CORRECTION

This incident occurred on January 20th, not the 21st.

 

Date: 01/21/2019

By: Deputy Aaron Myers Assistant Search and Rescue Coordinator

Assisted Snowmobiler: Roos, Jeffrey Clark, 46 year old Male, Eugene, Oregon

Assisted Snowmobiler: Lang, Sarah Dawn, 18 year old female, Eugene, Oregon

On January 21, 2019, at approximately 1945 hours, Jeffrey Roos called 911 Dispatch and reported his snowmobile was stuck near Kwolh Butte. Roos reported Sarah Lang was riding with him when the snowmobile got stuck. Roos was riding in the area with another snowmobiler, however they got separated earlier in the day. 

Two Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Volunteers and one Deputy responded to Edison Butte Sno Park. The two DCSO SAR Volunteers traveled approximately 5 miles in a tracked side by side to assist Roos and Lang. 

While the DCSO SAR Volunteers were en route Roos called to report Lang was starting to get cold. Roos and Lang were contacted at approximately 2250 hours, warmed and assisted out of the backcountry. They did not require medical attention.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office would like to remind people traveling in the backcountry to be prepared for the unexpected and to carry necessary essentials to spend the night, if needed. Snowmobiler riders should always carry a shovel, avalanche beacon and avalanche probe. 

DCSO serves the citizens and visitors of Deschutes County over an area encompassing 3055 square miles.  Additionally, our automotive fleet regularly drives over a million miles each year.  By having highly visible and well maintained vehicles, we can ensure that no matter where and when a citizen needs our service, we will be there.

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is offering free general admission for furloughed federal employees and their families during the partial government shutdown. 

In an effort to ease the financial burden for federal employees in the community, OMSI joins a number of other institutions opening their doors to families impacted during the shutdown including the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Historical Society and the Portland Art Museum.
 
“OMSI is a place where our community can come together to seek inspiration and ignite their curiosity. I hope a visit to the museum will ease the stress and offer an educational respite for families affected by the shutdown,” said Nancy Stueber, OMSI president and CEO.
 
The offer is good for up to four people and will last throughout the shutdown. It is also good for federal contractors who are affected. To receive free general admission, furloughed employees must show their federal ID or badge at the front desk.

About OMSI

Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in every county in Oregon and throughout the region. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.

Updated January 20, 2019 at 4:00pm by Sgt. William Bailey

Joanna L. Kasner has been released from the hospital.  She has been transported to and is now lodged inside the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Adult Jail.  Her first court appearance is scheduled for January 22, 2019 at 1:30pm in Deschutes County Circuit Court.

## End of Update ##

Updated January 17, 2019 at 3:35pm by Sgt. William Bailey - Public Information Officer

Arrested: Joanna L. Kasner     Age: 49 year old female

Charge:  Murder

On January 17, 2019, Joanna L. Kasner was arrested by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office detectives on one count of Murder.  Kasner is in police custody and currently at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for treatment.

Any further information about this case will be released by the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office. 

## End of Update ##

Updated on January 16, 2019 at 6:30pm by Sgt. William Bailey

Deceased Victim: Valerie A. Peterson     58 year old female

A person of interest is currently with DCSO detectives at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.  Whether the victim and the person of interest knew each other is unknown at this time.  The investigation into this shooting will continue into the night and additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.

## End of Update ##

Released by:  Sergeant William Bailey - Public Information Officer

Release Date:  January 16, 2019         

NARRATIVE:          

On January 16, 2019 at 11:01am, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting at 64800 block of McGrath Road.  Deputies arrived to find an adult female who had been shot.  Lifesaving efforts were attempted, but the woman died at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, two DCSO K9 Teams, and a DCSO patrol drone responded to the scene.  DCSO has been assisted at the scene by the Oregon State Police, Bend and Redmond Police Departments, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the Bend Fire Department and the Deschutes County Road Department.

There is no continued threat to the community.

DCSO detectives are on scene investigating and being assisted by the Tri-County Major Incident Team.  DCSO Search and Rescue drones are also at the scene to assist with video and mapping.  The Oregon State Police Crime Lab is also responding to assist with the investigation.

The community should expect extended road closures in the area. 

## End of Release ##

On Saturday, January 19, 2019, at approximately 10:20 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 42 near milepost 65.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2003 BMW 325i, operated by Sharp Slaughter (21) of Roseburg, was traveling westbound on Hwy 42 when for unknown reasons veered off the road and struck a power pole.

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

A passenger in the BMW, Matthew Mendoza (22) from Roseburg, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The eastbound lane of Hwy 42 was closed for about three hours following the crash.

OSP was assisted by Tenmile Rural Fire, ODOT, Winston PD, and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

 

 

Victim:  Joey Duvall  56 Year old Male

 

On January 18th, 2018, at about 3:15PM, Joey Duvall reported a Hi Point handgun stolen from his residence, 1695 NE Purcell #40, Bend, OR.  He suspected that his son, Kevin Duvall, and Kevin’s wife, Shyann Duvall were the persons who had stolen the  handgun.  Officers had previously received information that Shyann Duvall was responsible for using counterfeit money in Bend. 

 

On January 19th, at about 8:50 AM, Bend Police Officers responded 38 NW Irving in Bend related to two unwanted adults at that location.  Bend Police contacted Kevin Duvall and Shyann Duvall.  Kevin was arrested for charges related to the stolen firearm and Shyann was arrested for charges related to the stolen firearm as well as using counterfeit money. The stolen firearm was not located.

 

Arrested:

Kevin Duvall:  Theft in the First Degree and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Shyann Duvall:  Forgery in the First Degree, Theft in the First Degree (x3) and Forgery in the First Degree.

 

Further investigation revealed that Benjamin Guy Perry was in possession of the stolen HiPoint handgun and he was believed to be staying at 61326 SW Huckleberry Dr. and 60968 Lodgepole Dr in Bend. While officers were surveilling the residences, they contacted Keanna Jay Brown in her vehicle leaving the address on Lodgepole.  Brown was arrested for an outstanding warrant and Possession of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine. 

 

Arrested: 

Keanna Jay Brown, 21 year old Female, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine. 

 

On January 19th, at about 12:15 PM Bend Police Officers arrested Perry at the Huckleberry address. The stolen handgun was located at the residence along with trace amounts of Heroin.  Multiple subjects were contacted and arrested from this residence.

 

Arrested: 

Jordan Weigel 25 year old Female (Unrelated Arrest Warrant)

Omar Pacheco Garcia, 25 year old Male (Unrelated Arrest Warrant)

Benjamin Perry, 43 year old Male Outstanding warrant, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. 

Shaneeze Marie McConnell-Dibben  21 year old female PCS Heroin

 

 

On January 19th, at about 4:45 PM Bend Police Officers and members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) served a search warrant at the Lodgepole address.  Several subjects were arrested at the residence and drug paraphernalia was collected as evidence.    

 

Arrested:

 

-Ivan Snegirev  46 year old Male, (unrelated arrest warrant)

-Cameo Marsh, 36 year old Female (unrelated arrest warrant)

-Durand, David Reynolds, 41 Year old Male (Cited and released) PCS Meth

-Charles Gabriel Anderson, 49 year old Male (Cited and released) PCS Meth

 

Lt. Jason Maniscalco, Bend PD

On Friday, January 18, 2019, at approximately 5:45 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a three vehicle crash on Hwy 211 near milepost 3.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a Honda Accord was southbound on Hwy 211 when they lost control of their vehicle and slid sideways into the northbound lane.  A Chevrolet Van, operated by Illia Burigin (27) of Canby, was northbound and unable to avoid the Accord and the vehicles collided .  Moments after the collision, a Ford Contour, operated by Steven Furlow (28) of Mulino, was unable to avoid the initial crash and crashed into the Chevrolet Van.

The operator of the Honda Accord sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The name will be released after OSP can confirm that notifications have been made.

Burgin and Furlow were not transported as result of the crash.

There was heavy rains in the area at the time of the collision.

OSP was assisted by the Monitor Fire Department and ODOT.

 

 

 

On Friday, January 18, 2019, at approximately 3:00 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle head on crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 159.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white Toyota Camry, operated by Kevin Werts (56) of LaPine, was southbound on Hwy 97 and lost control and slid into the northbound lane and collided with a gray Hyundai Santa Fe, operated by Susan Pitarro (70) of Bend.

The roadway conditions at the time of the crash were packed snow and ice.

Werts sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Pitarro and her passenger, Terry Thopson (63) of Bend, were transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with serious injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Sunriver Police Department, Sunriver Fire Department, LaPine Fire Department, and ODOT.

(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC) will meet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at the DHS Building, 3406 Cherry Ave., Room 123, Salem, Oregon, 97301. The meeting is open to the public.

The agenda includes regular ODC business, review and approval of the agenda, ODC business and other topics.

Those who can’t attend in person may call into the meeting using this conference line and access code: 503-934-1400, 3883438#.

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Lori Watt at Lori.C.Watt@state.or.us  Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

For questions about the meeting, please contact: Jeff Puterbaugh, policy analyst at Jeffrey.L.Puterbaugh@state.or.us.

 About the Oregon Disabilities Commission

The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations services individuals with disabilities.

# # #

 

(Wilsonville, Ore.) – The Quality Measurement Council will meet from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Training Rooms 1 and 2 at the Oregon Child Development Coalition, 9140 S.W. Pioneer Court, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070.

The Quality Measurement Council was formed with the passage of House Bill 3359 in 2017. The council meeting is open to the public.

Agenda items include will include a discussion on collecting and reporting metrics.

Sign language interpreters and live captioning will be provided. Those who are unable to attend in person, may join by calling toll-free phone number, 1-888-363-4735, and using Conference ID #3439085. 

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Rebecca Mapes at 1-541-735-0058 or Rebecca.Mapes@state.or.us  Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting.

For questions about this meeting, please contact: Rebecca Mapes at 1-541-735-0058 or Rebecca.Mapes@state.or.us

About the Quality Measurement Council

The council was established to create and maintain a system through which community-based, long-term care facilities report reliable and meaningful data that will make possible a system for measuring a facility’s performance compared with other long-term care providers in the state.

Date: Friday, January 18, 2019                                                                     

 

Case # 2019-018895                           

 

Date & Time of Incident: January 18, 2019 @ 0950                                         

 

Type of Incident:  Wanted Subjects                                                                                                        

 

Location of Incident: 19717 Volare Ln, Bend, OR

 

Suspect:

 

Johnson, Dana Lee (Male)           36 year old                                            Bend resident

 

Capps-Watson, Angela                33 year old                                             Bend resident

 

Narrative:

 

During the morning of 1-18-19, a Bend Police Officer performed a traffic stop on a vehicle he knew was associated with two wanted subjects in the Romaine Village area. During the course of the stop, he learned the suspects were not in the vehicle, but were staying in a detached garage at an address on Volare Lane.

 

The wanted subjects, Angela Capps-Watson and her boyfriend Dana Johnson, had valid felony warrants for their arrest. Both subject’s warrants were for violating their Parole. Johnson was also suspected of failing to register as a sex offender.

 

When Officers attempted contact at the residence with Capps-Watson and Johnson, Johnson claimed to have a gun and threatened to shoot the Officers. He also claimed to have explosives set up and would detonate them if the Officers attempted to enter the residence. Johnson began barricading himself in the garage with Capps-Watson. Officers backed out to a containment position, and based on the threat Johnson presented and what appeared to be the validity of the threats, the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) was called to assist.  

Johnson continued to refuse to exit the residence, made additional threats of having a gun and explosives. Eventually, Negotiators with the CERT team, with the assistance of Deschutes County Parole and Probation, were able to get Johnson and Capps-Watson to surrender. Both subjects were taken into custody without incident.

 

Further investigation revealed that Johnson had a replica handgun in his possession that he left in the garage when he surrendered. The investigation also revealed that the use of controlled substances were a factor in this case.

 

Johnson was lodged at the Deschutes County Jail for his Warrant, Fail to Register as a Sex Offender, Disorderly Conduct, and Menacing.

 

Capps-Watson was lodged for her warrant.

 

 

### End of Release###

Oregonians participating in SNAP were issued February SNAP benefits early – today - roughly two weeks earlier than normal. 

Oregon was instructed to do this by USDA due to a quirk of the federal government shutdown.

Oregon SNAP participants should be aware that after today, no additional benefits will be issued in February. Just like normal, these SNAP benefits do not expire and will remain on the card until a household uses them.

New applicants can still apply for SNAP and receive benefits. These are being processed normally and will continue to be accepted in February.

For Oregonians who need to take action on their SNAP case in January (such as an Interim Change Report or Recertification), clients should complete that as soon as possible. These are being processed as normal. SNAP households that turn in this paperwork after January 18 will receive their February benefits as soon as the paperwork is processed.

As of now, the timing of March SNAP benefits is unknown due to the shutdown.  

As of now, the government shutdown is not affecting the way people receive other nutrition assistance like school meals, WIC or food pantries.

Additional Information and Resources:

• DHS offices are open with normal hours since they are state, not federal offices. 
• For additional food resources, anyone may call 2-1-1 or find a food pantry at oregonfoodbank.org/findfood.
• If someone has a problem with their SNAP case, they may call the Public Benefits Hotline of Legal Aid Services of Oregon: 1-800-520-5292
• Comprehensive resource page from Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon

 

 

Date: Friday, January 18, 2019                                                                      

Case # 2019-018161                            

Date & Time of Incident: December and January                                           

Type of Incident:  Unlawful Entry into Motor Vehicles                                                                                                        

Location of Incident: City of Bend

 

Victim:

Multiple people throughout the City of Bend

Suspect:

Nickless, Jonathan           22 year old                                            Bend resident

New, Mathew                    22 year old                                            Redmond resident

Narrative:

Over the past couple months, the Intelligence-Led Policing(ILP) Unit noticed a pattern of vehicles being broken into in the area of NW College Way near NW Regency.  Property had been stolen from unlocked vehicles in this area and in different locations around Bend. Bend Police found personal property had been taken from vehicles to include credit cards, speakers, light bars, sports equipment and tools.  The vehicles were parked in parking lots and in the roadways.

During the investigation, Bend Police found stolen credit cards from the thefts were used at around 25 different businesses in Bend and Redmond, with some being used at the same businesses multiple times.  Bend Police found there were a total of 36 different fraudulent credit card transactions.

Through video surveillance, officers with the ILP team identified the suspects who unlawfully used the stolen credit cards as Jonathan Nickless and Matthew New. 

On January 17 at 4:19pm, officers with the Bend Police Department and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) contacted and arrested Jonathan Nickless and Matthew New outside the residence located at 2769 NE Broken Bow Drive in Bend.  Officers also had previously applied for, and were issued a search warrant for that location.  During the investigation, officers recovered stolen property from the residence including stolen credit cards, speakers, light bars, construction equipment, consistent with property listed as stolen from the previously reported thefts.

At 7:55pm, Bend Police served an additional search warrant at 551 NE Larch Avenue in Redmond.  Officers recovered additional stolen property including more construction equipment and items purchased with the stolen credit cards. It is estimated that the value of all the recovered stolen property is around $10,000.  Bend Police have been able to close multiple theft cases and are still working on returning property to different property owners.

Both Jonathan Nickless and Matthew New were taken to the Deschutes County Adult Jail.  Both Nickless and New were lodged on (7) counts of Unlawful Entry into Motor Vehicles, (1) count of Theft I, (36) counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and (36) counts of Identity Theft. As the investigation continues, it is possible additional charges will be added to both New and Nickless.

The Bend Police Department would like to encourage our community to file a report if they have had thefts from their vehicles. Our Intelligence Led Policing Team is continually monitoring criminal reports to try to identify problems that affect the livability in our community. Reporting can be done through contacting Deschutes County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 541-693-6911 or through our online reporting. On-line reporting can be accessed through the following url:

https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/police/online-tools/online-police-report

### End of Release###

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of its 112th Basic Telecommunications Class.

The two-week course includes emergency call handling techniques, stress management, civil liability, ethics, criminal law, overview of fire-rescue and law enforcement operations, and a number of other topics. Upon completion of the course, students will return to their employing agency to continue their training for a number of months with a field training officer.

The 9-1-1 training program began in 1993 when the Oregon Legislative Assembly enacted legislation which requires that individuals who receive emergency calls for assistance from the public, meet professional standards for training and certification. There are approximately 950 men and women across the state who work in this profession in city, county, tribal, regional, and state public safety communications centers.

Basic Telecommunications #BT112 Graduation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. Telephone: 503-378-2100.  The guest speaker is Rita Allman, Communications Supervisor of the Umatilla Tribal Police Department.  DPSST would like to invite you to join us in observing the ceremony and congratulating Basic Telecommunications #BT112 on their successful completion of basic training.

The graduating students appreciate the family, friends and guests who make graduation an appropriate conclusion to their basic training at the Oregon Public Safety Academy.

Reception immediately following.

Members of Basic Telecommunications Class #112

 

Dispatcher Kathryn Barnes

Florence Police Department

 

Telecommunicator Stacey Batten

Albany Police Department

 

Dispatcher James Bray

Clackamas County Communications

 

Dispatcher Shayla Castleberry

Umatilla Tribal Police Department

 

Dispatcher Gibson Coy

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District

 

Dispatcher Brittany Falls

Curry County Sheriff's Office

 

Dispatcher Jennifer Fox

Bureau of Emergency Communications

 

Dispatcher Jessica Fruehling

Astoria Police Department

 

Dispatcher Westley Giesbers

Bureau of Emergency Communications

 

Dispatcher Joshua Gonzalez

Klamath 9-1-1 Communications District

 

Dispatcher Melissa Hedden

Bureau of Emergency Communications

 

Dispatcher Shelby Henry

Central Lane Communications Center

 

Dispatcher Megan Johnston

METCOM 9-1-1

 

Dispatcher Sydney Klebaum

LaGrande Police Department

 

Dispatcher Julie Konidakis

Bureau of Emergency Communications

 

Dispatcher Kyla Krehoff

Willamette Valley Communications Center

 

Dispatcher Brooke Langerman

Wallowa County Sheriff's Office

 

Dispatcher James Lathrop

Bureau of Emergency Communications

 

Dispatcher Brian Lemaster

Oregon State Police

 

Dispatcher Sara Marcus

Central Lane Communications Center

 

Telecommunicator Falicia Martin

Newberg-Dundee Police Department

 

Telecommunicator Brodie Naive

Lake Oswego Police Department

 

Dispatcher Jessica Olwa

Bureau of Emergency Communications

 

Dispatcher Madalyn Pursel

Bureau of Emergency Communications

 

Dispatcher Elizabeth Rodriguez

Josephine County Sheriff's Office

 

Dispatcher Chelsey Rosenbalm

Willamette Valley Communications Center

 

Dispatcher Colin Scannell

Bureau of Emergency Communications

 

Dispatcher Timothy Scott

Harney County Sheriff's Office

 

Telecommunicator Kaila Shaw

Curry County Sheriff's Office

 

Dispatcher Sara Stover

Clackamas County Communications

 

Dispatcher Kate Tooke

LaGrande Police Department

 

Dispatcher Jonathon Wheeler

METCOM 9-1-1

 

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

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

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

On January 15, 2019, emergency personnel responded to a structure fire at 150 East River St. in Cave Junction.

Emergency personnel located Donald Thomas (65) deceased inside the structure.

Oregon State Police Major Crimes and Arson Detectives are investigating.   A male was seen igniting and throwing a flare at the residence.  Anyone with information related to this fatal fire is requested to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP and reference case #SP19-017772

 

Jan. 18, 2019 - Salem, Ore. – When Ann Mingus saw the billboard with the large jackpots for Powerball and Mega Millions, she did what many people do, started daydreaming about how much she would need to take care of her family and retire.

“As I am driving along I am doing the math in my head, and I thought that $3 million would do it,” Mingus said. “Turns out, I had the $3 million ticket!”

Mingus, from Springfield, won the largest Mega Millions prize in Oregon since the game came to the state in 2010. Mingus realized she won when she saw news reporting that someone purchased a winning ticket in Cottage Grove and checked her numbers. She didn’t tell anyone about her win, not even family members for a few weeks, and immediately contacted an attorney to come up with a plan. She also hired a financial planner to assist her in managing the prize.

Mingus purchased the ticket at the Cottage Grove Safeway from a Lottery To Go machine; the blue vending machines that offer Scratch-its and other games.

“I like to use the machine then I don’t have to wait in line at customer service,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know you can buy Mega Millions and other tickets from them.”

Officials from Safeway said they were excited that they sold the largest Mega Millions jackpot in Oregon history.

“We can’t believe our local Cottage Grove Safeway sold the winning $3 million Mega Millions ticket,” said Jill McGinnis, Director of Communications and Public Affairs with Safeway. “We’re so happy for our customer! It just goes to show, you never know who’s going to win – it could be you the next time you’re picking up dinner!”

There are 110 stores in Oregon and a store in Grants Pass also recently sold a $250,000 Scratch-it ticket, which was claimed last week.

The winning Mega Millions numbers for the Nov. 30 draw were 25-28-40-43-63 and Mega Ball of 19. To win $1 million, players must match five of five numbers without the Mega Ball. Mingus won $3 million by selected the Megaplier option, which increases non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times. This option costs an extra $1.

In the case of Mingus’ ticket the Megaplier was 3, meaning she won $3 million!

Mega Millions is one of two multi-state lottery games the Oregon Lottery offers. You can play Mega Millions in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each play costs $2 to play. Jackpots start at $40 million, and the jackpot for the next drawing on Friday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.

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

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

 

SALEM, Ore. - The Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) will meet to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Tillamook conference room at the Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State St., Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

The meeting will open with a 2.5 hour work session for the board to begin the development of a long range strategic plan. Following the work session at 12:30 p.m. the business meeting will begin. Items to be discussed include an update about the potential development of a new non-profit dedicated to the development of the Salmonberry Trail.

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.

More than two million Oregonians have chosen not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions as their financial services partners. 

TIGARD, Ore. (Jan. 18, 2019) — Oregon credit unions drove a positive, $1.8 billion economic impact last year, according to a new report by ECONorthwest, the region’s largest economic consulting firm.  

The report, “2018 Economic Impacts of Credit Unions in Oregon,” commissioned by the Northwest Credit Union Association, measures jobs, economic output, and income supported by credit unions. 

Each Member Benefits Directly  

Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives and do not pay stockholders on Wall Street. Instead, they reinvest in their members, typically by offering lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, better returns on savings, and by charging fewer fees for services. 

Last year, Oregon credit unions delivered $152 million in benefits to members, an average of $74 for each member. ECONorthwest found those benefits generated a ripple effect “buying power” of over $333 million when members reinvested those benefits back into their local communities. 

“In today’s economy, every dollar makes a difference,” said Troy Stang, NWCUA President and CEO. “When you know these dollars are coming to you because of your membership in a cooperative credit union vs. being used to enrich Wall Street stockholders, you know that makes a difference for your household.” 

A Clear Choice for Consumers 

No wonder so many Oregonians have discovered the “Credit Union Difference.” In the Beaver State, 50 percent of the population belongs to a credit union -- 2.05 million consumers. ECONorthwest found credit union membership is growing faster than the population; 14 percent since 2016, compared to 3.4 percent population growth.  

Workforce Support 

Oregon credit unions provide family-wage careers for 5,100 professionals. Each job supports 1.4 additional jobs in the economy, meaning the total impact of credit union employment supports 12,200 jobs.  

A Financial Partner in Rural Communities 

While the largest concentration of credit union membership is in Oregon’s larger cities, ECONorthwest found that credit unions offer vital financial services in rural communities. 

“While many out-of-state, for-profit financial services institutions have closed branches in rural communities, local credit unions remain committed to serving these populations, providing services such as agricultural, home, vehicle, and small business loans that area consumers need,” the report noted.  

ECONorthwest reported that 109,116 consumers--34 percent of Oregon’s rural residents--are leveraging the benefits of credit union membership. 

 “As a consumer in the marketplace, seeing that a not-for-profit cooperative credit union delivers these benefits to your friends, families, and neighbors, drives home the message that credit unions deliver value to Main Street, not Wall Street,” Stang said.  Find out more about the Credit Union Difference. Visit  http://Oregonlovescreditunions.com

                                                                                          <END> 

The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing over 180 not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 7.3  million consumer members. Those members are served by a professional workforce of 18,700 professionals. According to an independent analysis by economists at ECONorthwest, Northwest credit unions drove a positive economic impact of $7.8 billion last year. 

 

 

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) was pleased to host our state partners from Oregon OSHA for a three-day training program for their staff specifically developed to increase employee awareness of the fire service. 

The training was offered in partnership with DPSST, Oregon OSHA, the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association Safety and Health Section, the City of Salem Fire Department, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Portland Fire & Rescue, and Clackamas County Fire District #1.

Topics covered included respiratory protection; hazardous materials; leading causes of firefighter injuries, illnesses, and deaths; behavioral health and crisis management; live-fire training; hazards of post fire investigations; rural and volunteer fire resources; vehicle and apparatus tour; wildland firefighting; personal protective equipment; incident command and accountability; dangers of emergency responders working on highways; and specialized rescue functions such as trench, high angle, confined space, water, and others.

The three-day class concluded with afternoon demonstrations of fire department responses to simulated building fires in the scenario village at DPSST’s 235-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem this afternoon.  This allowed OSHA personnel to see first-hand the various functions that occur when a fire department responds to an emergency including size-up, command, accountability, safety, firefighting tactics, firefighter health through on-scene rehabilitation. 

DPSST’s Director Eriks Gabliks said “the Fire Program at DPSST was pleased to work with our partners from Oregon OSHA to increase their employee’s awareness of the fire service and the important health and safety considerations that occur at incident scenes.  Equally important the awareness of health and safety programs the fire service has implemented within fire stations which occur before, during and after an emergency response.  With approximately 13,000 firefighters around the state, of which approximately 80% are volunteer, working for more than 300 fire departments and rural fire protection districts, the more Oregon OSHA staff understand about what they will see when the visit a fire station or emergency incident scene the better they will prepared to provide valuable assistance.”

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

January 17, 2019

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@state.or.us

Tobacco Reduction Advisory Committee meets January 24

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

Agenda items include Tobacco Panel Survey and tobacco surveillance data overview, state and local tobacco retail efforts overview, and legislative efforts check-in.

When: Jan. 24, 1-3 p.m.

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

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

# # #

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 Tara Weston, 971-673-1047, 711 TTY or a.e.weston@state.or.us">tara.e.weston@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

 

(Salem) – Registration is open for the Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health (GOSH) Conference, to be held March 4-7, 2019, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. With 160 workshops and sessions, the conference – the largest of its kind in the Northwest – offers a comprehensive set of learning opportunities in workplace safety and health.

“This event provides a unique chance for organizations to rejuvenate their commitment to on-the-job safety and health,” said Michael Wood, administrator of the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA). “Everyone from professionals in the field to employers, supervisors, and workers can use GOSH as a resource in helping build and maintain safe and healthy workplaces.”

Keynote speaker Dale Lesinski will present “Safe 4 the Right Reasons” on Tuesday, March 5. Lesinski is the vice president of sales and training for DiVal Safety Equipment in Buffalo, N.Y. The company is an international leader in safety supplies and training.

A member of the National Safety Council’s executive board and of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Lesinski will use his keynote presentation to show why the standard approach to employee safety – such as rules, policies, and procedures – leads to disappointing results. His presentation will delve into human nature, illustrating why people take certain actions and why they don’t act in ways they should.

Lesinski said he wants attendees to gain “a new perspective on their personal safety and understand that they should adopt safe habits for themselves, not because the company forces them.” Along with urging attendees to make safety a personal value, Lesinski said he wants them to “watch out for one another, and, when they see something unsafe, they must say something to abate the hazard.”

Oregon OSHA encourages safety committee members, emerging environmental health and safety professionals, safety managers, and human resources personnel to mark their calendars for the 2019 GOSH Conference.

In addition to topics for general industry and safety committees, the event will offer session tracks on many specialties, including:

• Construction
• Motor vehicle safety
• Safety and health leadership
• Workplace violence
• Communication and training
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Emerging industry: Cannabis
• Craft brewing
• Ergonomics
• Food industry
• Environmental and hazardous waste

Meanwhile, registration for the Columbia Forklift Challenge – a hallmark of the GOSH Conference – is open to participants. On Wednesday, March, 6, trained forklift drivers will compete for cash in an obstacle course designed to test their skills and safe operation.

The GOSH Conference is a joint effort of the American Society of Safety Professionals  Columbia-Willamette Chapter, Oregon OSHA, and labor and businesses in Oregon and southwest Washington.  

For more information on the conference schedule, events or to register, go to http://oregongosh.com/.

###

About Oregon OSHA:

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.dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month — a good time to check in with your healthcare provider to schedule a cervical cancer screening. Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer, and prevention through early detection is key. Every day, 35 women across the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and many hundreds more are diagnosed with precursors that could lead to it. While cervical cancer is often caused by one of the country’s most common sexually transmitted infections — the human papilloma virus (HPV) — it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.  

Throughout Cervical Health Awareness Month, Planned Parenthood hopes to remove stigma around sexual and reproductive care with its “This Is Health Care” awareness campaign, reinforcing the fact that cancer screenings and other kinds of sexual and reproductive care are standard medical services and should not be politicized.

Of the more than 13,000 women in the United States annually diagnosed with cervical cancer, more than half have either never been screened or have not been screened in the past five years. Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of HPV, an STI roughly 79 million Americans have. HPV is harmless in most cases, but high-risk HPV sometimes leads to cervical cancer. Thankfully, as many as 93 percent of cervical cancers could be prevented by screening and HPV vaccination, services that Planned Parenthood proudly provides.

Still, 4,210 women die of cervical cancer each year, including a disproportionately high number of women of color, who already bear the brunt of health disparities. Black and Hispanic women, for example, are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, when their cervical cancer is much more difficult to treat. As a result, Latinas experience a 40 percent higher rate of cervical cancer than non-Hispanic white women, and black women die from cervical cancer at a rate of 41 percent higher than white women.

Statement from Anne Udall, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette:

“Routine Pap and HPV screenings, like the ones we provide at Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette every day, save the lives of thousands of women in the United States and around the world. The HPV vaccination is also a critical step in prevention, protecting against the two types of HPV that cause 70 percent of all cervical cancers.

“These are easy, non-invasive, preventive measures that can save your life — if you have access to them. Unfortunately, not all women do. Women of color often bear the brunt of health disparities. A lack of adequate insurance coverage leads to late-stage diagnosis for women of color and higher death rates from cervical cancer. Every person who has a cervix could be at risk for cervical cancer, and no one should have to die from this preventable and treatable disease.”

Standard, lifesaving care like cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations are now under further attack as the Trump-Pence administration is finalizing a rule that would make it impossible for Planned Parenthood and other health centers across the nation to continue participating in Title X, the national program for affordable birth control and reproductive care. Planned Parenthood health centers serve 41 percent of the 4 million patients who get care through this program — that’s more than 1.6 million patients whose health care is at risk. When people can’t see their provider of choice, they delay or simply go without care.

Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette health centers offer cancer screenings at all of our 7 health centers, and in 2017 alone, we provided nearly 5,500 Pap tests and 114 HPV vaccines.

Planned Parenthood’s current guidelines for cervical cancer screenings are:

• Initial Pap test at age 21;
• Pap test every 3 years at ages 21-29;
• Pap or HPV test every 3 years, or both Pap and HPV tests every 5 years at ages 30-64; and
• More frequent screenings or screenings past age 65 for certain people with higher risk, as determined by their doctor or nurse.

To find out more or to schedule a screening, contact Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette at PPCW.org.

The Oregon Heritage Commission is offering grants to qualified museums for collections, heritage tourism, and education and interpretation projects. Awards typically range between $2,000 and $10,000.

 

Museums may apply for a variety of projects. Collections projects may include cataloging, archival storage, disaster preparedness, and conservation. Heritage tourism projects may include museum marketing and promotions, enhancing visitor experience, and training for museum staff. Education and interpretation projects may include exhibits, online education, school classes, workshops, and camps. Museums may also partner with other organizations for projects that might be outside of the museum, but still meet the museum’s mission.

 

“This program serves museums of all sizes. We hope to see a variety of applications,” said Oregon Heritage Commission coordinator Beth Dehn. Past projects include exhibits at the Deschutes County Historical Museum, Umatilla Historical Society, and High Desert Museum; collections projects by Clackamas County Historical Society, Mt. Hood Cultural Center, Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, Willamette Heritage Center; and a building project by Fort Rock Valley Historical Society.  

 

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support.  Free grant workshops on project planning, grant writing, and using the online grant application will be available. A workshop will be held in Salem on March 19 and a webinar workshop will be available on March 15. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.

 

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon’s heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are also nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The commission’s mission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity.

 

To learn more about museum grants, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

January 17, 2019

Contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@state.or.us (media inquiries)

Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, .m.edlund@state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee to meet January 18

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee.

When: January 18, 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center Room 210, 29353 SW Town Center, Loop E., Wilsonville. The public also may join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3895887851300669185 and listen-only conference line at 888-204-5984, access code 1277166.

Agenda: Welcome, consent agenda, and general updates; debrief from committee presentation to Health Plan Quality Metrics Committee; public testimony 9:35-9:45; update on Clinical Quality Metrics Registry; planning for 2020 measure set selection; adjourn.

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

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Employer-Provided Benefits by Industry, Region, and Firm Size in Oregon

Three-fourths of private employers in Oregon offered one or more health, retirement, leave, pay, or other benefits to employees. Benefit offerings differed across industries, regions, and employer size classes in Oregon. These findings are based on a survey of more than 12,000 private employers conducted between June and August 2018, and published in the new report Employer-Provided Benefits: Offerings, Enrollment, and Rising Costs.

Health Benefits

More than half (59%) of all private employers offered health benefits to employees. In the wholesale trade and information sectors, three-fourths of employers offered health benefits to full-time employees. Smaller shares of employers offered health benefits to part-time employees. Industries most likely to offer health benefits for part-time employees included employers in private education services (21%), health care and social assistance (18%), and professional and technical services (17%).

Employers providing health benefits reported an average monthly premium of $828 for individual plans, and an average of $1,291 for family medical insurance. Companies’ contributions averaged 88 percent of individual premiums, and 62 percent of family plan premiums. Almost three-fourths (73%) of employers with health benefits reported an increase in the total cost of their health plan over the past year. When asked how providing health benefits affected their business or workforce, two-thirds of employers with these offerings cited their high cost.

Retirement Offerings

Half of all private employers offered retirement benefits to full-time employees, while nearly one-fourth (23%) provided retirement benefits to part-time workers. Sectors with the largest share of employers extending health benefits included health care and social assistance, and professional and technical services. The most common retirement benefit offered by private employers was a defined contribution (401, 403, or 457) plan. Two out of three employers (68%) with these plans offered some type of contribution matching.

Many employers with retirement benefits (29%) reported little or no effect of their offerings on their business or workforce. Another 22 percent noted the positive recruitment and retention effects of their retirement benefits. One-fifth (21%) of employers with retirement benefits also cited the high cost.

Leave, Pay, Fringe, and Other Benefits

A variety of leave and pay options were among the most commonly offered benefits by employers for full-time workers. These included paid holidays (54%), annual pay raises (51%), and unpaid leave (50%). Unpaid leave and annual pay raises were also among the most broadly offered leave and pay benefits for part-time employees (36% for each). With the unemployment rate at or near a record low in Oregon for the past two years, many employers may be giving annual raises as another labor recruitment and retention strategy.

Employer Size and Location

Across the board, a larger share of the biggest employers (50+ employees in Oregon) provided health, retirement, and the most common pay and leave benefits. Nine out of 10 large employers offered health benefits, compared with one-third (33%) of the smallest firms (with 2 to 9 employees). More than three-fourths (77%) of large employers offered retirement benefits, while one-fourth (25%) of small employers did. Meanwhile, the share of mid-sized employers (10 to 49 employees) generally reflected the benefit offerings for all size categories combined.

At least half of all companies in Portland and the Willamette Valley offered health, retirement, and each of the most common leave and pay benefits in June 2018. Following them, the areas with employers most likely to offer benefits included Central Oregon and Southern Oregon. The Bend metropolitan area falls within Central Oregon, and Southern Oregon consists of the Medford and Grants Pass metros. Wholly non-metropolitan areas – the Columbia Gorge and Basin, the Oregon Coast, and Eastern Oregon – had the fewest employers offering the most common benefits.

Additional Information

More information about employer-provided benefits in Oregon – including interactive graphs, the full report, and a related podcast – can be found on the Benefits page at QualityInfo.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Drew Hanson

503-813-6678

1/17/2019

Pacific Power customers get $3,500 off a Nissan LEAF

This rebate can be combined with additional federal and state tax breaks and rebates that make for an even more affordable electric car

PORTLAND, ORE. – Nissan is offering Pacific Power customers and employees a $3,500 incentive to purchase an all-electric 2018 or 2019 Nissan LEAF. This incentive can be combined with up to $7,500 federal tax incentive for up to $11,000 in total savings. Additional state rebates in Oregon and California may be available to eligible customers.

“Pacific Power is committed to helping our customers explore clean transportation options,” said Cory Scott, Pacific Power’s director of customer solutions. “This is a great incentive for drivers to power their commutes in an economical and environmentally responsible way. Electric cars offer drivers many benefits including big savings at the pump. It costs about $1 per gallon to recharge an electric car at home so the savings continue long after the incentives and rebates.”

To take advantage of the incentive, Pacific Power customers should bring a copy of their power bill and this flyer with offer details to a participating Nissan dealership to receive the $3,500 discount off MSRP on a new 2018 or 2019 Nissan LEAF. All Pacific Power customers and employees qualify for the Nissan discount, which expires April 1, 2019.

Nissan also offers 24 months of complimentary public charging at participating outlets in the Portland and Eugene areas.

This limited-time offer cannot be combined with any other Nissan special lease, APR or rebate.

Learn more about this offer at pacificpower.net/leaf, or visit Nissan USA to find a local Nissan dealer.

 

###

Foundation awards $10.9 Million in grants to local nonprofits, including $1.3 million to groups in Central Oregon

 

For Immediate Release

 

January 17, 2019

 

Vancouver WA – The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has announced its most recent collection of grants to nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest, totaling close to $11 million for 48 projects. This includes two grants totaling $1.3 million to organizations serving Central Oregon, including Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver and Young Life.

 

“From helping refugees find community and build a home to supporting vulnerable children to addressing the mental health needs of our neighbors, these grants represent the critical work that countless nonprofits, corporate foundations, family foundations and volunteers are coming together with representatives of the business, government, healthcare, faith and education sectors to address in creative and sustainable ways,” said Steve Moore, executive director, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. “We are grateful that we are able to come along side and partner, even in some small way, with such a diverse collection of nonprofits serving the wide array of communities across the Pacific Northwest.”

 

To date, the Murdock Trust has awarded more than 6,500 grants totaling more than $975 million. Founded in 1975 by the estate of Melvin “Jack” Murdock, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust supports organizations that strengthen the region’s educational, social, spiritual and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. Serving nonprofits in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, the Murdock Trust invests in projects across the health and human services, arts and culture, scientific research and educational sectors.

 

For more information on this round of grantmaking, please visit the Murdock Trust website. For questions, interviews or high resolution assets, please contact Colby Reade – yr@murdocktrust.org">colbyr@murdocktrust.org 360.694.8415

 

About the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to organizations in five states of the Pacific Northwest—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington—that seek to strengthen the region’s educational and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. Since its inception in 1975, the Trust has awarded more than 6,500 grants totaling more than $975 million. For more information, find the Murdock Trust on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and the web.

For Immediate Release                                        

January 16, 2019

Contact:                Mona Riesterer  
                                503-378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Alarm Monitor Subcommittee will hold a regular meeting at 8:00 a.m. on January 18, 2019. The meeting will be held in the conference room A254.  The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Dial-in number: 888-808-6929 and Participant code: 8917117

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

Agenda Items:

1.   Introductions

2.  October 24, 2018

      Approve the minutes of the October 24, 2018 Alarm Subcommittee meeting 

3.  Proposed Oregon Administrative Rule for Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)

      Device Regulations

       Presented by Jennifer Howald

4.  Proposed changes for OAR 259-060-0060 & 259-060-0135; Instructor certification requirements

      Presented by Jennifer Howald

5.   Discussion regarding renewal for out-of-state renewal classes

      Presented by Karen Evans

6.   Department Update

      Presented by Suzy Herring

7.   Roundtable

8.   Next Meeting

 

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 Alarm 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.

For Immediate Release                                        

January 16, 2019

Contact:                Mona Riesterer  
                                503-378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on January 24, 2019.

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

 Teleconference Information:

Dial-In: 888-273-3658

Participant Code: 4711910

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

Agenda Items:

1. Minutes for April 26, 2018

Approve minutes

2. Malcus Williams (DPSST #33171) – Ashland Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

Presented by Linsay Hale

3.  Next meeting – TBD

 

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 Public Safety Memorial Fund Board 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.

January 16, 2019

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@state.or.us

Comment period for Precision Castparts PHA extended to March 15

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Oregon Health Authority is extending the comment period for a public health assessment of Precision Castparts Corp. in southeast Portland by two months.

Public comments on the PHA, a draft of which was released Oct. 29, will be accepted through March 15, following requests for the extension from members of the public. The original comment deadline was Jan. 15. Comments can be made via email at ehap.info@state.or.us, or via postal mail at 800 NE Oregon St., Suite 640, Portland, OR 97232.

The draft assessment found that measured concentrations of metals in the air and metals and other chemicals in soil and water near the metal components manufacturer’s Southeast Harney Drive facility were below levels that would be expected to harm public health.

The public health assessment is available on the Public Health Division website at http://healthoregon.org/pccpha. For more information, email ehap.info@state.or.us.

# # #

January 16, 2019

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

Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Communities of Color Workgroup meets January 22 in Portland

What: The first public meeting of the Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Communities of Color Workgroup.

Agenda: Describe the Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative and focus on peer-delivered services and substance use disorder; discuss the role of the workgroup; review opportunities, barriers and resources identified at the November 6, 2018, kickoff meeting.

When: January 22, 2-4 p.m.

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@state.or.us">summer.h.boslaugh@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

FBI seizes domain www.supermatchescort.com and approximately 500 related websites

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Oregon has returned two indictments charging six people with running sex trafficking organizations operating in the U.S., Canada and Australia. The indictments were unsealed today following a series of arrests by FBI Portland’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) resulting from a multi-district takedown operation on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

The FBI partnered with local law enforcement agencies in more than a dozen cities across the nation to coordinate sting operations targeting the organizations operated by defendants under indictment in Oregon, along with other Asian sex trafficking networks. As part of the takedown operation, the FBI seized the primary website used by one of the organizations, www.supermatchescort.com, and about 500 other associated domains, including 25 location-specific sub-sites.

In addition to the arrests, the FBI assisted five victims in Oregon. The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office victim services programs worked with local non-profits to ensure the victims have access to social, medical and legal services.

Zongtao Chen aka Mark Chen, 46, of Toronto, Canada; Weixuan Zhou aka Marco Zhou, 37, of Guangzhou, China; Yan Wang aka Sarah Wang, 33, of Temecula, California; Chaodan Wang, 32, of Beaverton, Oregon; and Ting Fu, 35, of Beaverton, Oregon, are charged with conspiracy and use of interstate facilities to promote, manage, establish, carry on or facilitate a racketeering enterprise. In a separate indictment, Hui Ling Sun, 40 of Portland, is charged with using interstate facilities to promote, manage, establish, carry on or facilitate a racketeering enterprise.

“Protecting vulnerable foreign nationals from criminal traffickers seeking to exploit them for profit is a critically important law enforcement mission. Trafficking adults for sex can at times be overlooked by our society because some believe the adult victims have a choice. This notion is false. These victims are powerless and often thousands of miles away from their home, native language and personal connections who might help them escape. We have always and will continue to aggressively pursue criminals who exploit vulnerable victims,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Vulnerable women looking for a new life in the U.S. instead find traffickers who cash in on their cultural isolation by profiting from the sale of sex services. In many cases, these women lack the language skills and understanding of American civil rights to ask for help or assistance from law enforcement. For that reason, we need community members who suspect such illegal activity to come forward to help us identify these instances of human trafficking so we can recover the victims and provide them the social, medical and legal services they need,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

According to the indictments, Mark Chen headed a criminal enterprise that recruited women, primarily from China, to travel to the U.S. and elsewhere to engage in prostitution and other sex trafficking activities. Within the cities the organization was operating, a “boss” would oversee and manage a local brothel in a hotel or apartment complex. Customers seeking to engage in acts of illegal prostitution would call a number listed on www.supermatchescort.com or related websites, or send a message by text, email, or WeChat, an encrypted internet messaging service based in China. The organization employed dispatchers who would receive incoming requests from potential customers to set up “dates.” The dispatchers would coordinate and schedule the “dates” with women working at the various brothels.

Dispatchers used a computer program to schedule and track all of the prostitution dates. This computer program had a customer database that logged more than 30,000 customer phone numbers with details from previous dates. In Oregon, defendant Zongtao “Mark” Chen promoted illegal prostitution activities that occurred at brothels in Portland, Tigard and Beaverton.

Hui Ling Sun made her initial appearances in federal court in Portland on January 15, 2019 and was detained pending trial. Ting Fu is expected to appear in Portland today. Yan Wang, arrested by the FBI’s Los Angeles Division, made an appearance before a magistrate judge in the Central District of California on January 15, 2019. The Toronto Police Service Human Trafficking Enforcement Team and Fugitive Squad have provisionally arrested Chen in Canada with a view towards extradition. Investigators believe Weixuan Zhou is in China and Chaodan Wang’s location is unknown.

Anyone with information on these investigations or who would like to report a federal crime may contact the nearest FBI office or submit information online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

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

The FBI Portland’s CETF investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Omaha, Nebraska. The Toronto Police Service, which maintained a parallel investigation, also provided assistance. CETF member organizations who participated in the takedown include Portland Police Bureau, Beaverton Police Department, Tigard Police Department and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

The FBI CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations—many of them undercover—in coordination with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.

The National Cyber Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA) assisted in the seizure of the websites related to the Chen investigation. The NCFTA, established in 2002, is a nonprofit partnership between private industry, government and academia for the sole purpose of providing a neutral, trusted environment that enables two-way collaboration and cooperation to identify, mitigate and disrupt cybercrime.

Scott Kerin and Julia Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, are prosecuting the case.

Please Note: During the lapse in appropriations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is required to curtail some operations pursuant to applicable law and policy. Nevertheless, the office continues to fulfill its law enforcement responsibilities by prosecuting criminal cases. The office will provide public information about certain significant cases including those impacting public safety and national security.

# # #

Jan. 16, 2019 - Salem, Ore. – When Matthew Clark of Grants Pass got home with the groceries, he realized he forgot a critical item, tortillas.

“My wife told me to go to Safeway and get them,” he said. “And of course, I got caught behind people with tons of stuff in their baskets. So, while I waited I bought a Scratch-it.”

Clark said after getting the tortillas, he scratched the $20 Winter Ca$h in his truck and couldn’t believe what he saw.

Clark won one of the two top prizes on the ticket $25,000 per year for 10 years.

“I started shaking,” he said. “I had to take a minute so I could drive home safely.”

The retired UPS driver said normally he only plays Scratch-its when they are a stocking stuffer during the holidays.

Clark purchased the tickets at the Safeway in Grants Pass on 7th Street, and there is still one top prize remaining with the prize.

Clark and his wife Kateri opted to take the lump sum payment of $175,000 instead of the $25,000 per year for 10 years. After taxes the couple took home $119,000.

“We are pretty simple people and we are going to be smart with the money,” Clark said. “We had a bunch of home remodeling planned, and this money will go toward that. I think the first thing we are going to do is a kitchen remodel, then we will invest some of the prize.”

The Winter Ca$h Scratch-it, part of the Oregon Lottery’s holiday Scratch-it games, still has one top prize remaining.

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

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

 

The Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) is once again urging motivated individuals statewide to run in their local school board elections.

The effort is part of OSBA’s Get on Board (https://getonboardoregon.org/) campaign, designed to raise awareness about the volunteer work performed by education board members and to encourage individuals to run in the May 21 election. The campaign also urges individuals of color to run for school boards.

In Oregon, school board elections are held in odd-numbered years; the filing period for candidates opens Feb. 9.

OSBA is holding two candidate webinars, on Jan. 24 and Feb. 19, (https://getonboardoregon.org/webinars/) designed for individuals considering a campaign for the governing board of a school district, education service district (ESD) or community college. Informational goals include preparing candidates to understand how board actions affect student success, encouraging candidates of color to run, helping prospective candidates understand board responsibilities, and guiding participants in planning next steps.

Jim Green, OSBA’s executive director, said the webinars provide an opportunity for individuals to receive important information before the March 21 deadline to file as candidates.

“We believe that one of the best ways you can make a difference in your community is to run for your local school board,” said Green, who is also a member of the Salem-Keizer School Board. “School boards make decisions that change lives and create opportunities for our young people to succeed.”

Bill Graupp, a member of the North Marion School Board, is president of the Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus, which OSBA established in 2016. He said it’s important for school boards to better reflect Oregon’s changing demographics.

“We’re slowly making progress here in seeing more individuals of color run for school board,” Graupp said. “But the reality is we have a long way to go in seeing our local boards – and ultimately the administrators and staffs that districts hire – look more like the students they serve.”

OSBA is a non-profit member services organization for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges.

January 16, 2019

Media contacts:

Delia Hernández, OHA, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@state.or.us

Marc Siegel, ODE, 503-947-5650, c.siegel@state.or.us">marc.siegel@state.or.us

OHA, ODE unveil online tool to prevent youth sexual violence

An online mapping tool is available to help communities in Oregon assess factors among adolescents that can lead to risky sexual practices and increase the risk of sexual violence.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE) teamed up to introduce the Oregon Sexual Violence Prevention Resource Map that displays information to promote skills-based learning to prevent sexual violence. The map tool is part of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant to help its partner organizations prevent injuries such as sexual violence.

According to the data obtained by the Oregon Healthy Teens Survey, one in eight students, one in five female students, and one in five youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender reported they were pressured to engage in unwanted sexual activity.

"We hope this set of tools helps begin or continue a discussion in schools and communities about the importance of sex education and encourages schools to actively engage in these conversations," said Laura Chisholm, manager of the Injury and Violence Prevention Program, based at the OHA Public Health Division.

Skills-based learning can reduce high-risk sexual behavior, which leads to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases but also increases risk of sexual violence. OHA and ODE are providing tools that support school districts to implement sex education that teaches:

• Skills-based approaches to safe, respectful dating.
• Building healthy relationships.
• Recognizing signs of emotional, psychological and physical abuse.
• Respecting each other’s differences.
• Identifying trusted adults to talk to about health, relationships and safety.
• Communicating personal boundaries.

In Oregon, local school districts are required to work with their communities to develop a plan of instruction that addresses these topics from kindergarten to 12th grade. OHA’s Public Health Division worked with ODE to survey local school districts and develop the mapping tool for local communities to better understand sexual health data, local resources and education.

"Sexual violence prevention education is an absolute necessity if we are truly committed to the well-being and academic success of our students and community," says Kristin Blomberg, Erin’s Law teacher on special assignment at the Hillsboro School District.

In accordance with Erin’s Law (2015) and the Healthy Teen Relationships Act (2011), school districts have already begun rolling out elementary and secondary instruction that focuses on sexual violence prevention as part of K-12 sex education.

"Providing sex education that teaches healthy relationships and healthy sexuality is one fundamental way that schools, parents, caregivers and communities can make a difference," Chisholm said.

# # #

January 15, 2019

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

State Trauma Advisory Board meets January 18 in Portland

What: A public meeting of the Oregon State Trauma Advisory Board (STAB).

Agenda: Case presentation, discuss Oregon Stop the Bleed program, future state trauma hospital surveys, Oregon Trauma Registry data.

When: January 18, 1-4:30 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1B, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland. The meeting also is accessible via webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7980257989435053313.

Background: The State Trauma Advisory Board is established under ORS 431 to achieve continuous improvement in the quality of EMS care in Oregon. The committee is made of 18 members appointed by the director of the Oregon Health Authority.

Contact: Stella Rausch-Scott, committee coordinator, OHA Public Health Division, at 971-673-1322 or ausch-scott@state.or.us">stella.m.rausch-scott@state.or.us.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use 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 material in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Stella Rausch-Scott at 971-673-1322, 711 TTY or ausch-scott@state.or.us">stella.m.rausch-scott@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

MEDIA RELEASE  

Released by: Lieutenant Mike Biondi

Date/Time of incident: 01/15/2019 at 12:30 p.m.

Location: Ray's Food Place - 51537 Hwy 97, Lapine, Or

Driver: Jaramillo, Anita - Age: 79 - Lapine, Or

Vehicle: Red 2019 Toyota Corolla

On January 15, 2019 at approximately 12:30 p.m. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash in the parking lot of Ray's Food Place in Lapine.  DCSO Deputies arrived to find a red 2019 Toyota Corolla, driven by Jaramillo, had driven over the sidewalk and through the front entrance of the store. The store was open and employees were present at the time. 

An investigation determined Jaramillo had recently purchased the vehicle and was not very familiar with it.  She pulled into a parking stall in front of the store and then mistook the accelerator for the brake pedal. The Toyota drove over the sidewalk and into the store, causing substantial damage to the building, store displays and checkstands.  

Lapine Fire Department personnel arrived to assess Jaramillo who declined treatment.  Jaramillo was provided a ride home by DCSO deputies.  

No citations have been issued and no one was injured.

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

## End of Release ##

 

Redmond, OR – On Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at approximately 10:23 AM, Redmond Police Officers were notified of a white female adult in a vehicle intentionally crashing into parked vehicles at a vehicle dealership on S Hwy 97, in Redmond (dealership requests not to be identified).  By the time police had been dispatched to the call, additional reports started coming into Deschutes County 911 Dispatch the suspect had driven away from the dealership.

 

Several individuals called Dispatch to report the driving of the suspect vehicle.  Officers located the suspect vehicle driving north on NW 6th Street near NW Maple Ave, as a result of people calling into Dispatch. 

 

Officers initiated a high-risk traffic stop in a parking lot shared by several businesses, including Petco, located on NW 6th Street.  The decision to initiate a high-risk stop was made by Officers on the scene and based in part on an initial report the female may be suicidal, but by unknown means.

 

Officers detained, investigated, and ultimately arrested Ms. Vanessa Hancock, 37-years-old and a Culver resident, for several crimes.  An investigation revealed Ms. Hancock became upset at employees at the business as part of an ongoing civil dispute and intentionally rammed several vehicles parked for sale while leaving the business, and nearly hitting two employees standing nearby.  A total of six (6) vehicles were damaged by Ms. Hancock, all the while damaging her own vehicle in the process.  After leaving the business, Ms. Hancock’s vehicle continued shedding parts onto the roadway.

 

The vehicle Ms. Hancock was driving at the time was a 2011 Kia Sportage.

 

Ms. Hancock was arrested for Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver Involved in an Accident – Misdemeanor.  She was lodged at the DCSO Adult Jail.  The initial reports of Ms. Hancock being suicidal were deemed inaccurate by investigators.

 

The Redmond Police Department encourages those experiencing civil disputes to seek resolution without resorting to criminal behavior.  Resources are available in the form of attorneys, Legal Aid, and Courts to help resolve disputes.

 

# # #

 

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.

Since December of 2018, Bend Police Officers have received over 15 reports of counterfeit twenty-dollar bills being used at local businesses such as McDonalds, Taco Bell, 7-11, Burger King, and Bogeys’ burgers.  The counterfeit $20.00 bills contain the same serial number and markings.  They look similar to legitimate currency, yet the feel of the paper is different. The counterfeit bills have the words “COPY MONEY” written in the upper right hand corner on one side, and “Specimen” written in red on the other side. 

 

In some cases, employees noticed the bill was fake or counterfeit, retained the bill, and contacted the police. In other cases, the bill made it to the banks where they reported the counterfeit bills.  Bend Police Officers continue to investigate these crimes and they request anyone with information contact the 911 Dispatch Center at (541)693-6911.

 

The counterfeit twenty-dollar bills in the photo have similar markings to the counterfeit bills collected by officers, but the serial numbers are different. 

 

Lt. Jason Maniscalco

Jan. 15, 2019 – Salem, Ore. – Ali Al Hawamdeh is the type of co-worker everyone loves.

The car salesman from Portland said he loves playing Keno, and after winning $77,224, went back to work and bought lunch for all of his co-workers.

“It was funny because all the sales people were out to lunch with me and we all started playing Keno to celebrate,” he said. “Everyone at work started playing because I won.”

Al Hawamdeh said he has specific numbers he picks, which he likes to keep top secret, and they paid off.

“I will buy a ticket with a bunch of games, and then watch some through the new mobile app as I can,” he said. “But what I like is then if I do get busy, I go back and can check the ticket or look at the past games if I want to check the ticket myself.”

Al Hawamdeh said he purchased the ticket at a 7-Eleven near where he works. Then took the ticket with him. He was busy and saw on the mobile app that someone had hit the Keno rolling 8-spot bonus. Players who play the Keno 8-spot have a chance at the bonus, which increases each game no one matches all eight numbers. In Al Hawamdeh’s case, the bonus had increased to $52,224. Ali also opted to play Special Keno which offers players a different prize structure that increases larger prizes, but decreases lower prizes. With Special Keno by matching all eight numbers he won $25,000.

“I saw someone had hit the bonus and checked my ticket,” he said. “I looked down and said OH MY GOD those are my numbers! I won it!”

Al Hawamdeh said with the prize he is going to help some family members financially and start off 2019 debt free.

During the 2015-17 biennium in Multnomah County, where Al Hawamdeh lives, more than $109 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education, and watershed enhancement.

The Oregon Lottery has released a mobile app that is available on both iOS and Android devices. It can be found in the App Store or Google Play Store and provides responsible gambling tools, retailer locations, a ticket scanner and more.

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

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

###

                                             Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific Issues Alert

PORTLAND, Oregon – As we approach NFL Championship Sunday, the Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific is issuing an alert against the alleged Oregon business, Sports Fans Goods.

Consumers complain the company offers NFL-branded merchandise through its website www.sportsfansgoods.com but instead delivers phony imitations. In some instances, the goods are never received.

The business claims to be based out of Moro, Oregon but is not registered with the Secretary of State. Sports Fans Goods has yet to answer communications from the BBB regarding these complaints.

“This is a good reminder to always research retailers before you buy,” says Dawn Johnson, BBB marketplace manager. “Read online reviews and visit their BBB profile.”

If you’re a victim of this scheme, please let us know. File a report at www.bbb.org/ScamTracker.

 

ABOUT BBB®:   ?For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands,?and?charities they can trust. In 2017, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at?bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada,?and?Mexico, including BBB Northwest & Pacific, which serves more than 15 million consumers in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Hawaii, and Western Wyoming.?

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact: Drew Hanson, 503-813-6678

1/15/2019

 

Grants available for electric vehicle charging stations through Pacific Power grant program

Up to $300,000 available to applicant projects that show innovation and creativity around promoting sustainable transportation

PORTLAND, OREGON – Oregon has a goal to register 50,000 electric vehicles by 2020. Pacific Power is helping to make that electric transportation goal a reality through an electric vehicle charging station grant program. The program will help fund up to 100 percent of the eligible costs of installing electric vehicle charging stations for selected non-residential applicants.

The application cycle opens on Jan. 15, 2019. Up to $300,000 in grants will be available during this cycle with a total of $1.45 million in Oregon awarded in quarterly cycles through the end of 2019.

“As an active member in the communities we serve, Pacific Power wants to help our customers achieve their sustainable energy goals,” said Cory Scott, director of customer solutions. “The electric vehicle charging station grant program is one of the ways we’re empowering local businesses, non-profits and governments to pick up speed toward more charging options for electric vehicle owners.”

All non-residential Pacific Power customers in Washington are eligible to apply with preference given to community-focused organizations, such as 501(c)(3) and city, county and regional governments.

Applications will be accepted up to Feb. 15, 2019 at 5:00 PM. Recipients will be announced March 2019.

Examples of projects eligible for grants include, but are not limited to:   

• Businesses of all sizes installing chargers as an amenity for customers and employees.
• Multi-unit housing owners installing chargers for tenants, either in support of tenant-owned electric cars or in conjunction with offering electric cars for tenant use.
• Chargers for community car sharing programs to improve access and charging to electric cars in underserved communities.

For detailed eligibility requirements, project qualifications and application forms, please visit pacificpower.net/ev-grants.

Materials may be submitted to plugin@pacificpower.net.

To learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles, visit pacificpower.net/ev.

January 15, 2019

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@state.or.us

New law requires EMS agencies to use electronic patient care reporting system

OHA offers system free to agencies to report on every patient contact

The Oregon Health Authority is helping ambulance service agencies comply with a new law requiring they use electronic patient care reporting, which will streamline how they exchange information with hospital emergency departments and other health care partners.

Oregon Senate Bill 52, passed during the 2017 legislative session, mandates that transporting emergency medical services (EMS) agencies begin posting patient care reports electronically to a statewide database starting Jan. 1, 2019. OHA offers access to Oregon EMS Information System (OR-EMSIS) at no cost to all EMS agencies, regardless of what vendor an agency uses locally to gather and submit the patient care data. OHA’s free service includes use of a software program called ImageTrend Elite.

"This system effectively replaces the old paper system using clipboards and pens, that once was the predominant form of patient care reporting," said David Lehrfeld, MD, medical director for the EMS Program at the OHA Public Health Division. "Incorporating smart tablets that most people are already familiar with, this system is so much faster, so much more efficient, and will improve patient care and health outcomes."

EMS agencies simply choose their preferred software vendors—more than 40 are available—and work with OHA to test the product. They then run through a checklist for transitioning to the new system.

When contact with a patient is made during a call, EMS personnel log in to the system using a tablet device and create an electronic patient care record, which charts the patient’s assessment and care. Each piece of patient data is securely submitted to the hospital receiving the patient, as well as to OHA, which uses the information to assess clinical performance, quality improvement and effects of prehospital medical care.

More than half of Oregon EMS transport agencies (73 out of 136) have moved to the new data standard as of Dec. 31, with one in five Oregon agencies transitioning in 2018 (27 transport agencies). The remainder of agencies have been granted waivers to begin submitting data later in 2019. Visit http://healthoregon.org/or-emsis and look for "Agency Status" to see overall transition status of EMS transport agencies, along with the names of agencies and vendors who have achieved live status.

Drew Norris, deputy chief of EMS at Bend Fire & Rescue, said the system has improved patient calls "a ton."

"We couldn’t turn back now, now that we’re on this electronic patient care reporting system," Norris said. "It helps us get information to the hospitals. We’re able to post in the back of the ambulance to (ImageTrend) Hospital Hub, which is at each hospital, and give them information they need to help treat the patient sooner and more effectively once we get to the hospital."

Sherry Bensema, EMS coordinator at Lyons Rural Fire District and Ambulance Service, said the system has allowed her agency to be more responsive to the community’s needs—now and in the future.

 "We know we have a 7.5 percent increase in call volume this year because of the reports that I can run," Bensema said. "And then the dashboard in the product actually lets me spool up a unique report so I can actually see trends on my dashboard that I need to track on a monthly basis."

Kristy Carey, administrative specialist at Bend Fire & Rescue, likes that the system is user-friendly and customizable. "Once we got the crews on board and using it, after maybe a month, six weeks, they were like ‘Why didn’t we do this sooner?’"

For more information on the new system:

• OHA’s OR-EMSIS page: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PROVIDERPARTNERRESOURCES/EMSTRAUMASYSTEMS/Pages/OR-EMSIS.aspx.
• Frequently asked questions: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PROVIDERPARTNERRESOURCES/EMSTRAUMASYSTEMS/Documents/Rules%20and%20Statutes/PatientcarereportingFAQ.pdf
• OR-EMSIS data transfer graphic: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PROVIDERPARTNERRESOURCES/EMSTRAUMASYSTEMS/Documents/Visio-Data-systems.pdf

# # #

As a result of the partial federal government shutdown, the U.S Department of Agriculture has asked states to provide early issuance of February benefits for those who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food security.

The 615,405 Oregonians currently enrolled in SNAP will see their next monthly allocation by January 20th.

“We want to be clear that these are not additional funds that SNAP recipients are receiving, but an early issuance of February benefits,” stated Self-Sufficiency Director Kim Fredlund. “Those who typically see additional funds added to their EBT card the first week of each month will see their February money by January 20, rather than at the beginning of next month.”

A notification letter is being sent to current SNAP participants this week, and DHS is asking SNAP participants to carefully budget their food benefits through February.

DHS is awaiting further direction regarding benefit issuance for January recertification that is completed or processed after January 15. The early issuance will proceed, even if the federal government shutdown ends prior to January 20.

If people are concerned about running out of SNAP benefits, they can contact 211Info to seek local food resources.

To find a local DHS office, go to www.oregon.gov/dhs and click on Office Locations.

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.1 Percent in December                                                              

Oregon’s unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in December from 3.9 percent in November. Oregon’s unemployment rate has been close to 4 percent for the past two years. The U.S. unemployment rate also edged up two-tenths of a percentage point, to 3.9 percent in December from 3.7 percent in November.

In December, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment grew by 300 jobs, following a revised gain of 300 jobs in November. These two months of nearly flat employment trends followed four months of fairly rapid job gains that averaged 3,700 per month during July through October. In December, leisure and hospitality added 1,600 jobs, health care and social assistance added 1,000, and government added 900. The industries declining the most in December were professional and business services, which dropped by 1,900 jobs, and retail trade, which cut 1,500 jobs.

The federal government shutdown did not impact Oregon’s December federal government jobs tally.

Leisure and hospitality reflected solid demand for employees over the past four months. During a time of year when demand for restaurant services is typically declining, the industry kept total employment levels above the normal seasonal trends. Recent gains followed weaker hiring during the upswing from January through August. Looking at the longer term, leisure and hospitality added 2,500 jobs (a gain of 1.2%) over the past 12 months.

Retail trade experienced a weak holiday hiring period; employment dropped 3,000 jobs between October and December. This followed minimal growth going back to early 2017. In the past 12 months, retail trade cut 1,400 jobs (-0.7%) and was the only major industry with a drop of more than 1,000 jobs in that time. The sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores component of retail has downsized over the past few years due to changes in how customers acquire their goods and services. It employed 10,000 in December, which was a decline of 900 jobs since December 2017.

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 30,800 jobs, or 1.6 percent, since December 2017. In that time, construction remained the fastest growing industry, with a gain of 4,900 jobs or 4.8 percent. Only two other major industries grew by 3 percent or more: other services (+2,000 jobs, or 3.1%) and transportation, warehousing and utilities (+1,900 jobs, or 3.0%).

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the December county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Wednesday, January 23rd, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for January on Tuesday, March 5th.

Notes:

All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted except for the retail trade component industry “sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores.”

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

The Oregon Employment Department publishes payroll employment estimates that are revised quarterly by using employment counts from employer unemployment insurance tax records. All department publications use this Official Oregon Series data unless noted otherwise. This month’s release incorporates the April, May, and June 2018 tax records data. The department continues to make the original nonfarm payroll employment series available; these data are produced by the BLS.

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

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

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

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

SALEM, Ore.—The Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers to start the new year with a paycheck checkup to ensure they’re withholding enough from their wages this year. Not withholding appropriately in 2019 could lead to an unexpected tax bill in 2020.

State and federal tax liabilities are different because tax rates and other items claimed on returns—such as deductions and credits—are different. In past years, these differences were minimal enough that Oregonians were able to use the federal Form W-4 to calculate their Oregon withholding appropriately. However, recent federal tax law changes, including how withholding allowances are calculated, mean that the federal form no longer consistently meets Oregon’s needs.

For tax year 2019, Oregon’s new Form OR-W-4 and online withholding calculator allow taxpayers to more accurately determine the appropriate amount to withhold for Oregon. Employers should provide the OR-W-4 to employees anytime they provide them with the federal W-4. Both the Form OR-W-4 and the calculator are available at the department’s website at www.oregon.gov/dor.

While everyone should check their withholding annually, some groups of taxpayers are more at risk for under-withholding than others, including taxpayers who:

• Started a new job in 2018.
• Updated their federal Form W-4 in 2018.
• Previously claimed federal deductions that were impacted by federal tax law changes, such as the employee business expense deduction.
• Live in a two-earner household.

Personal income taxes are the foundation of Oregon’s General Fund. The pay-as-you-earn system of personal income tax withholding is an established and consistent revenue stream that supports the public services Oregonians depend on.

Most employees have a portion of their wages withheld to cover their state and federal income tax liability for the year. Employees are responsible for determining the appropriate number of allowances to claim, which will dictate how much their employer withholds. The employer sends the amount withheld to the Department of Revenue, where it is credited to the employee. When the employee files their annual tax return, the amount of tax due shown on the return is reconciled against the record of withholding for the year. If there was too much withheld, it results in a refund. If there wasn’t enough withheld, the employee will need to pay the difference by April 15.

 

Summary: 3 ways to support your workers’ resolutions

-----

While many recognize the new year as a chance to kickstart healthier habits, SAIF encourages you and your employees not to celebrate the next holiday on our calendars: quitters’ day. According to research by Strava, January 17 is the day most people will abandon their resolutions.

“Making resolutions is easy—keeping them is hard,” says Liz Hill, Total Worker Health® advisor at SAIF. “Making healthy habits a little more convenient can go a long way to helping your workers achieve their personal goals.”

Hill adds there are many benefits to having a healthy workforce.

“Just like your work can impact your home life, your life outside of work can impact your safety at work,” says Hill. “For instance, if you don’t get enough sleep every night, your risk of injury increases.”

That’s why SAIF is offering new free resources for promoting safe and healthy workplaces. The new content includes videos, posters, and one-page guides with tips on healthy eating, stress reduction, physical activity, and more.

As Hill explains, “your employees spend such a large percentage of their day at work, so it’s key to ensure the workplace supports their efforts.”

Here are three ways Hill says you can help employees skip right over quitters’ day:

• Eat healthy: Provide refrigerators and microwaves in break rooms so workers can bring healthy food from home. Reduce or eliminate junk food in vending machines and subsidize healthy choices.
   
• Get active: Make sure schedules are flexible and staffing is adequate to allow for quick walking breaks or a workout during the work day. Set an example by scheduling walking meetings. 
   
• Reduce stress: Support employee engagement by promoting a sense of purpose and autonomy, providing opportunities for learning and new experiences, and letting employees know they are valued.

For more ways to be well at work and at home, visit saif.com/promotehealth.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. Since 1914, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.

On Monday, January 14, 2019 at approximately 7:35 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 22E near milepost 27.

Preliminary investigation shows that a 2004 Honda Pilot, operated by Brandy Doudna (42) of Mill City, was eastbound on Hwy 22E when she swerved to avoid hitting a deer.  The vehicle struck the guardrail and stopped perpendicular in the roadway.  Doudna attempted to move the vehicle but was unable.  As the occupants were exiting the vehicle a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Kitaira Harvey (21) of Bend, was eastbound and struck the Honda Pilot.

A nine year old that was exiting the Honda Pilot was ejected in the impact. The child was taken to a local hospital and later transported by Life Flight to a Portland hospital.

No other occupants were transported as a result of the collision.