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as warmer, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest. 

Starting May 23, the use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns will be prohibited. These fire restrictions will help reduce the risk of human-caused fires.

“Although we had a wet winter, we must still be careful with activities that can cause a spark to keep our first responders, local communities, and public lands safe from accidental wildfires,” said Anita Bilbao, BLM Oregon/Washington Associate State Director. “We are seeing more invasive grass due to the wet weather, which dries out quickly without rain. Everyone can help by following fire restrictions and practicing fire safety while out on your public lands.”

Those who violate the prohibition can be fined up to $1,000 and/or receive a prison term of up to one year. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

May is also ‘Wildfire Awareness Month’. Visit NIFC.GOV for wildfire prevention tips: https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/fire-prevention-education-mitigation/wildfire-prevention.

For more information on Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire. To learn more about fire careers with BLM Oregon-Washington, please see https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire/state-info/oregon-washington/careers. 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

PORTLAND, Ore.—On May 25, 2023, two Portland area drug traffickers were sentenced to more than ten years in federal prison for their roles in a Mexican drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine in and around Portland and elsewhere.

Rodrigo Diaz-Lopez, 53, of Gresham, Oregon, and Jonathan Avila-Suarez, 31, of Portland, were sentenced to 135 and 120 months in federal prison, respectively. Both men must also complete five-year terms of supervised release following the completion of their prison sentences.

According to court documents, Diaz-Lopez and Avila-Suarez were part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by two brothers based in Nayarit, Mexico. Diaz-Lopez, who has three prior felony drug trafficking convictions and has been repeatedly removed from the United States following those convictions, served as a sub-distributor in the DTO responsible for receiving illegal narcotics from couriers and other distributors and brokering local sales. Avila-Suarez was a sub-distributor and stash house operator.

In early February 2021, as part of a long-term investigation into the DTO’s operations, special agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained information that Avila-Suarez had arranged for the delivery of 400 grams of heroin to a Portland hotel room. Agents observed the delivery and seized the heroin from Avila-Suarez’s customer. The next day, agents executed a federal search warrant on Avila-Suarez’s Portland apartment. They located and seized large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl packaged for distribution and two firearms.

Around the same time, agents identified Diaz-Lopez and arranged for a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from him. On March 12, 2021, they executed a federal search warrant on Diaz-Lopez’s Gresham residence and seized several kilograms each of methamphetamine, heroin, and counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. Agents also located and seized $30,000 in cash, an assault rifle, and a handgun.

On February 21, 2021, Avila-Suarez was charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, using communications facilities in the commission of drug trafficking offenses, and maintaining drug involved premises. On March 15, 2021, Diaz-Lopez was charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances. Both men were later indicted on related charges.

On January 25, 2023, Avila-Suarez pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. One month later, on February 21, 2023, Diaz-Lopez pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute heroin.

These cases were investigated by DEA. They were prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

These prosecutions were the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland entrepreneur was sentenced to federal prison today for fraudulently applying for and obtaining loans intended to help small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Peter Peacock Blood, 59, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit more than $600,000 to the United States and to pay more than $590,000 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Chase Bank.

On March 25, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency financial assistance to American employers suffering the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting shutdowns. According to court documents, in early April 2020, less than two weeks after the CARES Act was passed, Blood began submitting fraudulent applications for Covid-relief benefits on behalf of his two solar energy companies, Cycle Power Partners, LLC and Cycle Holdings, LLC.

Previously, Blood filed tax returns in 2019 and 2020 on behalf of Cycle Power Partners claiming the company had two or fewer employees, including Blood himself, and paid less than $9,600 in quarterly wages and other compensation. No quarterly tax returns were filed for Cycle Holdings during the same time period. Despite this, in two separate Paycheck Protection Program loan applications he submitted in April 2020, Blood claimed his companies had 10 employees and an average monthly payroll exceeding $116,000.

The first application resulted in a loan of more than $332,000 and the second, a loan of more than $290,000. Blood spent more than half of the funds received on a custom, military-style truck he outfitted into a camper and another $14,000 on home improvements.

On July 8, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Blood with two counts of loan fraud and, on December 16, 2022, he pleaded guilty to both counts.

This case was investigated by the SBA Office of Inspector General, U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Ryan W. Bounds and Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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The next meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in person at Rogue Community College, 3345 Redwood Highway in Grants Pass, Conference Room H-2, and via Zoom. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.

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

ODVA’s June 2023 Report to the Advisory Committee is available to the public online here: https://issuu.com/odva/docs/june_2023_ac_report 

This meeting is being held both in person and virtually. The public is invited to attend.

To attend by Zoom:

You will need to pre-register using this link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAucu2hpz4oGtC0nE6b06UImjyHcgMSbxQe

Pre-registration is required. Once pre-registered, you will receive the meeting link.

Join by Zoom via Telephone: Dial 1 (253) 215-8782. When prompted, enter the meeting ID 843 5499 5204# and password/participant ID: 570698#

Town Hall:

There will be a Town Hall at the end of the business meeting in which participants will be invited to ask questions of the committee and director. This time is set aside for individuals to bring up broader veteran community issues. Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailing vaac@odva.state.or.us.

More information can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/connect/pages/advisory-committee.aspx or to contact the Advisory Committee, please email vaac@odva.oregon.gov.

YouTube:

This meeting will be recorded and placed on ODVA’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCAQVavs9KmvDeJ42ySFtY8A/videos.

GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON THE

LAW ENFORCEMENT MEDAL OF HONOR

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Governor’s Commission on the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor will hold a teleconference meeting on June 13, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Wright at (503) 378-2191 or via email at y.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov">Shelby.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov.

1. Minutes for January 18, 2023, and April 21, 2023, Meetings

     Approve minutes

2. Tyler Morrow, DPSST No. 52967; Marion County Sheriff’s Office - Nomination for Medal of Honor

     Presented by Phil Castle

3. Next meetng – TBD

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to public meeting law, and will be digitally recorded.

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Cultural Trust’s Celebrate Oregon! artwork will be brought to life on a float in the 2023 Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade, Cultural Trust Executive Director Brian Rogers announced today.  

Current donors to the Cultural Trust can enter to win a chance to ride on the float with artist Liza Mana Burns, who created the Celebrate Oregon! artwork. Donors will also be entered to win one of three pair of reserved tickets to the Memorial Coliseum viewing of the Grand Floral Parade, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 10. The deadline for entries is midnight on Monday, June 5.

Designed for the Cultural Trust license plate, the Celebrate Oregon! artwork is a vibrant tapestry of Oregon geography into which are woven 127 symbols that reflect and respect the diversity of Oregon’s people and cultural traditions. The artwork, a celebration of Oregon arts, heritage and humanities, has also been displayed on full-scale murals at Oregon’s four largest airports and in a custom “wrap” of the Oregon Coast Art Bus.

“When the artwork was finalized, we realized its power to unite Oregonians,” said Rogers. “Everyone who views the artwork finds a personal connection, making them feel included and part of the Oregon story. That is why we continue to seek out new public platforms for the artwork and partnered with the Portland Rose Festival.”

While not all 127 symbols could be included on the float, signage will guide viewers to the artwork’s interactive key to see and learn about other symbols. In addition, the float will be accompanied by parade entries that reflect symbols, including Ballet Papalotl – a folklórico dancing group – and the White Lotus Foundation Lion and Dragon Dancers’ 100-foot long Chinese dragon.

“The Cultural Trust float will be the cornerstone of a whole section of the parade that will celebrate Oregon,” said Marilyn Clint, Rose Festival CEO.

The Cultural Trust is currently in the midst of a spring fundraising campaign in response to a record number of grant applications for FY2024 funding. Donations received in advance of the new fiscal year (July 1) will increase the pool of grant funds available for distribution this summer.

“We received a record 194 applications to our Cultural Development Grant Program this year,” said Rogers. “That reveals the incredible need that arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits are experiencing. Our hope is to support as many of these projects as possible this summer.”

Taxpayers who make donations to arts, heritage or humanities nonprofits – and a matching donation to the Cultural Trust – qualify for Oregon’s Cultural Tax Credit as long as both donations are made in the same tax year. Tax credit limits are $500 for an individual, $1,000 for a couple filing jointly and $2,500 for Class-C corporations.

More than half of the money raised by the Cultural Trust is distributed directly to Oregon’s nonprofit cultural community; the remainder grows the Cultural Trust permanent fund. Cultural Trust grants are distributed through five Statewide Cultural Partners – Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities and the Oregon State Office of Historic Preservation – as well as to 45 County/Tribal Cultural Coalitions, who regrant the funds in their communities, and directly to cultural nonprofits via Cultural Development Program grant awards. 

Donate to the Cultural Trust.

Enter the Cultural Trust Donor/Rose Festival Drawing.

See a full list of Trust-funded projects in FY2023.

# # #

The Oregon Cultural Trust was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2001 as a unique means to reward Oregonians who invest in culture. Oregonians who donate to a cultural nonprofit and then make a matching gift to the Cultural Trust receive a 100% state tax credit for their gift to the Trust.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Julian (Jayce) Matney. 

Jayce, age 14, is a child who went missing from Portland on May 16. He was found May 23. 

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

###

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Julian (Jayce) Matney, age 14, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on May 16. He is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jayce and to contact 911, local law enforcement or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) if they believe they see him.

Jayce is suspected to be in the Portland area. 

Name: Julian (Jayce) Matney
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Sept. 7, 2008
Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 135
Hair: Dark brown
Eye color: Brown
Portland Police Bureau Case #23-128024
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1480942

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

###

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Keane Koleson Lloyd, died the evening of May 26, 2023. Lloyd was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified. 

Lloyd entered DOC custody on May 19, 2022, from Linn County with an earliest release date of April 17, 2025. Lloyd was 64 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

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

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SALEM, Ore.—Forest Practices Act (FPA) rule changes aim to provide regulatory certainty and to protect fish and wildlife. On January 1, 2024, the steep slopes rules go into effect. In 2022 the Oregon Legislature directed the Board of Forestry to make about 110 FPA rule changes. Part of those rule changes address harvesting on steep slopes. These rules require foresters and those planning timber harvests to receive steep slopes certification training. 

This specialized training will focus on the Western Oregon steep slopes model outputs and how to determine the no harvest boundaries for steep slopes. The Oregon Department of Forestry will hold the following certification classes:

June 14, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg

June 16, Holiday Inn, Wilsonville

June 20, Comfort Suites, Albany

Please register on the Oregon Department of Forestry website.

The new laws require this certification for large forestland owners, those who own 5,000 or more acres of forestland. Qualifying small forestland owners don’t need this certification. The goal is to help people follow the rules intended to improve fish and wildlife habitat in and around streams.

The main reason to keep trees on certain steep slopes is to allow natural landslides to deliver large wood and sediment to streams over time and ultimately improve aquatic habitat. Human activities on the landscape can influence the timing and size of landslides, the amount of large wood that is available for future delivery to streams, and can increase the amount of sediment delivered to a stream. 

Increased amounts of sediment can adversely impact fish and other species. Sediment can fill in gravel beds for spawning, reduce food availability and impact a fish’s ability to see prey. Large wood from landslides creates vital habitat and protection for fish and other creatures.

The steep slopes rules only apply to Western Oregon, which informed the selection of training locations. If there is more demand than seats available, the department will offer more classes to meet the need.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet in Sisters, with a public meeting and community social scheduled on Wednesday, June 7, and the public meeting reconvenes on June 8. All events are open to the public.

The public meetings will be held at FivePine Lodge, South Sister Room – 1021 Desperado Trail, Sisters, OR, 97759. The June 7 meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. and the June 8 meeting begins at 8 a.m. There will not be a virtual option for the community social, but the meetings will be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s business agenda includes:

• Forest patrol assessment hearings for Jackson County
• Forest Protection Association budgets
• Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee testimony
• 2023 Legislative session update
• Fire season readiness
• 20-Year Landscape Resiliency Strategy update
• Forestry Program for Oregon planning work session
• Board and agency organizational governance work session

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage. Live testimony is available for item #1, state forester and board member comments, and item #3, Forest Protection Association budgets. Sign-up is required and instructions to provide live testimony are available online. Sign-up closes Friday, June 2 at 5 p.m. Written public testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov with the appropriate agenda item included with the submission.

On June 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the board and department will host a community social. This informal event is open to the public for in-person attendance at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Department, Community Room – 301 South Elm Street, Sisters, OR, 97759. An RSVP is not required, but encouraged, as spacing and parking are limited. Please RSVP to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

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. Read more information about the board.

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee will meet in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street in Salem on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. A virtual option will be available via Zoom video conference, which can be found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please contact ystal.bader@odf.oregon.gov">Chrystal Bader at 503-945-7220.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Financial status of the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund
• Annual audit report
• Weather update
• Update on status of large fire cost collection efforts
• Strategic investments
• Administrative Branch/Fire Protection Division reports
• EFCC Administrator report

The meeting is open to the public to attend either in-person or virtually via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting as noted on the agenda. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by contacting ystal.bader@odf.oregon.gov">Chrystal Bader at 503-945-7220.

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as an insurance fund with the purpose of equalizing emergency fire suppression costs among the various Oregon Department of Forestry protection districts. The emergency funding system is designed to operate as an insurance policy whereby all districts contribute (pay premiums) into the fund so that money will be available to any individual district to pay fire suppression costs on emergency fires. View more information on the EFCC webpage.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) seeks peer-reviewed scientific journal articles about post-disturbance timber harvest — also known as salvage logging. ODF will use relevant articles to conduct a literature review.

Oregon Senate Bill 1501 directed ODF to make rules related to post-disturbance harvest. A disturbance could be a wildfire, a natural disaster, an extreme weather event, an insect infestation, or a disease outbreak. As part of the process, the Board of Forestry will determine if current post-disturbance harvest rules meet the requirements of Oregon Revised Statue (ORS) 527.714(1)(c) and the Private Forest Accord report.

The literature review will help inform the board about post-disturbance harvest rulemaking needs. As part of the literature review, the department is: 

• Reviewing the best possible science.
• Reaching out to experts in the field for additional information.
• Ensuring the public has an opportunity to provide relevant scientific information.

The three main topics ODF is asking the public to send peer-reviewed journal articles about are:

• The effects of post-disturbance harvest on streamside areas and aquatic systems.
• Post-disturbance ecology.
• Post-disturbance natural regeneration.

The public can submit articles from June 2 through June 22 via email at drules@odf.oregon.gov">odf.frdrules@odf.oregon.gov or via postal mail to: Attn: Elise Chiba, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street, Salem, OR 97310. 

After completing the literature review, ODF will report the findings to the board in early 2024. The board will then determine whether to start drafting rules or decide that the current rules suffice.

See ODF’s webpages for more information on the Private Forest Accord and Forest Practices Act.

Updated: The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee on Friday, May 26 has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 25 in Salem.

SALEM, Ore.—The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets May 26 at 10 a.m. at ODF headquarters in Salem, with a virtual participation & viewing option via Zoom.

The public meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State Street in Salem. For virtual viewing & participation, use this Zoom link https://odf.zoom.us/j/98745838963. The meeting agenda with links to reference materials is posted on the department’s website.

Agenda items will include:

• Update on the status of Forest Management Plan modeling
• Formulate testimony for June Board of Forestry meeting

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

Questions about accessibility or special accommodations can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at 503-945-7200.

SALEM, Ore.—The Northwest and Southwest Regional Forest Practice Committees will meet May 23 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The Eastern Oregon Regional Forest Practice Committee will also meet May 23 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Both meetings are virtual and have separate Zoom links.

Northwest and Southwest Regional Forest Practice Committee

To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Committee member recruitment process
• Forest Practices Act and small forestland owner training program update
• Operator of the Year nominations
• Post disturbance rule making process update
• Forest practices technical guidance update

Eastern Oregon Regional Forest Practice Committee

To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Committee member recruitment process
• Future of Oregon Senate Bill 762
• Forest Practices Act and small forestland owner training program update
• Forest practices technical guidance update
• Habitat Conservation Plan update
• Operator of the Year nominations

Regional Forest Practice Committees are panels of citizens—mandated under Oregon law—that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Three Regional Forest Practice Committees serving the Northwest, Southwest and Eastern regions of the state, were created by the 1971 Oregon Forest Practices Act. Under Oregon law, a majority of Regional Forest Practice Committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies. View more information on the RFPC webpage.

The meetings are open to the public via Zoom. 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 by emailing: estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

May 25, 2023

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459,

timothy.heider@oha.oregon.gov

Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council terminates grant for noncompliance with grant terms

The Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) voted Wednesday to terminate its grant agreement with a Klamath Falls provider found to be out of compliance with financial and data reporting requirements.

Red is the Road to Wellness in Klamath Falls was approved for more than $1.55 million in Measure 110 funding last August to provide screening and assessment services, substance use disorder treatment, peer support services, housing and supported employment services. The organization has so far received slightly more than $1.08 million.  

Detailed information on funding for the statewide service networks can be found on the Measure 110 Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) dashboard.

OHA received a complaint in November that the organization provided supported employment services that did not conform to operational standards established by the OAC. Follow-up inquiries raised additional concerns.

OHA received a second complaint about supported housing services and a report of financial irregularities including allegations of “misexpended funds.”

Additionally, the organization has not submitted completed expenditure reports or data reports for the first two reporting periods in December 2022 and in March 2023.

The OAC vote empowers OHA to recover the grant funds that have been already allocated, “if it is determined that there have been misexpended funds.”

The OAC authorized OHA to negotiate with other partners in the network to fill any service gaps resulting from the grant termination. If that is not possible, OHA can contact Measure 110 providers outside of the Klamath County network to provide any missing services.

“The action taken by the OAC shows that the OAC is holding grantees accountable.  We will continue to focus on accountability in Measure 110 oversight,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke.

“OHA will continue to provide robust support and will continue to work closely with the OAC and our Measure 110 providers to ensure that the statewide networks are providing services and supports to people who seek them,” she said.

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May 24, 2023

Media Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA encourages mpox vaccination as state marks Pride Month in June

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon public health officials want to raise awareness that getting vaccinated with both doses of the mpox vaccine is the best way for people to protect themselves and their community, especially in advance of Pride and related summer gatherings and travel.

Tim Menza, M.D., Ph.D., senior health adviser for Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) mpox response, said that while the number of mpox cases in the state has decreased dramatically since last summer, the outbreak that began in June 2022 is not over.

“There are reports of increases in cases in the United States (Chicago) and across the globe, including in France and South Korea,” Menza said.

Oregon still sees one to three mpox cases reported per month, although that’s a significant drop from the 10 to 15 cases reported per week when the outbreak peaked in early August 2022. The state’s total count of mpox cases now stands at 280 in 12 counties since the start of the outbreak, including 278 adult cases and two pediatric cases. There have been no deaths.

That the mpox outbreak is not yet over is a sentiment shared recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On May 15, the agency issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory, warning health care and public health partners of ongoing mpox community transmission in the United States and internationally. The HAN informs clinicians and public health agencies about the potential for new clusters or outbreaks of mpox cases, and provides resources on clinical evaluation, treatment, vaccination and testing.

“We have the tools to prevent a resurgence in Oregon, including testing, vaccination, treatment, strong community partnerships and data to guide our response,” Menza emphasized. “As we gather and travel for Pride celebrations in Oregon and around the country next month, we can use these tools now to help us avoid repeating the outbreak of 2022.”

The JYNNEOS mpox vaccine is free and readily available to anyone in Oregon who wants to be vaccinated. As of May 15, 20,972 doses of JYNNEOS have been administered in Oregon, including 13,084 first doses and 7,703 second doses. Menza believes there are many more people who could benefit from vaccination who have not yet received their first dose and that there are about 5,381 people who remain eligible for a second dose but have not yet received it.

The JYNNEOS vaccine is highly effective. According to a study published Friday (May 19) in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the vaccine was found to be 75% effective for those receiving one dose and 86% effective for those who had two doses.

“People with two doses of the vaccine can feel confident in their protection, but breakthrough cases are possible, so if you've been vaccinated and notice a new spot or rash, talk to your health care provider,” Menza explained. “We are still learning how long vaccination protection lasts, but we know that vaccines make getting and spreading mpox less likely, and help make symptoms less severe.”

Mpox spreads primarily through close, skin-to-skin contact. Most often, it has occurred through intimate or sexual contact, and during contact with the lesions of an individual with mpox through a caregiving relationship, such as a parent caring for a child or an adult caretaker of another person.

Infection rates are highest among people living in Multnomah County, those ages 30 to 39, and members of the Latino and Black/African American communities. Most cases were men who reported having sex with men, and most identified as gay or bisexual men.

People who suspect they have mpox should contact their health care provider to let them know before going in to be seen. The provider may recommend testing for mpox. Those who don’t have a health care provider can call 2-1-1 or their local public health authority for help finding a clinic or health care provider.

For more information about mpox in Oregon, visit OHA’s mpox website. Vaccination clinics can also be searched by ZIP code with an mpox vaccine locator tool at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Monkeypox/Pages/vaccine.aspx or at https://mpoxvaxmap.org/.

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May 23, 2023

Media contacts:

Erica Heartquist, Oregon Health Authority,

ica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov">Erica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov,  503-871-8843

Jake Sunderland, Oregon Department of Human Services,

land@odhs.oregon.gov">Jake.Sunderland@odhs.oregon.gov, 503-877-0170

Early numbers show nearly 70% of Oregonians to keep benefits in first round of renewals

State to send updates third week of the month

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will be sending monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians as the agencies continue to track the state's progress in determining eligibility for medical programs.

Background

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, the federal government allowed states to keep people on Medicaid once they became eligible and did not require annual eligibility renewals. During this historic health emergency, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), Oregon’s Medicaid program, grew to nearly 1.5 million people.

In April, Oregon began the process of redetermining eligibility for everyone on OHP.  While most people will continue to qualify for existing benefits, OHA is required to review eligibility for all OHP and Medicare Savings Program (MSP) members by mid-2024.

OHP redeterminations started in April

In April, Oregon began processing eligibility redeterminations for all 1.5 million members receiving OHP and other Medicaid-funded services and supports. The federal government requires Oregon to disenroll any members who are no longer eligible or fail to respond to renewal notices.

All OHP households will receive a renewal notice over the next 10 months. People are encouraged to check that their contact information is up to date so that they can be contacted by the state and receive renewal notices.

Oregon will be able to process many renewals automatically. This means that every OHP member will receive a renewal notice, and the notice will explain whether the member needs to provide additional information or take action to keep their coverage.

OHP members encouraged to respond quickly

Although the state has taken many steps to prepare, the large number of OHP redeterminations, along with renewals of long-term services and supports, is expected to cause greater wait times, delays, and possible interruptions to people’s OHP benefits. OHP members are encouraged to respond as quickly as possible after they receive a request for information to avoid any possible delays. The fastest way members can provide an update is by going to benefits.oregon.gov and logging into their ONE account.

Members losing OHP coverage have other coverage options and will receive at least 60 days advance notice. Many people will be eligible to enroll in health plans through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM) with financial help. Other people may be eligible for Medicare or employer coverage.

April OHP redeterminations data

• April was the first month Oregon began processing medical renewals, during this reporting period: 133,232 individuals, or 75,436 cases have had their OHP renewed.
• 46,894 individuals, or 29,072 cases needed to provide more information to complete the process.
• 13,208 required individuals to review, sign and send back their renewal packet.
• 8,394 people were ineligible and received a 60-day notice of termination of coverage. When people are ineligible, they are referred to the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace for other options for health care coverage.

Early data for May shows 66% of people will retain benefits.

Members losing coverage should report changes to their income or household information immediately if any of the information used to make the decision is inaccurate. They also should apply for other health coverage as soon as they know their coverage ending date to prevent a gap in coverage.

Data dashboards in place for tracking progress

Two new dashboards became available in April 2023 for the public to track Oregon’s progress.

• Medical Redeterminations Dashboard for tracking the state's progress in determining eligibility for medical programs. This dashboard is updated daily. The types of data in this dashboard will expand over the next few months.
• ONE Customer Service Center Dashboard for monitoring the customer service experience for people calling the ONE Customer Service Center to apply for or ask for help with medical, food, cash and child care benefits. The ONE Customer Service Center Dashboard is updated every day.

Extending health coverage

To get help, people can also:

• Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
• Call the ONE Customer Service Center: 800-699-9075 (all relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages).
• Stop by a local ODHS office or Area Agency on Aging Office. People can find their local office at: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/Offices/Pages/one-services.aspxm
• Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit https://oregonhealthcare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).

Get help finding other health coverage at OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp

May 23, 2023

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA investigating 4 Salmonella infection cases linked to Papa Murphy’s cookie dough

PORTLAND, Ore. — Recent cases of Salmonella infection are being linked to the consumption of Papa Murphy’s cookie dough, Oregon health officials announced today.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) epidemiologists investigated a cluster of four cases with identical strains of Salmonella bacteria. The cases range in age from 20 to 57 and reported onset of symptoms between April 1 and April 21. None of the cases were hospitalized, and there have been no deaths. The Washington State Department of Health has reported matching cases of Salmonella as well.

Eating raw cookie or S’mores Bar dough sold by Papa Murphy’s restaurants was significantly associated with contracting this strain of Salmonella. Papa Murphy’s, headquartered in Vancouver, Wash., sells uncooked or “take-and-bake” pizzas and cookie dough that are intended to be baked at home.

"People should contact a health care provider if they believe they’ve had symptoms of salmonellosis, including diarrhea, after eating raw cookie dough," said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the OHA Public Health Division. "It’s important to remember, though, that most people with salmonellosis will recover without needing medical care or antibiotics."

He added: "We recommend anyone who has any of the potentially contaminated cookie or S’mores Bar dough to discard it and wash your hands afterward." People who have eaten cookie or pizza dough but not gotten sick do not need to notify a health care provider.

OHA epidemiologists are working closely with the Washington State Department of Health, the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the outbreak. Efforts to trace the source of the Salmonella are ongoing.

During 2013–2022 — the most recent 10-year period — Oregon averaged 459 (range, 337–585) reported cases of salmonellosis per year. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps one to seven days after exposure. The illness usually lasts four to seven days.

Although most people recover without treatment, some have severe infections. Infants, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness. Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and, in rare cases, can be deadly.

For general information, visit OHA’s salmonellosis page, or the CDC’s Salmonella page.

Other resources:

• CDC’s Salmonella FAQ.
• gov’s Salmonella and Food page and Salmonella page.

# # #

May 26, 2023

The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023. The meeting will be held electronically due to the current COVID-19 health crisis. You can find all updated meeting materials on our website.

Webinar Meeting Only

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Col6ui38S_SVSBOOxs-zsA 

AGENDA:

9:00: Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 

9:05: Public Comment

9:35: Report of the Chair

9:45: Report of the Director (pg. 04)

• Introduction: Outreach and Engagement Team

10:00: Homeownership Division (pg. 06)

           Keeble Giscombe, Director of Homeownership Division

• Homeownership Development Incubator Program Rules: Talia Kahn-Kravis, Operations & Policy Analyst
• Tribal Homeownership Grant Recommendations: Talia Kahn-Kravis, Operations & Policy Analyst

10:45: Affordable Rental Housing Division (pg. 23)

           Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Director of Affordable Rental Housing

• MF Housing Transaction Recommendations: Tai Dunson-Strane, Production Manager  
  • Albina One
  • Dartmouth Crossing
  • Francis + Claire
  • Spencer Court
• Preservation Framework Discussion: Michael Parkhurst, Senior Preservation Program Analyst; Roberto Franco, Assistant Director Development Resources and Production

       Housing Stabilization Division (pg. 74)

          Jill Smith, Director of Housing Stabilization

• Reference memo in packet (not prioritized for discussion): 
  • Rent Guarantee Program / Rent Well Update

12:00: Meeting Adjourned

SALEM, Ore. — An Oregon Housing and Community Services Agricultural Worker Housing Study substantiates that most of the state’s farmworkers earn very low wages, and many farmworker households are in poverty. Due to low wages and a lack of affordable housing, Oregon’s farmworkers have few housing options and often live in poor and overcrowded conditions.  

“Farmworkers have long been an essential backbone to our state. Centering their humanity, dignity, and well-being, requires we continue advancing safe and healthy farmworker housing—as we do in service to all people of Oregon,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “It’s important to acknowledge that migrant and seasonal agricultural workers and their families are the foundation of Oregon’s large agricultural sector. Lack of housing options leads to health disparities that leave generational impacts. This is not abstract. Seeing ourselves in one another requires that we take care of those that sustain our food system.” 

There are more than 531,000 jobs connected to Oregon agriculture, food, and fiber, and agriculture contributes $42 billion to Oregon’s economy each year. As of 2017, there are an estimated 100,122 farmworkers in Oregon, doing the skilled and difficult work of growing, picking, and packing food.  

The report is the culmination of almost four years of work. In December 2017, the Data and Research Subcommittee of the Agricultural Workforce Housing Facilitation Team (AWHFT) recommended OHCS commission the in-depth study. The goal was to update statewide information on agriculture workforce housing to better understand the current needs and barriers to help inform future program decisions, funding opportunities, and policy decisions.  

OHCS commissioned Stamberger Outreach Consulting to conduct the study in Hood River, Marion, Morrow, and Yamhill counties. The report focuses on how to optimize the use of available resources, review current housing, as well as understanding what policies and funding options encourage employers to offer housing, and increase innovation in the provision of housing. 

“A central goal of this study was to hear the experiences and recommendations of farmworkers and agricultural employers to ensure their voices were included in this process,” said Jamie Stamberger, author of the study and research director at Stamberger Outreach Consulting. “We interviewed 80 farmworkers and nine agricultural employers, as well agency experts. Through these interviews and our analysis of available data, our team identified eight critical issues for farmworker housing. These issues must be addressed in order to meet the need for farmworker housing.” 

Some of the key recommendations of the study include the following: 

• Increase farmworker incomes.
• Provide direct rental assistance to farmworkers.
• Increase the supply of housing that farmworkers can afford.
• Develop programs to provide special clearance and/or requirements, or co-signers, for farmworkers to satisfy rental application and mortgage loan requirements.
• Support lower-cost alternative homeownership models including community land trusts and housing cooperatives that provide ownership opportunities for farmworkers.

Read the executive summary and full report on the OHCS website.  

Un estudio de vivienda para la fuerza laboral agrícola recomienda incrementar sus sueldos y opciones de viviendas   

SALEM, Ore. — Un estudio de Viviendas para Trabajadores Agrícolas del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregón corrobora que la mayoría ganan salarios muy bajos y se encuentran en la pobreza. Debido a los bajos ingresos y la falta de vivienda de bajo costo, los trabajadores agrícolas tienen muy pocas opciones de vivienda y a menudo viven en condiciones inadecuadas y hacinados.

“Durante mucho tiempo los trabajadores agrícolas han sido esencial para nuestro estado. Centrar su humanidad, dignidad y bienestar requiere que sigamos construyendo viviendas seguras y saludables para los trabajadores agrícolas, al igual que hacemos al servicio de todos los habitantes de Oregón,” dijo la directora de OHCS Andrea Bell. “Es importante reconocer que los trabajadores migrantes y los de temporada son la base del sector agrícola de Oregón. La falta de opciones de vivienda genera problemas de salud que dejan secuelas generacionales. Esto no es abstracto. Vernos reflejados en los demás exige que cuidemos de los que sostienen nuestro sistema alimentario.”    

Existen más de 531,000 puestos de trabajo relacionados con la agricultura, los alimentos y las fibras; y la agricultura aporta $42,000 millones a la economía de Oregón cada año. Se calcula que, desde el 2017, hay 100,122 trabajadores agrícolas en Oregón que realizan trabajo de mano de obra especializada y de mayor dificultad del cultivo, cosecha y empaquetamiento de los alimentos. 

El informe es la culminación de casi cuatro años de trabajo. En diciembre del 2017, el Subcomité de Datos e Investigación del Equipo de Facilitación de Viviendas para la Fuerza Laboral Agrícola (AWHFT, por sus siglas en inglés) recomendó a OHCS realizar el estudio. Se buscaba actualizar la información a nivel estatal de viviendas para la fuerza laboral agrícola, para así mejor comprender las necesidades y barreras actuales. El propósito es ayudar a informar las decisiones futuras del programa, las oportunidades de financiación y las decisiones políticas. 

OHCS comisionó a Stamberger Outreach Consulting para realizar el estudio en los condados de Hood River, Marion, Morrow y Yamhill. El informe se centra en cómo mejor utilizar los recursos disponibles, examinar las viviendas actuales, así como entender qué pólizas y opciones de financiación animan a los empleadores a ofrecer viviendas, y aumentar la innovación en la provisión de viviendas. 

“La meta central de este estudio fue escuchar las experiencias y recomendaciones de los trabajadores y empleadores agrícolas para incluirlos en el proceso,” dijo Jamie Stamberger, autora del estudio y directora de investigación de Stamberger Outreach Consulting. “Nosotros entrevistamos a 80 trabajadores agrícolas y nueve empleadores, al igual que expertos en diferentes agencias. Por medio de estas entrevistas y nuestro análisis de los datos disponibles, nuestro equipo identifico ocho temas importantes en cuanto la vivienda para la fuerza laboral agrícola. Estas cuestiones deben abordarse para satisfacer la necesidad de vivienda de los trabajadores agrícolas”. 

Algunas de las recomendaciones principales del estudio son las siguientes: 

• Aumentar los ingresos de los trabajadores 
• Proporcionar ayuda directa a los trabajadores agrícolas para la renta o alquiler. 
• Aumentar el suministro de viviendas que los trabajadores agrícolas puedan pagar. 
• Desarrollar programas para proporcionar autorizaciones especiales o codeudores, para que los trabajadores agrícolas cumplan con requisitos para solicitudes de vivienda de alquiler o préstamos para comprar una vivienda.
• Apoyar modelos alternativos de vivienda de menor costo, incluyendo fideicomisos de tierras comunitarias y cooperativas de vivienda que ofrezcan oportunidades de compra a los trabajadores agrícolas.

Lea el resumen ejecutivo y el informe completo en el sitio de internet de OHCS. 

May 23, 2023

Media Contact:  

HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov  

OHCS Director Bell joins first annual Bridge Builder Breakfast 
in honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month  

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services Director Andrea Bell joined Bridge Meadows and the Department of Human Services (ODHS) along with others at the World Forestry Center for the first annual Bridge Builder Breakfast.

The panel of experts from multiple sectors helped to educate guests on issues related to foster care and housing while elevating innovative solutions at work across Oregon. The event was emceed by Bank of America with the panel moderated by Derenda Schubert, Executive Director of Bridge Meadows and included two panelists with lived experience with the foster care system representing the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center.  

During her remarks, Director Bell elevated that May is National Foster Care Awareness Month and remarked on how OHCS remains committed to addressing the root causes of our affordable housing shortage, including tearing down institutional silos, forming new partnerships and launching innovative initiatives with housing providers across Oregon.  

“The progress we make as a state tomorrow hinges on the well-being of Oregon’s youth today. Statewide housing investments are one of the most critical ways we directly support youth in fulfilling their limitless potential facilitating family unification”, said Director Bell. “What we’ve heard here today is that these developments represent what multigenerational housing models for positive change can look like. When we invest in community solutions, we change lives for the better.”

Read more about Bridge Meadows at their website: https://bridgemeadows.org/.

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23 de mayo de 2023

Contacto para medios de comunicación:  

HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov  

La directora del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios participa en evento que conmemora el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre el Cuidado de Crianza

PORTLAND, Ore. — Hoy se celebró el primer desayuno anual, Bridge Builder, en el cual participo Andrea Bell, la directora del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregón (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés). Ella se unió a Bridge Meadows, entidad que organizó el evento, al Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregón (ODHS) y otras personas en el Centro Forestal Mundial.

La directora Bell formó parte del panel de expertos que ayudó a educar a los invitados en temas relacionados con el cuidado de crianza y la vivienda. Además, también destacaron soluciones innovadoras llevándose a cabo en Oregón. El panel fue moderado por Derenda Schubert, directora ejecutiva de Bridge Meadows, e incluyó a dos panelistas quienes formaron parte del sistema de cuidado de crianza y que representaron al Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center.

Durante su discurso, la directora Bell recordó a los presentes que mayo es el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre el Cuidado de Crianza e hizo hincapié en cómo su agencia sigue comprometida a abordar las causas de la escasez de viviendas de bajo costo, incluida la eliminación de barreras, la formación de nuevas asociaciones y el lanzamiento de iniciativas innovadoras con proveedores de viviendas en Oregón.

"El progreso que realicemos como estado mañana depende del actual bienestar de los jóvenes de Oregón. Las inversiones en la vivienda en el estado son una de las formas más impactantes en como apoyar a los jóvenes para que cumplan su potencial ilimitado y facilitar la unificación familiar", dijo la directora Bell. "Lo que hemos escuchado hoy aquí es que para lograr un cambio positivo debemos continuar desarrollando modelos de vivienda multigeneracional. Cuando invertimos en soluciones comunitarias, cambiamos vidas para mejorarlas".

Más información sobre Bridge Meadows en su sitio de internet:  https://bridgemeadows.org/.

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There’s something magical about being on the water and Oregon offers incredible boating opportunities. Regardless of what’s calling you to the water and the type of boat you’re in, be aware of your surroundings, be prepared, and make good decisions.             

“Inexperience and solo operation continue to be a growing trend of boating fatalities in Oregon. Planning ahead, boating with others, always keeping a sharp lookout, and wearing a properly fitted life jacket for your boating activity should be at the top of all boaters’ focus,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. “The Marine Board has many resources to help boaters have a safe and enjoyable experience on all of Oregon’s waterways,” adds Paulsen.

The Oregon State Marine Board advises boaters to plan ahead and check out the Marine Board’s interactive boating access map. The map displays public boat ramps and local rules for boat operations. Also, check the weather forecast, water levels, and tides. See if there are any reported obstructions, and have the right gear for your boating activity. Boaters can also check the Marine Board’s website to find out what equipment is required based on the size and type of boat. 

The Marine Board would like to remind boaters:

• Boat Sober. Abstain from consuming marijuana, drugs, or alcohol, which impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination and cause dehydration. Boating demands sharp situational awareness.
• All children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket when underway on all boats (motorized and nonmotorized). All boaters on Class III whitewater rivers are required to wear a life jacket.
• Be courteous to other boaters and share the waterway. Stage your gear in the parking lot or staging area regardless of your boat type. This makes launching faster and everyone around you happier.
• In Oregon, all boaters must take a boating safety course and carry a boating safety education card when operating a powerboat greater than 10 horsepower. Paddlers of non-motorized boats 10’ and longer are required to purchase a waterway access permit. The Marine Board also offers a free, online Paddling Course for boaters new to the activity.

For more information about safe boating in Oregon, visit Boat.Oregon.gov.

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SALEM, Oregon – Gathering around the campfire is a highlight for many visitors at Oregon State Parks. If you follow some basic guidelines, you can enjoy this tradition safely and reduce the risk of injury and wildfires. 

Wildfire is a real danger in Oregon despite the wet and snowy spring. That’s why the No. 1 precaution you can take is to follow posted fire restrictions. At times, campfires and other open flames may be banned in campgrounds or on the beach.  

Restrictions can happen at any time and with little warning, depending on conditions. Be sure to research conditions for the area near where you’re camping just before you head out. Fire restrictions may be in place at the park, county or state level. The Oregon State Parks website will post the latest information about campfires in state parks.

Restrictions may be in place even though the park is far from any wildfires. When wildfires rage, emergency responders and firefighters need to be on the front lines. We ask campers to do their part to make sure an emergency at the campground doesn’t pull resources from the statewide firefighting effort. 

“If you’re camping with children or others who are new to outdoor recreation, it’s particularly important to review campfire safety practices,” said Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) associate director. “If you have a question or a concern, talk with a park ranger or camp host.”

OPRD offers these six tips for a safe and enjoyable campfire:

1. Maintain campfire flames at knee height (no more than 2 feet high). A smaller flame helps prevent embers from rising into the trees or dry vegetation. If you see the wind stirring up embers, play it safe and put the fire out. 
2. In a state park campground, only build campfires in the existing fire ring in your campsite. Fire rings are placed in areas with buffer zones and away from vegetation. 
3. Always keep plenty of water on hand to safely put out the campfire. Douse the flames with water and stir the embers to make sure everything is wet. The stirring step is important: ash and wood debris often maintain heat. Repeat these steps until the fire no longer emits heat.
4. Beach campfires should be on open sand and away from driftwood or vegetation and use only natural wood, rather than pallets or anything else that might have hidden nails or screws. Slowly pour water on your beach fire to put it out. Pouring water too quickly can cause hot sand to fly up. Don’t use sand to put out a beach fire. Covering the fire with sand will insulate the coals, keeping them hot enough to burn someone hours or days later. 
5. For propane fire rings, follow the same safety precautions you would with a log-based campfire. The use of propane fire rings may be restricted depending on local conditions.
6. Make sure everyone in your campsite is familiar with campfire safety, including children. Always keep an eye on your campfire; many accidental fires are started because campers left their fire unattended for “just a minute.” 

In addition to keeping your campfire safe, it’s also important to make sure your wood is free from invasive insects to keep our forests safe from the deadly emerald ash borer and other pests. Please do not bring firewood from outside the local area. Buy local firewood within 10 miles of your destination or buy certified heat-treated firewood.

During May, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, the Office of Emergency Management, Keep Oregon Green, the U.S. Forest Service, OPRD and other federal, state and local emergency and response agencies are encouraging the public to work together in their local communities to prevent the risk of wildfire.

Information about recreation and wildfire safety is at keeporegongreen.org. Visit stateparks.oregon.gov for information about Oregon State Parks including fire restrictions and safety guidelines. 

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Benton County, the City of Corvallis, and Community Services Consortium (CSC) are part of a pilot program sponsored by Oregon State House Bill 4123 to support a coordinated response to homelessness. As required by HB 4123 (2022), staff from the newly formed Benton County Coordinated Homelessness Response Office are preparing a five-year strategic plan to be finalized this summer. The draft strategic plan was presented to the Home, Opportunity, Planning, and Equity (HOPE) Advisory Board meeting for feedback. The meeting, held Wednesday, May 24 at the Benton County Kalapuya Building in Corvallis and online, was the first hybrid format meeting for the committee since the onset of the pandemic.

View a video of the meeting.

The draft strategic plan was created in alignment with HB 4123 requirements, incorporates the twelve HOPE Policy Recommendations, and will include input from regional health assessment partners gathered at outreach events this spring and summer. Key elements of the strategic plan include:

• Sustainable funding for ongoing operations of the coordinated homelessness response system.
• Increasing or streamlining resources and services to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
• Incorporating national best practices for ending homelessness.
• Eliminating racial disparities within the service area.
• Creating pathways to permanent and supportive housing that is affordable to local populations experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“We are so fortunate to have an active group of partners and community members,” shared Coordinated Homeless Response Office Program Coordinator, Julie Arena. “Well before the enactment of HB 4123, the City of Corvallis and Benton County were building the foundation for coordinated homeless response as part of a ten-year plan to address homelessness. With this strong foundation, Benton County deployed state and federal investments as they became available starting in 2020 and applied for HB 4123 funding in 2022.”

The County has leveraged state, federal, and local funds including Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and other funds to bring over $9 million in new investments to fund food, shelter, eviction prevention, and capacity for community-based organizations.

Learn more about what has already been accomplished:

• View the Community Progress Timeline.
• Learn about the County’s Coordinated Homelessness Response Office.
• Learn about successful projects and improvements.

Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse is a liaison to the HOPE Advisory Board and is pleased with the progress made by the Coordinated Homelessness Response Office so far. “Benton County is committed to using resources effectively to directly address homelessness. In addition to the City of Corvallis and Community Services Consortium, we are grateful for community members and partners who have joined with us in this vitally important work.”

Benton County is facing a significant challenge as the number of individuals experiencing homelessness continues to grow in Oregon. Recent data reveals that Benton County has the highest rent-burdened city in Oregon, with 40% of all renters paying more than 50% of their income on rent.

The HOPE Advisory Board is a joint effort between Benton County and the City of Corvallis to facilitate a comprehensive, coordinated response from the county, cities, and diverse community partners, leaders, and persons experiencing homelessness. The Board meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Visit the HOPE Advisory Board webpage for information about attending a meeting or to subscribe to the HOPE News & Updates email list.

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Each winner will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive $2,500 for their school

PORTLAND, Ore., May 26, 2023—OnPoint Community Credit Union has announced the four winners of the 2023 OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education Educator of the Year awards: 

• Samuel Platt, principal of Tumalo Community School in Redmond, Ore. Platt is the first recipient of the Gold Star Educator award, a category for pre-kindergarten teachers, school counselors, substitute teachers, librarians, or school administrators.
• Caryn Anderson, fourth grade teacher at Abernethy Elementary School in Portland, Ore.
• Lucas Dix, sixth through eighth grade media arts and journalism teacher at Rowe Middle School in Milwaukie, Ore.
• Willie Williams, ninth through 12th grade history and economics teacher at Roosevelt High School in Portland, Ore. 

The four Educators of the Year will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive $2,500 for each of their schools. In addition, the four runners-up will receive $5,000 for themselves and $1,500 for each of their schools. 

“Educators have a profound impact on their students, as well as their entire community,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “This year’s Educators of the Year respect their students as individuals and create educational experiences that truly connect and inspire them. We are honored to recognize these educators and know they will continue to make a difference for their students and our region.”

In the 14 years since the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education campaign launched, it has awarded more than $650,000 in prizes to 313 local educators and schools. The 2023 campaign awarded an additional $193,000 to 21 more deserving public and private K-12 educators and schools.

2023 Educators of the Year

The four winners of the 2023 OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education Educator of the Year awards are:

Gold Star Educator of the Year – Samuel Platt 

Principal, Tumalo Community School, Redmond, Ore.

Samuel Platt’s energy, love, and dedication have helped bring the Tumalo Community School to life. 

Platt championed the district’s first music program in 2022, his first year on the job. The program included a new music teacher and the elementary school’s first-ever concert. Platt also secured funding and staffing for eight after-school clubs in one week. 

Platt has quickly immersed himself in student life and gained an innate understanding of his school’s needs. He has created initiatives such as the Comeback Kids, which supports faculty with tools that catch students up after two years of remote learning. Platt recognizes every student’s birthday and their accomplishments over the school’s loudspeaker. He also created the Kindness Awards assembly to honor students who have gone above and beyond to show kindness.

K-5 Educator of the Year – Caryn Anderson 

Fourth grade, Abernethy Elementary School, Portland, Ore.

Caryn Anderson balances individualized student attention with an inclusive classroom environment. She builds relationships with students and their families, and tailors interventions to each child’s social, emotional and academic needs. Anderson’s peers say she gives every student a voice, and parents say she catches students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

Anderson’s emphasis on inclusion features books by authors of color and rich discussions about social injustice and racism. Her students learn to identify their biases and to see themselves as change makers. Her students also see her as an ally when they need to share personal information with their families and friends.

Anderson supports her students with tools, such as color-coded charts, silencing headphones, weighted pillows and sit n’ wiggle cushions. Anderson’s thoughtfulness creates a safe environment for students to ask questions, make bold responses and be curious. Her dedication earned her a scholarship from the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund.

6–8 Educator of the Year – Lucas Dix

Sixth through eighth grade media arts and journalism, Rowe Middle School, Milwaukie, Ore.

To understand Lucas Dix’s influence at Milwaukie’s Rowe Middle School, you’ll need to watch one of the school news team’s music videos. In them, kids of every background dance, laugh, and create together—with none of the self-consciousness you might expect from preteens. 

The Shamrock News video topics range from social-emotional development (Teach 100) to grammar (Comma Dance). The videos go viral, garnering more than 40,000 views, news coverage, and a keynote speaking role for Dix at the Association for Middle Education annual conference.

Dix is a champion for positive school culture. He created the Rowe Zine, a magazine featuring writing pieces from language arts classes. He invented the 1 Million Word Club to encourage reading. He brought back school dances, and revitalized the track and cross-country teams.

9-12 Educator of the Year – Willie Williams

Ninth through 12th grade history and economics, Roosevelt High School, Portland, Ore.

Willie Williams brings the spirit of community, respect, and inclusivity to Roosevelt High School. His curriculum elevates underrepresented groups and gets students thinking critically about history and justice—examples include lessons on the Black Panther Party and North Portland history. 

However, his dedication goes beyond the classroom. Williams cooks Louisiana gumbo for more than 1,500 people at Roosevelt’s annual cultural celebration. As the football coach, he keeps his players fed with nourishing meals in the summer. 

Williams is the Upward Bound mentor and Black student union advisor who stepped into the school’s interim athletic director role mid-year, the classroom leader who greets his students with “Good morning, family,” the educator who encourages critical thinking on electoral systems and immigration policy, and the role model who inspires students to join and lead social justice movements.

2023 Educator of the Year Runners-up

OnPoint will also award a $5,000 cash prize to each of the following 2023 runners-up and make a $1,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies.

Gold Star Educator of the Year Runner-up – Darcy Rudnick

Library Media Specialist, Buckman Elementary School, Portland, Ore.

K–5 Educator of the Year Runner-up – Tiffany Koyama Lane

Third grade, Sunnyside Environmental School, Portland, Ore.

6–8 Educator of the Year Runner-up – Nicholas Krissie

Sixth through eighth grade science, Lincoln Middle School, Oakland, Ore.

9-12 Educator of the Year Runner-up – Dustin Long 

Ninth through 12th grade computer science, Gladstone High School, Gladstone School District, Gladstone, Ore. 

Five Schools Receive Community Builder Awards 

The 2023 OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education also awarded one Oregon school $5,000 and four Oregon schools $2,000 in Community Builder grants for special projects that enrich their communities. Click here to read about this year's winners, which OnPoint announced on May 10, 2023.

Honoring Founders' Legacy of Excellence in Education

Founded by 16 schoolteachers in 1932, OnPoint continues to honor its legacy today by improving access to quality education for everyone. Click here to learn more.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 516,000 members and with assets of $8.9 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

Create a solid saving and spending plan for your upcoming travels this season

Memorial Day weekend kicks off the unofficial start to summer: a time for outdoor activities, evenings spent grilling with friends and family and, of course, summer vacations. Whether you’re planning to hit the road or take to the skies, there are some important financial considerations when planning your next trip. As you dream about your next vacation, Umpqua Bank is offering tips to help you make the most of your trip with a solid plan to save and spend this summer season—and avoid falling victim to a vacation scam.

“We all deserve to take time to rest, relax and rejuvenate when the weather gets warmer,” says Heather Seppa, Northern Oregon & SW Washington Market Region Manager at Umpqua Bank. “But to make the most of your time away, it’s important that you create a plan and stick to it so you stay on budget, maximize your trip and return without vacation guilt.” 

Here are Heather’s top tips heading into travel season:

1. Set a budget and plan your trip around it. Take a good look at your finances and set realistic expectations for what you can afford without accruing vacation debt. For example, if you have your heart set on a specific location, consider traveling in the “shoulder season” (outside of peak travel times, typically in spring or early fall). Or, if you’re just looking to get away, research destination options that may help you save. Remember: Your budget should include everything—not just the flight and hotel. Think about costs for meals, transportation at your destination and any excursions you’d like to go on. This will give you a far more realistic expectation of the total cost.
2. Start a dedicated vacation fund. It’s never too late to start saving for your next vacation—even if it’s already booked. If your travel fund is mixed in with your general savings account, it can be tempting to dip into the fund for other expenses. Consider opening a separate savings account specifically for your vacation fund, which will help you keep an eye on exactly where you’re at financially. You can even set up recurring automatic payments from your checking account to this savings account to contribute regularly. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it adds up!
3. Use credit sparingly—but to your advantage. It can be easy to fall into the trap of using your credit card to pay for a vacation without paying it off right away, but that sets you up for fees and interest that add up long after your trip is over. You can, however, use a credit card to your advantage. Many credit cards offer perks such as earning rewards for everyday purchases that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels and more. And, a credit card often offers additional (and significant) advantages like trip cancellation coverage or no foreign transaction fees. Just be sure to read the fine print of what a credit card offers!

And, with these tips in mind, it’s also more important than ever to keep an eye out for scammers trying to take advantage of the increased interest in hotel, flight and vacation bookings. 

“Scammers are incredibly opportunistic, and increasingly savvy,” says Jon Stockton, Umpqua Bank’s Director of Fraud. “They are always inventing new ways to make something seem legitimate when it’s not—which means it’s important to stay extra vigilant.” 

Here are some helpful tips to avoid turning your dream trip into a nightmare—and a big headache—due to a vacation scam:

1. Verify Your Booking Site: Before you book your ticket, do some research. Does the website have a verifiable physical address and phone number? Do they have any Better Business Bureau complaints that might make you pause? When in doubt, booking directly from an airline or hotel is your safest bet—but remember, scammers are getting more and more clever, so double check that the website URL is the verified site of the company you are intending to book from.
2. Use Reputable Vacation Rental Services: Scammers often fabricate or even steal real rental property information to create fraudulent booking sites in an attempt to steal your information. If possible, call ahead to confirm a rental’s availability and speak to an actual person. And, use reputable vacation rental services that offer fraud protection.
3. Utilize Your Credit Card: Using a credit card often offers you more peace of mind because they have additional built-in protections against fraud, including things like vacation protection. Be wary of the payment methods your booking site is requesting; if they require you to wire the funds or provide a cashier’s check, it’s likely a scam.
4. Protect Yourself While You’re Out: Always keep your purse or wallet on you and in your possession when you’re traveling. Even a quick stop at a gas station or rest area is an invitation for an opportunistic scammer to snatch it. And, be sure to take note of any numbers or records you may need in the event you have to report a stolen or lost card to your financial institution. Remember: If you find yourself a victim (or suspected victim) of a scam, be sure to call your financial institution right away to start the process of reporting a stolen card or compromised account.

“Every year, we see scammers taking advantage of people trying to find a good deal,” Stockton says. “Just remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is—whether it’s a flight deal or an ultra-cheap vacation rental. Be extra careful and perform your own due diligence to verify their authenticity.” 

With these tips in mind and a plan in place, you can be confident that you’re maximizing your next big trip—and feeling good that you won’t come back with vacation-related guilt. 

BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum’s signature outdoor flight program, Raptors of the Desert Sky, returns beginning Saturday, May 27. The demonstration takes place daily during the summer at 11:30 am through Labor Day. 

 Hawks, owls, falcons and even turkey vultures soar from perch to perch directly over the crowd seated in a natural amphitheater nestled in the Museum’s ponderosa pine forest. A Museum expert narrates the action, sharing the hunting strategies and natural behaviors of these spectacular birds of prey, as well as what we can do to help preserve them in the wild.

“The outdoor flight program is a highlight of the High Desert Museum summer season,” says Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “For so many visitors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the power of these extraordinary birds up close while learning about their incredible adaptations from wildlife staff and volunteers.”

The program takes place weather and air quality permitting. The Museum website will be updated to reflect any time changes, such as an earlier start time to accommodate for high temperatures that might stress the birds.

Tickets are separate from Museum entry ($5 for members, children 3-12 and seniors, $7 for non-members, free for children 2 or younger) and must be purchased at Admissions by 11:00 am. They are not available online. Tickets often sell out before 10:00 am. The Museum strongly recommends that visitors arrive when the Museum opens at 9:00 am to secure tickets from Admissions.

Raptors of the Desert Sky is made possible by Fly Redmond with support from Bigfoot Beverages. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/raptors-of-the-desert-sky.

In addition, the Museum’s summer schedule of daily talks begins Saturday. Visitors can meet a mammal in the popular Desert Dwellers talk at 3:00 pm, and they can also learn about wolves, raptors and other High Desert species in other talks. Daily talks are free with admission. Talk details are at highdesertmuseum.org/daily-schedule.

The historic High Desert Ranger Station will be open weekends from 10:00 am — 3:00 pm starting Saturday, as well. The U.S. Forest Service ranger station was built east of the Sierra Nevada in 1933 and moved to the Museum in 2008 in partnership with the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Association of Forest Service retirees (known as the Old Smokeys). Old Smokeys staff the station to engage with Museum visitors. The ranger station will be open daily starting July 1. The building’s history is at highdesertmuseum.org/high-desert-ranger-station.

And an immersive art exhibition that evokes the High Desert history of vaqueros and braceros, Vistas del Cielo, Views from the Sky in Spanish, also opens May 27. Artist Justin Favela uses piñata paper to create immense, colorful murals. The exhibition is open through November 26. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/vistas-del-cielo. The exhibit is made possible by Gold 107.7 with support from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation.

Learn more about visiting the Museum at highdesertmuseum.org.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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TUALATIN, OR – The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities' (The Alliance) members annual economic impact to the state of Oregon is $3.5 billion for Fiscal Year 2020-21, according to a new report by Lightcast. Additionally, students' average annual rate of return is 12.5%.

The Alliance’s twelve member colleges and universities are committed to providing high-quality education to their students, but the impact extends far beyond the classroom and the benefit to individual students. “In Oregon, we know instinctively that our private, nonprofit colleges and universities are crucial for our economy, with these institutions helping to define what it means to learn, work, and live in the state,” said Brent Wilder, President of The Alliance. “This analysis of the economic impact and return on investment of education of The Alliance member institutions provides meaningful data that quantifies just how crucial private, nonprofit education is to Oregon’s economic success. Across this state, our member institutions are the economic engines for their communities and their regions. Collectively, they are one of the most important anchors of our robust and vibrant knowledge-based economy.”

In FY 2020-21, Oregon invested $1.1 billion to support The Alliance member institutions. In turn, the Oregon economy will grow by $7.3 billion over the course of students’ working lives. Further report highlights include: 

• a total impact on the Oregon economy of $3.5 billion in added income, which equates to 43,396 jobs supported. For perspective, the activities of the member institutions and their students support one out of every 59 jobs in Oregon.
• a cumulative present value of $3.1 billion in increased earnings over student’s working lives. This translates to a return of $3.50 in higher future earnings for every dollar students invest in their education.
• in total, taxpayers gain $929.4 million in added tax revenue and public sector savings.
• a net impact of $2.9 billion in added income from The Alliance’s former students currently employed in the state workforce.
• the expenditures of relocated and retained students added $114.1 million in income to the Oregon economy.
• brought $26 million of added income to the state of Oregon through visitor spending impact.

In addition, the investment analysis revealed that for every $1 students gain $3.50 in lifetime earnings and society gains $6.90 in added income and social savings.

“The Alliance’s members are vital contributors to Oregon’s economy, with a larger impact than the entirety of Oregon’s utilities industry,” said President Miles K. Davis of Linfield University and chair of The Alliance. “Private, nonprofit colleges and universities play a crucial role in the education landscape by offering diverse academic programs, smaller class sizes, and specialized resources that contribute to a well-rounded learning experience. Their economic impact matters as it fuels job creation, generates revenue, and fosters innovation, benefiting not only students but also making a significant contribution to the state's economy. This report underscores the remarkable return on investment Oregon receives from The Alliance member colleges and universities.”

This economic value study was conducted by Lightcast, the global leader in labor market analytics. The Alliance member institutions included in the study are as follows: Bushnell University, Corban University, George Fox University, Lewis & Clark College, Linfield University, Multnomah University, Pacific University, Reed College, University of Portland, Warner Pacific University, Western Seminary, and Willamette University.

To view the full results of The Alliance’s economic value report, please visit oaicu.org/impact or contact Alliance President Brent Wilder at 503.342.0004 or brent@oaicu.org with questions.

About The Alliance
The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (“The Alliance”) is comprised of 12 private, nonprofit, independent colleges and universities in the state of Oregon. These institutions deliver high-quality experiential learning with high-impact teaching strategies. The Alliance is the collective voice of Oregon’s independent, nonprofit higher education sector. For more information, visit www.oaicu.org.

The Republican walkout at the Oregon Senate, denying quorum needed to pass any bills, threatens a crucial, life-saving safe staffing bill that would help address Oregon’s ongoing nurse staffing crisis by protecting both nurses and patients. 

HB 2697, the Oregon Nurses Association’s landmark safe staffing bill, (along with millions of dollars in health care workforce development funds), has bipartisan, bicameral support, and no stakeholder opposition. This hospital staffing package would not only improve patient care during a time when Oregonians are deeply concerned about the quality of their health care services but would also address decades-long concerns related to working conditions for nurses, recruitment of new nurses to the field, and retention of our state’s existing nursing workforce. 

Hundreds of other bills on housing, education, health care access, infrastructure and more are in threat of dying because senators are not doing the jobs we elected them to do. These issues are, by definition, matters of life and death. They are simply too important for Senate Republicans to ignore. 

ONA and our 16,000 represented nurses and allied health workers across the state call upon Senate Republicans to return to the Senate floor immediately to do their jobs for nurses and their patients, and to protect our vital democracy.

(Bend, Ore.) - Nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend voted in record-breaking numbers to authorize a strike at the hospital. St. Charles is a private, multimillion-dollar corporation that has a monopoly over Central Oregonians’ health care. It owns four hospitals and nearly 50 specialty clinics and is the region’s largest health care provider and largest employer. 

The vote, which closed at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, 2023, saw unprecedented participation from nearly every one of the 962 nurses employed by St. Charles who were eligible to vote. The vote to authorize a strike was all but unanimous. 

“Nurses at St. Charles have spoken clearly and loudly in one voice,” said Erin Harrington, a nurse in the ICU and chair of the St. Charles Bargaining Unit. “Management has failed to take our contract negotiations seriously. They have failed to come to the table with reasonable offers and have failed to listen to the serious concerns of their nursing staff. The truly overwhelming results from this strike authorization vote are proof that nurses are standing together for the benefit of our patients, our community, and our hospital.”

Nurses have been engaged in contract negotiations since December of 2022 and have met in person with management fourteen times. Nurses have been focused on a few crucial issues, including improving working conditions so that St. Charles can recruit new nurses and stop the hospital’s nurse retention failures of the past few years, ensuring nurses have access to affordable health care, and providing competitive wages that will retain existing nurse staff and increase recruitment of new nurses. 

“St. Charles has been hemorrhaging nurses for years,” said Joel Hernandez, a nurse in the OR at St. Charles, member of the ONA St. Charles bargaining team, and Vice-President of the ONA Board of Directors. “Since 2018, 549 nurses have left the bedside at St. Charles due to unsafe working conditions, including unsafe staffing levels. It is simply unsustainable. Something must be done to improve conditions so that we can stop bleeding staff and recruit new nurses to replace the ones who have left.”

Recent press coverage indicates that St. Charles is recruiting for more than 300 nursing positions and is closing beds due to staff shortages. Nurses also reported missing more than 42,000 legally required rest and meal breaks during 2022 due to unsafe staffing levels.

Nurse leaders at St. Charles will hold contract negotiations with management on May 23 and 24, 2023. Nurses will also be holding meetings throughout the week to begin strike preparations. When a strike is called, ONA will give St. Charles a 10-day notice to allow management adequate time to cease admissions and transfer patients or to reach a fair agreement with nurses and avert a work stoppage. 

“Strikes are always a last resort, never a first resort. But the unsafe working conditions at St. Charles Medical Center have become so serious, and the lack of action from management so glaring, that the nurses have been forced to issue a code red,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), ONA’s national union. “Patient care, and the rights of the workers who help them, is at stake. The 1.7 million members of the American Federation of Teachers have your back. We are with you in this fight for a fair contract and we will be with you, in solidarity, for as long as it takes to win.”

ONA has launched RespectOurNurses.com as an online resource for community members where they can learn more about contract issues, get information on the implications of a strike, and learn how to support nurses in their fight for a fair contract.

“Nurses are the heart and soul of health care,” said Representative Jason Kropf who represents Bend in the Oregon legislature. “They put themselves on the line every day to care for us. Now, it’s our time to show we care for them. I’m proud to stand with ONA nurses as they vote to strike at St. Charles Bend. I call on St. Charles’ executives to reach a fair contract agreement that will allow our community to recruit and retain the nurses we desperately need. Our community deserves quality healthcare, and our nurses deserve the support to provide it.”

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Editor’s Note: Nurse leaders from St. Charles will be available for in-person interviews on Monday, May 22, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Audubon Room at the Environmental Center in Bend, Oregon (16 NW Kansas Ave, Bend, OR 97703). Contact Scott Palmer, ONA’s Chief of Staff, at 503-516-4840 or palmer@oregonrn.org to arrange interviews at other times.