OSP seeks public assistance in waste of mule deer buck in Umatilla County 

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 07 Dec. 2023 – Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the waste of a mule deer buck in Umatilla County.

On Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, OSP troopers responded to the report of a dead mule deer buck that was found left to waste off Forest Road 5309, within the Heppner Controlled Hunt Unit in Umatilla County. It was determined the buck deer was shot with a rifle at about 7 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2023. No meat was salvaged from the buck and the head was removed.  

A possible suspect vehicle was identified as a white Toyota Tundra pickup with a dark-colored, possibly green, four-wheeler in the bed of the truck. OSP is requesting the public’s assistance with identifying the person(s) responsible for the wasting of the buck deer.  

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-323389.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 - On Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, the Oregon State Police (OSP), Albany Area Command, received a report of a vehicle struck by a bullet. On Tues., Dec. 5, 2023, OSP (Albany) received a second report in a similar area to the Dec. 1 incident. OSP Major Crimes Section detectives immediately began investigating these as possibly connected incidents and now have enough information to believe these shooting incidents are likely connected. 

The investigation revealed two other incidents reported to the Albany Police Department and the OSP Salem Area Command prior to Dec. 6. This morning, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office cross-reported another incident in the area of Highway 20 and Highway 226.

The Oregon State Police is actively investigating these random acts of shooting at moving vehicles.  All of the victims were driving along highways at the time of the incidents and some reported hearing a “pop.”  The dates, times, and locations of each incident are listed below:

• Nov. 2, 2023, 2:00 a.m.- Highway 20, just east of Albany
• Nov. 25, 2023, 9:30 a.m.- Highway 22E, near Mill City
• Dec. 1, 2023, 2:30 a.m.- Highway 20, near Highway 226
• Dec. 5, 2023, 2:00 a.m.- Highway 226, south of Scio
• Dec. 6, 2023, 2:37 a.m.- Highway 20, near Highway 226

At this time, no victims have been injured. However, investigators have confirmed the damage to vehicles was caused by a firearm.

The Oregon State Police is adding extra patrols in the area of these incidents to enhance public safety.

OSP is seeking public assistance in identifying potential suspects or suspect vehicles; including any unreported incidents. If you have any information related to these incidents, please contact the Oregon State Police immediately at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP (677) on a mobile device.

Unlawful take and waste of two spike bull elk in Lincoln County
OSP seeks public assistance to locate the person(s) responsible

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of two spike bull elk in Lincoln County. 

On Nov. 20, 2023, a fish and wildlife sergeant from the Newport Area Command responded to a report of two spike bull elk that had been shot and killed. The first was in a clear-cut area at the edge of the timberline and the second was approximately 50 yards away just inside the timberline near milepost 10 on Murphy Road. The two spike bulls are believed to have been killed on opening day, which was Nov. 18, 2023, and left to waste.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-368133.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Update: Photos were added in error and have been removed.

Unlawful take and waste of cow elk in Lincoln County
OSP seeks public assistance to identify the responsible person(s)

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 – OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of a cow elk in Lincoln County. 

On Nov. 20, 2023, fish and wildlife troopers, from the Newport patrol office responded to a report of a cow elk shot and killed in a clearing near Rudder Creek Road in Lincoln County. The cow elk was shot and killed with a high-caliber rifle and left to waste.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-368216.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Unlawful take and waste of cow elk in Lincoln County
OSP seeks public assistance to identify the responsible person(s)

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 – OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of a cow elk in Lincoln County. 

On Nov. 20, 2023, fish and wildlife troopers, from the Newport patrol office responded to a report of a cow elk shot and killed in a clearing near Rudder Creek Road in Lincoln County. The cow elk was shot and killed with a high-caliber rifle and left to waste.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-368216.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Unlawful take and waste of cow elk in Lincoln County
OSP seeks public assistance to identify the responsible person(s)

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 06 Dec. 2023 – OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of a cow elk in Lincoln County. 

On Nov. 20, 2023, fish and wildlife troopers, from the Newport patrol office responded to a report of a cow elk shot and killed in a clearing near Rudder Creek Road in Lincoln County. The cow elk was shot and killed with a high-caliber rifle and left to waste.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-368216.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Update #2: The correct reporting number for tips is 1-800-452-7888.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

The correct phone number for reporting tips is 1-800-442-2068. 

BAKER COUNTY, Ore. 12 Dec. 2023 - The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take and waste of two bear cubs in Baker County. On Nov. 27, 2023, a hunter reported finding a dead bear cub just off the USFS 77 Road in the Keating Wildlife Management Unit. This location is approximately 3.5 miles northwest of Halfway. Fish and wildlife troopers responded to the area and located two bear cubs that were shot and left to waste.  

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact OSP Sgt. Cyr through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline and 1-800-442-2068 or dial OSP (mobile) and reference case number SP23377486. TIPs received can remain anonymous.   

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following big game mammals. 

Preference Point Rewards:
5 Points-Bighorn Sheep
5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points-Moose
5 Points-Wolf
4 Points-Elk
4 Points-Deer
4 Points-Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points-Bear
4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

CASH REWARDS

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar or Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

BAKER COUNTY, Ore. 12 Dec. 2023 - The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take and waste of a Big Horn Sheep Ram in Baker County. On Nov. 30, 2023, Fish and Wildlife Trooper Dakotah Keys responded to a Big Horn Sheep Ram which had been shot and left to waste on BLM land, near Hibbard Creek Road. Furthermore, the involved person(s) removed the ram’s head and horns, before leaving all meat to waste. This location is within the Lookout Mountain Wildlife Management Unit, approximately 50 miles south of Baker City. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Trooper Dakotah Keys through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or dial OSP (mobile). 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following big game mammals. 

Preference Point Rewards:
5 Points-Bighorn Sheep
5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points-Moose
5 Points-Wolf
4 Points-Elk
4 Points-Deer
4 Points-Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points-Bear
4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

CASH REWARDS 

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar or Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov  (Monitored M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

Update: The cash reward for the unlawful take of the wolf in Baker County is $11,800. 

OSP seeks public assistance for unlawful take of a wolf
Wolf shot and killed unlawfully in Baker County

BAKER COUNTY, Ore. 12 Dec. 2023 – The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of a wolf in Baker County.  On Nov. 27, 2023, fish and wildlife troopers responded to a wolf that had been shot and killed unlawfully, near Sparta Road. This location is within the Keating Wildlife Management Unit, approximately 25 miles east of Baker City. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Trooper Dakotah Keys through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or dial OSP (mobile). TIPs may remain anonymous. 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following big game mammals. 

Preference Point Rewards:
5 Points-Bighorn Sheep
5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points-Moose
5 Points-Wolf
4 Points-Elk
4 Points-Deer
4 Points-Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points-Bear
4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

CASH REWARDS 

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 
$11,500 Wolf

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov  (Monitored M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Case #: 2023-00072600, 2023-00072608 

Incident: Two arrested, stolen truck and trailer recovered south of Sunriver 

Date / Time of Incident: Dec. 1, 2023 / 10:07 a.m. 

Location: South Century Drive, Sunriver 

Arrested: Jason Carlson, 48-year-old Washington County, Ore., resident 
Charges:  Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle x2, Theft I, Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), Possession of a Schedule II Substance (fentanyl), two out-of-county warrants

Arrested: Jasmine Diab, 39-year-old Washington County, Ore., resident 
Charges: Out-of-county warrant

At approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, Bend Police responded to a report of a stolen trailer from Coach Masters of Bend and a separate report of a truck stolen from Mario’s Auto Detail, both on Brandis Court in Bend. 

Officers learned the trailer's owners had a tracker on the vehicle and believed the trailer was located south of Sunriver. 

Bend officers shared the information with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies, including Sunriver Police, Oregon State Police, and the U.S. Forest Service. 

A U.S. Forest Service officer located the stolen truck and trailer and surveilled the area until Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies arrived. The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Jasmine Diab and 48-year-old Jason Carlson, both had unrelated warrants for their arrest. 

As deputies arrived at the scene at approximately 12:05 p.m., Diab and Carlson drove away in a blue and silver Suzuki toward Sunriver. A Sunriver Police officer found the Suzuki in a business park in the 56000 block of Venture Lane, and Diab and Carlson walked away from the vehicle.   

Community members helped the Sunriver officer and Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputy find the pair at Josie K’s Deli & Kitchen in the business park. They were detained at 12:33 p.m. and Bend Police transported them to the Deschutes County Jail on the above charges. The truck and trailer were recovered and returned to the owners. 

During the incident, Three Rivers School was briefly placed in a secure status, meaning the doors were locked and school business continued as usual. 

Bend Police wish to thank our law enforcement partners, as well as community members who assisted in this case. 

Date: Dec. 1, 2023

Case #: 2023-00072020

Incident: Bend man arrested for luring, illegal possession of psilocybin mushrooms

Date / Time of Incident: Nov. 28, 2023 / 9:15 p.m. 

Location: 1400 block of SE Wilson Avenue, Bend 

Arrested: Hunter James Nash, 26-year-old Bend resident

Charges: Attempted Furnishing Liquor to A Minor, Possession of a Controlled Schedule I Substance, Attempted Delivery of a Schedule I Substance to a Minor (psilocybin mushrooms), Luring a Minor for Sexual Conduct, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child II, Attempted Sex Abuse III, Endangering a Minor’s Welfare

On Monday, Nov. 27, Bend Police began an investigation into adults attempting to lure minors for sex through social media and online dating sites. 

During that investigation, a Bend Police officer posing as a 16-year-old girl on a site was contacted by 26-year-old Bend resident Hunter James Nash. After learning that the person he was messaging was 16 years old, Nash sent explicit photos, as well as photos showing bags of psilocybin mushrooms he intended to share with the 16-year-old. Nash also offered to buy alcohol for the 16-year-old girl, and to buy condoms for their encounter. 

At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, the officer posing as the 16-year-old girl and Nash agreed to meet at Ponderosa Skate Park in the 1400 block of SE Wilson Avenue. When Nash arrived at the park, officers took him into custody and located condoms and a 12-pack of White Claw in Nash’s vehicle. Officers also recovered 28.51 grams of psilocybin mushrooms from Nash’s home. 

Nash was arrested and transported to the Deschutes County Jail on charges of Attempted Furnishing Liquor to A Minor, Possession of a Controlled Schedule I Substance, Attempted Delivery of a Schedule I  Substance to a Minor (psilocybin mushrooms), Luring a Minor for Sexual Conduct, second-degree Online Sexual Corruption of a Child, attempted third-degree Sex Abuse, and Endangering a Minor’s Welfare. 

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: December 7, 2023

Location: Mile Post 5 SW Canal Boulevard, south of Helmholtz Way

Driver #1: 30-year-old female, Redmond, Oregon

Vehicle #1: 2017 Ford Fusion

Driver #2: 42-year-old male, Bend Oregon

Vehicle #2: 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Narrative:

On December 6^th, at 4:15 pm, Deschutes County 911 Dispatch received multiple calls reporting a motor vehicle crash on SW Canal Blvd, near mile post 5. Subjects on scene advised 911 Dispatch the female driver and sole occupant of the 2017 Ford Fusion was non-responsive. Shortly after the initial calls to 911 Dispatch were received an off-duty firefighter arrived on scene and attempted to render aid to the female driver. Redmond Fire/Paramedics arrived on scene and confirmed the female driver was deceased.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined the Ford Fusion was travelling north on SW Canal Blvd when it collided head on with the Chevrolet Silverado that was travelling south on SW Canal Blvd. Witness statements assisted investigators determine the Ford Fusion for unknown reasons was travelling in the on-coming lane when it struck the Chevrolet Silverado. The driver of the Silverado advised they were un-able to avoid the collision. The driver of the Silverado was not injured and cooperated fully with the investigation. The roadway was closed for over 2 hours during the investigation.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Redmond Police Department, Redmond Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, and the Deschutes County Road Department.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, 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 over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 263 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 178 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Bend, OR (Dec. 4, 2023) – Pacific Power will host a public forum Bend on Monday, December 4 to discuss our efforts to protect customers and communities against the threat of wildfire. During this conversation, company representatives will detail the important steps we take during wildfire season to keep customers and communities safe. This forum is an opportunity to learn about our comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan in Oregon. 

Topics of conversation: 

• Our ongoing work to strengthen our system;
• Our advanced weather monitoring capabilities;
• Our enhanced vegetation management practices; and
• How Public Safety Power Shutoffs work – an important tool when wildfire risk makes it absolutely necessary to turn off power to ensure customer and community safety.

Event details:                                                                                                                           

                Monday, Dec. 4 – 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

                Worthy Brewing

                495 NE Bellevue Drive

Livestream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86946658750?pwd=TDZiRlpobUwyRGRDOWpKUS9KZ05ldz09

Meeting ID: 869 4665 8750

Passcode: 206850

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kehHnmRhWp

Protecting our customers and communities while providing safe, reliable power is our highest priority. If you have any questions or would like to request a reasonable accommodation to attend this event, please contact us at 1-888-221-7070.

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 764,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.  

A unique partnership to upgrade the Bethel-Round Butte transmission line will advance Tribal energy leadership, improve reliability, and accelerate decarbonization in Oregon with help from federal funding

MADRAS, Ore. (Dec. 1, 2023) — The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (CTWS), alongside Portland General Electric (PGE), hosted Tribal, utility, national and state energy leaders at the Pelton Round Butte Hydropower Project in Madras today to celebrate the launch of their partnership to complete a major transmission upgrade in Oregon. 

In October, CTWS was selected to receive a $250 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to help upgrade the 230 kV Bethel-Round Butte transmission line – a crucial artery in the region’s transmission system. This infrastructure enhancement will unlock renewable energy potential on the Warm Springs Reservation and bring revenue to historically underserved communities, while connecting resources east of the Cascades to customers in the Willamette Valley. Funding for the upgrade was awarded through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program – an unprecedented $10.5 billion investment from the federal government in initiatives that enhance grid flexibility and resilience in the face of growing threats from climate change.

“Lack of transmission access has been a chronic obstacle in achieving our renewable goals. That brings us to today, and the significant opportunity promoted by the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Jonathan Smith, CTWS Tribal Chairman. “We believe the GRIP grant was tailor-made for our unique partnership, our mutual goals in the pursuit of renewable energy, and the desire to create economic benefits for Tribal communities.”

Festivities in Madras this morning began with a blessing from the Warm Springs Tribal Council, followed by remarks in support of this endeavor, offered by leaders from Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises, PGE and the U.S. Department of Energy.

“Thank you to the leaders of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, the U.S. Department of Energy, and all the state, labor, and community partners who worked together in close partnership to make today possible. Expanding transmission capacity is essential to keeping power reliable and affordable as we transition to a clean energy future,” said Maria Pope, PGE President & CEO. “PGE is honored to deepen our decades-long partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, enabling tremendous opportunities for renewable clean energy development.”

Increasing the line’s capacity will help meet growing electrical demand from customers in PGE’s service area, which contains about half of Oregon’s population and two thirds of the state’s commercial and industrial activity. 

“The DOE selected this project because it commits to clean energy development with the integration of indigenous knowledge and traditional ecological wisdom into the project design,” said Kristen Frick, Project Manager for the Grid Innovation Program at U.S. DOE. “It includes tribal leadership in stakeholder decision-making discussions, and creates good paying, local union jobs as well as offering workforce development and mentorship programs.”

Today’s celebration was the first milestone in a lengthy process that will include environmental and scoping studies, design, permitting and construction. Throughout the upgrade, CTWS and PGE will work closely with partners, landowners, and other jurisdictions to make this project a reality.

Watch video from the event.

####

About the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs:

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon, is based in Central Oregon with a membership of over 5,000 Tribal Members from the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes. Learn more at warmsprings-nsn.gov www.warmsprings-nsn.gov. 

About Portland General Electric Company: 

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company that that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to over 900,000 customers in 51 cities across the state of Oregon. For more than 130 years, Portland General Electric (PGE) has powered the advancement of society, delivering safe, affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy. To deliver on its strategy and meet state targets, PGE and its approximately 3,000 employees are committed to partnering with stakeholders to achieve at least an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from power served to customers by 2030 and 100% reduction by 2040. PGE customers set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. Additionally, for the fifth year in a row, PGE was recognized by the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index which highlights companies committed to creating a more equal and inclusive workplace. As a reflection of the company's commitment to the community it serves, in 2022, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated nearly $5.5 million and volunteered more than 18,000 hours with more than 400 nonprofits across Oregon. For more information visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/news. 

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing, located at the Portland Air National Guard Base, will welcome a new commander during a change of command ceremony here, December 2nd, at 3:00 p.m. 

Col. Michael B. Kosderka will succeed Col. Todd A. Hofford as the Wing Commander, overseeing nearly 1,400 personnel in executing their F-15 Eagle Aerospace Control Alert mission in defense of the Pacific Northwest, worldwide deployments supporting national objectives, and local state missions as directed by the governor. 

Colonel Kosderka has spent all 24 years of his military career in the Oregon Air National Guard. He has been deployed in support of Overseas Contingency Operations throughout the world, including Operation Noble Eagle. Colonel Kosderka received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Science in 1998 from Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon and a Master’s in Business Administration from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. 

In his previous assignment, Colonel Kosderka served as the Director of Staff for the Oregon Air National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters in Salem. He also served as the 142nd Maintenance Group Commander from September 2020 through December 2021 in Portland. Col. Kosderka is rated as a senior pilot with over 1,200 flying hours, most recently in the F-15 Eagle.

Col. Hofford has served as the 142nd Wing Commander the past two years beginning in December 2021 to December 2023.  During his tenure, the wing’s aerospace control alert mission culminated in a 1st Air Force Alert “Unit of the Year” designation. Col. Hofford later coauthored and initiated the planning and execution of the Enduring Partners 2023 State Partnership Program dissimilar air combat exercise at Korat Air Base, Thailand.

Col. Hofford began his military career in 1993 when he enlisted in the Air National Guard as a munitions systems specialist with the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He received his officer commission from the Academy of Military Science in 1998 and later attended Undergraduate Pilot Training in 1999. Col. Hofford is rated as a command pilot with more than 2,600 flying hours, primarily in the F-15 Eagle. Col. Hofford’s next assignment will be as the principal deputy director, A3/10 at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

-30-

Media members wishing to attend, please email 142.wg.pa@us.af.mil by Saturday, 2 December no later than 9 a.m.

About the 142nd Wing:

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

Portland, Ore. — Are you a student looking to kickstart a career in civil service? Are you looking for a fun, fulfilling way to spend your summer?

During the next couple of weeks, the Bureau of Land Management is hiring at least 100 paid student interns across the country, some of them right here in the Pacific Northwest. Come work with us! Job applications will be open on USAjobs.gov from December 8 through December 18, 2023. Don’t miss the opportunity!

Leaders from BLM Oregon/Washington will host two Zoom workshops to help students navigate the application process.

“Applying for a job with the federal government is a little different than applying for other jobs,” said Amanda Roberts, BLM Prineville District Manager. “I’m excited to help students from our community get involved!”

Roberts will provide an hour-long presentation on building federal resumes. There will also be approximately 30 minutes available for workshop attendees to ask questions. The two webinars will cover the same content. The first webinar will be recorded and posted to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/BLMOREGON).

The workshops will take place on:

• Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.
  (register here: https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_bRLEkvirQRGj8O-b4g1dsw) 
• Thursday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. 
  (register: https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_2w2NwSRJR6y_TX7GDVC0_Q)

Students will get the most out of the workshop if they already have an account on USAjobs.gov. Anyone 16 years or older and enrolled or soon to be enrolled in school is eligible to apply.

The American people rely on the BLM to care for their public land, and BLM leaders are committed to building a team that represents all of America.

“Civil service has been a fulfilling and meaningful career for me,” said Roberts. “Our ultimate goal is to give that same opportunity to the next generation.”

Internships are available in a variety of career fields and functions, including:
• Civil engineering
• Public affairs
• Information technology
• Survey
• Administration
• Land law examiner
• Natural resources
• Land surveyor
• Wildland fire
• Geographic information systems
• Human resources
• Grant management
• Contracting
• Budget
• Environment protection

All currently open BLM jobs in Oregon and Washington are listed on USAjobs at this link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?l=Oregon&l=Washington&a=IN05&hp=public&p=1

-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.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

Notice of Meeting Cancellation

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for December 20th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to lack of agenda items.
 

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

2024 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 And Policy Committee

Open Vacancies – Recruitment

The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training (BPSST) and established Policy Committees have open vacancies looking to be filled in the new year. The current vacancies are as follows:

BPSST: Applications must be submitted through Workday.com by end of day December 1, 2023

• Representative of the Private Security Industry
• Two Members Representing the Public
• Administrator of a Municipality recommended to the Governor by the executive body of the League of Oregon Cities

If interested in applying for a BPSST position, please complete the online application at Workday Board and Commission Opportunities. When applying for a BPSST position, please specifically state which vacant position you are applying for. (Please note that an account may need to be created if not already in Workday)

Policy Committees: Applications due to Shelby Wright by December 21, 2023

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• Representing telecommunicators
• One member representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a telecommunicator

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• One member representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator
• Representing the Health Care Industry

Police Policy Committee:

• Recommended by and representing the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association
• Recommended by and representing the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police
• Two members representing Non-Management Law Enforcement

Corrections Policy Committee:

• Two members representing Non-Management Corrections Officers
• Recommended by and representing the Oregon Sheriff’s Jail Command Council
• Recommended by and representing the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association

Fire Policy Committee:

• Non-Management Firefighter recommended by a statewide organization of firefighters.

If interested in applying for a Policy Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form. This form can also be found under the ‘Boards and Committees Resources’ section of the website linked below.

To inquire about a vacancy, please visit Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Board on Public Safety Standards & Training and Policy Committees : Boards and Committees : State of Oregon.

For further information regarding the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training or its respective Policy Committees, please contact Shelby Wright at y.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov">shelby.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

Salem – Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Director and Insurance Commissioner Andrew R. Stolfi was awarded the Bonnie Burns Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award by consumer representatives to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Stolfi was given the award Nov. 30 at the NAIC fall national meeting. Stolfi chairs the NAIC’s Consumer Liaison Committee, which provides a forum for consumer views on insurance regulatory issues at the NAIC. He also serves as chair of the NAIC’s Consumer Board of Trustees.

The Bonnie Burns Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award recognizes the state regulator who NAIC consumer representatives believe has most effectively represented and advanced the interests of consumers in NAIC proceedings. Stolfi has championed reform measures designed to maximize the value of Consumer Liaison Committee meetings and provide for meaningful interactions between regulators and NAIC consumer representatives.

“Commissioner Stolfi has been open, transparent, and committed to a participatory process in lifting up consumer voices and concerns at the NAIC,” said NAIC Consumer Representative Wayne Turner, a senior attorney for the National Health Law Program. “He embodies the principle that consumer protection is the core of state insurance regulation.”

Transparency, public engagement, and consumer protection are hallmarks of Stolfi’s service as Oregon insurance commissioner. For example, DCBS conducted a comprehensive review of insurer compliance with Oregon's Reproductive Health Equity Act. The department publicly posted detailed reports, explanatory materials, insurer responses, corrective action plans, and consumer resources to address noncompliance and ensure that Oregon residents have full access to health services they are entitled to under the law. 

“My name may be on this award, but I share this honor with all of the employees of DCBS who strive every day to better the lives of people in Oregon,” Stolfi said. “Consumer protection and empowering the consumer voice are key pillars of our jobs, which makes this recognition so incredibly meaningful. I also couldn’t be more thrilled to receive an award from and in the name of Bonnie Burns, who is quite simply a consumer advocacy legend.”

DCBS continues to provide crucial support to Oregon residents affected by the catastrophic 2020 wildfires. The department has also prioritized the fair treatment of consumers in the purchase and pricing of auto insurance through recent legislative proposals that would end unfair discrimination by eliminating the use of non-driving-related socioeconomic factors in auto insurance. Also, the department has worked to enhance consumer disclosures on homeowners’ insurance policies for cancellations and non-renewals through recently passed Senate Bill 82 (2023). 

“Oregon Consumer Justice congratulates Commissioner Stolfi on this well-deserved award,” said Oregon Consumer Justice Executive Director Jagjit Nagra. “We appreciate Commissioner Stolfi's leadership covering a wide range of consumer protection initiatives that put people first. His persistence over several legislative sessions to address racial and gender discrimination embedded in auto insurance pricing is admirable. We look forward to continued partnership with Commissioner Stolfi and his team on issues impacting Oregon consumers.”

About the award

The Bonnie Burns Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award is given to a state insurance regulator who has most effectively represented and advanced the interests of consumers in NAIC. In 2022, consumer representatives renamed the award after longtime advocate Bonnie Burns. Burns is a nationally recognized expert on Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) and long-term care insurance, and currently serves as a consultant with California Health Advocates (CHA) and the national SHIP Resource Center. She has served as a NAIC consumer representative since the beginning of the program in 1992 and has served multiple terms on the board of the program.

###

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem, OR – A scholarship fund that helps finance higher education for family members of Oregon workers who have been fatally injured or permanently disabled on the job is open for applications, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has announced.

The Workers’ Memorial Scholarship awards are available to any high school graduate, graduating high school senior, GED recipient, or current college undergraduate or graduate student who is a dependent or spouse of an Oregon worker who has been fatally injured or permanently disabled while on the job. 

“The impacts to families of a work-related death or permanent disability are profound and include potentially significant financial hardships,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “The annual Workers’ Memorial Scholarship is an opportunity for us to help surviving family members pursue their higher education goals.”

The Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) – part of the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission – handles applications for the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship. The office is accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year. Applications are due April 1, 2024.

Students may attend any Federal Title IV financial aid eligible institution in the United States. That includes four-year universities, two-year community colleges, private and nonprofit institutions, and vocational and trade schools. If the institution does not have a six-digit federal identification number on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then it is not a qualifying institution.

The following OSAC resources are available to help students learn more about eligibility requirements, accessing an application, and how to get help with their application:

• Find up-to-date information about the requirements for the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship in the OSAC Scholarship Catalog. Enter the fund number 113, or the full name Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Workers’ Memorial, in the search box near the top. 
• Go to the OSAC Scholarship Application.
• Send an email requesting help with your application.
• Request application help by calling 541-687-7400 and pressing 1.
• Go online to learn more about OSAC and student aid.
• Go online to learn what Oregon OSHA says about the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship.

Workers’ Memorial Scholarship award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA’s Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, an advisory group with members from business, organized labor, and government.

Scholarship award amounts vary. Oregon OSHA presents the awards annually to help in the postsecondary education of spouses or children of permanently and totally disabled or fatally injured workers.

The 1991 Oregon Legislature established the Workers’ Memorial Scholarship at the request of the Oregon AFL-CIO, with support from Associated Oregon Industries.

###

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

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is seeking information from anyone who has had insurance dealings with Joshua M. Bekhor or his company, Immediate Insurance Services. Bekhor is under investigation for being an unlicensed insurance producer in Oregon and misappropriating insurance premiums.

The division received a complaint from an Oregon consumer who said Bekhor sold several policies to him for more than $11,000, only to find out the policies did not exist or were for much lower coverages than the insured believed he was purchasing. The consumer was only made aware of these issues after an insurance investigator contacted him to let him know Bekhor had either never purchased the insurance policies the consumer paid for or had purchased much smaller policies.

The consumer contacted the insurance companies he was led to believe he had purchased policies with and in each instance he found Bekhor never purchased the policies the consumer paid for. 

Bekhor is also accused of collecting premiums for the purchase of a property insurance policy for a company in Oregon but never forwarding the premiums to the insurer. The company found out when the roof of one of its warehouses collapsed from snow and ice, and the company suffered $100,000 worth of property damage. The insurance company denied the claim because the policy had been canceled due to nonpayment.

Bekhor held an insurance producer license in California from 2018 to 2021 but had it revoked for, among other things, fraudulent practices and diversion of funds.

DFR has issued an order for Bekhor to immediately cease and desist selling insurance in Oregon as an unlicensed producer and fined him for $8,000. Bekhor has an opportunity to contest these findings and allegations before an administrative law judge. 

The division would like to remind people to only do business with insurance producers who are licensed in Oregon. You can check for a license on DFR’s website as well as file a complaint if you feel you have been defrauded or been the victim of a scam.

Anyone who may have purchased insurance from Bekhor is asked to contact DFR immediately. You can do so by calling 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or emailing .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

###

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and  www.dcbs.oregon.gov.​​

Since 2007 senior citizens in Malheur County, Oregon have been invited to attend a holiday luncheon at the Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) Minimum Facility in December.

The event is co-hosted by SRCI employees and adults in custody (AICs), and the Malheur Council on Aging & Community Services. 

The event is held in the dining hall at the SRCI Minimum Facility. A choir of SRCI employees and AICs sing festive carols during the luncheon. The meal is prepared, paid for, and served by AICs.

For the past three years (2020 – 2022) the event had to change to a “grab & go” format due to COVID restrictions. This year, the 2023 luncheon will be back on-site at SRCI.

The luncheon will be held at the Snake River Correctional Institution Minimum Facility 777 Stanton Blvd. Ontario, OR 97914 on December 7, 2023, from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Arrive by 11:15 am. Once on-site follow the event direction signs. 

For media attendance RSVP to Andrea Dominguez at Andrea.R.DOMINGUEZ@doc.oregon.gov by December 6, 2023. A list of equipment, tripods, batteries, microphones, cameras, writing materials, etc. is required.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario, Oregon that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state. For more information about the Oregon Department of Corrections visit Department of Corrections: Welcome Page: State of Oregon.  

The Malheur Council on Aging & Community Services coordinates senior meals in the Western Treasure Valley communities of Ontario, Vale, and Nyssa, and they coordinate the Meals on Wheels program in those communities.

For more information about the Malheur Council on Aging & Community Services visit Home (mcoacs.org)

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will hold a virtual special meeting starting at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14. The meeting will be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s business agenda includes:

• State Forests Management Plan presentation
• Board and Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee engagement

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage. Public comment will not be taken during this special meeting. 

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 Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. at ODF headquarters in Salem, with a virtual option.

The public meeting will be held in the Santiam Room at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Salem headquarters, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310.  To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

Agenda items will include:

• Council of Forest Trust Land Counties Annual Report
• Forest management modeling presentation
• Framework for engagement at 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 Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) held a public training session covering new rules regarding streams and roads to help forestland owners prepare for changes to the Forest Practices Act (FPA) that go into effect Jan. 1.

“This training explains changes to the Forest Practices Act for owners of large and small forestland tracts. Although there is a focus on stream buffer and road assessment rule changes, the training provides an overview of other rule changes and new programs too,” said Forest Resource Policy, Training, and Enforcement Manager Megan Cogswell.

Visit the Forest Practices Act webpage to:

• view a recorded version of an earlier session of the Streams and Roads training.
• view a factsheet summarizing key dates and changes called New Forest Practices Rules.

Small forestland owners who need assistance or resources can contact ODF’s new Small Forestland Owner Office. “Small forestland owners” are described as owning less than 5,000 acres and harvesting 2,000 million board feet on average per year over a three-year period. There are specific programs available for landowners who qualify, including the Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat (SFISH) and the Forest Conservation Tax Credit. Contact the SFO office at: estlandowneroffice@odf.oregon.gov">smallforestlandowneroffice@odf.oregon.gov, or use the ODF “Find a Forester” tool.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jerrica Landin, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland, Oregon on Aug. 21. She is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jerrica and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.

Jerrica may be in Portland or Eugene in Oregon. She may also be in Washington in Vancouver, Seattle or the Tri Cities. 

Name: Jerrica Landin
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Oct. 24, 2006
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 130 pounds
Hair: Reddish brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Jerrica has a tattoo of a heart on her neck below her right ear. She often dyes her hair red, pink and purple. 
Portland Police Bureau Case #23-803125
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1489518

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. 

###

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is seeking community partner comment on changes to its administrative rules regarding youth services and rate setting for these services. The public may testify at public hearings scheduled in January or submit written comments from Dec. 1, 2023 to Jan. 31, 2024. 

VR seeks input on proposed changes to youth services, provided in Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 582 Division 150: Transition Services and Coordination for Students and Youth with Disabilities. All input will be reviewed, and the proposed rules may be modified.

Public Hearings 

Public hearings will be held virtually in January 2023. 

January 10, 2024, 10 to 11 a.m. 

Join ZoomGov Meeting: http://bit.ly/46yrvGg

Meeting ID: 161 755 2659

Passcode: 185803

January 15, 2024, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Join ZoomGov Meeting https://bit.ly/3T3rs1W

Meeting ID: 160 818 1559

Passcode: 330517

January 19, 2024, noon to 1 p.m.

Join ZoomGov Meeting https://bit.ly/3GlKKs3

Meeting ID: 161 449 7621

Passcode: 274647

To receive notice of future public hearings, subscribe to receive email updates from Vocational Rehabilitation. 

Accessibility

CART and an ASL interpreter will be available at the hearings.

You can request accommodation in other languages, large print, braille, or any other format you prefer to submit public comment or attend a public hearing. Contact Robin Brandt at 503-507-5226 or by email at .Policy@odhs.oregon.gov">VR.Policy@odhs.oregon.gov. We accept calls from all forms of relay service for people who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or have a speech disability. Please let us know of any accommodations at least a week in advance. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.

Proposed amendments

• Describe the rate setting for contracted services provided to students and youth with disabilities.
• Strengthen language committing to statewide pre-employment transition services for all students with disabilities.
• Clarify services for students with disabilities who are potentially eligible.
• Explain services available for youth and students with disabilities eligible for general vocational rehabilitation services provided in an individualized plan for employment.
• Clarify transition services to groups of students with disabilities and youth with disabilities who may not have yet applied for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Describe VR required information and records required for students to participate in pre-employment transition services.
• Explain the set aside of federal funds to benefit students and youth with disabilities, its purpose and how services are documented.
• Move definitions to this Division that are specific to youth services. New terms for youth vocational rehabilitation services are added.
• Clarify the rule contents generally, review grammar and expand the use of plain language.
• Review and update legal references and names of forms and organizations, as needed.

The proposed rules will be posted on the Vocational Rehabilitation rule making website.

Written comments can be sent to Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation, 500 Summer Street NE E-87, Salem, Oregon 97301-1120 or .Policy@odhs.oregon.gov">VR.Policy@odhs.oregon.gov.

Updates to OAR 582 align with requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted July 22, 2014, (Public Law No. 113-128) and with state and federal requirements.

Questions? Contact Robin Brandt at obin.l.brandt@odhs.oregon.gov">robin.l.brandt@odhs.oregon.gov or 503-507-5226.

###

About Vocational Rehabilitation: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) assists individuals with disabilities to get and keep a job or advance in their career that matches their skills, interests and abilities. VR staff work in partnership with the community and businesses to provide services that are individualized to help each eligible person receive services that are essential to their employment success

Editor: Rethink the Drink Winter Campaign 2023 visuals and supporting documents can be downloaded at this Dropbox link.

December 7, 2023

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

OHA launches winter campaign to encourage conversations about alcohol

Rethink the Drink urges communities to talk about alcohol, offers tips for supporting others during holiday season

PORTLAND, Ore. — At a time when many people in Oregon are celebrating the holiday season with friends, coworkers, and loved ones, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is launching Rethink the Drink’s new winter advertising campaign to change the conversation about alcohol.

The campaign emphasizes the need for people to come together and support one another to be healthy and care for communities. That includes creating healthy environments that support people in their efforts to drink less alcohol. The campaign reveals how common alcohol has become in community settings and asks people to consider ways they can best support their friends and loved ones – and their entire community – to be healthy.

Rethink the Drink, informed by significant community and partner engagement, aims to decrease alcohol consumption and related harms in Oregon. Elements of this winter campaign include a website; statewide TV, radio, digital and print advertisements; and Facebook and Instagram pages. Oregon is the only state in the country to initiate a public health campaign of this scale to reach adults 21 and older.

While younger people in Oregon are drinking less, binge drinking and heavy drinking among adults are on the rise, and are responsible for an estimated 1 in 5 deaths among those ages 20-49. Overall, excessive alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon.

“During December and the holiday season, many people and communities come together at celebrations or events where alcohol may be present. We’re trying to start a new conversation to help dial down the pressure around alcohol, and help create more supportive community spaces for everyone,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA.

“Our new campaign and messaging explore how alcohol has crept into so many settings of our daily lives, whether that’s at the hair salon, a child’s birthday party, or a baby shower,” Jeanne said “Even in moments when people are trying to improve their health, such as a 5k run or during a hike in the woods, many of us find ourselves drinking more. This campaign is about caring for one another and for our communities so that we can all be healthy and feel supported.”

Data show the first Rethink the Drink campaign was a significant success

Based on evaluation data from RMC Research for its first campaign in summer 2022, Rethink the Drink achieved its goals and exceeded expectations for the campaign. People in Oregon who saw the campaign:

• Had more conversations about their own drinking, friends’ and families’ drinking, and what excessive drinking is.
• Thought more about their drinking habits.
• Were more likely to plan on cutting back their drinking than those who did not see the campaign.

People living in Oregon may be drinking excessively without realizing it

The share of Oregon adults who drink excessively is larger than most people realize – more than 1 in 5. Most people in this group are not affected by alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder. However, by drinking excessively, people increase their odds of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.

OHA uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of excessive alcohol use, which includes both heavy drinking and binge drinking:

• Heavy drinking, which can lead to chronic diseases and other problems over time, is eight or more drinks per week for women or 15 or more drinks per week for men.
• Binge drinking is consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for women or five or more drinks on one occasion for men.

For more information on differences among genders for what’s considered excessive drinking, visit https://www.rethinkthedrink.com/what-is-excessive-drinking.

The unjust harms of excessive drinking

Certain populations experience more unjust stressors and disadvantages due to racism, discrimination, and historical disinvestment in these communities, which has led to higher rates of alcohol-related harms. These include Black and Indigenous communities, as well as people with lower incomes and less education.

Excessive drinking causes health harms that include increased risks for cancer, liver failure, heart disease and depression. Beyond the health harms to the individual, excessive drinking affects the entire community, costing Oregon $4.8 billion per year from lost earnings for workers and revenue for businesses, health care expenses, criminal justice costs and car crashes.

“We all have a role to play in building healthy communities and addressing alcohol and substance use in our state,” said Annaliese Dolph, director of Oregon’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission. “The Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission’s Strategic Plan calls for raising awareness of harm associated with alcohol misuse, especially using prevention techniques. This is exactly what the Rethink the Drink campaign helps accomplish. This is an example of state agencies working together with the Commission to carry out the Commission’s task of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of substance use services.”

Dolph added: “Preventing misuse across the lifespan includes having honest conversations to help people to think about the alcohol they are consuming, and decrease family and community norms permissive of misuse. This can increase the perception of harm from misuse and address the health harms faced by historically marginalized communities.”

Rethink the Drink is not telling people to stop drinking, Jeanne says. The campaign is asking people to pause for a moment, learn about the harms caused by excessive drinking, and think about the way alcohol is prevalent in their lives and communities. While the alcohol industry provides thousands of jobs for people in Oregon, and producers in our state make some of the world’s finest beers, wines and spirits, excessive drinking carries heavy costs for all Oregonians, whether they drink or not.

Note: If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-435.

About Rethink the Drink

Rethink the Drink is an initiative of OHA’s Public Health Division with a goal to build healthier communities by decreasing excessive drinking and the harm it causes to individuals, families and communities. Recognizing the value of Oregon’s beer, wine and alcohol producers and businesses to the state’s economy, culture and identity, Rethink the Drink is not asking people not to drink. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use. While people of all education and income levels drink excessively, certain populations experience higher rates of alcohol-related diseases. These include Black and Indigenous communities, as well as people with lower incomes and less education. Certain populations experience higher rates of alcohol-related disease due to discrimination and historical disinvestment in these communities that has contributed to fewer resources and support. Rethink the Drink is committed to OHA’s larger goal to end health inequities in our state by 2030.

###

December 5, 2023

Media contact: Larry Bingham, 971-239-6499, ry.bingham@oha.oregon.gov">Larry.bingham@oha.oregon.gov

State officials plan to boost naloxone availability in Oregon schools

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has announced plans to offer free opioid overdose reversal kits to middle and high schools throughout the state.

The effort is an expansion of the Save Lives Oregon (SLO) Initiative’s Harm Reduction Clearinghouse Project.

The SLO Harm Reduction Clearinghouse began during COVID and has provided naloxone and other harm reduction supplies at no cost to agencies around the state that directly engage with people at highest risk of substance use related overdose, infections, and injuries.

The expansion of the Harm Reduction Clearinghouse Project to support schools to access naloxone was made possible through one-time funding from the Oregon’s Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board.

The Oregon Department of Education last week notified school district leaders about the availability of naloxone for schools, registration opened Nov. 29 and as of today 505 total schools, colleges, and universities have requested to receive reversal kits.

The intent is to help school districts increase access to overdose reversal kits within their schools for use in the event of an opioid overdose emergency at or near a school campus.

“The opioid epidemic and overdose crisis impacts every community in Oregon. While overdose events on school property are rare, our school communities should be prepared to respond to an overdose medical emergency,” said Ebony Clarke, OHA’s director of behavioral health.

Every middle and high school is eligible to receive up to three opioid overdose reversal kits. The kits contain a wall mounted naloxone box, instructions, emergency medical supplies, and eight doses of the opioid antagonist, naloxone nasal spray.

Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, can restore breathing while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.  Access to naloxone is necessary for school staff to respond to an opioid overdose on or near a school campus.  

Eligible schools must serve students seventh grade or higher. The program is open to all public, private, charter schools, colleges and universities or tribal communities located in Oregon.

For more information, including the link to the online application, please visit the SLO website.

The SLO Clearinghouse has provided no-cost supplies to more than 280 organizations and agencies across Oregon and Tribal communities, including harm reduction organizations, local public health and behavioral health agencies, law enforcement, first responders, community health clinics, substance use disorder facilities and hospital-based programs.

The Harm Reduction Clearinghouse has distributed more than 335,500 doses of naloxone to agencies that directly distribute naloxone to people at risk of opioid overdose since 2022, according to OHA estimates.

####

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is closing the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program to most new applicants to avoid overcommitting funds. The application portal will close at noon PST Dec. 20. Homeowners who are in active foreclosure may still be able to apply through a housing counselor.  

“We’re encouraging homeowners who are at imminent risk of housing displacement, socially disadvantaged individuals as defined by U.S. Treasury, or anyone who meets one of the additional eligibility criteria listed on the HAF website to apply for HAF assistance before noon Dec. 20,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “Although we are accepting new applications, there may not be enough funds for everyone who applies as the program winds down.”  

Existing applicants can continue to log on to the HAF portal to check the status of their application or scheduled payments.   

OHCS planned its HAF program to operate as a safety net for the most at-risk homeowners who have no viable workout option, so those homeowners will receive priority processing. If funds still remain after the portal closes and applications are processed, HAF intake partners will be able to submit new applications on behalf of homeowners in a judicial foreclosure action or in nonjudicial foreclosure with a scheduled sale date. These applicants may need to complete intake paperwork and foreclosure prevention counseling before working with a counselor. Funding may not be available for all these new applications.  

In addition to Oregon’s foreclosure moratorium and increased mortgage forbearance and default workout options, HAF has helped Oregon maintain a historically low foreclosure rate during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping many in their homes. According to August 2023 Corelogic data, there were 1,016 residential foreclosures in Oregon, which reflects a 0.16% foreclosure rate, compared to a 20-year average 1.03% foreclosure rate. 

As of Dec. 4, OHCS has approved 1,745 applications, totaling about $46.9 million of the $72 million available to homeowners when the program launched. Over $35 million in approved funds have already been paid with an average award of about $27,000. OHCS is reviewing or monitoring another 859 applications that, if approved, are projected to total $23.2 million in assistance. The agency projects $1.9 million remains. OHCS is currently working with homeowners, housing counselors, and mortgage servicers to postpone and prevent hundreds of foreclosures for applicants. Visit the HAF Dashboard for more detailed information. 

Free help is available  

Homeowners who have fallen behind or are at risk of missing a payment on their mortgage can continue to get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about options to keep their homes, such as modifications or adding deferred payments to the end of a mortgage. Housing counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals who can help homeowners communicate with their mortgage servicers.  

Search the full list of free certified housing counselors by county. Homeowners should be aware that some housing counseling agencies take longer due to high volume and remote working policies.   

In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oregon homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to figure out their options.  

Avoiding fraud  

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services recommends being extremely cautious with offers to help from unauthorized companies or people. Homeowners are urged not to provide financial or personal information unless they verify the company or person’s licensing status. It does not cost anything to apply for the HAF program or meet with an Oregon housing counselor.  

There are several common warning signs homeowners should watch out for that may indicate a scam. If a homeowner suspects they’re being contacted by a scammer, they can report it to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, or the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General.  

To verify a lender’s license, visit the Division of Financial Regulation’s license page and compare it with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) license number. This number must be included on all advertising materials and should be easy to find. To verify a housing counseling agency’s status with the state, make sure they are listed on the OHCS website.      

5 de diciembre, 2023  

OHCS anuncia que el portal de solicitudes para el Fondo de Asistencia para Propietarios de Vivienda cerrará el 20 de diciembre   

SALEM, Oregon – El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregón (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés) está cerrando el programa del Fondo de Asistencia a Propietarios de Vivienda de Oregón (HAF, por sus siglas en inglés) a la mayoría de nuevos solicitantes para evitar comprometer en exceso los fondos disponibles. El portal de solicitudes cerrará al mediodía (PST) el 20 de diciembre. Los propietarios de vivienda que se encuentran en proceso de una ejecución hipotecaria aun podrán solicitar la asistencia por medio de un asesor de vivienda.     

"Queremos animar que soliciten ayuda antes del mediodía del 20 de diciembre los propietarios que están a más riesgo de perder su hogar, las personas socialmente desfavorecidas, tal como las define el departamento del Tesoro de Estados Unidos, o cualquier persona que cumpla uno de los criterios de elegibilidad adicionales que se encuentran en el sitio de internet del programa", dijo Ryan Vanden Brink, director adjunto de Programas de Asistencia para Propietarios de Vivienda de OHCS. "Aunque estamos aceptando nuevas solicitudes, pueda que no haya fondos suficientes para todos ya que el programa está por terminar”.   

OHCS diseñó el criterio de elegibilidad para dar prioridad de procesamiento a los propietarios que están a más riesgo de perder sus viviendas o que no tenían opciones para ponerse al corriente con sus pagos de la hipoteca. Si aún quedan fondos tras el cierre del portal y el procesamiento de las solicitudes, los asesores de vivienda podrán presentar nuevas solicitudes en nombre de los propietarios que se encuentren en una ejecución hipotecaria judicial o en una ejecución hipotecaria no judicial con fecha de venta programada. Estos solicitantes tendrán que llenar una solicitud de admisión y completar un asesoramiento de prevención de ejecución hipotecaria antes de trabajar con un asesor de vivienda. Es posible que no haya fondos disponibles para todas estas nuevas solicitudes.   

 Además de la moratoria de ejecuciones hipotecarias en Oregón y del aumento de opciones para prevenir una ejecución hipotecaria y llegar a una resolución de incumplimiento de los pagos de la hipoteca, el programa ha ayudado que se mantenga una tasa de ejecuciones hipotecarias históricamente baja en Oregón durante y desde la pandemia del COVID-19, manteniendo a muchas personas en sus hogares. Según los datos de Corelogic del mes de agosto de 2023, se llevaron a cabo 1,016 ejecuciones hipotecarias residenciales en Oregón, lo que refleja una tasa de ejecuciones hipotecarias del 0.16%, en comparación con una tasa media de ejecuciones hipotecarias de 20 años del 1,03%.   

 A partir del 27 de noviembre, OHCS aprobó 1,745 solicitudes, para un total de $46.9 millones de los $72 millones disponibles para los propietarios cuando se abrió el programa. Se han pagado más de $35 millones en solicitudes aprobadas, con un pago promedio de $27,000 dólares. OHCS está procesando otras 859 solicitudes que, de ser aprobadas, se calcula que se distribuirán unos $23.2 millones en asistencia. La agencia calcula que permanecen $1.9 millones. OHCS está trabajando con los propietarios de viviendas, asesores de vivienda, y los administradores de hipotecas para posponer y evitar cientos de ejecuciones hipotecarias para los solicitantes. Visite el tablero de datos del programa para obtener más información.   

Ayuda gratuita disponible    

Los propietarios que se atrasaron con sus pagos de vivienda o están en riesgo de incumplimiento de los pagos de su hipoteca, pueden obtener ayuda gratuita de los asesores de vivienda aprobados por el estado. Los propietarios pueden aprender cómo utilizar las herramientas para preparar un presupuesto, además de evaluar otras opciones para conservar sus viviendas, tales como modificaciones del préstamo, adición de los pagos diferidos de la hipoteca al principal, o para llenar una solicitud para HAF. Los asesores de vivienda son profesionales que están debidamente informados y que pueden ayudar a los propietarios a comunicarse con sus respectivos administradores hipotecarios.    

Aquí está una lista completa de asesores de vivienda certificados en cada condado que ofrecen asesoría gratuita. Los propietarios deben tener en cuenta que algunas de estas agencias se verán afectadas en responder inmediatamente debido a trabajar fuera de sus oficinas.      

Además de conectarse con un asesor de vivienda certificado, recomendamos a los propietarios de vivienda que se comuniquen directamente con sus administradores hipotecarios o compañías hipotecarias, para ver qué tipos de asistencia y programas de prevención de ejecuciones hipotecarias podrían estar disponibles para ellos. Los propietarios de viviendas que se comunican con sus compañías hipotecarias o administradores hipotecarios pueden tener algunas protecciones adicionales y generalmente podrían disponer de más tiempo para decidir acerca de sus opciones.   

Evitar el fraude    

El Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios de Oregón recomienda ser extremadamente cauteloso con ofertas de ayuda de compañías o personas sin licencia. Se aconseja a los propietarios de viviendas a no proporcionar información financiera o personal, a menos que verifiquen el estado de la licencia de la compañía o persona que les ofrece ayuda. El llenar una solicitud con HAF u otros programas legítimos de asistencia o el pedir ayuda de un asesor de vivienda no tienen costos adicionales.    

Los propietarios quienes sospechan que están siendo contactados por un estafador, pueden reportarlo a la Oficina de Protección Financiera del Consumidor, el Departamento de Justicia de Oregón u Oficina del Inspector General del Tesoro de los Estados Unidos.    

Para verificar la licencia de una compañía hipotecaria, prestamista, u otros servicios financieros visite la página de licencias de la División de Regulación Financiera y compárela con el número de licencia del Sistema Nacional de Licencias Multiestatales (NMLS). Este número debe incluirse en todos los materiales publicitarios y deben ser fácil de identificarlas. Para verificar la certificación de un centro de asesoramiento de vivienda, asegúrese de que esté incluido en el sitio de internet de OHCS.

OREGON COAST, Oregon—Oregon State Parks will once again host Winter Whale Watch Week at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.

Every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December, and state parks invites visitors to the coast to see their journey. 

Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Volunteer opportunities are still available along the north and south coast if you register by Dec. 11 at https://orwhalewatch.org/volunteer/

The Whale Watch Week sites are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast. 

“We are excitedly waiting for the migration of the gray whales to come down from Alaska,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

“We really enjoy sharing the experience with visitors,” he said, “It’s been a tradition at Oregon State Parks for more than 40 years.”

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

An estimated 14,500 gray whales swam past Oregon’s shores last winter, according to the most recent population estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The journey is part of their annual migration south to the calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico, and the end of December is the peak time to see their migration south. 

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org. 

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch23.

SALEM, Oregon –

Oregon Heritage Commission has awarded $381,262 in grants to 33 organizations throughout the state. The grants will help fund a variety of projects including collection preservation and access, research, oral history, exhibits, and performance projects. Award amounts ranged $1,000 - $20,000.

Funded projects:

• Albany Regional Museum, in Albany, digitize and make accessible the photo, postcard and negative collection.
• Bend Park and Recreation District, in Bend, for an exhibit at the Hollinshead-Matson site.
• Benton County to hold an event at Fort Hoskins and repair the chimney of the Commander’s House.
• Big Butte Historical Society, in Butte Falls, to update the Butte Falls Discovery Loop.
• Chetco Community Public Library, in Brookings, to digitize historic issues of the Brookings Harbor Pilot and make it accessible through the University of Oregon Oregon Historic Newspapers website.
• The City of Dayton, in Yamhill County, to digitize historic issues of the Dayton Oregon newspapers and make it accessible through the University of Oregon Oregon Historic Newspapers website.
• The City of Lowell, in Lane County, to create a digital archive of materials related to the history of Lowell and surrounding areas.
• Crater Rock Museum, in Central Point, to rehouse the lithic artifacts collection.
• Deschutes County Historical Society, in Bend, to complete priority collection data clean-up. 
• Friends of Kam Wah Chung, in John Day, to translation of collection materials. 
• Gresham Historical Society, in Gresham, to develop and promote a local history podcast.
• Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum, in Portland, to develop an audio tour and accompanying materials. 
• High Desert Museum, in Deschutes County, to develop content and strategies for connecting people to the experiences and stories of Black Oregonians. 
• Japanese American Museum of Oregon, in Portland, to develop a set of traveling trunks about Japanese American history, to be available throughout the state.
• Lake Oswego Preservation Society, in Lake Oswego, transcribe and make accessible records of the Oregon Iron & Steel Company. 
• Linfield University, in McMinnville, to create an exhibit at the Portland campus about Emily L. Loveridge, who founded and led the first nursing school in the.
• Lone Fir Cemetery Foundation, in Portland, to support archaeological work to uncover the remains of the Chinese alter at Lone Fir Cemetery.
• Mark Prairie Historical Society, in Canby, to complete interior restoration of the Mark Prairie School building.
• Oregon Aviation Historical Society, in Cottage Grove, to collect oral histories of Oregon woman aviators.
• Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, in Portland, to install interpretation at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. 
• Oregon State Grange, in Salem, to preserve, digitize and make accessible the historic documents of the Oregon State Grange.
• Oregon State University, Anthropology Department, in Corvallis, to 3D scan historic buildings at Silver Falls State Park. 
• Portland Chinatown History Foundation to repair the historic dragon sculpture and hold the Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration. 
• Powerland Heritage Park, in Brooks, to repair the boiler of the steam powered sawmill.
• RASIKA Society for Arts of India, in Portland, to collect oral histories exploring the agency of South Asians who immigrated to Oregon, following the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, and share them through a multimedia performance.
• Southern Oregon Historical Society, in Medford, to digitize over 6,000 glass plate negatives of photographer Peter Britt. 
• The Eugene Debbs Potts Foundation, in Josephine County, to improve access and increase displays at the museum.
• The Immigrant Story, in Hillsboro, to present To Tell the World, a public arts program.
• Vanport Mosaic, in Portland, to develop an audio walking tour series and complete a pilot tour about Portland’s Black Panther Party. 
• Vanport Placemaking Project, in Portland, to develop audio accessible content for interpretation at the Vanport site.
• Weston Area Development Association to install a Weston history exhibit at a local restaurant. 
• Willamette Heritage Center, in Salem, to complete preservation assessments on historic buildings at the site.

This competitive grant program is for qualifying organizations, and is offered once per biennium for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon’s heritage. It is a program of the Oregon Heritage Commission. The Commission works to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage. The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and nine agency advisors. Members are chosen from state agencies and statewide organizations, and represent diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds. 

The Commission is part of Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. To learn more about the Oregon Heritage Grant or the Oregon Heritage Commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. 

###

SALEM, Ore— Visitors hoping to camp last minute will soon have the chance to view and book same-day campsite openings online statewide starting Jan. 1, 2024. 

Previously, most sites required booking 24 hours or more in advance of arrival when reserving online. Same-day online reservations started as a pilot project at two coastal parks and expanded last summer to all 17 coastal state park campgrounds. 

“Same-day reservations at the coast gave those traveling the peace of mind that there was a place ready for them when they arrived,” said Coastal Region Director Dennis Comfort.

When the program expands statewide, it will include a total of 40 park campgrounds across Oregon. Some parks switch tent and RV campsites to first-come-first served during the winter and those sites will start offering same-day online reservations in the spring. Visitors can check park webpages for seasonal information on specific parks at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/

Eleven campgrounds will remain first-come-first served year-round: Jackson F. Kimball, Goose Lake, Bates, Cascara, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Jasper Point (except for the cabin), Minam, Red Bridge, Smith Rock and Ukiah-Dale.

The goal of same-day online reservations is to offer campers the flexibility to travel last minute when sites are available while giving them the security of knowing they have a site when they arrive. Same-day online reservations also have the potential to give park staff more time to offer interpretive opportunities, improve park facilities and increase time interacting with visitors.   

“The transition to same-day reservations at Nehalem Bay State Park was nearly seamless and has been generally well received by guests,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024:

• Tent and RV campers can make a same-day online reservation up until 11:59 p.m. on the day they arrive by visiting https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Yurt and cabin reservations must be made before 6 p.m. the day of arrival due to the staffing required to assist with keys or codes. 
• All visitors can make reservations by calling (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
• Visitors can also make same-day online reservations at parks statewide using mobile devices where they have cell reception or where Oregon State Parks’ free, limited Wi-Fi is available. Wi-Fi is provided at most parks for reservations only and is not guaranteed to be available 24/7. Signs at the park have login information. Since internet connectivity varies by park, it’s best to reserve campsites before arrival.
• Visitors can still pay with cash or checks at the park by finding a ranger or following posted instructions, which could include using self-registration envelopes only if instructed to do so. Ranger availability is limited depending on time and location.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive the $8 reservation fee for all same-day reservations. 

If you have any questions about the new option, please contact the information center at k.info@oregon.gov">park.info@oregon.gov. For more information about the option, please visit our online FAQs.

SALEM, Oregon— The County Opportunity Grant Program Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to review grant applications 10 a.m. to noon. Dec. 14 on Zoom. 

Applicants to the County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) will present their proposed projects for acquiring, planning, developing and rehabilitating county-run camping facilities. The committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will be forwarded to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval. 

A schedule with applicants and their specific presentation times will be posted on the County Opportunity Grant Program web page at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-cogp.aspx the week of Dec. 4. A link to view the Zoom meeting will also be posted on the site at that time.

The COGP Advisory Committee consists of seven members who represent counties, recreational vehicle owners, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The COGP was established in 1983 to direct a portion of revenue from recreational vehicle registration fees to counties for park and recreation sites and programs. All Oregon counties are eligible to apply. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

For more information about the COGP, visit oprdgrants.org. 

SALEM, Ore— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking additional public comments on proposed updates to the rules for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit violations, including endangering the safety of visitors and staff (OAR 736-010-0020, 736-021-0040). 

The proposed rules opened for public comment Oct. 2, 2023 and reflected changes recommended by the Rule Advisory Committee, a group formed by OPRD that included representatives from the mental health community, attorneys, agency safety staff and park hosts. The first public comment period closed Nov. 3, 2023. 

After reviewing public comments, the agency decided that an update is needed to clarify the exclusion decision-making process to include exclusion conditions and timeline. This means that an additional round of public comment is required before adopting the updates to the rule.

All of the proposed updates clarify the process for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit rule violations that endanger the safety of visitors, staff or park resources. The proposed updates provide clear information on how excluded individuals may request an appeal and how appeals will be processed.

OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. January 4, 2024. Comments can be made online, in writing or via email:

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Mail: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Attn: Helena Kesch, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting additional public comments through Jan. 4 on proposed updates to rules about the collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine reserves and marine protected areas (OAR 736-021-0090).

The department’s proposed rule changes will allow for collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine protected areas if allowed under management plans for the area: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx. Updates to Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan earlier this year changed regulations and management practices in certain protected areas. 

OPRD’s proposed rules would also eliminate outdated requirements for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon to seek a permit before collecting marine plants along the ocean shore. 

In October, the agency took public comment on proposed language for this rule. Based on comments received, the agency is updating proposed language to clarify that collection of material is only allowed for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon or under management agreements between a tribe and the department.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is accepting comments on the proposed rule changes until 5 p.m. Jan. 4, 2024. Public comments can be made online, in writing or via email:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx, scroll down to “Open Rulemaking” and find “Marine plant and Macroalgae collection rule update”
• In writing: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn.: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

After reviewing public comments, agency staff plan to present a final proposed amended rule to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration at its Feb. 2024 business meeting.

The full text of the proposed amendment to Oregon Administrative Rule 736-021-0090 is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx.

Salem, OR— Oregon State Chief Information Officer, Terrence Woods, announces Dr. Jimmy Godard as the State Chief Technology Officer. Incoming Chief Technology Officer Godard brings two decades of experience and a proven track record of success in technology leadership and strategic organizational transformation. Godard’s experience includes implementing global information technology infrastructures and leading-edge program solutions.

“The State Chief Technology Officer plays a pivotal role in guiding technology for the entire Executive Branch,” Woods said. “This work is foundational for ensuring accessible, reliable and secure state technology systems that equitable serve all Oregonians.” 

Godard will oversee Enterprise Information Services’ Strategy and Design program to manifest strategic technology initiatives, enterprise technology standards and processes and policy decisions to align technology vision with business strategy.

Before joining Enterprise Information Services, Godard worked for Bank of America as Senior Vice President of Strategist and Governance and Senior Vice President of Program Service Delivery Manager.  

“I look forward to joining Enterprise Information Services and using my years of experience and education to give back to the state I call home,” Godard said.
 

###

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon man was sentenced in federal court today for stealing tools from Warm Springs Composite Products, a wood products manufacturing business owned by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Kevin Neal Strampher, Jr., 40, was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release. Strampher was also ordered to pay $2,378 in restitution to the tribe.

According to court documents, on January 28, 2023, Strampher entered the Warm Springs Composite Products mill and stole more than $2,000 in power and hand tools. Using surveillance footage obtained by the mill manager and other evidence collected, Warm Springs Tribal Police officers identified Strampher as the individual who burglarized the business.

On March 21, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Strampher with theft from an Indian tribal organization. On September 14, 2023, Strampher pleaded guilty to the single charge.

This case was investigated by the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department with assistance from the FBI. It was prosecuted by Pamela Paaso, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

###

MEDFORD, Ore.—A former resident of Williams, Oregon, was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison today after he boobytrapped a southern Oregon home and injured a federal officer.

Gregory Lee Rodvelt, 72, was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

“Fueled by anger and bitterness, this defendant boobytrapped a property in southern Oregon with intent to seriously injure someone. Unfortunately, his trap worked, and he injured an FBI bomb technician,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices. “We are fortunate Greg Rodvelt’s actions did not kill a law enforcement officer or community member. Today’s sentence is a just punishment for a serious crime.”

“This individual went through great efforts to set intricate and deadly concealed traps to prevent FBI agents from doing their job. These were no joke,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “Mr. Rodvelt knew he was breaking the law and his reprehensible actions are what landed him this sentence. We are thankful that our agent and other law enforcement officers survived this vicious attempt and we are thankful for our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office for their diligent work in bringing justice to this case.”

“It is clear that his emplacing multiple layers of boobytraps were intended to hurt or kill a person or multiple people,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “We are thankful that the FBI bomb technician wasn’t more seriously injured and hope that this sentence sends a strong message to not only Mr. Rodvelt but anyone who would contemplate doing something like this.”

“I’m thankful this incident didn’t result in more critical or fatal injuries, said Sergeant Kevin DelGrande of Oregon State Police, “This case highlights the dangers explosive devices present to responding law enforcement officers.”

According to court documents, on September 7, 2018, bomb technicians from Oregon State Police (OSP) and the FBI went to a property in Williams formerly owned by Rodvelt that he had lost in lawsuit. After Rodvelt learned that a receiver had been appointed to sell the property, he proceeded to boobytrap it.

When the bomb technicians arrived at the property, they observed a minivan blocking the gate. The technicians found steel animal traps affixed to a gate post and under the hood of the minivan. They also located homemade spike strips, which the receiver had previously run over. As the technician neared the residence, they observed a hot tub that had been placed on its side and rigged in a manner that when a gate was opened it would activate a mechanical trigger causing the spa to roll toward the person who had opened the gate. 

The technicians further observed that the windows of the residence had been barred from the inside and there were security doors at the front and rear of the residence. The front door also had what appeared to be bullet holes from shots fired inside. In the garage, they found a rat trap modified to accept a shotgun shell. Though the trap was unloaded, it was connected to the main garage door so it would be tripped when the door was opened.

The technicians and two other law enforcement officers gathered near the front of the residence and used an explosive charge to breach the front door. The group carefully entered the residence, looking for traps, and found a wheelchair in the center of the front entryway. When the wheelchair was bumped, it triggered a homemade shotgun device that discharged a .410 shotgun shell that struck the FBI bomb technician below the knee. The group administered first aid to the wounded technician and transported him to a local hospital.

On June 2, 2023, a federal jury in Medford found Rodvelt guilty of assaulting a federal officer and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from OSP and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper and Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

###

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Southern Oregon woman was sentenced in federal court Monday for using her deceased husband’s identity to unlawfully obtain more than $36,000 in federal student aid.

Cynthia Pickering, 56, of Central Point, Oregon, was sentenced to 36 months’ probation and ordered to pay $36,341 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Education.

According to court documents, beginning in September 2017 and continuing through April 2019, Pickering devised a scheme to use her deceased husband’s personally identifiable information to submit multiple applications for federal student aid and enroll her former husband at three different colleges and universities in Oregon. These fraudulent applications caused the three colleges and universities—Eastern Oregon University, Rogue Community College, and Western Oregon University—to disperse $36,341 in federal student aid into Pickering’s personal checking account.

To conceal her scheme, Pickering attended online classes pretending to be her former husband so that her husband would remain eligible for the student aid. Pickering did what was necessary to pass first term courses at each institution and collect the funds.

On October 6, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a nine-count indictment charging Pickering with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and student loan fraud, and, on November 15, 2022, she was arrested at her residence in Central Point. On August 21, 2023, Pickering pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and three counts of student aid fraud.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General (ED-OIG). It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

###

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal indictment was unsealed Tuesday in the District of Oregon charging a Belgian national in connection with the export of sensitive, military-grade technology from the United States to end users in the People’s Republic of China.

Hans Maria De Geetere, 61, of Knokke-Heist, Belgium, has been charged with one count of obtaining goods intended for China in violation of the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) and four counts of making false statements.

“Export control laws and regulations serve an important role in protecting our national security. This case demonstrates our commitment to holding individuals accountable wherever they reside,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We urge anyone with information about violations of export control laws to contact OEE and the FBI immediately.”

“The Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) is focused on aggressive enforcement of violations of U.S. export controls. Today’s indictment of De Geetere for seeking to export controlled items with military and aerospace applications to China demonstrates OEE’s commitment to focusing our investigative efforts on transactions of the highest national security significance,” said John D. Masters, Special Agent in Charge, Office of Export Enforcement, San Jose Field Office, Bureau of Industry and Security, US Department of Commerce.

“According to this indictment, Hans De Geetere was breaking laws and risking national security to benefit himself, the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “This investigation was a well-coordinated effort between the FBI and our federal and international partners, and it demonstrates how far we will go to prevent the illegal transfer of military-use technology to our adversaries.”

According to court documents, between April 2021 and August 2023, De Geetere, who owned and operated a Belgium-based supply chain management and procurement services company called Knokke Heist Support Corporation Management (KHSCM), attempted to illegally procure for export to China controlled accelerometers valued at more than $930,000. 

On or about April 9, 2021, a company in the United States shipped approximately $13,249 worth of accelerometers to a German reseller to fulfill an order for KHSCM. On or about April 14, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement detained the shipment for inspection to confirm its end user and avoid potential diversion and improper military use.

OEE contacted the German reseller to request that its customer, KHSCM, complete a required BIS form identifying its end user for the accelerometers and how the devices would be used. On or about April 15, 2021, De Geetere is alleged to have completed the form and in it falsely claim the accelerometers were for use by Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer, a government agency in the Flemish region of Belgium. Later, on a phone call with an OEE special agent and in an email to the agent written by De Geetere falsely claiming to be a Flemish export control official, De Geetere again falsely stated the accelerometers were for use in Belgium when, in truth, he intended to divert the items to China.

Accelerometers are electronic devices that measure the vibration, tilt, and acceleration of structures in industrial, aerospace, and military systems. In aerospace and military applications, accelerometers play a critical role in structural testing and monitoring, impact survival tests, flight control systems, weapons and craft navigation systems, active vibration dampening, stabilization, and other systems. The export of these accelerometers to certain countries, including China and Russia, is restricted under U.S. law.

In a separate indictment unsealed Tuesday in the Eastern District of Texas, De Geetere and a co-defendant are alleged to have conspired with one another to illegally smuggle from the United States export-controlled field programmable gate array circuits to Russia and short-wave infrared surveillance cameras to China.

De Geetere was arrested Tuesday in Belgium by Belgian authorities.

Obtaining goods in violation of ECRA and making false statements in connection with or during an export enforcement investigation are each punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine, per count of conviction.

This case was investigated by OEE with assistance from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Greg Nyhus, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

Today’s actions were coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.

###

MEDFORD, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that three federal prison sentences have been imposed this week in separate criminal cases following multi-agency drug trafficking investigations in and around Medford.

James Michael Cody Whelchel, 41, of Carson, California, was sentenced Monday to 130 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. Earl Richard Shamblin III, 41, of Medford, was also sentenced Monday to 45 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

Terril Jacob Boss, 43, of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

U.S. v. Whelchel

According to court documents, in July 2021, local law enforcement officers received information that Whelchel, a known drug trafficker with a lengthy criminal history, was dealing drugs in the Medford area. Further investigation revealed that Whelchel was running his local drug trafficking operation from an area motel. After observing multiple individuals come and go from his motel room, investigators arrested Whelchel. At the time of his arrest, Whelchel possessed three cell phones, several syringes, and approximately $3,600 in cash.

Investigators located two 9mm pistols, a digital scale, and small quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and unidentified pills in Whelchel’s vehicle. A search of his motel room returned more than two and a half pounds of methamphetamine, approximately one pound of powdered fentanyl, a smaller quantity of heroin, more than $51,000 in cash, and two firearms.

On September 2, 2021, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Whelchel with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. On August 14, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. v. Shamblin

Between November 11, 2019, and January 19, 2021, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of heroin from Shamblin, a known Jackson County, Oregon drug trafficker. On February 17, 2021, investigators arrested Shamblin and found digital scales, drug packaging material, records of drug transactions, and more than $4,000 in cash in his RV and on his person. The next day, on February 18, 2021, investigators obtained a recorded jail call on which Shamblin coordinated with other individuals to move and conceal a large sum of cash (later seized by law enforcement) and bury heroin in the backyard of his then residence.

On February 26, 2021, Shamblin was charged by federal criminal complaint with unlawfully possessing and distributing heroin. Later, on March 3, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a five-count indictment charging him with distributing heroin. On September 7, 2023, Shamblin pleaded guilty to one count of distributing heroin.

U.S. v. Boss

On July 21, 2020, area law enforcement obtained information that Boss, who was in possession of methamphetamine and a firearm, was located in a fast-food parking lot in White City, Oregon. A responding deputy approached Boss and told him he was being detained as part of a drug trafficking investigation. After initially denying he was armed, Boss told the deputy he had a weapon, but refused to say where it was located. Boss then began to reach for his waistband and a struggle to detain him ensued. After repeatedly ordering Boss not to reach for his waistband, Boss grabbed a firearm he possessed and was shot twice by the responding deputies. He was immediately taken to an area hospital, treated, and then booked in the Jackson County Jail.

Three days later, on July 24, 2020, investigators executed search warrants on Boss’s truck and motorcycle. They located and seized quantities of heroin and methamphetamine in his truck and a large zipper bag with heroin and methamphetamine concealed in the gas tank of his motorcycle. They also found digital scales and drug packaging materials. Later the same day, Boss was charged by federal criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On April 15, 2021, a federal grand jury in Medford indicted Boss on the same charges and, on July 5, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

___

All three cases were investigated by the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE). Local MADGE member agencies were assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Oregon State Police. Whelchel was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Shamblin and Boss were prosecuted by March A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

MADGE is a gang and narcotics enforcement team comprised of local, state, and federal investigators that work together to dismantle drug trafficking and other criminal organizations operating in and around Jackson County, Oregon. MADGE member agencies include the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, Jackson County Community Corrections, HSI, and FBI.

###

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Salem, Oregon man previously convicted at trial was sentenced to federal prison Monday for illegally transferring a machine gun.

Daniel Matthew Kittson, 61, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. 

According to court documents, in December 2019, a special agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that Kittson was attempting to sell a Russian PPSh-41, a machine gun capable of firing approximately 900 rounds per minute. Investigators learned that he had prior felony convictions for attempted murder, first degree manslaughter, and felon in possession of a weapon, making it illegal for him to possess any type of firearm.

In early January 2020, investigators communicated with Kittson on two separate occasions to arrange a controlled purchase of the machine gun and, on January 10, 2020, completed the transaction. Following their purchase, investigators tested the firearm and confirmed that it was indeed a functional machine gun.

On March 9, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Kittson with illegally possessing and transferring a machine gun and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

On May 28, 2021, Kittson was arrested without incident by the U.S. Marshals Service and was released following his first appearance in federal court. In June 2022, Kittson absconded his pretrial supervision. Three months later, on September 27, 2022, he was located and arrested in Crook County, Oregon in possession of a firearm and small quantities of methamphetamine and heroin.

On August 24, 2023, a jury found Kittson guilty of illegally transferring a machinegun.

This case was investigated by ATF. It was prosecuted by Leah Bolstad and Nicole Bockelman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

###

MEDFORD, Ore.—An Eagle Point, Oregon woman was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison today for taking sexually explicit photos of an 8-year-old child and sending them to multiple individuals she met online.

Kayla Dee Lester, 31, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison and 20 years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in 2020, Lester took sexually explicit photos of an 8-year-old child and distributed them to multiple individuals online using Whisper, a social media application that allows users to post and share photo and video messages anonymously. When interviewed by police, Lester admitted to using Whisper and other social media applications to meet people and solicit child pornography. She further admitted to sending the images she took of the 8-year-old child to others in hopes they would send her child pornography in return.

On September 17, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Lester with using a minor to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct, and distributing and possessing child pornography. On May 10, 2023, Lester pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography.

On July 6, 2023, while awaiting sentencing, Lester was arrested for possessing an internet-connected cell phone in violation of her release conditions. Her cell phone was found to contain nude images of herself and other adults who she was chatting with online as well as chats between Lester and others wherein she described sexually abusing her 8-year-old victim. A forensic search later conducted on her phone revealed 44 videos of child pornography. On July 10, 2023, Lester’s pretrial release was revoked.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force. It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, they re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Created in January 2007, the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force provides cybercrime investigations and digital evidence forensic analysis for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Southern Oregon. Member agencies include the Medford Police Department, Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, and HSI.

###

PORTLAND, Ore.—A local man is facing federal charges today for distributing counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a Portland teenager.

Nasir Overton, 20, a resident of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with one count each of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, resulting in death, and distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, resulting in death.

According to court documents, on September 20, 2023, a detective from the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) responded to a local hospital after receiving a report of a 15-year-old who had fatally overdosed on fentanyl. The detective learned that the day prior, the teenager had ingested a single counterfeit Oxycodone pill containing fentanyl and overdosed. The teenager was pronounced dead four days later. Further investigation revealed that the teen received the fatal pill from a friend who had purchased two pills from Overton, who went by the alias “Noni.”

Overton was arrested Thursday without incident in Portland and made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

If convicted, Overton faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), PPB, and the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Task Force (HIT). It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington’s Discovery Center engages students with real-life lessons on work readiness and financial literacy

Portland, Ore., Dec. 5, 2023— A hands-on financial learning center that inspires young people to take control of their financial futures welcomed its first students from Hillsboro High School and Hope Chinese Charter School on Dec. 5. The new Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington (JA) Discovery Center engages 4th-12th graders with fun, realistic lessons on vital life skills such as choosing careers, budgeting, saving and investing and becoming a responsible part of a connected community.

Ahead of the session, students participated in JA Finance Park, a financial literacy program for middle and high school students. It develops essential personal finance skills and combines classroom learning and real-world simulations to help students understand how responsible choices can position them to deal with life’s twists and turns. On Dec. 5, OnPoint Community Credit Union employee volunteers helped guide students through interactive simulations on financial decisions related to income, expenses, savings and credit.

Located in the Hillsboro Civic Center, the new site is the 44th of its kind in the U.S., delivering youth financial literacy programs to more than 12,000 students in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington Counties. 

“The skills they learn here are skills they will use every day for the rest of their lives. It’s inspiring to see them take control of their futures,” said Priscilla Treviño, Director of Development for Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington. “We are just as excited about it as they are. These kids are the future of our community, and we are focused on empowering and inspiring them to see a future of boundless potential through our programs.”

The center will also host JA BizTown, an upper-elementary program that combines in-class learning with a hands-on simulation of an American city. Students take on roles such as grocer, electrician, pharmacist or banker while practicing basic business and civic skills. The replica city features storefronts sponsored by local businesses, including OnPoint. 

 “Learning these lessons now will help students gain the skills they need to make responsible financial decisions and plan for their futures,” said Vincent Pollard, financial wellness manager of OnPoint Community Credit Union, which donated $200,000 to help build the new center and will operate its onsite branch during the JA BizTown simulation days. “As a community credit union, we exist to help our community build those skills. Our employee volunteers honored that commitment today and we’re proud to continue supporting JA’s new center and providing hands-on financial education to students across Oregon and Southwest Washington.”

OnPoint and JA have partnered since 2019 to expand equitable access to financial education for K-12 students across Oregon and Southwest Washington. In addition to investing in the Discovery Center, OnPoint has supported JA with $193,000 in donations to help students engage with JA’s programs.

ABOUT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF OREGON & SW WASHINGTON

Junior Achievement inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy through hands-on programs that promote work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Established locally in 1950, Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington (JA) is an affiliate of Junior Achievement USA, which has worked for over a century to provide economic and financial education for K-12 students. This school year, with the help of more than 4,000 volunteers, JA will serve over 35,000 students in Oregon and SW Washington. 

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 539,000 members and with assets of $8.8 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.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to announce a new major in Ethnic Studies, starting fall 2024-25. This major aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and address contemporary equity and justice.

The Ethnic Studies program incorporates courses from 20 different disciplines, offering students a well-rounded education. It encompasses five concentrations: Chicano/Latino and Latin American studies, African American and African studies, global ethnicities studies, Indigenous studies, and intersectionality studies. By exploring these concentrations, students will gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and contributions of these ethnic groups. 

Two new courses will be offered in Ethnic Studies. Students can enroll in Introduction to Ethnic Studies 201 for the upcoming winter term and Introduction to Cultural Studies 202 for the upcoming spring term. These courses will provide comprehensive insights into diverse cultural landscapes and social dynamics that shape our world. 

"We are thrilled to introduce the new Ethnic Studies major at Western," said Ricardo Pelegrin Taboada, Ph.D., professor of History. "This program will empower students to become agents of social change and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society." 

This program is also a gateway to a wide range of professions. Students interested in law, criminal justice, social activism, public health, public education, and other social services will find this major particularly relevant. The program’s focus on critical thinking, culture, history, and current societal issues will prepare students to be culturally competent practitioners ready to serve diverse populations. 

For students who wish to supplement their studies in another field, Western currently offers a minor in Ethnic Studies. This minor adds breadth to their education and demonstrates cultural competency, a highly sought-after skill by employers in today’s diverse workforce. 
 

For more information about the Ethnic Studies minor at Western.

### 

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Rugby at Western Oregon University isn't just a sport; it's a vibrant community, an avenue for growth, and a catalyst for inclusivity. Over the years, Western has evolved into a central hub for rugby in Oregon, embracing the sport across various levels and fostering an environment that champions diversity and achievement.

 The success story of Western’s club sports rugby program goes beyond the field. Established in 2001 for men and in 2004 for women, the teams quickly made their mark. The university's club sports rugby program stands as a testament to inclusivity, with the women's program officially named Women's+ to warmly welcome individuals identifying as transgendered or nonbinary. This practice, prevalent in the rugby world, echoes Western’s commitment to fostering an inclusive sporting environment. The men's team notably qualified for the national championship in 2008 and has won numerous conference and regional championships since. As a result of some very successful seasons in the last few years, they are consistently ranked in their division as one of the top National Collegiate Rugby teams. The Women's+ team has experienced its share of achievements, securing a spot in nationals during their first year of competing. Since then, they’ve had numerous conference championships. 

Rugby offers two distinct forms of gameplay. The fall season typically consists of traditional 15s rugby (15 players), while the spring season introduces the dynamic and fast-paced rugby 7s (7 players), which is also an Olympic sport that has significantly contributed to rugby's popularity. Western proudly participates in both, fielding teams for men and women, marking their presence in both formats and proudly championed recently over Oregon State University and the University of Oregon rugby club sport teams.

Rugby enthusiasts at some point have been to Western to experience the game at every level, from youth programs to high school state championships, and extending into college-level competitions. With a strong presence at older universities, Western stands as a testament to the expanding footprint of rugby across the United States. Associate Director of Campus Recreation Andy Main explains that Western has become a well-known and appreciated institution among youth, and high school, and adult club rugby in Oregon. He adds that this is partly due to the Western rugby team’s successes but also because many of Western’s alumni coach, officiate, play, or otherwise support rugby in the state. Main adds that Western is appreciated as a reliable partner for state and regional rugby competitions as they’ve hosted national qualifiers for collegiate rugby 7s, the high school state rugby championship, adult club rugby playoffs, and training courses for rugby officials and coaches. 

"It has been amazing to have had the opportunity to directly observe the WOU rugby program's growth and success over the last six years,” said Main. “The WOU rugby players, coaches, supporters, and alumni have all helped make this level of sustained success possible, so it's an absolute thrill to see that hard work pay off, and to see the community embrace and take pride in WOU rugby."

Looking ahead, Western is gearing up for an action-packed spring season. The men's team is hosting the National Collegiate Rugby qualifying tournament on March 23, 2024, with teams from across the region vying for a spot in the nationals. Plans are also underway to finalize the date for hosting the Women's + qualifying tournament, with eyes set on the nationals in Washington, D.C., in April, should Western’s teams qualify.

Club sports cultivated by Campus Recreation at Western, including rugby, serve as platforms for leadership development, budgetary management, and invaluable experiences complementing academic pursuits. The benefits extend far beyond the field, shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

At Western Oregon University, rugby isn't just a sport; it's a legacy, an ethos, and a community. The spirit of inclusivity, dedication to excellence, and the pursuit of growth define Western’s rugby program, echoing the university's commitment to holistic student development. 

Learn more about Western’s club sports.

###

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shepherd's House Ministries Announces First Annual Christmas Dinner at Redmond Center

Redmond, OR, December 4, 2023 — Shepherd's House Ministries is excited to announce its First Annual Christmas Dinner at the newly opened Redmond Center at 1350 S Hwy 97, Redmond, OR 97756. This festive event aims to bring joy and warmth to those experiencing homelessness during the holiday season.

As part of our commitment to the community, we invite and encourage the Central Oregon Community to contribute to this heartwarming initiative by dropping off food items at either of our locations: Redmond Center or Shepherd's House Donation Center. When donating, please specify that the items are intended for the Redmond Christmas Dinner to streamline the process.

Drop Off Locations:

• Redmond Center: 1350 S Hwy 97, Redmond, OR 97756
• Shepherd's House Men's Center: 1854 NE Division St, Bend, OR 97701

Items Needed for the Christmas Dinner:

• Desserts (assorted pies, cakes, brownies, etc.)
• Fresh yams
• Marshmallows
• Russet potatoes
• Frozen or canned corn
• Spiraled Hams
• Butter
• Hawaiian Rolls
• Fresh Mixed Winter Vegetables
• Various cheese selection
• Pita chips

Your generous contributions will play a crucial role in creating a warm and festive atmosphere for those less fortunate in our community. We appreciate your support in making this event a success and bringing holiday cheer to individuals facing homelessness.

For more information or to coordinate your donation, please contact Shepherd's House Ministries at development@shministries.org or call (541) 388-2096 x7.

Shepherd's House Ministries is dedicated to providing shelter, support, and a forward path of hope to those experiencing homelessness, and your involvement in our Christmas Dinner initiative helps us extend a helping hand during this special time of year.

About Shepherd's House Ministries:

Shepherd's House Ministries is a non-profit organization committed to serving and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness with a focus on grace, compassion, and community.

Connect with us:

• Website: www.shepherdshouseministries.org
• Phone: (541) 388-2096

For media inquiries, please contact:

Shelly Gibbs

Director of Development | Shepherd’s House Ministries

Email: shellyg@shministries.org

[Phone: (541) 588-0578

Together, let's make this Christmas a season of grace-filled joy and compassion!

###

Portland, OR — Seventeen regional attractions have partnered to offer reciprocal admission to their members in 2024. This coming year, the program is excited to expand to now include three new attractions: Cannon Beach History Center, The Museum at Warm Springs, and Pittock Mansion. This reciprocal admission program, which had been running for seven years, was created as a way to show appreciation for each attraction’s loyal members as well as highlight the important role that cultural organizations play in their communities.

From January through December 2024, membership to one of the participating organizations is your key to free admission for a member and three guests of any age to a different attraction each month.

Memberships provide critical funding that allows each participating organization to further its mission. Join one (or more!) of the participating organizations to show your support for these immersive educational institutions. Or, purchase a gift membership as the perfect holiday gift!

Mark your calendar for the 2024 reciprocal admission schedule and some of the highlights visitors can expect from participating attractions. Offer applies to all membership levels. Valid proof of membership and photo ID required. 

2024 Reciprocal Admission Program:

January: Oregon Zoo (oregonzoo.org)

Valid for daytime admission only, does not include Zoo Lights. 

February TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Columbia River Maritime Museum (crmm.org)

Founded in 1962 with the mission to collect and preserve historical and cultural material relevant to the Columbia River, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is a private nonprofit organization designated as the official maritime museum of the State of Oregon. Built on the banks of the great Columbia River, the Museum is designed to integrate the incredible unfolding scenery of the Columbia River directly outside the panoramic windows. ​Experience the Columbia River in all its splendor and fascination in the Brix Maritime Hall, bringing to life the rich maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. 

Pittock Mansion (pittockmansion.org)

Built in 1914 as the home of Henry and Georgiana Pittock, Pittock Mansion is a historic house museum that tells the story of Portland’s transformation from a pioneer town to a modern, industrialized city. Visitors to Pittock Mansion can enjoy the full Pittock Campus which includes the Mansion, Gate Lodge (home of the estate steward), Garage, and beautifully landscaped grounds with sweeping views of downtown Portland. Guests will also have the last chance to view the stunning art exhibition, Eliza Barchus: A Woman of Resilience which runs through February 11, 2024. This exhibition features over sixty-five landscape paintings by the award-winning, early Oregon artist and is the largest exhibition of her art and ephemera ever displayed. View the video at https://youtu.be/cVoHl4IHY7c.

March  TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Cannon Beach History Center (cbhistory.org)

The Cannon Beach History Center will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest with their newest exhibit, 60 Years of Sandcastles, opening March 2024. 

Oregon Historical Society (ohs.org)

The Oregon Historical Society shares its vast collection through thought-provoking, interactive museum exhibitions that make history visible and accessible. Three floors of permanent and traveling exhibitions feature rare documents and objects, and explore the people, places, and events that have shaped the history of Oregon and America. During March, visitors can also enjoy the final months of Birds of the Pacific Coast: The Illustrations of R. Bruce Horsfall, which features over 50 vibrant hand drawn illustrations of local birds preserved in OHS’s permanent collection.

April  TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Deepwood Museum & Gardens (deepwood museum.org) 

Deepwood Museum & Gardens’ Queen Anne museum home, built in 1894, transports visitors back to the Victorian era. During Deepwood’s featured month the museum will have a special exhibit of antique umbrellas for “April showers” and parasols for strolling in the sun enjoying “May flowers.” Plus, the historic gardens of Deepwood start to bring the colors and beauty of spring during April visits. 

Hallie Ford Museum of Art (willamette.edu/arts/hfma)
Located in the heart of Salem at Willamette University, the museum invites you to explore permanent galleries featuring works by Pacific Northwest and Indigenous artists and a diverse collection of Ancient, European, American, and Asian art. Special exhibitions in April include Singular Visions: Self-Taught Artists from the Permanent Collection, on view through April 22; and Senior Art Majors 2024 and Alexandra Opie: What Remains, opening April 23. 

May: Architectural Heritage Center (visitahc.org)

Did you know May is National Preservation Month? There’s no better way to learn about preservation, Portland history, and architecture than by visiting the Architectural Heritage Center (AHC) or joining AHC for one of its well-loved walking tours or other public programs! The AHC loves to introduce people to Portland’s beautiful architecture and neighborhoods. Visit the AHC’s historic West’s Block building to view artifacts from its collections and to learn more about Portland and the built environment. Stop by at 701 SE Grand Ave and get to know the AHC!

June  TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (ojmche.org)

In June 2017 Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education opened the doors of its permanent home at 724 NW Davis Street, on the North Park Blocks in downtown Portland. The museum’s main gallery features rotating exhibitions of national and international stature. Four core exhibits anchor the museum: Discrimination and Resistance, An Oregon Primer, which identifies discrimination as a tool used to affect varied groups of people over the history of this region; The Holocaust, An Oregon Perspective, a history of the Holocaust that employs the stories of Oregon survivors; Oregon Jewish Stories, an installation focused on the experience of the Jews of Oregon; and Human Rights After the Holocaust, an exhibit that calls on visitors to ponder the work needed to achieve dignity and rights for all persons.

Clark County Historical Museum (cchmuseum.org)

Have you ever wondered where the PNW’s love for hops and IPAs began? Or who was the first female riverboat captain on the Columbia? There’s so much to discover as you explore the stories of the people that called Clark County home! CCHMuseum is celebrating 60 years as Clark County, Washington’s, history keepers! Take a step back in time with its newest exhibit, Through the Decades: Sixty Years @ CCHMuseum. Opening May 24, 2024, this exhibition features objects and archival materials chronicling the museum’s history. Learn more about what they have in store online and through social media (@cchmuseum).

July: The Museum at Warm Springs (museumatwarmsprings.org). 
The Museum at Warm Springs opened its doors to the public on March 14, 1993. Built to Smithsonian Institution professional standards, The Museum’s mission is to preserve, advance, and share the traditions, cultural, and artistic heritage of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon, and other Indigenous peoples. Visit Saddle Up! Ranchers and Rodeo Life of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, on view June 26 through September 23, 2024.

August: Five Oaks Museum (fiveoaksmuseum.org)

Replenish the Root: Six Centuries of Gathering Under the Oaks brings visitors deep into the story of the site this museum took their name from, where a grove of five Oregon white oaks, just a couple miles from Five Oaks Museum, have borne witness to centuries of community and environmental changes. The exhibition invites us to learn, through objects, photographs, and art, about the people who have gathered there for over 600 years and our communal relationship with Oregon white oak savannas.

September: Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals (ricenorthwestmuseum.org) 

The Rice Museum is nestled in a park-like setting amongst 23 acres of old-growth evergreen trees. It houses a world-class collection of minerals, rocks, gems, fossils, and meteorites. The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique architectural style, natural stonework, and extraordinary native Oregon woodwork found throughout the building. The Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate, one of only three in Oregon. The Affiliation serves as an endorsement of the quality of a museum’s facilities, the training and professionalism of its staff, and its mission to educate the public. 

October TWO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT!

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (evergreenmuseum.org)

Soar through decades of aerospace innovation at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. Discover more than 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits that tell the story of flight and space exploration with unique historic artifacts, including American aviation icon the Spruce Goose, SR-71 Blackbird, and the Titan II Space Launch Vehicle with its original launch room.

World Forestry Center (worldforestry.org)

Located in Portland’s forested Washington Park just steps from the MAX Light Rail, World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum invites visitors to examine forests and consider all the ways they impact our lives. The dramatic 20,000-square-foot wooden building has been a Portland icon since 1971. Visitors get a bird’s-eye view of a northwest forest, explore society’s connection to the woods, and learn about the challenges and opportunities facing this critical natural resource.

November: Oregon Coast Aquarium (aquarium.org)

Founded in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is driven by its mission to create unique and engaging experiences that connect people to the Oregon coast and inspire ocean conservation through ocean education, conservation, and immersive experiences. The Oregon Coast Aquarium supports marine wildlife and fosters environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Located on 23 acres (9.3 hectares) along the Yaquina Bay in Newport, Oregon, the Oregon Coast Aquarium operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

December: Lan Su Chinese Garden (lansugarden.org)

Much more than just a beautiful botanical garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder — a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, history, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony. Offering more than 500 cultural and botanical programs each year, Lan Su is a window into authentic Chinese culture and a platform for the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
—

Download press images of participating attractions here. 

About the Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance

The Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance (PAMA) is a professional organization consisting of marketing representatives from major attractions in Portland and beyond the metro area. The group connects regularly to explore partnership opportunities, ideas for cross-promotion, and collaboration with Travel Portland.