March 25, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Public Health Advisory Board Accountability Metrics Subcommittee meets April 1 by webinar

What: A public meeting of the Accountability Metrics Subcommittee of the Public Health Advisory Board.

Agenda: Approve March 4 meeting minutes; make recommendations for the oral health developmental metric; discuss process for updating the set of public health accountability metrics for 2019-21.

When: April 1, 1-2 p.m. A public comment period is offered at the end of the meeting.

Where: By webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5150607625475124481. By conference call at 877-873-8017, access code 767068#.

Background: Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan. The Accountability Metrics Subcommittee develops recommendations about public health quality measures for the board's consideration.

For more information, see the board's website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/About/Pages/ophab.aspx.

Program contact: Sara Beaudrault, 971-645-5766, a.beaudrault@dhsoha.state.or.us">sara.beaudrault@dhsoha.state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact: Sara Beaudrault at 971-645-5766, 711 TTY, or a.beaudrault@dhsoha.state.or.us">sara.beaudrault@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOSPITALS EXCEED PLEDGE TO MAINTAIN COMMUNITY BENEFIT SPENDING

Lake Oswego, Ore. – March 25, 2019 – Oregon’s hospitals contributed $2.3 billion in community benefit to the communities they serve in 2017, a record amount. That comes at the same time Oregon has achieved one of the highest rates of healthcare coverage in the nation at close to 95 percent.

“Oregon’s hospitals made a commitment to community benefit in 2015, knowing that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would change the landscape and reduce the number of Oregonians without coverage with the expansion of the Medicaid program,” said Andy Van Pelt, OAHHS Executive Vice President. “We are proud they have maintained that commitment.”

While much of hospitals’ community benefit contribution comes as underpayment for delivered care (for example, Medicaid reimburses hospitals for 68 percent of their cost), that is just one component. Here are some others, many of which address the social determinants of health, and their 2017 total expenditure:

• Charity Care: $196 million
• Community Health Improvement Programs: $43 million
• Community Health and Clinical Research: $63 million
• Health Professions Education: $216 million.

Roberta Duenas of Rogue River is just one of the thousands of Oregonians who have been helped by an Oregon hospital’s commitment to community benefit. Duenas, 66, said that before she became an Oregon Health Plan member, she received assistance with her bill at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. “Without that help and then the coverage from Medicaid, I don’t know where I’d be,” she said.

Hospitals are keenly aware of the increase in charity care spending in recent years. This follows an initial drop in charity care spending during the first few years of the ACA, as more Oregonians obtained coverage.

“We know that many Oregonians struggle with healthcare access,” said Van Pelt. “Hospitals have long been part of the conversation to make improvements to our community benefit system, including simplifying the process and greater transparency.”

Van Pelt said he hopes that any statewide changes to community benefit will reflect that collaborative spirit.

In the meantime, Van Pelt said hospitals will continue their commitment to the state’s needy and to their investment in the communities they serve.

Click here to read a comprehensive report on Oregon hospitals’ community benefit activity.

##

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) is hosting a weekend of men’s rugby on campus for the National Small College Rugby Organization’s (NSCRO) 2019 Challenge Cup Pacific Coast Region Championship on Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31.

The four teams competing at the championship are WOU, Central Oregon Community College, Humboldt State University, and Azusa Pacific University. These teams represent the Northwest Collegiate Rugby Conference, the Northern California Collegiate Rugby Conference and the Gold Coast Collegiate Rugby Conference.

The festivities begin at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday; with the first match of the semifinals between Humboldt and Central Oregon CC at 11 a.m. WOU plays Azusa Pacific at 1 p.m. On Sunday, the third place match will be at 11 a.m. and the championship match at 1 p.m. (with an awards ceremony immediately following).

The championship will be held at WOU’s rugby pitch at 345 Monmouth Ave. N., Monmouth, OR 97361. All games are free and open to the public. Free parking is available in lot J (visit wou.edu/map for directions). Those unable to attend can watch live at wou.edu/livestream.

The winner of the 2019 Challenge Cup Pacific Coast Region Championship at WOU qualifies for NSCRO’s National Championship, on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 at Siena College in Loudonville, NY.

About National Small College Rugby Organization
Since 2007, the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) has been at the forefront of fostering and developing small college rugby programs in the United States. NSCRO is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to small college programs that raise the profile, image, and benefits of collegiate rugby in the eyes of school administrators.

Comprised of nearly 400 men’s and women’s college rugby clubs who participate in more than 30 leagues, NSCRO provides an opportunity for these programs to showcase their abilities to a broader audience with a chance at a national title and ranking. Along with recognizing club and player success on and off the field, the increased visibility NSCRO creates has led to improved school support, greater on-campus interest in rugby, and growth in financial support and alumni involvement.

About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 and located in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. With approximately 5,500 undergraduate and graduate students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with nearly 80 percent of the student population being from Oregon. Approximately 25 percent of students are minorities, veterans or part of an underserved population. The university is known as Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a personal, supportive, student-centered learning community where every class is taught by faculty members and each student has access to diverse education opportunities. Together we succeed.

Released by: Lt. Ty Rupert

Release Date: 3/23/2019

Driver #1: Kenneth Cole Bush, 32 yom from Bend, Oregon

Vehicle #1: 2008 Acura 4D SUV 

NARRATIVE:

On March 22, 2019 at approximately 1237 hours Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to an unknown injury motor vehicle crash on Deschutes Market Road just south of Findlay Ln.

Upon arrival Deputies contacted the male driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Kenneth Cole Bush of Bend. Bush had self-extricated himself from the vehicle. The investigation revealed Bush was northbound on Deschutes Market Road when his vehicle left the roadway impacting several mailboxes and shearing off a Central Electric Cooperative power pole. Central Electric Cooperative was dispatched to the scene to repair the damaged power pole. There were no reports of power outages at the time of the crash. Further investigation determined Bush had tried to hide a handgun at the scene prior to the Deputies Arrival.

Bush was evaluated at the scene and transported by Bend Fire Medics to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with non-life threatening injuries. At the conclusion of the investigation, Bush was arrested for DUII, Reckless Driving and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Due to his injuries, Bush was Cited in Lieu of Custody and left in the care of medical staff for further evaluation. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by Bend Fire personnel and personnel from Central Electric Cooperative.    

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

The operator of the vehicle that sustained fatal injuries is being identified as Amber Mosey (30) of St. Helens, OR

Passengers are identified as Carmen Lewis (31) of Eugene and Christopher Arrington (35) of Portland.

No further information is available for release at this time.

On Thursday, March 21, 2019 at approximately 6:21 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers located a vehicle reported stolen from Eugene on Interstate 5 in the Albany area.  The vehicle and the occupants were also of interest in multiple armed robberies in the Eugene area. 

Troopers attempted a traffic stop and the vehicle attempted to elude.  The vehicle lost control on Hochspeier Road near the intersection of Hwy 164 (Jefferson Highway) milepost 1 just north of the City of Jefferson and rolled several times. 

One occupant of the vehicle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  Two other occupants were transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries. 

A criminal investigation continues into the occupants of the vehicle for multiple armed robberies by the Eugene Police Department. 

The single vehicle crash is being investigated by Marion County Sheriff's Office with a crash reconstruction team made up of OSP, Marion County S.O. and Keizer Police Department. 

Media inquiries regarding the Eugene Police criminal investigation contact the Eugene PD PIO at 541-682-5124 or 541-682-5197. 

Media inquires regarding the crash investigation in Marion County contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office PIO at 503-584-6276.

Released by: Sgt. William Bailey – Public Information Officer

Release Date: March 22, 2019

NARRATIVE:

On March 19, 2019, at approximately 6:20pm, a deputy with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a dog attack west of Sisters.  The attack occurred at approximately 4:30pm in the area of Bluegrass Loop and Crater Way within the Crossroads Subdivision.

An investigation determined a family living near the intersection had been preparing to leave their residence and were going to tether their twelve-year-old female Chihuahua/Beagle named Lexi outside.  Lexi escaped and ran off towards the intersection to Bluegrass Loop and Crater Way.  A short time later, the family heard what they described as a “dog fight” and ran towards the sound.  The family observed what they described as an all-black medium-sized mixed breed dog wearing a red/multicolored collar attacking Lexi.  The family scared off the black dog and retrieved Lexi who had received significant injuries in the attack.  The family took Lexi to a Sisters area veterinarian where they had to euthanize her because of her injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office also responded to dog attack incident on March 04 near the same intersection.  It was reported then that an “all black” dog attacked and injured another dog being walked by its owner.  A deputy responded to the area, but the attacking dog was never located.  The dog that was attacked received non-life threatening injuries in the incident.

The safety of those in our community is a top priority and we would like to locate the black dog and its owner.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about either of these incidents to call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and speak with a deputy.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

The next meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held Thursday, April 4,  at Southwestern Oregon Community College, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, in Brookings. The previous meeting, which had been scheduled for earlier this month, was canceled due to extreme weather and road conditions. 

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

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

March 22, 2019

Media contacts

Delia Hernandez, Oregon Health Authority, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Julie Sullivan-Springhetti, Multnomah County, 503-709-9858, inghetti@multco.us">julie.sullivan-springhetti@multco.us

Tim Heider, Clackamas County, 503-742-5911, theider@clackamas.us

Katrina Rothenberger, Marion County, 503-588-5621, othenberger@co.marion.or.us">krothenberger@co.marion.or.us

Health officials report two new cases of measles from Marion County exposure

A Multnomah County and a Clackamas County resident have been diagnosed with the measles.

The two cases stem from an outbreak that began in Marion County, where two people have tested positive for measles. This outbreak is unrelated to a large outbreak that began in Clark County, Wash., in January.

The Clackamas County resident had previously visited a Salem missionary training school, Youth With a Mission, during the same time as an Illinois resident who was contagious with measles.

“The spread of this disease in Oregon is a sobering reminder of how this virus can travel,” said Ann Thomas, MD, public health physician at OHA. “So, if you haven’t already, make sure all adults and children in your household are up-to-date on vaccines.”

Exposures

The Oregon residents visited the following locations while contagious with measles:

• Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, Clackamas, March 12, 11:45 p.m. through March 13, 5 a.m.
• Revolution Foursquare Church, Portland, March 16, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and March 17, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Von Ebert Brewing – Glendoveer location, Portland, March 17, 1:45-4:30 p.m.
• Kaiser Rockwood Medical Center, Portland, March 19, 12:30-3 p.m.

Find a complete list of all Oregon public exposures on the OHA website at healthoregon.org/measles.

Who to call

Public health officials urge people not to arrive unannounced at a medical office, if:

1. They are not immune AND
2. They have been exposed within the previous 21 days AND
3. They have symptoms of measles (such as fever, cough, red eyes or rash).

First, call a health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

People with questions about measles infection or the measles vaccine should call their primary care provider or their county health department.

• Multnomah County Public Health: 503-988-3406
• Clackamas County Public Health: 503-655-8411
• Marion County Public Health: 503-588-5621
• Clark County Public Health: 564-397-8182

About measles

Measles poses the highest risk to unvaccinated pregnant women, infants under 12 months of age, and people with weakened immune systems.

The symptoms of measles start with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection, and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.

After someone contracts measles, illness develops in about two weeks, but people can be contagious up to four days before they get a rash.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles as soon as they feel sick until up to four days after the rash starts. The virus can also linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.

You are considered immune to measles if ANY of the following apply:

• You were born before 1957.
• Your physician has diagnosed you with measles.
• A blood test proves that you are immune.
• You have had two doses of measles vaccine.

The measles vaccine, known as MMR, is safe and very effective. Almost everyone with two MMR vaccines has long-term protection against measles.

For more information on measles for the public, please visit the OHA measles webpage or see answers to common questions about measles in English and other languages here: Winter 2019 Measles Outbreak: Frequently Asked Questions.

# # #

Ideas Booth returns to the Oregon Historical Society March 22 – April 2, 2019

Portland, OR – March 22, 2019 – The Oregon Historical Society is excited to partner once again with TEDxPortland on the Ideas Booth to crowd-source an Idea Worth Spreading for TEDxPortland Year 9!

Created in 2018 and unique to TEDxPortland, community members can visit the Ideas Booth at the Oregon Historical Society for a chance to join the TEDxPortland stage – a platform that has hosted names including Ann Curry, Macklemore, and Colin O’Brady. The Ideas Booth will be accepting ideas from March 22 through April 2 and is open during regular Oregon Historical Society museum hours. All visitors to the Ideas Booth will also receive free admission to visit the Oregon Historical Society!

After overwhelming success last year — with over 250 submissions — not one, but two speakers were selected to take the TEDxPortland stage at the Keller Auditorium. Steve Eberlein and Kristine Napper were the two speakers selected from the Ideas Booth to share their Idea with over 3,000 people.

For Eberlein, whose Talk motivated him to launch a preparedness communications consultancy that specializes in earthquakes, the Ideas Booth truly changed his life:

“From the moment that I entered the TEDxPortland office, the team was there to support me, to challenge me, to cheer for me, and to guide me toward making the most of my nine minutes on stage,” said Eberlein. “I expected TEDxPortland to only be an event. As it turns out, I was indoctrinated into a family of like-minded individuals who share a high tolerance for risk, a low tolerance for egos, a generosity of spirit and, above all, a healthy dose of courage. In December, I doubled down on myself by resigning from my job of ten years to launch my own enterprise. The Ideas Booth was the first door of opportunity. Now I’m in the business of creating my own doors.”

This year, the TEDxPortland stage has room for one more person — and it could be you!

About the Ideas Booth:

Location:                               

Oregon Historical Society

1200 SW Park Avenue

Portland, OR 97205

Days / Hours of Operation: 

Friday, March 22 through Tuesday, April 2

Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm

Sunday, 12pm – 5pm

Details:

Share your Idea through the StoryTap platform in 90 seconds or less. If your Idea is chosen, you will be selected to present on stage at the Keller Auditorium on April 27 in front of 3,000+ attendees. The selected speaker will receive a speaker coach and a professional graphic designer to assist with visuals.

About the Oregon Historical Society

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

Update #2

Photos have been added for Buswell and Maughan. The photos are courtesy of the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and were taken March 21,2019 when they were lodged.

###

Update #1

The male suspect has been identified as Matthew G. Buswell, age 36, from the Keizer/Salem area. Buswell was lodged at the Tillamook County Jail on the following charges:

—Robbery 1(A-Felony)

—Felon In Possession of a Firearm (C-Felony)

—Unlawful Use of Firearm (C-Felony) 2 counts

—Theft I (C-Felony)

—Menacing (A-Misdemeanor) 3 counts 

—Tampering with Evidence (A-Misdemeanor)

The female suspect was identified as Cassandra Maughan, age 34, from Keizer. Maughan was lodged at the Tillamook County Jail on one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (B-Felony).

Keizer Police Department also assisted the investigation.

###

On March 21, 2019 at approximately 11:30 AM, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police (Tillamook) responded to an armed robbery at the US Bank in Cloverdale.

When units arrived the suspects had fled the scene. The suspects were located after a short pursuit on a forest service road off Sandlake Road where they struck an Oregon State Police vehicle. Two suspects were taken into custody after a gun fire exchange. The suspects were transported to a local hospital for evaluation from the crash but there were no other injuries reported. Both male and female suspects were from the Salem/Keizer area.

We will not be releasing the names of the officers or the suspects at this time. Tillamook County Sheriff’s is the lead investigating agency and Oregon State Police will be releasing any additional news updates. Tillamook Police Department and FBI-Salem are also assisting in the case. No photos are available.

###

Updated correction:

Riley was contacted and arrested on March 21st, 2019 not March 20th, 2019 as the previous release stated. 

Type of Incident:  Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Date and Time of Arrest:   March 21th, 2019 at 1045 hours

Incident Location:   Various locations throughout Bend, Oregon

Bend PD Case# 19-88500

Arrested:   Keaneu Evert Riley 25 year old male  Bend, Oregon Resident

Charges: 

1. Rape I x 2
2. Rape III x 2
3. Sex Abuse I x 2
4. Sex Abuse III x 2
5. Sodomy III
6. Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine to a Minor

Narrative:

During the last week, the Bend Police Department Patrol Division and Investigations Division received information regarding an alleged sex abuse that had been occurring in the City of Bend.   

This investigation revealed Keaneu Evert Riley, 25 years of age, was sexually abusing and having sexual intercourse with a minor victim.  Additional evidence showed Riley had been sexually abusing this minor over the last few months in the City of Bend.  On at least one occasion, Riley is alleged to have provided the minor with methamphetamine prior to the sexual abuse.  The investigation culminated with detectives corroborating the details of the allegation.

On the morning of March 20th, 2019, Riley was taken into custody at the Deschutes County Parole and Probation Office and later lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the above listed charges.  A search warrant was also executed at Riley’s residence, an apartment in SE Bend, where additional items of evidentiary value were located.

The Bend Police Department Investigations Division believes through the course of this investigation there could be at least two more minor victims and are actively working on identifying these victims.  This investigation is on-going and additional information may be released at a later time.

Submitted by:  Lt. Adam Juhnke

Michael Cucura IV (36) from Redmond

On Thursday, March 21, 2019 at approximately 6:46 A.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 125, just south of Redmond in Deschutes County.

Preliminary investigation determined that a silver Honda Pilot, operated by Sara Edwards (19) of Redmond, was traveling southbound on Hwy 97 when she attempted to avoid a vehicle that was entering Hwy 97 from the Desert Terrace Mobile Estates.  Edwards lost control of her vehicle and slid into the northbound lanes and collided with a Mack Concrete Pumping Truck, operated by Michael Cucura IV (36) from Redmond.

Edwards sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Cucura sustained minor injuries.

Oregon State Police is requesting anyone that witnessed the crash or has any information to please contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 1-800-442-0776 or OSP.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Bend Police Department, Redmond Fire Department, Bend Fire Department, and ODOT.

Oregon State Police is looking for anyone with any information with regards to the March 2, 2017 disappearance of Kimberly Ann Mericle.

Oregon State Police has been investigating this disappearance and is again reaching out to the public for assistance.

Kimberly Mericle was last seen in the Williams, OR area on or about March 2, 2017.  Her vehicle a red Isuzu Rodeo has been located.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Ms. Mericle please contact Detective Cory Sweet at 541-618-7982 or the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 541-776-6111 and refer case number SP17-153979

Picture and Oregon State Police Missing Person Bulletin attached.

Redmond, OR – On Thursday morning, March 21, 2019, shortly after 9:00 a.m., Redmond Police were dispatched to Proust Coffee on SW 6th Street after Deschutes County 911 received a call of a male yelling and cussing at patrons inside the business, and persons in a vehicle outside of the business.  Initial reports indicated the male had left the business, walking east.

Officer Allen Speck responded to the call and began searching the area for the suspect.  While searching, Officer Speck spoke with the reporting person and owner of Proust Coffee.  While on the phone, Officer Speck learned the male had threatened to assault customers inside the store.  Officer Speck located the suspect walking on the sidewalk on SW 6th Street at SW Black Butte Blvd walking back towards Proust Coffee.

Officer Speck first asked the male to speak with him, but the male ignored the officer.  Officer Speck then identified himself as a Police Officer and ordered the male to stop.  The male did not comply and continued walking back to Proust Coffee, where he had previously threatened to assault customers.  Officer Speck grabbed onto the suspect, again telling him to stop.  The male attempted to swing a fist at Officer Speck but was pushed to the ground by Officer Speck before striking the officer.  Officer Speck fell to the ground with the suspect, where the suspect was then able to punch Officer Speck in the head one or two times.

A motorist driving by happened to witness what was occurring on the street corner.  The driver quickly pulled over, stopped, and assisted Officer Speck by restraining the suspect’s upper body.  While restrained, the suspect was still able to punch Officer Speck at least two more times in the head.  The help rendered by the passing driver enabled Officer Speck to access his radio and request help from other officers.

Additional officers arrived and took control of the suspect.  The suspect was secured in-custody and placed in the WRAP restraint device.  The individual arrested was Trenton Yates, a 22-year-old from Redmond.  He was taken to St Charles Redmond for undisclosed reasons.

Officer Speck sustained minor injuries to his head, face, arms, and legs.  He was transported to St Charles Redmond for treatment and has been released.

The driver who stopped to assist Officer Speck is identified as Mr. Travis Wilson, a 38-year-old from the Sweet Home area.  The Redmond Police Department is extremely appreciative of Mr. Wilson’s help provided to Officer Speck, the police department, and the residents of the City of Redmond.  Mr. Wilson’s quick action in helping Officer Speck resulted in Officer Speck sustaining only minor injuries, and Yates being taken into custody without injury.

Officer Allen Speck was hired as a Police Officer in 2003.  Previously, he worked at the Redmond Police Department as a Community Service Officer, and Reserve Police Officer.  Since 2003, Officer Speck has worked as a Patrol Officer, Traffic Officer, Juvenile Services Teen Court Coordinator, Criminal Detective, and the School Resource Officer assigned to the Redmond High School from 2012 – 2018.

At the time of this media release, Yates has not been cleared by medical personnel for lodging at the jail and remains at St Charles Redmond.  Yates will ultimately be taken to jail or another secure facility after medical clearance is obtained.  Charges will not be announced until Yates is lodged at the DCSO Adult Jail.

=========

Your Redmond Police Department serves you by responding to nearly 24,000 calls for service a year, with a professional staff of 45 sworn officers and 11 support staff. 

DPSST Private Investigator Subcommittee

 MEETING CANCELED

For Immediate Release                                        

March 22, 2019

Contact:                Mona Riesterer  
                                503-378-2431

Notice of Meeting Cancelation

The Private Investigator Subcommittee has canceled their meeting scheduled on April 3, 2019 @ 10:00 a.m.

The next meeting TBA.

Administrative Announcement

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

SALEM, Ore. - The Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) will meet to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 5 in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Classroom Conference Room, ODFW HQ Office, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

The meeting will open with a 90 minute work session for the continued development of a long-range strategic plan.

The business meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. Items to be discussed: an update about the potential development of a new non-profit dedicated to the development of the Salmonberry Trail, and updates about potential partners interested in trail development along the section of Salmonberry corridor in their communities.

The proposed Salmonberry Trail is an 84-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway and terminates in Banks. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range.

STIA was established to promote and facilitate coordinated direction and guidance in the planning, development and maintenance of the multi-use trail.

For more information contact Dennis Wiley, Salmonberry Trail project manager, at 503-986-0723 or dennis.wiley@oregon.gov. Individuals that need special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Dennis Wiley at least three days in advance.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: March 22, 2019

Released by: Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp

Bend, OR – Bend Parkway Wrong Way Driver Arrested For DUII

On March 22, 2019 at 3:00AM, a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy located a silver Toyota Highlander driving northbound in the southbound lanes of the Bend Parkway at Reed Market Rd.

The Toyota driven by Bethany Clare Barndollar. Age 39, of Bend, continued driving without yielding to emergency lights and sirens until Hawthorne Ave. At the same time, additional DCSO Deputies and Bend Police Officers were able to stop southbound traffic ahead of Barndollar to prevent a collision with other drivers. The Bend Parkway was briefly closed while the Toyota was turned around and removed from the Parkway.

DCSO Deputies conducted a DUII investigation and believe Barndollar was impaired by a combination of alcohol and marijuana. During her arrest, Barndollar was found with several controlled substances. She was ultimately arrested for DUII, Reckless Driving, Possession of Oxycodone and Possession of a Controlled Substance -Schedule II. She was later lodged in the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Jail on the same charges.

CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:   Sgt. William Bailey, Public Information Officer, 541-388-6655 or SheriffPIO@deschutes.org 

Reference DCSO Case No 19-92326

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service organization providing patrol, criminal investigations, corrections, civil and search and rescue. Special operations include Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 units. Founded in 1916 and today directed by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the more than 185,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 180 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: March 21, 2019

Released by: Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp

Bend, OR – Otis man menaces family with pistol during dispute over noise while vacationing at Bend resort.

On March 21, 2019 at 8:13PM, Deschutes County 911 received a call from a juvenile who reported his father, Michael Spencer of Portland, was fighting with an unknown man holding a gun. Using GPS data from the 911 caller’s cell phone, operators were able to determine the call was coming from the Seventh Mountain Resort on Century Drive.  

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrived to find Dustin Eugene Shippee of Otis, Oregon retreating to his vacation apartment. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted by Bend Police Officers, called Shippee out of the apartment where his was detained without further incident.

An investigation determined that both families were vacationing in apartments on separate floors. Shippee became upset about the noise being made in Spencer’s apartment above throughout the day. He went upstairs to confront Spencer about the noise. After a brief verbal exchange, Shippee left Spencer’s doorway to retrieve a pistol and returned to confront Spender a second time.

After Shippee returned with the pistol, he and Spencer struggled on the balcony causing the pistol to fall to the ground. No shots were fired during the incident. Spencer sustained minor injuries during the fight.

DCSO Deputies later recovered the pistol from Shippee’s apartment. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this incident.

Shippee was arrested and lodged into the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Jail on the following charges; Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing x2, Recklessly Endangering Another x2, Assault IV and Disorderly Conduct II

CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:   Sgt. William Bailey, Public Information Officer, 541-388-6655 or SheriffPIO@deschutes.org  

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service organization providing patrol, criminal investigations, corrections, civil and search and rescue. Special operations include Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 units. Founded in 1916 and today directed by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the more than 185,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 180 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

###

WASHINGTON – Today, Acting Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt signed a secretarial order directing that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) adequately weigh public access for outdoor recreation – including hunting and fishing – when determining the appropriateness of the disposal or exchange of public lands. Identifying lands as available for disposal or exchange is required under federal law.

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) directs the BLM to identify lands for potential disposal or exchange, using a public process and with state and county involvement. BLM has carried out these provisions revising land use plans and disposal since 1976. However, the BLM’s criteria do not require the agency to weigh public access considerations for outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, hiking, etc.).

Secretarial Order 3373, Evaluating Public Access in BLM Land Disposals and Exchanges directs the BLM to – for the first time ever – formally consider what impact the disposal or exchange of any BLM land will have on the public’s ability to access federal lands for recreation.

“This order will help ensure that the Bureau of Land Management considers public access to public lands,” said Acting Secretary David Bernhardt. “It requires that before the BLM exchanges or disposes of any land, they must first consider what impact the disposal or exchange of land will have on public access. The Trump Administration will continue to prioritize access so that people can hunt, fish, camp, and recreate on our public lands.” 

“Sportsmen and women across the West will benefit from this Interior Department action to sustain and enhance recreational access to BLM public lands,” said Whit Fosburgh, President and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “In some places, there are small parcels of BLM land that serve as the only means of nearby access to hunting and fishing or as the only access points to adjoining public lands managed by other agencies. The Secretarial Order will ensure that key parcels are valued for this recreational access and help keep these lands in the public’s hands.”

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation commends Acting Secretary Bernhardt for prioritizing hunting and fishing access in BLM land tenure decisions,” said Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “As Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, I look forward to working closely with the Interior Department to implement this important Secretarial Order on behalf of America’s sportsmen and women.”

“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies supports the latest Secretarial Order (SO) for recreation on BLM public lands,” said Ed Carter, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Getting the American public outside to recreate, on federal public lands, is important to fostering a healthy public and one that supports conservation. This SO ensures due diligence unto that end."

“Access to our Nation’s vast public lands is of utmost importance, because where hunting and fishing happen, conservation happens,” said Timothy C. Brady, President of the Boone and Crockett Club. “While the founders of the Boone and Crockett Club pioneered the development of the public land system Americans enjoy today, we must constantly work to improve access to public lands for a multitude of shared uses. This order that Acting Secretary Bernhardt has signed will help do just that. We commend him on his efforts in making access a priority. Thanks to his leadership, this necessity is finally becoming a reality.”

“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was happy to provide input and enthusiastically supports the decision of Acting Secretary Bernhardt for the BLM to consider recreational public access for hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational shooting in its decision-making process for disposal or exchange of lands,” said Kyle Weaver, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. 

"We applaud this secretarial order by Acting Secretary Bernhardt that ensures access to our public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management,” said Becky Humphries, CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation. “Recreational access to our public lands is of the utmost importance to sportsmen and women and the future of hunting."

“Access to quality hunting and fishing lands is always a challenge, particularly in the West where access to some of the best mule deer hunting is blocked due to checkerboard public/private lands,” said Miles Moretti, President and CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation. “By requiring the Bureau of Land Management to consider recreational access before making decisions about disposal or exchange, Secretarial Order 3373 will benefit hunters that depend on the agency’s lands for their recreational pursuits. The Mule Deer Foundation appreciates Acting Secretary Bernhardt and his team for their ongoing efforts on behalf of sportsmen and women conservationists.”

About Secretarial Order 3373

Secretarial Order 3373 directs the BLM to ensure that when identifying BLM-managed public lands as available for disposal the increase or decrease of public access for outdoor recreation – including hunting and fishing – will be one of the factors considered in determining the appropriateness of the disposal or exchange.

Secretarial Order 3373 directs the consideration of public access opportunities in all ongoing Resource Management Plan (RMP) revisions to ensure recreation access is evaluated using the following criteria:

• If a tract of BLM land is contiguous to public lands managed by another Federal agency or state, BLM will consult with the respective management agency to coordinate how best to ensure continued or improved public access to the adjoining tracts;
• The BLM will evaluate the benefits of public access when considering future disposal actions, making it a requirement to identify alternatives to the public access that would be lost as a result of the BLM’s final action;
• When a tract of BLM-managed land being is considered for disposal and has been identified as providing public access, the public access will be characterized for evaluation purposes as one of the value criteria supporting retention; and
• The BLM will ensure recreational public access to existing public lands is a factor when considering parcels resulting from an exchange.

Secretarial Order 3373 directs the BLM, when preparing documentation supporting the disposal or exchange of a tract of land, to include a discussion of the following in any decision document:

• Existing recreational access that is utilized by the public or provided by road, trail, water, easement, or right-of-way, on the tract of BLM-managed public land being considered for disposal or exchange;
• The impacts from the BLM-managed public land disposal or exchange decisions on recreational access to adjacent tracts of publicly accessible lands, including lands managed by other federal, state, and county agencies; and
• Potential increased public recreational access to existing public lands resulting from an exchange.

The driver is identified as Kevin Majoros (24) of Central Point.

On Monday, March 18, 2019 at approximately 12:18 A.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 99 near milepost 10.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 1987 Toyota pickup truck failed to negotiate a curve, went off the road, and came to rest in Birdseye Creek. 

The male driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Rogue River Fire District, Rogue River PD, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

Longer days and warmer temperatures herald the return of spring to the Oregon coast, and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reminds visitors to be safe while exploring the shoreline.

"People are so excited for the spring sunshine that sometimes safety takes a back seat," says Lisa Stevenson, OPRD beach ranger. "But preparation and common sense go a long way to keeping you safe on the coast."

Stevenson lists several tips for ensuring your trip to coast is a safe one:

• Always keep one eye on the ocean so you won't be caught off guard if a bigger wave surges up the beach. These "sneaker waves" are unpredictable, powerful and especially dangerous for children.
• Stay away from logs on the wet sand or in the surf. These logs can weigh several tons and can be moved by only a few inches of water. The ocean is strong enough to pick up even the biggest log and roll it over you.
• Be careful on cliffs and rocks. They can be unstable due to erosion. Stay on marked trails and do not climb over fences. Both are there to keep you safe.
• Know when the tide is coming in, especially when exploring tidepools. It's easy to become stranded by the incoming tide when your attention is elsewhere. You can keep track of tides with a tide table; pick one up for free at an Oregon State Park or at many coastal businesses.
• Be wary of rip currents; the fast-moving water channels can quickly carry even the strongest swimmers away from shore. If you’re caught in a rip current, stay calm! Rip currents are narrow channels of water; swim parallel to the shore to escape them, then swim back to land at an angle.
• Ocean water temperatures can still be chilly, despite the higher temps on land. Don’t overextend your ocean swim, especially during evening hours. Periodically return to the beach to dry off and warm up.

For more Oregon coast safety information, watch the new Cape Kiwanda State Park safety video.

(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Human Services uncovered a phishing incident that affected e-mail records at the department. Unfortunately, Protected Health Information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was compromised and potentially exposed.

The agency has hired an outside entity, IDExperts, to perform a forensic review to clarify the number and identities of Oregonians whose information was exposed, and the specific kinds of information involved.

The Department of Human Services takes privacy and the confidentiality of client information seriously and has strong information technology security processes in place, which enabled the department to detect and contain the incident. The department cannot confirm that any clients’ personal information was acquired from its email system or used inappropriately. However, it is notifying the public because information was accessible to an unauthorized person or persons.

Although DHS has not confirmed that clients’ personal information was acquired during the incident, DHS considers the incident a breach under Oregon’s Identity Theft Protection Act (ORS 646A.600 to 646A.628). Therefore, this notification is provided in part as a substitute notice of a breach under Oregon’s Identity Theft Protection Act, because the class of affected consumers exceeds 350,000.

The facts are summarized below, along with protective measures the department has taken since discovering the incident and general guidance on protecting personal information.

What happened?

On January 28, 2019 DHS and Enterprise Security Office Cyber Security team confirmed that a breach of regulated information had occurred. Nine individual employees opened a phishing email and clicked on a link that compromised their email mailboxes and allowed access to these employees’ email information. Current information indicates on January 8th, a spear phishing email was sent to DHS employees. Through our process of discovery, we learned that there were nearly 2 million emails in those email mailboxes.

The unauthorized access to the affected email mailboxes was successfully stopped. DHS is in the process of thoroughly reviewing the incident and the information involved. This investigation includes clarifying the number of impacted records that might contain personal information of clients receiving services from DHS. 

What information was involved?

Clients’ Protected Health Information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was accessible to an unauthorized person. Client information may include first and last names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, case number and other information used to administer DHS programs.

What is the Department of Human Services doing?

The security and confidentiality of personal information is critical to the Department of Human Services. While there is no indication that any personal information was copied from its email system or used inappropriately, the department will be offering identity theft recovery services for impacted individuals.  DHS is in the process of determining whose information was affected by this breach. Once confirmed, IDExperts will send individual notices to identified individuals, including notices to clients whose HIPAA-protected information was involved, with instructions on how to register for the service, which includes free credit monitoring.

Need more information?

DHS will provide updates as more information is known.

IDExperts has established a toll-free information line which will be available Friday (March 22, 2019) at (800) 792-1750 to assist DHS clients with more information. There is also an established website with information. http://ide.myidcare.com/oregonDHS

Concerned DHS clients may contact all three national consumer reporting agencies, including for a copy of a current credit report, at:

Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian

Website: AnnualCreditReport.com

Phone 877-322-8228 (Option 1)

Mailing Address:

Annual Credit Report Request Service

P.O. Box 105281

Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Credit freeze: Consumers, including potentially affected DHS clients, have the option to freeze their credit reports for free. Parents may request a freeze of the credit report of a DHS client who is a child under the age of 16. The guardian, conservator, or person holding a valid power of attorney for a DHS client may also request a credit report freeze for that DHS client. Below is each company’s freeze contact information:

Equifax, (800) 349-9960 (Automated, Option 1) or (888) 298-0045 (Live)

TransUnion, (888) 909-8872 (Option 3)

Experian, (888) 397-3742 (Option 1 followed by Option 2)

As always, DHS clients are encouraged to report suspected identity theft to law enforcement, including the Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the Federal Trade Commission.

For information on how to report suspected identity theft and for information about protecting your identity, visit:

The Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, which can be found online at: https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/id-theft-data-breaches/data-breaches/

Federal Trade Commission consumer information on Privacy, Identity & Online Security, which can be found online at: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity-online-security

# # #

The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), in partnership with Disability Rights Oregon (DRO), has made significant progress to provide the highest level of care for the people housed in the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) located at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP).

In January 2016, the DOC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with DRO regarding the operation of the BHU. DOC committed to substantive changes to the operations and physical structure of the unit, which currently houses 40 adults in custody (AIC) with sometimes severe mental health issues. Over the last several years, DOC has significantly increased available treatment and outdoor recreational space, increased security and treatment staffing, and collaborated with experts on mental health treatment. These efforts have been made to create a more humanized environment because 95 percent of the AICs will release from DOC custody and return to Oregon’s communities. 

DOC Director Colette S. Peters states, “Disability Rights Oregon and DOC agreed to solve this challenge together in the conference room and not the courtroom, and that is exactly what we have accomplished. Through our partnership and the incredible work of the employees at the Oregon State Penitentiary, we significantly improved the lives of the adults in custody and the wellness of the team who works in BHU; I couldn’t be more proud of them. Our agency has, and will continue, to strive to remain a national leader in these efforts.” 

Employees at OSP have made considerable strides toward increasing structured out-of-cell time, including education classes, mental health treatment programs, and meetings with correctional counselors. In January of 2017, the average number of weekly structured out-of-cell time for the AICs was around two hours. At the beginning of March 2019, the average number increased to over 10 hours per week. 

"The most recent data from the Department of Corrections paints a dramatically different picture of conditions at the OSP unit that houses people with severe mental illness than what we saw last year. DOC is now on track to meet the specific goals of the agreement that we reached with them three years ago. Additional work remains, but we are optimistic that the BHU can truly become a place where prisoners can receive treatment for their mental health while their intrinsic human worth is protected," said Joel Greenberg, staff attorney for DRO. "When people with mental illness can leave prison and return to their communities healthy and ready to lead productive lives, we all live in a better world."

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

March 21, 2019

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

Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Medical Community meets March 22

What: A public meeting of the Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Medical Community.

Agenda: Learning session presented by OHSU’s IMPACT team to understand key elements necessary for successful integration of recovery peers within a medical setting.

When: March 22, 10 a.m. to noon.

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

Details: The Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative brings together multiple sectors across the Portland metro area to collectively address and prevent behavioral health challenges. Its focus is on peer-delivered services and substance use disorder activities that can make an impact in 12 to 24 months.

For more information, see the RBHC website at https://www.oregon.gov/OHA/HSD/BHP/Pages/Regional-Collaboratives.aspx

# # #

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

•         Sign language and spoken language interpreters

•         Written materials in other languages

•         Braille

•         Large print

•         Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Summer Boslaugh at 503-753-9688, 711 TTY or email .h.boslaugh@dhsoha.state.or.us">summer.h.boslaugh@dhsoha.state.or.us.

It’s never safe to let down your guard, warns the Oregon Department of Revenue. Scam tactics are always evolving and becoming more effective. Scammers try many different methods to trick people into giving them personal information or money.

The best way for taxpayers to make payments directly to the Department of Revenue is through Revenue Online. It’s secure and includes all the information necessary to ensure the payment is properly applied to the correct account. Go directly to oregon.gov/dor to find Revenue Online. Payment providers may provide links that appear to take you to the government site, but just end up taking you to another area of the provider’s site.

Scams mainly come in the form of a phone call, email, or standard mail. Here are some tips to help you identify scam attempts.

• Scammers make unsolicited calls. Thieves call taxpayers claiming to be representatives of the Oregon Department of Revenue or other tax officials. They demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill and may use threats or a sense of urgency to con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. The Department of Revenue never uses methods like these when making calls. Hang up on suspicious phone calls. No matter how urgent a message makes a situation sound, you can always hang up, call the Department of Revenue at their published phone numbers [(503) 378-4988 or (800) 356-4222 (toll-free)], and know that you’re dealing with an actual government employee.

• Scammers send letters. Letters often contain legitimate logos, addresses, and phone numbers to fool you. Sometimes, these letters expose themselves as scams through blurry logos, misspellings, and poor grammar. Letters are usually in the form of a fake tax bill or claiming an error with your account. Letters from the Department of Revenue will have information that is verifiable through our website and every letter is printed with an identification number in the upper right corner.
• Scammers set up fake websites. Some scams that start as unsolicited calls or letters may also try to send you to fake websites. These websites are designed to look like and official federal or state agency site. Remember that the Oregon Department of Revenue’s web address will always begin with an “https://” designation and be from the “.gov” extension. Look for these in the web address when entering financial information to make sure you’re dealing with us directly.

For more information on protecting yourself or what to do if you’re a victim of identity theft, visit:

• www.irs.gov
• www.consumer.ftc.gov
• www.identitytheft.gov

You can visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get forms, check the status of your refund, or make payments. You can call (503) 378-4988 or (800) 356-4222 (toll-free) or email questions.dor@oregon.gov for additional assistance. For TTY for hearing- or speech-impaired, call (800) 886-7204.

April is STEM Month with Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington, Sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union

Signature STEM Event Spotlight: OMSI Family Science Night, April 15, 2019

Portland, Ore. – March 21, 2019 – Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW) kicks off science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Month in April. STEM Month is sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union.

Throughout the month of April, GSOSW will offer more than 25 STEM workshops, creating a capacity for over 600 Girl Scouts to participate in specialized STEM activities in the areas of:

• Astronomy
• Building Robotics
• Computer Programming
• Digital Storytelling
• Ecosystems
• Chemistry
• Habitat
• Math
• Mechanical Engineering
• Science
• Sustainability
• Technology
• Wildlife
• Citizen Science
• Women Engineers

“First Tech is an enthusiastic supporter of Girl Scouts’ efforts to empower and elevate young women everywhere,” says Nicole Frisch, Senior Director for Community Engagement at First Tech Federal Credit Union. “We’re delighted to support STEM Month and the development of our community’s next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.”

STEM Month Challenge and STEM Month Patch

By participating in STEM Month activities, including OMSI Family Science Night and STEM Day, Girl Scouts will have completed part of the STEM Month Challenge and can earn a STEM Month fun patch. Girls can complete the STEM Month challenge by filling out a survey on the GSOSW website to tell us more about how they participated in Girl Scout STEM Month and how they will use what they’ve learned to make a difference in their community.

Featured Event: OMSI Family Science Night for Girl Scouts

On April 15, 2019, Girl Scouts—as well as their family members and friends—have the opportunity to enjoy a signature STEM event: OMSI Family Science Night. Attendees can explore popular exhibit halls, visit the physics and life science labs and see OMSI's featured exhibit, the Science Behind Pixar.

“OMSI Family Science Night is our largest Girl Scout STEM event of the year! It’s an opportunity for girls to immerse themselves in STEM with hundreds of other Girl Scouts and learn new skills,” says Shannon Joseph, STEM Specialist for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Girl Scouts can complete steps toward earning badges based on the exhibits, ranging in topics from resource conservation, like saving water and energy, to bug diversity to digital movie making. While girls are having fun exploring new STEM interests in OMSI’s exhibits, this event also helps them develop confidence in their STEM skills and abilities which in turn helps them understand the importance and relevance of STEM to people and society.”

OMSI Family Science Night is generously sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and the Epping Family Foundation.

NEW This Year

New STEM opportunities this year include a way for Girl Scouts to participate in National Citizen Science Day with our new partners at NASA GLOBE Observer. Girl Scouts can explore STEM in the outdoors on one of GSOSW’s properties at the foothills of Mt. Hood, by learning how to collect and submit data about clouds, land cover and mosquito habitat mapping.

About OMSI Family Science Night for Girl Scouts

WHO: Up to 1,000 girls in kindergarten through grade 12 and their family members and friends; Troop Leaders | Volunteers | STEM Professionals

WHAT: Fourth Annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry-OMSI Family Science Night with Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington; Sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and the Epping Family Foundation

WHEN: Monday, April 15, 2019, 6 - 8 p.m.

WHERE: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry–OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, Ore. 97214

REGISTRATION: Community event open to registered Girl Scouts, their family members and friends. All attendees must register for this event. Please visit http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/sf-events-repository/2019/oregon-museum-of-science-and-industry--omsi--family-science-nigh.html to register.

PARKING: There is limited parking at the facility and street parking nearby. Parking cost is included in admission. Carpooling is encouraged.

Interested Media—Please R.S.V.P.

Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s STEM Program Specialist, Shannon Joseph and Director of Communications, Sarah Shipe, as well as Girl Scouts, will be available on-site for media interviews at OMSI Family Science Night.

Interested media should R.S.V.P. to communications@girlscoutsosw.org.

Featured Event: Girl Scout STEM Day (Medford, Ore.)

On April 27, 2019, Girl Scout STEM Day will take place at GSOSW’s Medford Service Center. This expo-style event will highlight STEM opportunities and careers for local Girl Scouts throughout Southern Oregon by inviting community partners, including Wildlife Images and the Southern Oregon Skywatchers, to host a table with an interactive STEM activity. The event includes a show put on by Wildlife Safari, to showcase careers in wildlife and highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.

Full List of STEM Month Activities

LEGO EV3 Robotics: Mission to Mars, April 6
Race Car Challenge with Rebel Bricks, April 6
Super Sticky Stuff with Mad Science, April 6
Girls Engage Technology with Saturday Academy, April 6
Tech Expert with Microsoft, April 6
Zoo Evening Safari at the Oregon Zoo, April 6
Entertainment Technology with Saturday Academy, April 7
Super Sticky Stuff with Mad Science, April 10
Zoo Snooze at the Oregon Zoo, April 12-13
STREAM Girls Cadette Spring Day Trip, April 13
Digital Media Studio: Movie Maker, April 13
Raptors of the Gorge at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, April 13
Scent-sational Animals at Wildlife Safari, April 13
Minecraft Build Challenge with Microsoft, April 13
Girl Scout Citizen Science Day with NASA GLOBE Observer, April 13
Zoo Evening Safari at the Oregon Zoo, April 13
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Family Science Night, April 15
SPICE-ing It Up: External Combustion Engines with Spice Science, April 20
Harry Potter Kano Coding with Microsoft, April 20
Entertainment Technology with Saturday Academy, April 20
Zoo Snooze at the Oregon Zoo, April 26-27
STREAM Girls Junior Covered Wagon Campout, April 26-28
Girl Scout STEM Day, April 27
Science Saturday: STEM Family Fun at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, April 27
Make your own Movies with 3D and Mixed Reality, April 27
iFLY STEM Experience, April 28
iFLY STEM Experience, April 28

Registration
Girl Scouts can register for STEM Month activities online at http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/activities/activities-list.html. QUESTIONS? Please email activities@girlscoutsosw.org.

Prospective community STEM partners can learn more at: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/activities/program-partners.html.

About Girl Scouts’ Committment to STEM Programming

To learn more about GSOSW’s STEM programming, please see: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/STEM.

Girl Scouts of the USA’s STEM Pledge is a multiyear initiative to put 2.5 million girls through progressive hands-on STEM programs by 2025. Donate at: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/adults/donate/STEM-pledge.html.

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

###

The individual shot in this incident is identified as Logan Linderman (23 ) of the Eugene / Springfield area.  The individual that was detained is identified as Kayln Simpson (29) of the Creswell area. 

Simpson is cooperating with the investigation. 

The investigation is continuing and additional details are not being disclosed at this time.

On Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 7:32 AM, Lane County Sheriff’s Office received report of a gun shot victim at 82270 N. Pacific Highway, south of Creswell.  Arriving LCSO Deputies located two male subjects at the property. 

One subject was transported to River Bend Hospital with a non-life threatening injuries and the other male was detained. 

OSP and LCSO are investigating the incident and OSP is assuming the lead role of the investigation. 

There is no threat to community.

Investigation is ongoing and no further information is available for release at this time.

The fire that was sparked on Tuesday near the North Santiam State Recreational Area is a reminder of threats posed by wildfires to homes and property.

The Oregon Department of Forestry reports that 42 homes and 30 outbuildings initially were threatened by the fire. The fire impacted 189 acres of brush and timber. As of 5 p.m. today, evacuation levels in Linn and Marion counties have been lifted.

The Office of State Fire Marshal wants to remind residents to make sure their homes are protected from wildfire. The start of spring is a good time to take these steps:

• Keep roofs, gutters, and eaves clear of all leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris.
• Remove dead vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around your house.
• Prune trees and have grass kept short and green to keep fire on the ground and more manageable by firecrews.

Remember, call before you burn yard debris. Residents should check with their local fire agency or air protection authority to learn if there are any burning restrictions and if a permit is required.

Homeowners have a responsibility to protect their homes by building defensible space.  For more information, visit the websites for the Office of State Fire Marshal, Keep Oregon Green, and the Oregon Department of Forestry, or call your nearest ODF or forest protective association office.

-###-

Type:  Drug arrest

Case#: 2019-00088942 

Date: March 19, 2019 

Time: 9:46 AM  

Location: SW Shevlin Hixon Drive at SW Columbia Street 

Associated Residence/Vehicle:  Tan 1991 International bus “Rafting Tours” 

On March 19th, 2019, The Bend Police served a search warrant on a rafting bus in the area of Shevlin Hixon Dr. / Columbia Dr.  Over the past month, the police received information regarding drug activity associated with the bus.  The investigation revealed probable cause to believe that illegal narcotics would be present inside the bus. 

During the service of the search warrant, Bend Police Officers contacted Rebekah Watson, Weston Harrel, and Kaeton Rose.  A search of the bus revealed over 19 grams of heroin, suspected LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, packaging material, scales, and other items associated with the use of drugs. Officers also found evidence to support that Harrel and Rose were selling heroin. 

The investigation revealed Harrel and Watson's child was living with them on the bus, but was not present during the service of the search warrant.    

Weston Harrel, Rebekah Watson, and Kaeton Rose were all transported to the Deschutes County Jail and lodged on the below charges. 

Weston Robert Harrel (31 years of age), Bend resident 

Child Neglect I 

Endangering the Welfare of a Minor 

Possession of a Controlled Substance Schedule I 

Possession of a Controlled Substance Schedule III 

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) 

Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) 

Frequenting a Place Where Drugs are Used, Kept or Sold 

Rebekah Anna Watson (25 years of age), Bend resident 

Child Neglect I 

Endangering the Welfare of a Minor 

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) 

Frequenting a Place Where Drugs are Used, Kept or Sold 

Kaeton Michael Rose (26 years of age), Bend resident 

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) 

Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) 

Frequenting a Place Where Drugs are Used, Kept or Sold 

Submitted by: Jason Maniscalco

Corrected to clarify ALL evacuations have been lifted.

Lyons, Ore. – The Santiam Park Fire, reported Tuesday afternoon near the North Santiam State Recreational Area off Highway 22, is currently 80 percent lined, with all evacuation levels lifted.

Unified command, consisting of the Oregon Department of Forestry, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and Lyons Fire Department, made today’s objective clear for crews; fight fire aggressively and safely. With improved weather conditions, crews were able to meet that objective, building upon and strengthening containment lines. Crews continue to work on mop-up, locating and extinguishing hot spots, and falling snags. At the time of this release, no structures have been lost and no injuries reported.

“Some folks seem surprised to see this fire on the landscape in March,” said Incident Commander Blake Ellis, “but as firefighters, we are trained to consider the conditions, not the calendar. The dedication of the local fire departments and crews combined with the involvement and support of the local community continues to impress me.”  

After successful initial attack and reduced fire activity, ground crews were able to walk the line with GPS, obtaining a more accurate perimeter line, mapping the fire at 189 acres. With no significant fire growth since yesterday, the increased acres reported are a direct result of improved mapping in steep and rugged terrain.

As of 5:00 pm today, evacuation levels in both counties have been lifted.

Approximately 85 personnel are currently engaged on the fire, including crews from ODF, Lyons Fire Department, Mill City Fire Department, Sublimity Fire Department, and other local agencies. Resources involved include a Type 2 helicopter as well as multiple dozers and engines.

###

Redmond, OR – On Monday, March 18, 2019, at approximately 11:40 p.m. Redmond Police contacted 18-year-old Devin Knight in downtown Redmond.  During the contact, the officer noted Knight had silver paint on his hands.  Knight was free to leave at that time, as officers could not immediately link him to any crimes.

The next morning, March 19, Officers searched the downtown corridor and located a significant amount of fresh silver colored graffiti, in addition to reports of graffiti coming in from various locations in Redmond.  Officers worked with a downtown business obtaining video surveillance of a person applying graffiti within the past week.  Knight was identified as the person in the video.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. Knight was contacted at a residence in Redmond.  Officers were able to link him to an additional 24 graffiti incidents throughout Redmond as a result of the investigation.  

Knight, a Redmond resident, was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail for the following crimes:

Criminal Mischief in the First Degree (21 graffiti incidents)

Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree x 3 (3 additional incidents reported March 20)

After Knight was arrested, a community member taped a sign covering some of the graffiti he applied downtown (picture attached). 

It is the vision of the Redmond Police Department to make Redmond the safest community in Oregon; daily we strive to improve the quality of life in our community.  This investigation is an example of the police department working with our community to hold those decreasing the quality of life accountable for their actions.

============

Your Redmond Police Department serves you by responding to nearly 24,000 calls for service a year, with a professional staff of 45 sworn officers and 11 support staff. 

The FBI is renewing its efforts to find Jean Leonard Faure, age 52, who is wanted in connection with a rape, sodomy and burglary charges out of Douglas County. Originally arrested by local authorities in Roseburg, Oregon, in January 1998 after an attack on his ex-wife, Faure fled prior to trial. The FBI obtained an Unlawful Flight Against Prosecution (federal fugitive) warrant against Faure in April 1998.

Faure was born in the Seychelles Islands, off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. While in the United States, he lived in Oregon and Hawaii. He has family throughout the United States, Canada, and the Seychelles. He may also travel to Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. 

Faure's description:

• White man
• Height: 5'10"
• Weight" 150 pounds
• Hair: Black
• Eyes: Brown
• Scars and Marks: Scar near his left eye.

Faure is known to enjoy soccer and gambling. In the past, he has worked as a waiter and in the food service industry.

The FBI has re-issued Faure's wanted poster, which can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/additional/jean-leonard-faure. It is available in both English and French, both of which are common languages in the Seychelles islands.

If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy. You may also submit information online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

###

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Roderick Carroll, died the morning of March 19, 2019. Carroll was incarcerated at Warner Creek Correctional Facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Carroll entered DOC custody on August 15, 2013, out of Lane County, with an earliest release date of April 4, 2019. Carroll was 57 years old.

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

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

WCCF is a minimum-security prison in Lakeview that houses approximately 496 adults in custody who are within four years of release. WCCF provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, transitional programs, religious services, and work crews. WCCF has a contact center on site through Oregon Corrections Enterprises. WCCF opened in September 2005 and is Oregon’s newest operating prison. It received the State Energy Efficiency Design (SEED) award in May 2008 for its progress in design efficiency. The most energy-efficient element at WCCF is the use of geothermal energy, providing 100 percent of the hot water to the facility.

####

The Red Cross will honor the heroic, lifesaving and outstanding actions of local community members at the Hero Awards Breakfast on March 22, 2019.

PORTLAND, Ore. March 20, 2019– The American Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) will honor ordinary people and their extraordinary and lifesaving actions at its 22nd Annual Heroes Breakfast event on March 22, 2019.

The stories of the Hero Award winners who will be honored at the event include:

• A man committed to making his workplace and community safer by sponsoring and facilitating free CPR classes,
• Three sheriff’s deputies who responded to a call for an unresponsive infant and performed CPR on the baby, keeping her alive until emergency medical services could arrive,
• A high school student who forewent her own Christmas celebration last year in favor of delivering toys to families in need in Butte County, California, the location of the devastating Camp Fire,
• A five-person tugboat crew who spotted two people stranded near their capsized boat in the middle of the Columbia River and rescued them from the freezing water just before night fell, saving their lives.

Heroes Breakfast details:

• 7:30 – 9 a.m. (doors open at 7 a.m.)
• Hilton Vancouver, Washington 301 W. 6th St. in Vancouver, WA
• For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.redcross.org/Heroes2019.

For 22 years, the local Red Cross has honored local people for risking their own lives to save another or for going beyond the call of duty to positively impact the community. To view the stories of last year’s Hero Award recipients, click here: https://rdcrss.org/2CsDgD3

Full List of 2019 Hero Award Winners and Incident Recaps

Community Hero: Jay Burcham of Albany, OR

For more than a decade, Jay has made workplace safety a top priority by requiring and providing for his employees to stay up to date on their CPR/First Aid certifications. His efforts have resulted in at least one life saved, in January 2018.

Military Hero: Tim Wilson of Bend, OR

Tim is a military veteran and is incredibly active with the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association in Bend. He has made it his personal mission to give back to veterans in his community through this organization, helping them raise funds to help veterans for the last two years, totaling more than $14,000 in 2017 and more than $16,000 in 2018.

Good Samaritan Heroes: Captain Joshua Burrows, Riley Wyatt, Billy Pike, Harry Pike & Ken Marvel of Tidewater Barge Lines in Vancouver, WA

The crew of Tidewater’s Ryan Point Tugboat sprang into action when they spotted two people stranded in the middle of the Columbia River. The couple were exhausted and hypothermic after treading water for three hours, and the Tidewater crew pulled them to safety and warmth aboard their tugboat, saving their lives.

Give Life Hero: Merrill Gonterman, Roseburg, OR

In February 2018, Merrill found out his daughter had leukemia and needed critical medical treatment to save her life, including 40 blood transfusions. Inspired by the lifesaving power of blood products, Merrill joined the Red Cross Southwest Oregon Chapter Board of Directors in June 2018 and made it his top priority to organize regular blood drives in his community. To date, Merrill has organized 6 blood drives, collecting 153 units of blood, and he plans to continue his efforts to save even more lives.

Voluntary Service Hero: Janah Moorer, Klamath Falls, OR

Through her passion for helping and bringing joy to others, Janah has become a coordinator for her local Toys for Tots program, helping to collect and distribute more than 10,000 toys for more than 3,000 families in her community. When the organization found themselves with extra toys this past holiday season, Janah and her mom traveled to Butte County, California, to personally deliver them to families who had been affected by the Camp Fire.

First Responder Heroes: Deputies Jonathan Zacharkiw, Dan Olson & Jonah Russell, Clackamas, OR

Baby Audrey and her parents, Jessie and Kaylob, were in a mall portrait studio when Audrey suddenly became unresponsive. She had gone pale and wasn’t breathing when her mother called 911, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputies Zacharkiw, Olson and Russell were nearby and responded to the call for help. They performed CPR on the infant, keeping her alive until emergency responders arrived on the scene.

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

###

DENVER – Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and Agriculture’s Forest Service recognized the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and the Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto (NRMG) last week for their leadership and contributions to wildlife conservation and public lands stewardship. The awards were presented at the 84th North American Wildlife & Natural Resources Conference in Denver.

The RMEF, a 35-year veteran partner to both agencies and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, received the Forest Service-BLM 2019 Conservation Partner of the Year Award for sustained outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation and public access across the West. The NRMG was awarded the Forest Service-BLM 2019 Conservation Project Award for its dedication, leadership, and innovations to building collaborative partnerships that promote sound land management practices and conservation of public lands, wildlife, and cave resources in Montana, Idaho and North Dakota.

“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto embody what it means to be a true partner. The dedicated work, vital leadership, and significant financial contributions provided by these organizations and their volunteers each year make a real difference in our ability to manage our nation’s wildlife and public lands sustainably for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations of Americans,” said Kristin Bail, BLM Assistant Director for Resources and Planning. 

“Committed partners like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto are critical to sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands. We value their dedicated commitment, technical expertise, and leadership in working with federal and state agencies, communities, and other partners to leverage resources in the management and conservation of lands and wildlife,” said Rob Harper, Director of Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air and Rare Plants in the Forest Service.

RMEF has helped the BLM and Forest Service implement more than 4,300 wildlife habitat enhancement, land protection, and public access improvement projects. Such projects include aspen restoration, forest restoration thinning, prescribed fire, burned area restoration, planting, seeding, fence removal, and weed control to enhance more than firve million acres of wildlife habitat on federal public lands. 

RMEF also facilitated BLM and Forest Service land and easement acquisitions through the nation’s Land and Water Conservation Fund to conserve wildlife habitat and improve public recreational access on federal lands. RMEF has directly contributed more than $36.6 million to both agencies to help fund wildlife and conservation projects. The combined total conservation value of the two agencies’ partnership with RMEF is estimated at more than $411 million.

The NRMG assists the Forest Service, BLM, and the State of Montana in cave inventory, monitoring, and management, with a focus on cave restoration, bat habitat monitoring, and preventing the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a deadly and highly infectious disease affecting bat populations across the U.S.  NRMG is actively engaged in helping the agencies educate the public on bat conservation, including installing cave visitor register boxes, which provide information for cave visitors about clean caving practices, decontamination protocols, and reporting bat observations through the NRMG website. The organization also collaborates with Forest Service and BLM personnel and Bigfork High School Cave Club to establish cave climate monitoring, photo monitoring, and Visitor Impact Point monitoring across Montana.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for our conservation work that benefits elk and so many other wildlife species,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “We appreciate our federal agency partners with whom we’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder for years now and look forward to many more joint projects that permanently protect and enhance wildlife habitat, open or improve public access and benefit hunters, anglers and so many others who cherish our wild landscapes.”

“We've really enjoyed working with the FS and BLM since 2011. As many agencies are stretched thin with resources, it is imperative that we learn to work more effectively to help manage the outdoor resources we all care so much about,” said Ian Chechet, NRMG Chairman.

# # #

March 20, 2019 - Salem, Ore. – Steve Seaquist got pinched a lot on St. Patrick’s Day, but it wasn’t because he wasn’t wearing green.

“I checked my Raffle ticket Saturday night and realized I’d won,” Seaquist said. “I kept asking my wife to pinch me, because I thought I was dreaming.”

Seaquist and his wife Shirley were the top prize winners of the 2019 Oregon Lottery Raffle, winning the $1 million prize after purchasing four tickets. After taxes the couple took home $680,000.

“We spread the tickets out, so we buy them at the beginning, the middle and the end,” he said.

Seaquist purchased the winning ticket at the Newberg Safeway. Seaquist and his wife had talked with a financial planner and attorney before claiming the prize, following the advice the Lottery gives to all jackpot winners.

“We are going to put it into savings and see what happens,” Seaquist said. “We want to wait 12 months before doing anything. We are going to keep it for our retirement, we are going to help our kids and donate some to our church and the Portland Mission.”

The winning number was 098200. There are a total of 1801 winning tickets, with $1 million prize, 300 prizes of $500 and 1,500 prizes of $100.

During the 2015-17 biennium in Yamhill County, where Seaquist lives and purchased the ticket, more than $14.2 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement. The Newberg School District received more than $3.8 million during that same time from Oregon Lottery funding.

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

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

###