Update with correction to two dates (noted in bold below) for weekly themed activities.  We apologize for the error.  

Each year during summer break, hundreds of Battle Ground kids gather at City parks for the Battle Ground Parks and Recreation Summer Playground Program. This year, in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep families safe, Parks & Recreation will host Summer Playground Program - the Virtual Edition! 

Just like the program of past years, the virtual edition of Summer Playground is designed for kids aged 4 through 12 and engage them in fun weekly themed activities and projects.  This summer, instead of gathering at a park for activities, kids will participate from their own homes and backyards by way of weekly-themed online videos.  Activity supply packets, free of charge, will be available for weekly pick-up at select City parks with appropriate physical distancing and safety measures in place. 

Summer Playground Program - the Virtual Edition begins the week of June 17 and will run for eight weeks through August 5.   Each Wednesday, free activity supply packets will be available for pick up at Kiwanis Park (422 SW 2nd Avenue) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and at Florence Robison Park – South (1700 NW 9th Street) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  A limited number of packets, based on last year’s participation, will be available at each location and distributed on a first-come, first served basis.

This year’s weekly themes are:

• Week 1 (June 17):  Shark Week
• Week 2 (June 24):  The Great Outdoors
• Week 3 (July 1):  Red White & Blue
• Week 4 (July 8):  How does your Garden Grow?
• Week 5 (July 15):  Star Gazing
• Week 6 (July 22):  Creepy Crawlies
• Week 7 (July 29): Superhero Week
• Week 8 (August 5):  Ooey Gooey

Weekly-themed activity videos will be available on the City’s website at www.cityofbg.org/695/Summer-Playground-Program and on the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofBGWA. 

Battle Ground Parks & Recreation thanks sponsor Riverview Bank and the Parks Foundation of Clark County for their steadfast support of the Summer Playground Program that keeps kids engaged all summer long. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is closing Vancouver Lake to swimmers due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria detected during routine testing. Some E. coli bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness if water is accidentally swallowed.  

Due to the elevated bacteria levels, Public Health is closing the lake to swimming and wading. People who fish at the lake should take precautions to avoid water contact.

“It’s especially important to keep children out of the lake because they are more likely than adults to swallow some of the water,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director.

Closure signs have been posted at the lake after results from water samples collected on Tuesday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Public Health will continue to regularly monitor water quality at the lake.

The closure will remain in effect until tests show that E. coli bacteria levels do not exceed state and US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Public Health will advise the public when water contact is considered safe again. Test results and information about current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beaches website.

Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open. Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink.

Park visitors may continue to fish in the lake but should thoroughly clean all fish and equipment. Fish should be cooked before eaten. Anyone having contact with water in Vancouver Lake should wash hands with soap and water.

Information about E. coli

E. coli is a common kind of bacteria that lives in the intestines of animals and people. The presence of E. coli in Vancouver Lake water indicates that the water may contain bacteria found in animal or human feces. Some of these bacteria are capable of causing severe gastrointestinal illness.

Depending on the cause, people with gastrointestinal infections may experience fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea beginning several hours to several days or longer after exposure. Some infections may cause bloody diarrhea.

People who experience bloody diarrhea or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms should call their physician or other health care provider.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On June 3, 2020, Kaliq Michael Mansor pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree, assault in the first degree, and criminal mistreatment in the first degree. Judge Oscar Garcia then sentenced the defendant to 27 ½ years in prison. District Attorney Kevin Barton and Senior Deputy District Attorney John Gerhard prosecuted the case against Mr. Mansor.

In 2012, the defendant was convicted on multiple charges and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 27 years for his role in the death of his infant son. In 2018, the Oregon Supreme Court overturned that conviction citing concerns with a search warrant executed on the defendant’s computer. That decision led to this second trial which was scheduled to begin this fall until the defendant opted to plead guilty to the above charges.

On June 12, 2011, Mr. Mansor called 9-1-1 to report his infant child was not breathing. The boy was rushed to the hospital but was declared brain dead the following day. Subsequent medical evaluation on that child and another child under the defendant’s care uncovered a history of abuse.

Mr. Mansor told investigators that he was home alone with the children when one of them began to choke while the defendant was feeding him. Mr. Mansor said he then shook the child and smacked his back in an effort to clear his breathing way. He reported the child’s breathing became very labored but waited an additional 15 minutes before calling for help.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s computer. Internet search history unveiled queries including, “how do I stop abusing my baby” and “how do I keep from losing my temper.” After this initial search warrant was ultimately deemed insufficient, investigators sought and obtained a second search warrant for the device in preparation for a new trial.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office acknowledges the Washington County Sheriff’s Office including Detective Robert Rookhuyzen, CARES Northwest and medical personnel for their work on this case.

In addition to his prison sentence, the defendant will also undergo more than twelve years of post-prison supervision upon his release. The defendant will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

If you know of a child suffering abuse, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1. You can also report your concerns to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE.

A statement from the victim’s mother is also included as a separate attachment.

On June 2, 2020, at approximately 9:58 A.M., a Trooper from the Central Point Area Command stopped a 2014 Nissan Sentra for Unlawful Lane Change and Failure to Drive with Lane, on Interstate 5 near milepost 36 northbound.  The Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity and a consent search of the vehicle was conducted.  The search of the vehicle revealed approximately 16.3 pounds of suspected heroin concealed in the gas tank of the vehicle. 

The driver was identified as Victor Aguilar (33) from Outlook, Washington.  Mr. Aguilar was lodged at the Jackson County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Heroin. 

The Oregon State Police was assisted by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations Medford Office. 

Media Contact: 503-813-6018

Cooper Whitman named Pacific Power’s new regional business manager for Willamette Valley

SALEM, Ore.—June 4, 2020—Cooper Whitman is assuming the role of regional business manager for Pacific Power in the North Santiam Canyon and several Willamette Valley communities

Whitman, who lives in Lebanon, has been involved in mid-valley economic development for several years and looks to continue that work in his new job. In this role he will maintain the company’s relationships in his communities of responsibility as well as manage the accounts of Pacific Power’s large commercial and industrial customers in the area.

While serving as economic development specialist at Marion County, Whitman focused on streamlining economic development efforts and processes for rural communities. Before that, he was president and CEO of the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce.

“Every community wants a livable present and sustainable future,” Whitman said. “I look forward to supporting local leadership in these communities as they continue to define what economic development looks like for their town. Every town has a different feel, but electricity is always an essential piece supporting community growth and stability. I am committed to better understanding these communities’ concerns surrounding economic development and energy issues so that we can become stronger together.”

 “I have been introducing Cooper to customers and community leaders over the last few months to ease with the transition,” said Alan Meyer, who has served as Pacific Power’s main contact with customers in the mid valley and canyon areas for over a decade as well as overseeing other regional business managers. “I am completely confident that Cooper will take great care of our canyon and valley customers and communities and while I will miss the many great folks that I’ve met, this new move will allow me to concentrate on my expanded responsibilities as well as serve as the regional business manager for our communities in Josephine County.”

Pacific Power serves over 100,000 customers in the canyon and mid-valley areas. Whitman will be the main source of contact for local government, community and business organizations in Aumsville, Brownsville, Coburg, Cottage Grove, Creswell, Jefferson, Junction City, Lebanon, Mill City, Monroe, Scio, Stayton and Sweet Home. Celeste Kruger will continue to serve the communities in Benton and western Linn County as Regional Business Manager.

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About Pacific Power: Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 770,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.9 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net

Just before 5:30 AM on June 4, 2020 Sheridan, SW Polk and West Valley personnel were dispatched to a house fire on NE Yamhill St. in Sheridan. Crews from the Sheridan Fire Station were already on another emergency scene when the call came in, therefore initial resources were limited. Prior to arrival, an occupant was able to exit onto a patio roof and was assisted to the ground by a passerby and Yamhill County Deputies. First arriving apparatus, with two volunteer firefighters, initiated heroic rescue efforts to attempt to get the other occupants out of the home. The fire has now been extinguished and crews and investigators remain on scene.

Our crews were assisted on scene by Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Amity Fire District, McMinnville Fire Department, Dallas Fire Department, Grand Ronde Tribal Police, Oregon State Police, NW Natural Gas, PGE, Oregon State Fire Marshal Office and the City of Sheridan.

Just before 5:30 AM on June 4, 2020 Sheridan, SW Polk and West Valley personnel were dispatched to a house fire on NE Yamhill St. in Sheridan. Crews from the Sheridan Fire Station were already on another emergency scene when the call came in, therefore initial resources were limited. Prior to arrival, an occupant was able to exit onto a patio roof and was assisted to the ground by a passerby and Yamhill County Deputies. First arriving apparatus, with two volunteer firefighters, initiated heroic rescue efforts to attempt to get the other occupants out of the home. The fire has now been extinguished and crews and investigators remain on scene.

Our crews were assisted on scene by Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Amity Fire District, McMinnville Fire Department, Dallas Fire Department, Grand Ronde Tribal Police, Oregon State Police, NW Natural Gas, PGE, Oregon State Fire Marshal Office and the City of Sheridan.

Vancouver, Wash. –On June 3, 2020, at approximately 8:01 p.m. Vancouver Police responded to a hit and run collision involving a vehicle that his a male pedestrian in the area of NE Andresen Rd. /E Mill Plain Blvd. The victim suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries. At 8:04 p.m., the suspect then travels through an occupied crosswalk just west of General Anderson Avenue on E 18th St. and strikes a female pedestrian and drives away. This victim suffered life-threatening injuries. Both victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

Shortly after the second hit and run, Officers locate the suspect, Trista M. Egli, 31.

Egli is arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail for two counts of Vehicular Assault, one count of Reckless Driving and DUI.  

The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation.   

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Portland, Ore. – Throughout Oregon, hay and grass seed are big business. It can also be a big problem when remnants of the harvest are carried by wind into power lines. It’s simple: hay or grass caught in the components of a power line that become damp can spark a fire.

To avoid this potentially catastrophic situation, the Bonneville Power Administration and to public utilities it serves throughout the Northwest are asking for your help. If you see hay or grass hung up in power lines, call your local utility and report it.

“Fires started by grass or hay are a big concern, but they are not the only concern,” said Mike Miller, BPA Transmission Services vice president of Field Services. “Hay and grass can also cause lines to trip out of service and interrupt the flow of electricity to local residents and businesses. Both potential outcomes are public safety concerns.”

During hay season, lightweight hay can be picked up by wind and blown 100 feet or more. If hay collects on power lines and then becomes wet from rain or dew it can cause lines to spark and light a fire.

In recent years, fires that started with hay on lines have sometimes resulted in large, widespread outages and costly damage to utility equipment and customer property.

With multiple utilities owning power lines that stretch across the Northwest, BPA and its customers recommend that you call your local utility to report hay or grass hung up in the lines. That way the utilities can work together to pinpoint the location of the line and the utility that owns it to quickly respond before disaster can strike.

BPA has also published a comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan you can view at the link.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

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The Battle Ground Police Department has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the DOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The grant will fund a school resource officer position with a focus on building trust and respect, and drug and alcohol education, prevention and intervention.

“This is great news for youth and families in Battle Ground,” said Mayor Adrian Cortes, “With this funding the police department will be able to reach even more students who benefit from its outstanding school resource officer program.”

The award announcement came from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services earlier this week.  The Battle Ground Police Department is one of only twelve departments within Washington State to have submitted a successful application and receive the grant award, and one of 596 nationwide.

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The City of Battle Ground, located in the heart of Clark County, WA serves 21,520 residents.  The surrounding natural beauty, access to recreation activities, and close proximity to the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area make Battle Ground a desirable place to live and has created a period of considerable growth. The City functions under a Council-Manager form of government and provides vital public services such as police, planning and development, roads, parks, utilities and others. City leaders operate under guiding principles that were created with community input through a recent visioning process. More information about the City can be found at www.cityofbg.org.

On June 4, 2020 at approximately 1:29 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 22 westbound near Highway 51, Polk County.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the black Nissan 300, operated by Ethan Rogers (21) of Rickreall, was traveling westbound on Hwy 22, when for unknown reasons went into the oncoming lane of a Chrysler Voyager operated by Derek Dornbros (40) of Willimina.

The passenger of Chrylser, Kimberly Johnson (41) of McMinnville, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.   Both drivers were transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries.

The highway was closed for approximately 4 hours following the crash. OSP was assisted by Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Date:  6/4/2020            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:       Sheriff Curtis Landers

                   541-265-0652

                   s@co.lincoln.or.us">lcsheriff@co.lincoln.or.us

                                           A HOT CAR IS NO PLACE FOR YOUR PET

While many of us welcome the warmer weather this time of year, we must remind ourselves that some of our loved ones may find themselves in an uncomfortable predicament.  It could even result in their death.

We are speaking about our pets who accompany many of us on our trips and errands in a motor vehicle.  We should never leave our pet unattended in a parked car.  On warm days, and even cloudy days, the temperature in a car can rise to dangerous levels in minutes, even with the windows cracked open.

The brief stop we plan to make at the store could stretch to 15 minutes or more before we know it.  Our mistake could cost our pet its life.  Leaving the windows cracked won't cool the car enough to protect our beloved pet, even if we have made water available.

In June of 2017, Governor Kate Brown signed into law House Bill 2732 to protect dogs left in hot cars. (And children!).  Oregon was the 11th state to pass such a Good Samaritan Law, which provides that anyone – not just law enforcement – may enter a vehicle (by force or otherwise) to remove an unattended domestic animal without fear of civil or criminal liability. If you come upon a scenario like above where you believe an animal could perish, please contact our dispatch center at 541-265-0777 before deciding to enter the vehicle. Be ready to convey your location, the vehicle description, and a description of you. Our Animal Service Deputies will make every effort to respond quickly.

If you determine that more immediate life-saving action is necessary, please ensure that you:

• have a reasonable belief that the animal is in imminent danger of suffering harm;
• notify law enforcement or emergency services either before or soon after entering the vehicle;
• use only the minimum force necessary to enter the vehicle; and
• stay with the animal until law enforcement, emergency services, or the owner or operator of the vehicle arrives.

 For more information and tips, check our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net   and like us on Facebook: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

On Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 10:30pm Kelso Police, Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office and Washington State Patrol responded to the 1400 block of Pacific Avenue S for a single vehicle collision.  Officers arrived on scene and found a single passenger vehicle had collided head-on with a utility pole causing substantial damage to the vehicle and utility pole.  Officers discovered a 34 year-old front seat female passenger deceased in the vehicle and 35 year-old female driver Sheela M. Hawley alive.  Evidence available to responding officers indicated Hawley may have been operating the vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants. Hawley was transported to a medical facility for treatment of injuries sustained from the collision.  The cause of this collision is currently under investigation.

Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore recorded a message to the Salem community earlier this evening to address concerns by people regarding events over the last few days. Below is a transcript of the that video. The video can be found on the Salem Police Department's Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/3OwzCgC8b6g or on our social media pages. 

Salem, I am Jerry Moore, your Chief of Police.  I am addressing you today during a time of turmoil like this community has rarely seen.  This community is hurting, like many others in our nation, and our job is to make you feel safe and secure.

I have lived in this community all my life and unfortunately, we are living in unprecedented times with many undesirable firsts for us. This is the first pandemic we have faced in my life, the first time the City of Salem has instituted a curfew, the first time Salem Police Officers have deployed gas in a crowd management environment in Salem.

Many things weigh heavily on me today.  The fact that we have had to respond to unlawful assemblies with force. That we have not been able to enhance the connections needed to resolve demonstrations peacefully. The fact that people feel that we are treating people unequally.

A streaming video many of you have seen has resulted in phone calls and emails decrying the words which were spoken by one of our officers.  The message we have received is a concern that we are treating people differently.  For that I tell you, I am sorry.  Sorry that there is even a thought that this department would treat some different than others.

I know the officer involved.  Like me, he has dedicated his life to this department and this community. The impact the interactions captured on the video had on our community has been discussed with the officer.  Unfortunately, he had not been fully briefed about enforcement of the curfew before he spoke with the group. Moving forward, all officers tasked with enforcement of the curfew will be properly educated before deployment.

We police behaviors and situations, not individuals. Every situation is different, but is assessed methodically: can we legally take action, what are the dangers to the public, what are the dangers to officers, what crimes are being committed, and can we safely deescalate the situation? Each event and person must be evaluated, and our responses are different based on the answers to those questions.

We are lawfully bound to weigh the severity of the crime against the level of our response. Lawfully armed individuals violating a curfew does differ in severity from people throwing bricks and bottles during an otherwise peaceful demonstration. As such our responses will vary accordingly, but without favoritism or bias.

We understand the feelings of fear that large groups of people openly carrying firearms in our city can create. Though they gather under the guise of protecting the city, that is our responsibility not theirs.

Our history has always been to assist and watch over lawful, peaceful demonstrations. We will continue to do that, be it open carry Second Amendment advocates or Black Lives Matter advocates, we just want people to obey the law and stay safe. In fact, we have recently and are currently meeting with organizers to assist them on how to meet our mutual goal of peaceful demonstration. 

As I said in a previous letter, we hear you. As a learning organization that values community we are always listening and responding to needs and concerns. Thank you for your time.

# # #

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive and Virtual Working Session Meeting on Monday, June 8, 2020 online virtually with Zoom at the hour of 6:30 pm. The Board will discuss budget, August meeting dates, workshare, legislative talking points and school repoining guidance. The agenda is posted on the Parkrose School District Website at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicAgenda.aspx?ak=1000205&mk=50351059.

Virtual ZOOM Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87013637685?pwd=ZnRLQTZ4R01IditadVhXQkhRaER6QT09.

Please note: If you wish to make a public comment during the Board Meeting follow the Zoom meeting URL listed above and fill out this electronic public comment form before the adjournment of the meeting: https://forms.gle/VpbrFeNucnXdVZx9A. 

For those of you who cannot participate virtually we will post a recording of the meeting on our website at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXajhxrPxMclOQ6J00JUszQ.

Questions welcomed, please email: questions@parkrose.k12.or.us.  

The Oregon City Public Library team is excited to offer a new Summer Reading Program through Beanstack, a free website and app patrons can use to track their reading. As in previous years, the Summer Reading Program is offered to readers of all ages. Parents can register themselves and their families. Adults and teens register themselves. After registration, participants complete various reading challenges and activities for a chance to win prizes. Registration begins June 15, 2020, and the program concludes August 31, 2020.

For Oregon City’s Youth Summer Reading Program, each reader can earn up to 24 tickets to enter a prize drawing for a gift card to a local Oregon City business. Readers age 0-17 choose one of three challenges in Beanstack: the Daily Reading Challenge, the Book Badge Challenge, or the Design Your Own Challenge.

The Library is also offering virtual versions of its annual summer events including the Family Concert Series and special storytime editions of Touch-a-Truck. New this year are virtual Escape Room and Trivia events, Take & Make Craft Kits, and an Oregon City Public Library (OCPL) Reads program in which library staff members take turns reading a different fairytale or folktale.

Adults who register for the Summer Reading Program receive a free OCPL Summer Reading 2020 tote bag (while supplies last) and can read books, complete activities, and write book reviews to qualify for prize drawings. Prizes include Art, Music, and Adventure Gift Baskets as well as the chance to be one of 12 winners for a Weekly Drawing. For the time being, summer programming will continue online, offering a wide variety of events including trivia nights, craft workshops, book discussions, poetry readings, and much more.

"The Oregon City Public Library has a long history of supporting our community and delivering library services in new, innovative, and responsive ways," says Library Director, Greg Williams. "We’re thrilled to be able to offer a robust online 2020 Summer Reading Program, and are excited about the fun and engaging events and activities we have planned for readers of all ages.”  

While a library card is not required to participate in the Library's Summer Reading Programs, LINCC Libraries offer a free Library eCard, which grants immediate access to all of Oregon City Library's online resources, including eBooks and eAudiobooks. Library eCards are available to all residents of Oregon City, ages five and up.

For more information on library services available online, please visit www.orcity.org/library/your-oregon-city-library-open-online. The latest information about any reopening plans will be posted on the City website at www.orcity.org.

June 3, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 65 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 159, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 65 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 4,399. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (7), Deschutes (1), Douglas (1), Hood River (6), Jackson (1), Jefferson (1), Lincoln (1), Linn (1), Marion (18), Multnomah (13), Polk (1), Umatilla (2), Wasco (2), Washington (5), Yamhill (4).

Oregon’s 158th COVID-19 death is a 68-year-old male in Clackamas County, who tested positive on May 21 and died on June 2 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 159th COVID-19 death is a 60-year-old male in Multnomah County, who tested positive on April 17 and died on May 30 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Notes:

• Due to data reconciliation, one case originally reported as hospitalized in the 40–49 age group was determined not to have been hospitalized.
• One case previously reported in Josephine County was determined not to be a case; the county case count has been adjusted to reflect this.

OHA Posts Weekly Report; Now Includes Active Workplace Outbreaks

OHA today released its COVID-19 Weekly Report, which includes data about the pandemic in Oregon. This week’s report shows increased testing and a continued low percentage positive rate (1.9 percent).

Of note in today’s report is the inclusion of COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces of more than 30 employees with five or more reported cases. This is being done to keep the public fully informed about COVID-19 in the community.

The number of cases cited in a workplace outbreak will include cases among employees as well as cases among close contacts of employee cases, such as family members, customers and visitors. An active outbreak means that fewer than 28 days have passed since the onset of the most recent case. State and local health officials work intensively with workplaces to help them take steps that protect the health and safety of workers and the public.

Identification of an outbreak in a workplace does not imply a general risk either to all the employees there, or to the customers. When an outbreak is reported or discovered, public health officials investigate to determine who has been exposed and notify those persons directly. Such persons are generally quarantined for 14 days following exposure.

In the June 10 Weekly Report, past COVID-19 outbreaks – those considered closed – will be published. OHA is in the process of compiling those data.

Oregonians encouraged to “Answer the Call” to stop the spread of COVID-19

As Oregon begins to reopen, one key strategy to help stop the spread of COVID-19 is contact tracing. Contact tracers call people who may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 to provide them with guidance and support and help prevent further spread of the virus. OHA is working closely with local public and Tribal health departments on a statewide coordinated contact tracing effort.

To demystify the process of contact tracing, OHA has developed a webpage with downloadable resources, videos and social media cards. Oregonians can learn more about who will get a contact tracing call, what happens on a contact tracing call and how their privacy will be protected.

If you get a call from a contact tracer, we encourage you to answer the call. Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19.

Go to: healthoregon.org/contacttracing or healthoregon.org/rastreodecontacto to learn more and download resources.

OHA is now including a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The Daily Update is a detailed look at COVID-19 in Oregon, including testing data, hospital capacity, and cases broken down by demographic information such as age groups, gender, race and ethnicity.

To see more case and county-level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County park users now have the convenient option to pay for parking before leaving home with the Flowbird mobile app. Using Flowbird is a breeze. Not only is the Flowbird app easy to use, it provides peace of mind by offering:

• Contactless payment – park users no longer need to handle cash or interact with high-touch surfaces
• Find my car – for those who forgot where they parked
• Touch ID

To download the mobile app, visit https://flowbirdapp.com/app/, then:

• Create an account
• Choose the vehicle license plate
• Select your location on the map
• Confirm your payment
• Enjoy your day in the park!

“100% of the parking fees collected go back to parks,” said Parks and Lands Division Manager Galina Burley. “Paying before you go with the Flowbird mobile app can also help expedite the parking process.”

Clark County Parks charges daily parking fees year-round at four regional parks: Frenchman’s Bar, Lewisville, Salmon Creek (Klineline Pond), and Vancouver Lake. Please note that the Flowbird parking app charges a $0.35 cent service fee per transaction.

Daily parking fees at these four parks are:

• $2 for motorcycles
• $3 for vehicles
• $6 for vehicles with trailers
• $8 for buses or motor homes

These are parking fees, not entrance fees. There is no charge for park users who walk or bicycle into any of the four parks.

Park users may also be able to pay in person if seasonal parking fee booth attendants are available and can still use the pay stations located at each park’s entry. Pay stations accept cash, coin, VISA, and MasterCard. Annual passes can still be purchased for $30, which provides access to all four regional parks through December 31. Annual passes can be purchased online using either Visa or MasterCard.

Learn more by visiting our website: https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/parking-fees. You can also find real-time information on the Public Works Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts, and on NextDoor.

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The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of its 397th Basic Police Class.

The Basic Police Class is 16-weeks in length and includes dozens of training areas including survival skills, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, ethics, cultural diversity, problem solving, community policing, elder abuse, drug recognition, and dozens of other subjects.

Basic Police Class 397 will graduate during a private ceremony at the Oregon Public Safety Academy at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE in Salem, Oregon on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, while open for business, is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 health crisis and will not hold a public graduation ceremony but would like to congratulate these men and women from diverse backgrounds entering the law enforcement profession.

Graduating members of BP397:

Police Officer Tracy Alioth   

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Ivan Alvarez   

Portland Police Bureau

Trooper Aaron Barichio         

Oregon State Police

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Barnes  

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Darrin Breshears       

Linn County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Cotter Butler   

Umatilla Police Department

Police Officer Antonea Carson          

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer David Coan    

Oregon City Police Department

Police Officer Derrick Daley 

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Miguel Diaz   

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Brian DiCarlo 

Portland Police Bureau

Deputy Sheriff Katheryn Fowlds      

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Kayla Franck 

Gilliam County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Andrew Franklin       

Yamhill County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Jonah Gellman

Portland Police Bureau

Deputy Sheriff Maria Gray    

Klamath County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Dustin Kittel   

Newport Police Department

Deputy Sheriff Todd Lake     

Gilliam County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Jason Lasota   

Medford Police Department

Police Officer Davor Lukic   

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Daniel McEvoy          

Corvallis Police Department

Police Officer Preston Neumann       

Woodburn Police Department

Police Officer Sean Nieto      

Newport Police Department

Police Officer Cooper Noack

Keizer Police Department

Police Officer Emma Paranto

Sunriver Police Department

Police Officer Justin Prevo    

Baker City Police Department

Police Officer Daniel Reynolds         

Stayton Police Department

Deputy Sheriff Jared Riehl    

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Harrison Ross

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Michael Sanchez        

Grants Pass Dept of Public Safety

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Schwab         

Marion County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer JuliAnna Scusa           

Portland Police Bureau

Police Officer Austin Shouman         

Portland Police Bureau

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Skeels

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Michael Smith

Portland Police Bureau

Deputy Sheriff Michael Thran           

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Police Officer Kenneth Wigham       

Toledo Police Department

Police Officer David Wohlers

Canby Police Department

## 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 Patricia Patrick-Joling, public citizen representative, 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.

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 3rd, 2020

It is with a sad heart but an encouraged heart that I am writing this message today. Over the years we have seen the aftermath and the impacts on our communities after the death of a person of color at the hands of law enforcement. Professionals, scholars, activists and families have spoken loudly to the reasoning, rationale and justification of the actions taken by those involved. We hear over and over again that maybe this will be the “one” incident which will lead to change.

The reality is that we are blessed in America to have our own opinions, beliefs and are afforded the opportunity to disagree with each other, to include our country/government, without repression as long as that protest is peaceful. It seems that there is a very small group that choose to do their protesting in a way which is damaging, dangerous to others and outright illegal. Usually these actions do nothing for moving the conversation forward but only cause division and anger among the community that is impacted and ultimately weakening the freedom we enjoy across this great country. These illegal and damaging actions cut deeper into the wound and shift the focus from where it really needs to be.

As the Sheriff and a 40-year veteran of Law Enforcement I am sickened by what I watched happen to George Floyd. I cannot, nor would I try, to justify this in any way shape or form. I support the actions taken by the Minneapolis Police Department against those involved in this case and trust the Prosecutor and the Courts to take the proper time to determine the ultimate charges which should be brought against those involved. Our core mission as Law Enforcement professionals is to Protect and Serve all people within our community and to do so regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military/veteran status, or personal bias. It is even more of a responsibility when the perpetrator is a member of law enforcement. We in Law Enforcement cannot and must not turn a blind eye to the wrongful or illegal actions of our coworkers and our integrity and the trust of the community is tarnished when we do so. I can honestly say no one hates a dishonest cop more than the hard-working honest cop that is putting their life on the line daily for their communities.

I am encouraged by the photos I have seen of a protestor shaking the hand of an officer standing on the front line of a disturbance, of the hugs being given to Law Enforcement personnel who have chosen to walk with those they serve in solidarity for their cause. I was brought to an emotional point when I saw protestors shielding an injured police officer from other protestors wishing to do him/her more harm.

Their courage to stand in the gap for someone they do not know and may not agree with shows that humanity can overcome even the worst of situations and times.

I am blessed in many ways personally and professionally. I have a supportive family which has been there for me throughout my many years in this great profession of Law Enforcement.                                                                                                                                      A profession that all of us know is one that brings such great joy when we help others and great sorrow when we experience the pain that our community goes through every day. I am equally blessed with the community support I have experienced over my years in Law Enforcement from the citizens of Clark County.

But by no means are we in Law Enforcement perfect. When we put on that badge there isn’t something that magically happens which gives us the ability to do everything right. It is our responsibility to you, those we serve and protect, to place the badge on a person who has demonstrated the ability to do this tough ever-changing job in a way which respects the rights of all those we serve. It is our responsibility to supervise and train those wearing the badge to be ethical and of the highest integrity and if they should fall it is our responsibility to you to do the right thing and hold them, and therefore ourselves accountable. If we do wrong, we own it and fix it! Not just when it is seen by a camera or citizen on the street but when it is seen internally by those that work with and supervise that individual. As the Sheriff of Clark County, I have said from day one “Hire Character-Teach Skill.”

I am proud of the men and women of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and how we select, train and supervise them. I am also proud of how we hold ourselves accountable – just as our community expects us too.

We as a nation are in tough times with the COVID-19 Pandemic and with the social unrest that is sweeping over our country. We as a nation and each of us individually are responsible for how we respond and how we together change the course of our future.

I pray for healing in this time of need!

Chuck E. Atkins Sheriff

The Gresham police officer involved in Sunday’s shooting of subject Israel Berry is identified as James Doyle.  Officer Doyle has been in law enforcement for almost two and a half years, hired by the Gresham Police Department in January 2018.

Be a part of the conversation as City Council Reviews the Proposed Budgets June 8

Salem, Ore. - City Council will review the proposed fiscal year 2021 City of Salem and Urban Renewal Agency budgets during their virtual meeting on June 8, 2020 at 6 p.m. The virtual meeting will include a public hearing on recommended uses of state revenue sharing funds, a public hearing on the City of Salem budget and a public hearing on the Urban Renewal Agency budget.

You may send in written input about the proposed fiscal year 2021 budget to ecorder@cityofsalem.net">cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net  prior to the City Council meeting.

Initiatives in the proposed City budget have been recommended by the Budget Committee and would begin on July 1, 2020. These initiatives include:

• Increased funding for the Homeless Rental Assistance Program;
• Creation of a Salem Climate Action Plan;
• Investment and improvement to City buildings and infrastructure;
• Additional pedestrian safety crossings and streetlight installations; and
• Water quality and distribution enhancements.

Highlights for the recommended Urban Renewal Agency budget include:

• Bicycle improvements to Union Street;
• Right-of-way purchases for street improvements on McGilchrist Street;
• Road design and the first phase of construction to extend 2nd Street NW under Wallace Road NW; and
• Design of a trail connecting Riverfront Park and the Civic Center.

Detailed tables with explanations of major funding and staffing changes in the budget, as well as a copy of the entire budget, can be accessed on the City's website.

If you require accommodations through the Americans with Disabilities Act, they shall be provided upon request with at least 24 hours advance notice by emailing  udgetoffice@cityofsalem.net&phone=true&mailing=true&attachment=true&subject=Contact+Budget+Office">budgetoffice@cityofsalem.net or calling 503-588-6231.

# # #

Summary: Policyholders will receive their dividend in October.

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Today, SAIF declared a $100 million dividend for policyholders. It comes at a difficult time for many Oregon businesses facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Oregon’s employers and their employees make dividends possible by working together to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses,” said Kerry Barnett, president and CEO. “Every business is being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and SAIF is no different. We are seeing declines in our premiums, investment returns, and overall capital. However, after careful consideration, we felt a dividend was the right thing to do to support our policyholders through this challenge.”

The dividend will be based on premium for policies whose annual term ended in 2019 and will be distributed in October. This is the eleventh year in a row SAIF has been able to offer a dividend, and the 23rd dividend in the past 30 years. More information will be available on saif.com in September.

During the pandemic, SAIF has remained open for business, serving Oregon’s employers and workers. This has included taking steps to help injured workers who faced challenges accessing care and working to reduce the financial burden on businesses.

SAIF also created the $25 million coronavirus worker safety fund, making more than 3,400 awards to businesses for expenses tied to making workplaces safer against the virus.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, 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.

Portland, Oregon – The Bonneville Power Administration has released a comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan that lays out how it will keep its lines and other equipment from starting fires as well as how it will safely operate and communicate with first responders and others as wildfires burn near its equipment or rights of way.

"Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity," said Jeff Cook, BPA vice president of Transmission Planning and Asset Management. "This multi-pronged plan leverages our leading class vegetation management program and will help BPA consider wildfire mitigation in our asset planning strategy. The goal is not to have BPA equipment cause a wildfire and to continue to serve our customers safely and effectively when wildfires threaten BPA lines or substations."

The 2020 plan builds on and institutionalizes wildfire mitigation efforts BPA implemented in 2019. The plan addresses a simple industry standard equation: fire = fuel + ignition source. By appropriately managing brush, trees and other potential fuel sources around its transmission lines and substations, as well as by proactively monitoring, replacing and upgrading transmission line components such as insulators and other equipment that can be potential ignition sources when they fail, BPA believes this plan will mitigate the impact of wildfires on its system. In addition to its industry leading vegetation management practices, BPA crews routinely patrol lines to identify equipment that could possibly fail and start a wildfire. Issues identified during those patrols are repaired before wildfire season.

The plan goes beyond annual mitigation and applies risk management principles to analyze the criticality, health and risk of BPA assets as they relate to wildfires. The idea is that BPA can advance wildfire mitigation by considering hardware and equipment that performs better in fires. In this manner, BPA will consider replacing equipment in wildfire prone areas of its system sooner if it can further mitigation efforts.

"BPA is confident that our risk-informed methodology and focus on wildfire prevention will help us identify cost-effective and risk-based measures and deliver value to our customers," said Cook.

The plan also addresses how BPA will operate and communicate with other entities during wildfires. BPA crews and dispatchers who monitor the BPA transmission system in real-time work together to keep the lights on and protect first responders during wildfires.

"Bonneville crews and dispatchers have a lot of experience dealing with the challenges presented by wildfires that threaten BPA equipment, and work closely with first responders to protect safety around our lines," said Michelle Cathcart, vice president of BPA’s Transmission System Operations. "We don’t anticipate impacting customers by pre-emptively removing lines from service to prevent wildfires."

BPA’s wildfire mitigation plan is available at this link:https://www.bpa.gov/PublicInvolvement/Wildfire-Mitigation/Pages/Wildfire-Mitigation.aspx . 

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

###

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

Oregon Hospitals to Patients: ‘Your Care Continues’

Clinicians say facilities are safe and urge patients not to delay care

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 3, 2020 -- Today, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) launched its “Your Care Continues” campaign to encourage Oregonians to address health needs by accessing care at their local hospitals and clinics.

The effort will use the voices of Oregon’s clinicians and other health care professionals to reassure the public that hospitals and clinics have added additional safety precautions related to COVIC-19 for patients and staff, and that avoiding needed procedures and exams can bring serious consequences.

“There is no reason to put your health at risk in other ways in an attempt to avoid catching COVID,” said Heather Wall, Chief Nursing Officer at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart at Riverbend. Hospitals have put in place several extra safety measures including temperature checks at the entrance, masks, visitor restrictions and more.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 48 percent of respondents said they’ve skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19.

“People are delaying checkups and vital care because they fear hospitals are either unsafe or overwhelmed. Neither of those things are true here in Oregon,” said Becky Hultberg, President and CEO. “We want Oregonians to continue to embrace a culture of wellness and prevention, and that means maintaining health through continued care. Small issues when ignored can become life-threatening. Oregon’s hospitals and clinics are safe, open, and ready to take care of you, with extra safety precautions.”

“Your Care Continues” messages will show the range of services Oregonians can safely access, including checkups, screenings, treatments, surgeries, specialty care, pharmacy services, telehealth options, and emergency services.

###

PORTLAND, OR – Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Amanda Fritz are taking additional steps to help City of Portland sewer, stormwater, and water small business customers with their utility bills during the ongoing public health and economic crisis with the Small Business Program for Utility Relief (SPUR). The Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services have pledged $1 million in financial support for small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Credits for City of Portland utility bills are expected to assist between approximately 200 and 300 small businesses and will range between $1,000 and $10,000. The City of Portland utility bureaus are partnering with Prosper Portland, the city’s economic development agency, to develop criteria for providing relief to impacted businesses.

“Today’s actions build upon our continued efforts to help each other weather the COVID storm,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “Portland is a small business town. Our small businesses are employers, neighbors, and mainstays of our neighborhoods. By helping small businesses, especially Black, indigenous, people of color, and women-owned businesses, we are contributing to the City’s resilience and recovery.”

More information is available at the Water Bureau’s website, portlandoregon.gov/water/smallbiz. Business owners can sign up now to get an announcement when the application opens. Applications will be open for two weeks beginning July 8, and will be evaluated using a racial equity and vulnerability lens. Applications will not be evaluated on a first come-first served basis.

“Small businesses give Portland its unique character and add to its vibrant economic fabric. This funding is designed to help our most vulnerable businesses weather the storm of the pandemic. We know that a racial wealth gap and barriers to capital exist,” Commissioner Amanda Fritz said. “We are designing a program that prioritizes assistance on utility bills for businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color (BIPOC) and women.”

“Many local businesses are facing significant hardships,” said Prosper Portland Executive Director Kimberly Branam. “We look forward to collaborating with the Water Bureau and the Bureau of Environment Services to create a program that provides equitable access to crucial utility payment assistance for small businesses in this challenging time.”

In addition to this support for small businesses, the bureaus have expanded the financial assistance program for residential customers. Portland City Council recently approved an expansion of the Water Leak Repair Assistance Program, which more than doubles funding to help income-qualified homeowners make necessary water leak repairs to their homes.

“We continue to look for ways to reduce barriers and get financial assistance to those in need,” Water Bureau Director of Customer Service Kathy Koch said. “We have temporarily relaxed eligibility requirements for our bill discount program, including the proof-of-income documentation requirement. We are seeing more people signing up for these programs and we are ready to help.”

The City of Portland utility bureaus continue to offer all customers no-interest flexible payment schedules. In response to the crisis, the utility bureaus have temporarily suspended late fees, collections and water shut-offs on accounts with past-due balances. Financial assistance may not cover an entire bill, so bureaus recommend that customers continue to make payments that are manageable to them to avoid a potentially larger balance in the future.

The financial assistance programs serve thousands of Portlanders and offer a menu of options for reducing or waiving portions of the utility bills. These include:

Services for residential customers:

• Utility Safety Net Program and crisis assistance provides flexible, long-term interest-free payment arrangements for those with employment, medical, or other personal emergencies.
• Bill discounts and crisis assistance are available for income-qualified customers.
• Assistance for renters in multi-family properties in the amount of up to $500 is available through a partnership with Home Forward for renters at risk of eviction. Contact 211 for assistance.
• Water leak repair assistance  funds repairs of water leaks for income-qualified homeowners.

Services for all customers:

• Monthly statements offer the option of paying each month to avoid a quarterly bill that includes three months of sewer/stormwater/water charges.
• Clean River Rewards provide savings for those who manage stormwater on their property.
• Water Efficiency offers free water-saving devices and rebates for toilet and irrigation upgrades.

To learn more about how the City can help, or to view the detailed information about these programs, please start here. If you still have questions, email  CustomerService@portlandoregon.gov">PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov or contact City Customer Service staff at 503-823-7770. Limited staffing may result in longer response time.

ABOUT THE PORTLAND WATER BUREAU 

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. Find us on Twitter @PortlandWater and visit us at portlandoregon.gov/water.

About the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services 

The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration.  Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland. On the web: portlandoregon.gov/bes/news.

About PROSPER PORTLAND 

Prosper Portland creates economic growth and opportunity for Portland. Our vision is to make Portland one of the most globally competitive, healthy, and equitable cities in the world by investing in job creation, encouraging broad economic prosperity, and fostering great places throughout the city. We aspire to be a workplace of choice with passionate staff excelling in an open and empowering environment and sharing a commitment to our collective success. Follow us on Twitter @prosperportland or visit us at prosperportland.us.

State Parks Day is Saturday, June 6 and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites visitors to their local state park for a day of free camping and parking.

Overnight camping is free at all tent and RV sites in open state park campgrounds for stays over the night of June 6. Day-use parking is free June 6 at the 25 parks that charge a day-use fee.

“State Parks Day is our annual ‘thank you’ to Oregonians for supporting their state parks,” said Lisa Sumption, OPRD director. “2020 has been a difficult year for many people, and we’re proud to be able to provide safe natural places for folks to de-stress and enjoy the outdoors.”

State Parks Day is organized by OPRD and has been held annually since 1997. In the past, State Parks Day included guided hikes, interagency activities with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Lottery, free food and interpretation activities. 

Reduced staff, budget and resources keep the agency from hosting events this year. COVID-19 precautions also limit interactive opportunities but the public is still encouraged to visit a state park local to them and enjoy the outdoors.

The majority of state park campgrounds still remain closed until June 9; however, a few are currently open to first-come, first-served guests:

• Goose Lake, south of Lakeview
• Jackson Kimball, northwest of Chiloquin
• Minam, north of La Grande
• Hilgard Junction, near La Grande
• Catherine Creek, near Union
• Clyde Holliday, near John Day
• Cottonwood Canyon, southeast of The Dalles
• More campgrounds could be added before June 6, please check online at stateparks.oregon.gov

Campers should expect reduced levels of service at the campgrounds, including fewer staff and limited access to facilities.

Oregon State Parks do not receive tax dollars and are primarily funded by Oregon Lottery revenue and user fees. Learn more on stateparks.oregon.gov.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver’s June Business Growth MAP Alliance forum is part one of a two-part series on digital marketing. June’s forum will focus on Search Engine Optimization. SEO is frequently misunderstood because it is a complex process in which every part must work together flawlessly. 

The forum will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. June 17 via Zoom. The forum is open to all at no cost, but advance registration is required. Register online at business.vancouver.wsu.edu/bgmap and click the link under “Upcoming events.”

Speakers Keith Gagnier and Michelle Havist are the co-founders of Pump Marketing Solutions, a digital agency that specializes in helping industrial companies improve the findability and usability of their websites using the latest internet marketing practices and techniques. Learn what is required of your website to grow your business through new customer acquisition. 

Part two of the Digital Marketing Series on July 15 will focus on social media strategy. Learn how to understand your target market based on demographic data and create a social media plan to reach them. 

The Business Growth MAP Alliance brings together small businesses and entrepreneurs to learn from each other, industry experts and WSU Vancouver faculty. 

About WSU Vancouver

As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations. 

# # #

June 3, 2020 – Salem, Ore. – When Sabrina Welch gets off work at the Chevron on 170th in Aloha, she likes to buy a few Scratch-its to take home with her. One of her favorite ways to pick which Scratch-its she buys is to use the age-old method of choosing… Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

“I was deciding which games to play and was going ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe,’” said Sabrina. “My co-worker behind the counter pointed to the Casino Royale Scratch-it and said, ‘Pick this one!’ So, I did.”

After taking her tickets home and scratching them, she soon discovered she had chosen the right ticket when her Casino Royale ticket revealed she had won the game’s $50,000 top prize! “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I showed my son and asked him what he thought, and he agreed with me. I ended up taking the ticket back to work and used the Lottery ticket scanner and it said I’d won $50,000!”

To protect the health and safety of its employees and the public, the Oregon Lottery has temporarily closed the Salem and Wilsonville Lottery offices. Officials with the Lottery continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. If players have a winning ticket, they can fill out a claim form on the Oregon Lottery website, https://oregonlottery.org/about/claim-prizes , and then mail in the signed ticket and claim form.

Players who have winning tickets of $50,000 or more, will need to make an appointment to come to the Oregon Lottery office in Salem. Call 503-540-1000 for assistance. As always, players should be certain to sign the back of their tickets.

Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

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

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June 3, 2020 – Salem, Ore. – When Sabrina Welch gets off work at the Chevron on 170th in Aloha, she likes to buy a few Scratch-its to take home with her. One of her favorite ways to pick which Scratch-its she buys is to use the age-old method of choosing… Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

“I was deciding which games to play and was going ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe,’” said Sabrina. “My co-worker behind the counter pointed to the Casino Royale Scratch-it and said, ‘Pick this one!’ So, I did.”

After taking her tickets home and scratching them, she soon discovered she had chosen the right ticket when her Casino Royale ticket revealed she had won the game’s $50,000 top prize! “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I showed my son and asked him what he thought, and he agreed with me. I ended up taking the ticket back to work and used the Lottery ticket scanner and it said I’d won $50,000!”

To protect the health and safety of its employees and the public, the Oregon Lottery has temporarily closed the Salem and Wilsonville Lottery offices. Officials with the Lottery continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. If players have a winning ticket, they can fill out a claim form on the Oregon Lottery website, https://oregonlottery.org/about/claim-prizes , and then mail in the signed ticket and claim form.

Players who have winning tickets of $50,000 or more, will need to make an appointment to come to the Oregon Lottery office in Salem. Call 503-540-1000 for assistance. As always, players should be certain to sign the back of their tickets.

Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

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

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Dr Eva Galvez, family physician at the Virginia Garcia Hillsboro Clinic, will be testifying tomorrow before the House Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. She will be one of four experts from around the country testifying on the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color.

The link to watch is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pYsDTiC39U&feature=youtu.be

The House press release and complete details on how to view the event are attached.

Last week an adult in custody of the Lincoln County Jail attempted suicide by strangling herself with a shirt she had removed from her body.

The female appeared to be in a mental health crisis and was in a booking cell with a camera under observation. A deputy on duty observed her attempt to strangle herself with her shirt. The deputy called for assistance, entered the cell, and removed the shirt from her neck.

Medical and mental health staff in the jail were notified.

The adult in custody was placed on suicide watch and transported to the hospital for mental health crisis intervention.

She returned to the custody of the Lincoln County Jail several days later and will continue to receive the care, she needs from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office staff, which includes the medical team, a Pretrial Counselor, and a Jail Counselor.

Three days later an adult in custody of the Lincoln County Jail attempted suicide by hanging himself with jail issued clothing attached to the upper bunk in a cell by himself.

A supervisor doing a routine welfare check found the individual unresponsive and limp. The supervisor asked for assistance and the responding deputy lifted the individual up as a second deputy cut through the clothing.

The staff involved in this incident called for an AED and for an ambulance to respond to the jail. The adult in custody was awake and responsive prior to EMS arriving.

The adult in custody was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical and mental health care. He was discharged the next day and returned to the jail. While in custody he will continue to receive the care he needs from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office staff, which includes the medical team, a Pretrial Counselor, and a Jail Counselor.

The observations and quick actions of the staff working in the Lincoln County Jail on these days contributed to a positive outcome.

All Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office staff receive First Aid, AED, CPR and Narcan training from the two Registered Nurses employed in the jail.

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Marie Gainer
Sergeant

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Jail Division

251 W Olive Newport, Oregon 97365
mgainer@co.lincoln.or.us

(541) 265-0717 Office

On May 31st, 2020, while monitoring activity in E pod, Deputy Read heard yelling and observed an adult in custody, Brian One Feather, age 38 of Siletz, OR strike another adult in custody. 

Deputy Read called for assistance and observed One Feather attempt to strike the adult in custody again. All adults in custody were ordered to separate and One Feather was removed from the housing unit. Medical staff on duty were notified of the incident.

The incident was investigated by Deputy Cloud who charged One Feather with Assault IV and Harassment.

One Feather was lodged in the Lincoln County Jail on a Probation Violation on May 13th, 2020 and is currently being held on both cases.

The Lincoln County Jail has several staff members who investigate crimes within the jail such as assaults. Incidents in the jail do not always rise to the level of criminal charges. The jail has internal procedures for holding adults in custody accountable in those cases, such as loss of privileges.

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Marie Gainer
Sergeant

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Jail Division

251 W Olive Newport, Oregon 97365
mgainer@co.lincoln.or.us

(541) 265-0717 Office

The Washington County Major Crimes Team has identified the deceased as Robert Anthony “Jordan” Whitehead, age 26.

On 5/30/20, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy on Mr. Whitehead.

The following Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) personnel were involved in the incident:

• Cpl. Micah Akin
  • Has worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2005
• Cpl. John Auth
  • Has worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2015
• Deputy Steve Nichols
  • Has worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2003
• Deputy Jacob Anderson
  • Has worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2018
  • Previously worked for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office from 2015 to 2018

All four are on modified-duty status at this time, which is standard protocol.

The investigation is ongoing, and no other details can be released at this time.

The officer-involved shooting was captured on a deputy’s body-worn camera. Washington County Major Crimes Team Investigators reviewed the video and confirmed that at the beginning of the struggle, a Taser was deployed on the knife-wielding man. The knife was a large kitchen knife. Unfortunately, the Taser was ineffective, and the struggle continued. While still brandishing the large kitchen knife, the man advanced towards deputies and was subsequently shot.

Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous calls a law enforcement officer can respond to. In Oregon, more than 37% of women and 33% of men experience intimate partner physical violence in their lifetimes, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Nationally, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. If you need emergency help, call the Washington County Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC) 24-hour CRISIS HOTLINE at 503-469-8620. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

There are no more details available at this time.

On Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 10:37 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call located at the West Slope Apartments located at 8585 SW Canyon Lane. Several people called to report yelling coming from one of the apartments.

When deputies arrived, they contacted a female who lived in the apartment. Shortly after, deputies contacted a male from the same apartment. While deputies were attempting to take the male into custody, he brandished a knife. After a struggle, deputies shot the male.

Deputies attempted life-saving efforts on the male until medical professionals arrived, but all attempts were unsuccessful.

The name of the deceased male and deputies involved will not be released at this time.

The Washington County Major Crimes Team and Washington County Forensic Science Unit responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

EMBARGO UNTIL: June 3, 2020, 10 a.m.

Salem, OR – Today the Oregon Secretary of State released an audit report of the statewide childcare background check practices. The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), Background Check Unit (BCU) and the Office of Child Care (OCC) screen the backgrounds of thousands of childcare providers who participate in the Employment-Related Day Care subsidy program.

DHS agrees with and is moving forward on implementing most of the audit’s recommendations.

“DHS thanks the Audits Division for the opportunity to rigorously explore its background check systems, and for the advocacy in improving those systems and cross-agency communication,” said Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “Our background check system is critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in care, and there are many opportunities for improvement, as identified in the audit.”

The BCU and OCC screening process includes a thorough fitness determination of potential childcare providers that fully complies with federal and state statutes and is directly supported by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance. This fitness determination includes a consideration of all factors that could have an impact on child safety, as well as the employment rights of applicants and the value of lived experience. Among the many factors that are considered are evidence of rehabilitation and the passage of time since the crime or area of concern.

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Central City Concern stands with the demonstrators, here in Portland and across the nation, to call attention and demand action against injustice and brutality inflicted upon Black people, and all communities of color. Law enforcement and our entire public safety system must be accountable for actions that continue to target and harm Black, Indigenous and people of color. We stand with our communities and their rights to be safely housed, healthy and free.

Interested Oregon City citizens are invited to apply for a position on the Oregon City 2040 (OC2040) Comprehensive Plan Update Project Advisory Team (PAT). The deadline to apply for the PAT has been extended to June 10, 2020. The PAT will help Oregon City craft a vision for how to approach development over the next 20 years and update our Comprehensive Plan to implement the vision and guide city decision making.

Future development, projects, and plans must comply with the Comprehensive Plan, which makes this plan very important to reflect the aspirations of all community members. No technical knowledge is required other than a love for Oregon City and a willingness to solicit feedback and report back regularly to the group you represent.

The overall project will start by with significant public involvement to create a Community Vision.

Equity in Public Involvement

The City is committed to engaging the community early and often throughout the process using a variety of means.  “The City Commission and staff are excited to hear from the community and citizens throughout Oregon City about their vision for the next 20 years,” said Pete Walter, Oregon City Senior Planner.  “The first step is forming a Project Advisory Team that represents a range of interests and perspectives. We are going to emphasize engaging communities of color and others who have not been represented in the past, and actively include those groups in this process. The PAT will also help the City staff and consultants integrate a variety of fun and useful public engagement tools so that people can be involved where they live, work, learn, and play”.

Project Advisory Team

The team will meet up to ten times between Spring 2020 and December 2021. The PAT will represent a broad spectrum of Oregon City residents and interests to:

• Advise and help implement equitable and effective public involvement strategies including engaging broader Oregon City constituencies, communities, and civic organizations
• Provide a broad set of perspectives to ensure OC2040 is an equitable process
• Ensure that the OC2040 Vision reflects the community’s values
• Support the work of city staff, consultants, and the Citizen Involvement Committee

The PAT will consist of approximately 25 people who demonstrate a balanced commitment to the adopted scope of work and represent a broad spectrum of the city.  The City has identified the following organizations and interests for the PAT.  Members may serve in overlapping capacities.

Project Advisory Team Positions

• 1 Rental Housing / Public Assistance Advocate
• 1 Arts and Culture Advocate
• 1 Active Transportation / Bicycle / Pedestrian Advocate
• 1 (+1 Alternate) City Commissioner
• 1 (+1 Alternate) Planning Commissioner
• 1 Latinx and Hispanic Association or Representative
• 1 Russian Association or Representative
• 1 Elderly / Aging in Place Advocate
• 1 Indigenous People / Tribal Representative
• 2 Youth Representatives
• 1 Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) Member
• 1 Historic Review Board (HRB) Member
• 1 Natural Resources Committee (NRC) Member
• 1 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) Member
• 1 Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Member
• 1 Clackamas Community College Representative
• 1 Residential Developer / Home Builders Association / Realtor
• 1 Large Employer
• 1 Small Employer
• 1 Chamber of Commerce Representative
• 1 Downtown Oregon City Association (DOCA) Representative
• 1 Faith Based Organization / Local Church Pastor Advocate
• 2 At Large Community Members
• 1 LQBTQ Advocate
• 1 Advocate for Persons with Mental or Physical Disabilities
• 1 Community Health Advocate

Mailing List

In addition to applying for the Project Advisory Team, the public is encouraged to sign up for email updates at https://oc2040.com/get-involved to get notices of new information, meetings, events, and other opportunities related to the Comprehensive Plan update.

For Immediate Release 

Date: June 2, 2020

Vancouver NAACP condemns the recent actions by police, law enforcement, and justice officials in the deaths George Floyd in Minneapolis and Ahmaud Arbery in Glynn County, GA. We also condemn the recent killing of William Abbe here in Vancouver.

Videos of a Minneapolis policeman killing Mr. George Floyd while he begged for his life, and while three other officers stood by and watched, left us once again dismayed, angered and exhausted as we watched another black man needlessly and intentionally killed by police.

That horrific death and the failure of justice officials to swiftly arrest and charge the officers have helped convince the nation that police, emboldened by institutional racism, are needlessly and purposely killing black people. And that black people should not have to continuously shoulder this dismay, anger, and exhaustion at the hands of a justice system that denies us justice. 

Protests now rage across the country. Earnest people are demanding that the country make real changes in the nation's law enforcement and justice system. Some city and state leaders are finally naming the problem that must be resolved.

A video of the killing of Mr. Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia unveiled numerous reprehensible acts by law enforcement and justice officials who condoned, participated, and almost succeeded in covering up his murder. This hideous situation revealed the depths of racism and protectionism embodied in some law enforcement and justice departments. We demand that police and law enforcement leaders in our city and country go the distance to eradicate the acceptance and practice of racism to any extent in these institutions. 

Here in Vancouver, we continue to call for the end to disparate treatment by police of black people and people of color and the mentally ill. Videos of the recent shooting of William Abbe, a homeless man, who may have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time, were disturbing.  We want to know how and why VPD Officers, notwithstanding the extent and nature of the threats posed by Mr. Abbe on that day, determined that the use of deadly force was the only reasonable or necessary way to end the incident or to fulfill their duty to protect and serve the citizens of Vancouver in good faith.

We will continue to protest and demand change and accountability by law enforcement and justice departments in our country and in our City of Vancouver.

We recognize that people need ways to express their grief, frustration, and anger. At YWCA Clark County, you will find a memorial for George Floyd. We welcome your flowers, notes, and other mementos honoring his life.

Additionally, on Saturday, June 6, 2020 we are hosting a Car Rally for Black Lives. We urge you to visit our website for more information and to register. https://www.naacpvancouverwa.org/ 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has submitted its application to move into Phase 2 of the state’s four-phased reopening plan.

Clark County Public Health submitted a request for a variance to move to Phase 2 on Friday, May 22. Secretary of Health John Wiesman placed the county’s request on pause on Saturday, May 23, due to the outbreak at Firestone Pacific Foods in Vancouver.

Public Health provided Secretary Wiesman with additional information and data about its response to the Firestone outbreak on Thursday, May 28. During a meeting Monday evening with Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director, Secretary Wiesman asked Public Health to submit a new application.

Public Health completed that application and submitted it to Secretary Wiesman on Tuesday evening. Clark County is not yet approved for Phase 2 and does not have an anticipated start date for the next phase.

For now, Clark County remains in Phase 1. Clark County residents and businesses should continue to follow the Phase 1 guidance outlined by the governor.

For more information about COVID-19 and the Public Health response, visit the Public Health website.

Salem, Ore. — As the State Capital and city of Peace, Salem has a long history of supporting peaceful demonstrations.   For the past three nights, demonstrations for justice, freedom, and equality have been peaceful.  Monday evening’s event and march are an example of our community’s values in action. 

Later in the evening hours, our community has also experienced groups engaging in criminal behavior which place local businesses and community members in danger.  To help avoid further violence and destruction of property, the City has put an evening curfew in place. We recognize curfews are a significant step and, in Salem, are only ordered if there is a threat to community safety.  These curfews have been enacted to help the Salem Police Department maintain public safety and prevent further destruction and violence.   Curfews are applied uniformly, and when individuals have refused multiple requests to disperse after peaceful assemblies and demonstrations end. 

From Tuesday, June 2 beginning at 11 pm and each evening through Monday, June 8 at 6 am, an emergency has been declared and a curfew ordered.  The extension of this order and curfew are intended to assure our community that we are taking seriously their right to peaceful assembly and that we will continue to protect that right.  By extending the order and curfew through June 8, we are also assuring residents and businesses that we are taking their safety seriously.  Delaying the curfew to begin at 11 pm, rather than earlier in the evening, lessens the impact on the local business community and their employees and allows peaceful group a full opportunity to demonstrate. 

Specifically, the curfew will be in effect the following days and hours:

• Tuesday, June 2 from 11 pm to Wednesday, June 3 at 6 am
• Wednesday, June 3 from 11 pm to Thursday, June 4 at 6 am
• Thursday, June 4 from 11 pm to Friday, June 5 at 6 am
• Friday, June 5 from 11 pm to Saturday, June 6 at 6 am
• Saturday, June 6 from 11 pm to Sunday, June 7 at 6 am
• Sunday, June 7 from 11 pm to Monday, June 8 at 6 am.

Thank you, Salem.

See full emergency order: https://bit.ly/2020-06-02EmergencyOrder

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet by teleconference on Tuesday, June 9 at 10 a.m. Agenda items include:

• An annual Common School Fund performance review by Oregon State Treasury
• An annual report on the financial performance of Common School Fund lands managed by the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL)
• The DSL 2021-23 budget request
• The Oregon Department of Forestry’s 2021-23 budget request for management of Common School Fund forestland
• A request from Coos County for two permanent easements to maintain bridge crossings on Bear Creek
   

The full meeting agenda and materials are available here.

Teleconference audio will be livestreamed to the DSL YouTube channel and public testimony will be accepted by email to support the public’s ability to attend and comment virtually. Testimony is accepted regarding consent and action agenda items and may be submitted before or during the meeting to oard.testimony@state.or.us">landboard.testimony@state.or.us. Guidelines for providing testimony are available here.

If you need assistance to participate in the meeting due to a disability, please notify Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or in.n.smith@state.or.us">arin.n.smith@state.or.us at least two working days prior to the meeting.

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Bev Clarno and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

Grant applications are being accepted through July 1, 2020, for the 2019-2021 Cycle Two funding from the Marine Board. Grants are available to public bodies such as cities, counties, state and federal agencies, and Tribal governments for recreational boating facility improvements. All of the above parties, in addition to non-profit, non-governmental, and private entities are encouraged to apply for boating safety, education, equipment for underserved communities. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to partner with new parties to address waterway access needs for all recreational boaters,” said Janine Belleque, Boating Facilities Manager for the Marine Board. “It’s also exciting to be able to compliment access improvements with boating safety education grant dollars in underserved communities that enhance water recreation opportunities.”

In 2019, SB 47 was passed by the Oregon Legislature, creating an account for boating facility grants for the development or improvement of non-motorized boating access sites, or for boating safety education programs in underserved communities. Revenue for the grants comes from Waterway Access Permit sales, which are required to be purchased and carried on board non-motorized boats 10’ long and longer (including some sailboats). The Marine Board approved new grant rules during their June 2020, meeting, integrating the Waterway Access grant application and scoring criteria into the now 50-year old boating facility grant program in the agency. This simplifies the process for applicants: one application for five competitive grant funding sources. Roughly $250,000 is available in Waterway Access grants and $500,000 of other Boating Facility grants are available for eligible applicants.   

Boating facility grant applications are awarded three times during a two-year biennium based on available funding. The Cycle Two funding allocates 20% of the available boating facilities resources and focuses on projects that can be completed within 12 months remaining in the biennium.  This includes property acquisition, construction within the in-water windows, and permitting for replacing boat ramps, boarding docks, repaving, or redesigning parking lots or sanitation renovations.  The Marine Board’s Boating Facility staff provide technical assistance to grant applicants through every step of the project concept, design/engineering, permitting, surveying, and inspections of any given project, often saving time and money for the facility provider.

Cycle Three allocates 10% of the available funding to factor in previously awarded grants with unexpected cost increases, or emergency situations. This funding cycle is dependent upon the successful completion of other projects and available revenue.

The Marine Board awards more than $5 million biennially for boating facility improvements.  Since 2001, the agency has awarded $44 million in facility grants throughout Oregon. These grants are funded from motorboat title and registration fees, marine fuel tax revenue, and in 2020, Waterway Access Permit fees. 

More information on Waterway Access Permits and examples of facility projects are available at www.boatoregon.com.  

Grant applications, a boating facilities procedures guide, and sample application are also available on the agency’s website.

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The Marine Board is directly funded by boaters in the form of registration, title, and permit fees, as well as through marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollars, or local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees support the boating public through boating safety services (on-the-water law enforcement, training, and equipment), boating safety education, grants for the construction and maintenance of boating access facilities, and environmental protection programs. For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

WHO:              David Gerstenfeld, Acting Director, Oregon Employment Department

WHAT:            Acting Employment Department Director David Gerstenfeld will hold his first media briefing as the new leader of the organization on Wed., June 3 at 1:00 p.m. via teleconference. Gerstenfeld will share his vision for ensuring every Oregonian who qualifies for unemployment is able to get their payments, as well as urgent steps being taken to significantly increase claims processing and to improve communications with Oregonians whose claims are outstanding. He will also share new data of the number of claims processed to date, the number of outstanding claims and other helpful data.

WHEN:            Wed., June 3, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PT

WHERE:         Via teleconference; Members of the media must RSVP for call-in information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 12:00 p.m. PT on June 3; Teleconference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP to participate remotely; Headshot of David Gerstenfeld available here.

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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.

June 2, 2020

Multnomah County DA’s Office statement on recent mass demonstration arrests

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill released the following information after four days of mass demonstrations in Portland, Oregon.

Approximately 100 individuals were either booked into jail or issued citations between May 29 and June 2, 2020. At this time, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has only reviewed the cases involving individuals with court appearances scheduled for today, and has issued 27 cases:

Most individuals booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center, with limited exception, are released from custody prior to their arraignment. In accordance with the procedures established by Multnomah County’s Presiding Judge in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, upon release, arrested individuals are then assigned an arraignment date typically 7 to 9 weeks into the future.

Certain Class A and Class B felonies, as well as certain domestic violence offenses, are given more rapid return-to-court dates, which is when a released individual is informed whether charges have been filed.

This process, established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has minimized exposure risks to defendants, court staff, lawyers, crime victims and members of the public who still must appear in court to address matters relating to defendants who remain in custody.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office continues to work with law enforcement to identify and investigate any criminal conduct that occurred during past mass demonstrations. We will initiate a criminal case following a review of all available evidence and whenever legally and ethically appropriate, pursuant to state and constitutional law.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office encourages anyone with information on the identity of any person observed in criminal behavior during a mass demonstration to contact the Portland Police Bureau so these cases can be investigated and then sent to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution consideration.

Tips should be directed to the Portland Police Bureau's Detective Division at 503-823-0400 or submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Oregon by calling 503.823.HELP (4357)

Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.

No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.

A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. All individuals named in a charging instrument are innocent unless and until proven guilty.

COVID-19 Notice

The health and well-being of all employees and community members we serve is a top priority for the Multnomah County District Attorney. Our office is working with the court, defense bar, local law enforcement and other system partners to carefully balance the needs of public health and public safety.

For information about the operational changes implemented by the District Attorney’s Office in response to the novel coronavirus, please click here.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director | Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

BOISE, ID – As wildfire activity increases across the American West and Alaska, the Bureau of Land Management is responding. The BLM has mobilized wildland firefighters and aviation support to incidents in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and other states, with the goal of catching wildfires before they grow into large, problematic incidents.

“Every year, the BLM sends its wildland firefighters across borders for wildfire response, and this year is no different. We’ve planned carefully and strategically for wildfire suppression during the pandemic,” said BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs William Perry Pendley. “Now, we’re implementing safe, efficient fire suppression operations with our firefighters working as ‘family units’ to protect people, property and themselves.”

The BLM has sent smokejumpers to Colorado, Nevada, and Utah to respond to wildfires, and wildland firefighters in New Mexico and Arizona have responded to several incidents. Wildland fire engines have been sent from Montana to help suppress wildfires in Arizona, and BLM aviation resources are moving throughout the country to locations like Lake City, Florida and as far north as Fairbanks, Alaska.  

These efforts are part of a larger national wildfire reduction strategy guided by President Trump’s Executive Order 13855 – Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk, as well as Secretary’s Order 3372 – Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land through Active Management. The two orders direct Department of the Interior (DOI) to implement policies to improve forest and rangeland management practices by reducing hazardous fuel loads, mitigating fire risk and ensuring the safety and stability of local communities through active management on forests and rangelands.

Every year, the BLM works with its Federal, state, and local partners to suppress wildfires as soon as they ignite, a tactic known as “initial attack”. Aggressive initial attack is the single most important method to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public; it also limits suppression costs. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the wildland fire agencies will continue to work to suppress wildfires with the goal of reducing wildfire size and intensity. 

The BLM prepared for fire activity by working with its federal, state and local partners to develop specific COVID-19 wildfire response plans to provide for personnel and public safety. These plans outline best management practices to limit the spread of the virus and to provide a safe working environment for all wildland fire personnel.

“Overall, the BLM will use its wildfire response plans to ensure safe, efficient wildfire suppression operations during the pandemic,” said Pendley. “We will continue to send wildfire suppression resources wherever they are needed, because that is what our neighbors, stakeholders, and rural communities expect from the BLM, COVID-19 notwithstanding.” 

-BLM–

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

To slow the spread of COVID?19, this meeting is a dial?in only. It will not be held at a physical location.

If you wish to attend via conference call and need dial?in information, please contact annette.rehms@tvwd.org or call 971-222-5957 by 2:30 p.m. on June 9, 2020.  If you wish to address the WRWC Board, please request the Public Comment Form and return it 48 hours prior to the day of the meeting.

Board meeting packet as well as information about the Willamette River Water Coalition can be found on the website 

On May 30th, 2020, at approximately 2:55 pm, Salem Police officers responded to a report of an unconscious male laying near the Safway store, located in the 1200 block of Center St NE.  The caller told dispatch the male patient, just prior to losing consciousness, had been complaining of being assaulted the day before.  When officers arrived they located the male patient, who was not breathing and not conscious.  Officers administered narcan as a preventative measure and immediately began CPR.  Medics were called and continued the life saving measures on scene.  The male was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.  Both the Marion County District Attorney's Office and the Medical Examiner were contacted and advised of the death. 

The medical examiner performed an autopsy and determined there were no signs of foul play.  Results of a toxicology test are pending.  The case is currently being investigated by the Medical Examiners office.  Any further inquires can be directed to their office. 

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News release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release date: June 2, 2020
Media contact: Chris Havel, 503-986-0722 (desk), 503-931-2590 (cell)

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department restores some services, facing layoffs following drop in revenue

Salem, Ore – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will face months, even years, of critical challenges due to the economic fallout from COVID-19. The agency does not receive state General Fund tax dollars to operate any service, including its popular, heavily visited state park system. A decline in its main revenue sources – Lottery Fund and park visitors – has left it offering reduced services and facing layoffs to fill an estimated $22 million dollar gap in its July 2019-June 2021 budget.

OPRD’s budget is 44% Lottery Fund dedicated by Oregon voters in 1999 and 2010; 50% “Other Fund” from park visitors, a portion of recreational vehicle registrations, and other sources; and 6% Federal Fund, mainly for heritage-related programs. The projected Lottery Fund allocation is down 30% from pre-coronavirus estimates. The state park system was closed for two months, and is just now starting to offer limited services to campers.

When it became clear in spring that revenues were going to be unstable, OPRD froze hiring, curtailed discretionary spending, and suspended large improvement and repair projects and other programs such as grants.  The current estimated $22 million gap could grow or shrink, but it has necessitated the decision to lay off 47 positions by June 30. The number of positions laid off could change. State park field operations have borne the lion’s share of the workforce reduction already. Most of the state park workforce is hired seasonally, and of the 415 positions allotted to operate parks, only 77 had been hired by the time the system closed in March. Some seasonal staff may be hired on a case-by-case basis to flesh out the current skeleton crew. The upcoming reductions will focus on other areas of the department.

Some state park camping has started at smaller parks, and more will begin June 9 (see May 29 news release). Typical services such as trash collection, restrooms, and showers are limited, both due to their expense and the limited staffing. Fewer staff and funds are available for landscape maintenance and cleanup, a point driven home by storm damage in central Oregon this past weekend.

Given the uncertainties of staffing and public health considerations reservation services will resume, but in a likewise limited manner. Reservations will be accepted online at https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ and by phone at 800-452-5687, beginning Wednesday, June 3 at noon Pacific time. New reservations will be accepted one day to two weeks in advance only, instead of one day to 9 months in advance, which had been in place for years. Not all sites at all parks are available, and many were already reserved before the system closed. No walk-in or first-come, first-served camping will be available on the coast until further notice. For more information on camping reservations, visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov

Visitors can help by treating park properties gently, using as little water and power as necessary, and packing out trash.

“This is a heartbreaking time for our agency family, both for those who face a heavy workload as we roll into summer and for the dedicated professionals we have to release from service,” says Lisa Sumption, OPRD Director. “We’ll do everything we can to help them land on their feet. With support from Oregonians, the agency will rise to this challenge and adapt.”

# # #

The Battle Ground City Council recognizes that many residents and businesses of the City are experiencing financial hardships related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.  In order to offer a small measure of relief, the council has taken action to reduce the City’s water, sewer and stormwater utility tax rate from the current 22 percent to 12 percent. 

The tax rate decrease is effective immediately.  City utility customers will see a decrease on their upcoming June statements.  The tax reduction will save the average residential customer about $60 through the end of 2020.  The immediate reduction will bridge the gap between now and January 2021 when the rate was already scheduled to decrease to 12 percent. 

“The response to COVID-19 has created adverse economic consequences in our community – especially for workers and small businesses,” said Mayor Adrian Cortes, “Council’s policy decision to reduce the utility tax is intended to help the community through this difficult time.”

Utility tax revenue goes to the City’s general fund to support core municipal services such as public safety, public works, community development, and parks and recreation.  The City has proactively prepared for emergencies with cautious and conservative financial practices.  The effect of the tax decrease to the general fund, approximately $540,000 through the end of 2020, will be absorbed by reserve savings. 

The City’s declaration of public health emergency remains in effect, providing additional utility payment relief to customers in need.  During the public health emergency, the city is not disconnecting service for non-payment, nor assessing late fees.  City customers who are able to pay their utility bill are asked to continue to do so.  As a public, non-profit utility, it helps the City maintain service continuity while allowing flexibility for those most impacted by the effects of COVID-19.

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The City of Battle Ground, located in the heart of Clark County, WA serves 21,520 residents.  The surrounding natural beauty, access to recreation activities, and close proximity to the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area make Battle Ground a desirable place to live and has created a period of considerable growth. The City functions under a Council-Manager form of government and provides vital public services such as police, planning and development, roads, parks, utilities and others. City leaders operate under guiding principles that were created with community input through a recent visioning process. More information about the City can be found at www.cityofbg.org.

June 2, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 33 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 157, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 33 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 4,335. The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (1), Hood River (4), Lincoln (2), Linn (1), Marion (8), Multnomah (10), Umatilla (1), Wasco (2), Washington (4).

Oregon’s 155th COVID-19 death is a 36-year-old woman in Multnomah County, who tested positive on May 31 and died the same day at Adventist Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 156th COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old woman in Multnomah County, who tested positive on April 1 and died on May 22 at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 157th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman in Washington County, who tested positive on April 6 and died on May 26 at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Outbreak Reported at Bob’s Red Mill

An outbreak of 13 COVID-19 cases has been reported at Bob’s Red Mill in Clackamas County. State and county public health officials are working to investigate the outbreak and protect the health of workers. The outbreak investigation started on May 27.

The risk to the general public from this outbreak is low. If you have questions or concerns about your risk of exposure, please contact your health care provider.

Additional information about this outbreak will be added to the COVID-19 Weekly Report published tomorrow.

Last week, OHA announced that it will begin reporting large COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces. This will include all past and future outbreaks that involve five or more COVID-19 cases in a workplace setting. OHA is in the process of compiling information on past outbreaks for public disclosure.

OHA is now including a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The Daily Update is a detailed look at COVID-19 in Oregon, including testing data, hospital capacity, and cases broken down by demographic information such as age groups, gender, race and ethnicity.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense by recognizing signs of trouble. 

Indicators, or symptoms, that your computer or devices have been hacked can vary from nothing identifiable to the most obvious, like getting a ransomware message or having your financial accounts drained. 

Some of the more blatant indicators include:

• Your password not working. While this may be a temporary issue with an internet connection or a requested website having technical issues, it could be an instance in which an attacker has hijacked your account and changed the password. 

• People receive emails or social media invites from you that you did not send. 

• You get a large number of pop-up ads. 

• You get fake antivirus messages.

• You have unexplained online activity.

• You have new browser toolbars, applications, or software which you do not recognize or didn’t install. 

There are also indicators related to how your computer or device is behaving. For example: your device suddenly slows down, you see a marked increase in data usage, your device randomly restarts, or you are experiencing redirected Internet searches. 

Attackers will also use subtle ways to avoid detection. You may notice that your security or anti-virus software has somehow been turned off. The security settings on your device may have been changed, your logging or registry editor may have been disabled, or system settings may have been altered or disabled. 

Trying to identify if you have been hacked, and what may have been compromised, is a difficult task. Even large corporations with significant financial resources dedicated to cybersecurity fall victim. We hear or read about these incidents all of the time.

Organizations shouldn’t hesitate to hire professional cybersecurity experts, just as you would hire professional video services for an ad campaign or catering services for a fundraising event. Make sure you do your own research to identify a reputable firm. 

Strengthening your systems against attacks and making yourself less of a target for would-be cyber attackers is absolutely critical.  

As always, if you have been victimized by a cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov or call your local FBI office.

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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is preparing a new application to move into Phase 2 at the request of Secretary of Health John Wiesman.

Clark County Public Health submitted a request for a variance to move to Phase 2 on Friday, May 22. Secretary Wiesman placed the county’s request on pause on Saturday, May 23, due to the outbreak at Firestone Pacific Foods in Vancouver.

Public Health provided Secretary Wiesman with additional information and data about its response to the Firestone outbreak on Thursday, May 28. During a meeting Monday evening with Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director, Secretary Wiesman asked Public Health to submit a new application.

The new application uses new metrics to measure COVID-19 disease activity, health care system readiness, testing capacity, case interview and contact notification capacity, and protection of high-risk populations. The state is waiving the requirement for another vote by the Board of Health and Clark County Council. Public Health has already begun compiling the necessary information and data, and will submit the application as soon as possible.

“Based on the level of COVID-19 activity in the community and our ability to respond quickly, effectively and appropriately, we’re optimistic we’ll receive a favorable review and approval to move to Phase 2,” said Melnick.

Public Health does not have a timeline for when the county may be approved to move to Phase 2. Public Health will issue an update when the application is submitted.

For now, Clark County remains in Phase 1. Clark County residents and businesses should continue to follow the Phase 1 guidance outlined by the governor.

For more information about COVID-19 and the Public Health response, visit the Public Health website.

HILLSBORO -  In an effort to provide care and screening services to the migrant and seasonal farmworker population, Virginia Garcia will be suspending their drive-through screening services at the Hillsboro Stadium location beginning Monday, June 8. The team, as well as the mobile clinic, at that location will be re-deployed to provide care and screening services to farms and nurseries served during the summer months in Washington and Yamhill counties.

“Virginia Garcia is committed to providing quality health care and screening resources to our most vulnerable populations,” said Virginia Garcia Chief Operations Officer Maria Loredo. “Since our first clinic opened in 1975 we have been committed to bringing health care to the migrant and seasonal farmworkers of this community. It is the foundation of our mission and it continues today.”

The drive-through screening site at the Yamhill County Fairgrounds in McMinnville will continue to provide screening services to the community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition, each of the Virginia Garcia primary care medical sites will continue to offer onsite screening services for both drive-up and walk-up needs.

“It made the most sense for us to suspend services due to the overwhelming need to be available for our migrant and seasonal farmworker population. We will re-assess the need to reopen the Hillsboro drive-through location once the migrant farmworker season ends later this summer,” said Misty Downey, program manager for the drive-through screening sites.

EUGENE, Ore.—A Florida man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to federal supervised release today for falsely claiming to represent The Village People band and swindling $12,500 from The Mill Casino in North Bend, Oregon, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Howard Harlib, 67, was sentenced to time served in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Harlib has been in state custody in Florida since 2016 after being convicted of unrelated charges.

According to court documents, in August 2015, The Mill Casino, owned and operated by the Coquille Indian Tribe, received a flier from Harlib advertising the opportunity to book The Village People for a show at the casino. Casino employees contacted Harlib, who spoke with them about dates, pricing, and other matters involved in the booking. The same day, Harlib sent the casino a brochure with information about his company, Premier Entertainment. Harlib claimed the band had a show in Las Vegas, Nevada the night before one of the dates discussed with the casino and, therefore, traveling to North Bend would not be an issue.

Later, Harlib emailed the casino an artistic engagement contract, which the casino signed and returned to Harlib with a check for $12,500. Harlib cashed the check two days later. In January 2016, the casino discovered that The Village People were scheduled to appear in Florida the same day they were booked to play in North Bend. After having difficulty reaching Harlib, the casino contacted another representative of the band. The representative confirmed that Harlib did not have any association with the band. Harlib later admitted he had no authority to book the band.

Harlib’s history of frauds and swindles dates back decades, to at least 1992. In 2004, he was convicted of third degree grand theft in Florida for the same exact scheme: contracting with two victims to have The Temptations, The Supremes, and Jimmie Walker perform at their venues. After spending five years in prison for that conviction, Harlib spent another five years in prison for impersonating a doctor and possessing a variety of prescription medications.

On April 29, 2019, Harlib was charged by federal criminal information with one count of wire fraud. He pleaded guilty today to the same charge.

During his sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Ann L. Aiken ordered Harlib to pay $12,500 in restitution to the Coquille Indian Tribe.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

# # #

Association of Prosecuting Attorney's Executive Committee Statement 

June 2, 2020

Today, the Executive Committee of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA), which Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill serves as Vice-Chair, released the following statement:

The Executive Committee of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA), an organization representing many of the nation’s prosecutors, including some of the largest offices in the country, expresses our condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd. We too are horrified at the death of Mr. Floyd at the hands of police. It is our responsibility to stand with our victims, to fight for justice, and speak when harm comes to our communities. This is clearly one of those times. This organization has led the fight for change for communities who are over-policed, yet grossly under-represented for receiving justice. APA has steadfastly addressed police reform in a variety of contexts, including the investigation and review when officers engage in use of force under the color of law. We have demanded independent and neutral investigations and we will continue to fight for those reforms in every police department. We join all who demand an end to racism, bigotry and hate in all of its forms. We resolve to live in a place where equity occurs when a person’s identity doesn’t dictate the outcome. Now is the time to institute real reform.

Jean Peters Baker, Chair

Jackson County Prosecutor (Kansas City, MO)

 Rod Underhill, Vice-Chair

Multnomah County District Attorney (Portland, OR)

Spencer B. Merriweather III, Secretary

District Attorney, 26th Prosecutorial District (Charlotte, NC)

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene via conference call for their third meeting of the year June 16 and 17.

Commissioners will meet 1 – 2:30 p.m. June 16 for a work session which is closed to the public.

Commissioners will meet 8:30 - 9 a.m. June 17 for an executive session to discuss acquisition priorities and opportunities, and potential litigation. Executive sessions are closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Members of the public will be able to listen to this call; instructions on how to join the call (Zoom meeting) will be available online prior to the meeting on the commission webpage on oregon.gov/oprd.

Notable requests on the business meeting agenda:

Land parcel transfer to Wallowa County
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking approval to transfer ownership of an undeveloped 35-acre land parcel to Wallowa County. County ownership of the parcel would allow for more consistent management, and include it in future public access plans for the area in accordance with the East Moraine project.

Approve funding for Land and Water Conservation Fund applicants
An agency committee is recommending 12 applicants receive federal grant funding for the 2020 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant cycle. If approved, awarded federal funds would total about $5 million.

State park development

• Adopt the updated master plan for Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint.
• Approve request to designate 236 acres of private land around Horseshoe Lake under the Oregon Natural Areas Plan.

Amend rules governing state administration of the National Register of Historic Places Program
OPRD is requesting permission to amend the Oregon Administrative Rules governing the historic register program to clarify language and streamline the process for program applicants. 

The full draft agenda and meeting packet are posted on the commission webpage on oregon.gov/oprd.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules, and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.

On 6/01/2020 the Oregon City Police Department took a report of a missing person from a residence off Orchard Grove Dr in Oregon City. A family member reported that 81 year-old Earl Ernest Hill left his residence sometime in the morning of 6/1/2020 in his silver 2007 Toyota Highlander, with Oregon license plate 081DEN.  Mr. Hill was supposed to return to his residence s://2">around 3:00pm to meet a family member, but he never returned.   Mr. Earl Hill, is a white male and is described as 6ft tall, 150lbs pounds with gray hair and green eyes.  Mr. Hill suffers from dementia and Parkinson’s disease. He has been known to frequent the Fred Meyer and Safeway stores in Oregon City. If you see Mr. Hill, please call Clackamas County non-emergency dispatch at (503) 655-8211. Reference Oregon City Police Department case #20-011377.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 1, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT:

503-763-3459 | media@cityofsalem.net

Joint Statement from the City of Salem, Salem-Keizer NAACP and Salem Police Department in Support of Peaceful Assembly

We are people and organizations in Salem who strive for true justice, real freedom and equality.

The City of Salem, Salem Police Department, the Salem Keizer NAACP, and all people of good will see and hear your concerns and feel your pain. Why? Because it’s our pain as well.

To each person in our community lifting their voices right now, we hear you.  We hear your urgent call for a free and fair life for each person here.

We acknowledge the very long way we have come and the very long way we must go in the work for true equity.  We see and recognize the pain and the burden of historical and present injustices facing people of color in the United States and here in Salem. With anguish, we recognize the passing of Mr. George Floyd as the most recent example, but not the only example of the devastating loss of life that drives the need for action.

The senseless loss of life of Mr. Floyd of Minneapolis, Minnesota brings us to this time and place. We know the circumstances. It’s those circumstances that brings us to the streets yesterday, today, and into the future. Protest is appropriate. Demands can be legitimate. Let’s take them to the next logical place, a serious and ongoing dialogue.

We must continue to look for ways to make our community better. We examine systems to look for racial – all – inequity and when we find them lacking, we correct them. Collectively, we have much to do.

We lose ground when we must repair a broken shop window or when a person’s business is vandalized. Violence slows our progress. Some speak of dismantling institutions – but true dismantling of oppression and injustice occurs not with a brick but with caring people - not with a thrown explosive but with an impassioned plea – not with a fight but with a vote. We are already at attention.

In this unique moment in history where we are dealing with COVID-19 and it’s continuing deadly impact on our community – communities of color especially.  To tear- up, burn down and destroy the very places we need to continue to get through this Pandemic is not wise.

Speak with us about ideas, problems and solutions. Join with us to take concrete actions to improve the lives of those needing it most. Help us honor the memory of George Floyd and all others who have come before him, not with violence but with compassionate positive action for change. We progress faster toward these ideals when we enlist our talents together. It takes all of us, unified today, to achieve the community we want to be.

Those in charge must be told face to face the status quo is not acceptable. Black lives matter not just on paper. But in life. Our lives should not be at risk simply because they are Black.

Recent violence in our community is not the answer.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

_____

Correction 6/1/2020 5:40 pm:  The original release identified the infant victim's gender as female, the child is actually male.

On June 1st, 2020, at about 7:40 am, a 911 call was received reporting a serious motor vehicle crash on Howell Prairie Road NE, just north of State Street.  The crash involved two vehicles, a 1992 Honda Accord and a 2016 Ram 4500 work truck, which collided head on.  At the time of the crash, the Honda had three people inside, two adults and one infant.  The 2016 Ram was only occupied by the driver.

When emergency crews arrived at the scene the Honda was on fire.  Firefighters from Marion County Fire District # 1 were able to extinguish the vehicle fire.  The two adults in the Honda, Kelly Byrd, 33, and Joseph Dominick, 41, died at the scene of the crash.  Byrd’s one year-old daughter was transported from the scene by medics, but later died as a result of her injuries as well.  The driver of the 2016 Ram, Mark Kuenzi, 43, sustained only minor injuries during the crash.

The Marion County multi-agency Crash Team was called to the scene to investigate the crash.  Investigators determined Byrd had been driving the Honda southbound on Howell Prairie Road when she crossed into the oncoming lane of travel, striking the 2016 Ram.  Deputies have not determined why the Honda went into the oncoming lane; driver impairment has not been rule out as being a contributing factor to the crash. 

Howell Prairie Road was closed to traffic for several hours during the investigation, the roadway reopened to traffic at approximately 3:30 pm.  The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Marion County Fire District #1, Keizer Police Department, Marion County Public Works, Marion County District Attorney’s Office, and Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office during this incident.

As a leading medical provider in our community, the goal of Salem Health Medical Clinics (Salem Health’s primary care clinics) is to provide the best possible care to patients in a rapidly changing world. The pandemic has dramatically changed the way patients seek care, and how care is delivered. To ensure our clinics can continue to care for the community today and into the future, we have made some changes that will take effect immediately. Our primary care clinics will be prioritizing the virtual care program, resulting in two clinics merging and a restructure of supporting staff.

As the pandemic has forced more care to virtual settings, Salem Health has tested several different care models to meet new demands. The result is a model that will improve upon existing in-person visits and increase the number of virtual visits, streamlining care and freeing providers and medical assistants to spend more time with patients rather than administrative duties.

As a result, less physical space will be necessary. To adjust to this new reality, two clinics will officially close.

• Salem Health Medical Clinic – Independence will close and merge with Salem Health Medical Clinic – Monmouth.
• Salem Health Medical Clinic – 12th Street will close and merge with Salem Health Medical Clinic – Edgewater.

Meanwhile, Salem Health Medical Clinic – River Road South and Salem Health Medical Clinic – Dallas will remain as respiratory clinics only. Its providers will be relocated to nearby clinics and patients will be subsequently notified. Clinics that will remain open include Keizer, Boulder Creek, Skyline, Uglow Ave., Monmouth, Miller Ave., Edgewater and Woodburn. Providers will conduct virtual visits both from the office and from home. The space we do use will be maximized for patient safety and efficiency.

This new structure will require some staff to relocate. The restructure will also result in fewer supporting positions than the clinics have employees, and approximately 20 employees will not secure their jobs within the department. Our employees remain at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to making every effort to retain our current workforce. Those that find themselves without a position will have an option to enter the internal job placement program. They can be placed elsewhere in the organization or trained for other relatable positions.

About Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics. Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit us at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth. 

Media contact: Salem Health 24-hour media relations line — 971-718-3157

June 1, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 59 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 154, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 59 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 4,302.

The new confirmed and presumptive cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (5), Deschutes (2), Jackson (1), Jefferson (11), Josephine (1), Lane (4), Lincoln (3), Linn (2), Marion (13), Morrow (1), Multnomah (6), Polk (2), Umatilla (4), Washington (4).

Oregon’s 154th COVID-19 death is a 59-year-old man in Marion County, who tested positive on May 29 and died the same day at Salem Hospital. He had underlying medical conditions.

Last week, OHA previously announced that it will begin reporting large COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces. This will include all past and future outbreaks that involve five or more COVID-19 cases in a workplace setting. OHA is in the process of compiling information on past outbreaks for public disclosure.

OHA is now including a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The Daily Update is a detailed look at COVID-19 in Oregon, including testing data, hospital capacity, and cases broken down by demographic information such as age groups, gender, race and ethnicity.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

News release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release date: June 1, 2020

Media contact: Chris Havel, 503-931-2590

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department stands against racism; protests continue at State Capitol State Park

Salem, Ore – In troubling times, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reminds every Oregonian that all people are welcome at a state park.

“There is no place for racism in any Oregon State Park,” says Lisa Sumption, OPRD Director. “Period.”

At 6 p.m. Monday, June 1, the State Capitol State Park in Salem, often used as a venue for demonstrations and a platform to address the state seat of political power, will be the site of protests related to the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.

# # #

Monday, June 1, 2020-Woodland, WA-SkillsUSA identified Woodland High School’s team as one of 24 National Models of Excellence, the organization’s highest honor, and Kimberly Miller, the team’s advisor and a CTE teacher at the school, was awarded National Advisor of the Year for Region 5 which encompasses 12 states and territories.

Woodland’s team was selected for honors after recently competing at the regional level, placing first in the state, and winning the Washington State Chapter of Distinction Gold Medal which also qualifies the team to compete at the national level. Four students, Caitlin Nelson, Katelyn Paulson, Oliver Rosa and Nansi Valenzuela, wrote the team goals and documented the activities put on by the chapter throughout the year which included fundraisers and community events. “Our entire chapter took part in the activities throughout the year and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Kim. “I truly believe in this student leadership organization because I have seen first-hand the opportunity for growth it brings to the students who participate.”

In order to receive National Advisor of the Year honors, the SkillsUSA organization evaluated how Kim included the SkillsUSA Framework into her classroom curriculum as well as the chapter’s activities. “To me, the SkillsUSA components fit naturally into our Career and Technical Education program as they provide the building blocks for any strong program,” said Kim. “By focusing on the framework, the team becomes very intentional about planning our program of work for the year, looking at all of the activities we plan to do to ensure they align with the framework.”

SkillsUSA’s framework consists of personal skills, workplace skills, and technical skills, all grounded in academics. With thousands of competitors nationally, the 24 chapters selected as National Models of Excellence must truly work to stand out from the performances of other schools’ teams. “Our Models of Excellence represent the very best in chapter achievement and community involvement,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “These students represent America’s future skilled workforce and are future leaders in their local communities.”

A panel of judges at the national level will evaluate the 24 Models of Excellence in June to identify one chapter for top honors. The panel evaluates each school team’s goals, plan of action, results and SkillsUSA framework integration followed by interviews with each finalist chapter and adviser conducted by business and industry partners.

SkillsUSA offers high school students the opportunity to compete in 100 different workplace categories. Categories focus on technical, workplace and personal skills including early childhood education, culinary arts, computer literacy, customer service, professional development, and public speaking among many others.

Woodland’s team demonstrated service orientation and job-specific skills in three areas: Computer and Technology Literacy; Safety and Health; and Professional Development. During the conferences held at the regional, state, and national level, students compete in events defined per category which may include a combination of written and practical activities. Two Woodland students, Katelyn and Nansi, will represent the chapter and compete at the nationals virtually, giving a presentation to industry professionals accompanied by national SkillsUSA personnel immediately followed by a period of interview questions.

Kim first learned about the SkillsUSA program from teachers in neighboring school districts nearly ten years ago. "When we first started, we only competed in one category, but now we compete in restaurant service, job interview, community service, chapter excellence, medical terminology, pin design, extemporaneous speech, job demo and so much more," she said. "In order for the team to succeed, I'm at the school a lot after hours helping the students; I make the time commitment because I see the difference the program makes for our kids."

Woodland High School students interested in joining SkillsUSA can reach out to Kim Miller via email at millerk@woodlandschools.org or visit the SkillsUSA website at www.skillsusa.org for more information.

About the SkillsUSA program:

SkillsUSA is a nonprofit partnership of education and industry founded in 1965 to strengthen the nation’s skilled workforce. Driven by employer demand, SkillsUSA helps students develop necessary personal and workplace skills along with technical skills grounded in academics. This SkillsUSA Framework empowers every student to succeed at work and in life, while helping to close the skills gap in which millions of positions go unfilled. Through SkillsUSA’s championships program and curricula, employers have ensured schools are teaching relevant technical skills, and with SkillsUSA’s new credentialing process, they can now assess how ready potential employees are for the job. SkillsUSA has more than 372,000 annual members nationwide in high schools, middle schools and colleges, covering over 130 trade, technical and skilled service occupations, and is recognized by the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor as integral to career and technical education. For more information, visit their website at www.skillsusa.org

To learn more about how Woodland Public Schools continues educating our students and serving the community during the statewide closure, visit our dedicated news webpage at https://www.woodlandschools.org/home-learning-stories

###

FROM:           Steve Powers, City Manager, Salem, Oregon

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd died while in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. The circumstances of Mr. Floyd’s death have resulted in peaceful protests and demonstrations throughout the United States. In a number of instances since May 25, 2020, including incidents in Portland and Eugene, individuals have engaged in unlawful and dangerous activity, including arson, rioting, looting, and destruction of public and private property. This unlawful behavior is a threat to public health and safety, and public and private property, and increases the burden on public safety personnel and resources. These threats exacerbate the negative impacts already imposed on the community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, pursuant to Salem Revised Code (SRC) 2.670, I, Steve Powers, acting as the City’s Emergency Program Manager, hereby determine that emergency conditions exist, such that there is not adequate time to convene the City Council to present a request to declare an emergency, and therefore I issue this Declaration of State of Emergency and Emergency Order.

The emergency or threatened emergency conditions are:

Unlawful conduct related to the death of George Floyd have occurred throughout the United States, including Oregon. This conduct includes rioting, looting, and destruction of public and private property.

The damage or potential damage is:

The possibility of death and injury to persons and destruction of public and private property.

The location or geographic area affected is:

city of Salem.

The resources committed and actions initiated by the City are:

The City’s Emergency Operations Center is authorized to activate specific to the threatened conditions.

The special regulations hereby ordered as a result of the state of emergency are:

1. A curfew is has been throughout the city of Salem in all public places during the following times:
   1. 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2020 to 6:00 a.m. Sunday, May 31, 2020.
   2. 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2020 to 6:00 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020.
   3. 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2020 by 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
2. During the periods the curfew is in effect, travel on any public street, sidewalk, or other public place is prohibited. The following individuals are exempt from the curfew:
   1. Law enforcement, fire, emergency medical response, governmental personnel performing an authorized activity, and members of the media, acting in the performance of their duties,
   2. Individuals that are; traveling directly to and from their place of employment, traveling in the performance of their work, traveling to seek medical care, traveling to avoid a dangerous condition, and unsheltered individuals.
3. The City Manager is authorized, pursuant to SRC 2.680(a)&(c) to take actions as may be necessary to protect the life, safety, and health of persons, property, or the environment or to implement this order, including, but not limited to; redirecting City funds for emergency use and suspending standard City procurement procedures, direct the utilization of City-owned resources, designate persons to coordinate the work of agencies responding to the emergency.

Duration:

This Declaration and Order shall terminate, unless expressly extended by the Salem City Council, at 6:00 a.m. on JUNE 2, 2020, unless extended.

                                                                        Steven D. Powers

                                                                        Steven D. Powers, City Manager, Salem, Oregon

                                                                       Date:   Updated June 1, 2020

Please reference CCSO Case #20-11118

On Friday, May 29, 2020, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the report of a subject who had pulled out a large knife and was behaving "strangely" while walking around a gas station in Beavercreek. The subject then reportedly left the scene in a vehicle.

Others soon called 911 to report this person, updating dispatchers on the subject's location.

A deputy located the suspicious person's vehicle on Beavercreek Road near Clarkes General Store -- in time to see the vehicle (photos attached) strike a utility pole

The suspect then attempted to continue driving -- nearly striking the patrol car while attempting to leave the scene of the utility-pole collision.

The deputy stopped the vehicle. Due to the earlier report of a weapon and the erratic actions of the driver, the deputy wisely waited for additional units to arrive.

The subject was indeed behaving strangely, but was detained without further incident. A large knife was in fact located on the floor of his vehicle.

The suspect was identified as Joel Nathan Carrington, 37, of West Linn.

Carrington was subsequently arrested on charges of DUII (drugs) and Driving with a Suspended License under misdemeanor status following refusal of a breath test on a DUII investigation.

PGE responded to repair the utility pole.

ADDITIONAL TIPS SOUGHT

Anyone with information on the whereabouts and actions of Joel Carrington leading up to the crash is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line — by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip . Please reference CCSO Case # 20-11118.

Photos from the crash/arrest scene are attached.

[END]

Community members are expected to wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing while inside the building.
 -        Watch the City's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NqdoG_ZmII

The Hillsboro Civic Center is the first City of Hillsboro facility to reopen to serve community members and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Civic Center’s doors opened on Monday, June 1, for regular business hours. The building’s first, fourth, and fifth floors are accessible for service needs that cannot be accomplished online or by phone. The second and third floors remain closed to visitors.

Among the City services available inside the reopened Civic Center:

• Development services  and permitting support (4th floor)
• Property information (4th floor)
• Municipal Court (1st floor)
• Utility Billing services and support (1st floor)
• City Manager’s Office (5th floor)
   

Health and Safety Measures Taken

Community members are expected to wear a face covering while inside the building and maintain physical distancing of at least six feet. Health and safety measures taken by City employees include:

• Installation of plexiglass
• Hand sanitizer stations upon entry
• Floor markers for where to stand in line with physical distancing
• Greeters on the first floor to help customers
• Face covering provided for those who need them
• Reduced occupancy of elevators, restrooms, and meeting rooms
• Blocked seating to maintain distancing in meeting rooms
• Disconnected water fountains
• Signage placed throughout the building with these reminders:
  • If you have symptoms, do not enter
  • Wear a face covering
  • Maintain physical distancing of at least six feet
  • Wash your hands
• Reduced entry and exit points
• One-way directional foot traffic
• Furniture removed for increased space

“We are glad to take this important first step in the eventual reopening of all City facilities, but we must continue to be safe and help protect each other during this pandemic,” said Robby Hammond, Hillsboro City Manager.

“The health and safety of City employees and customers is our top focus,” Hammond continued. “For everyone’s protection, the building is open for business, but everyone is expected to leave the facility as soon as their business is complete. Residents and other customers can access City services on our City website at Hillsboro-Oregon.gov, and you can call us for assistance as well.”
 

Other City facilities and amenities

Last week, several City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation amenities reopened for community use, in cooperation with state guidelines, including:

• Dog parks
• Tennis courts
• Reedville Creek Skate Park
• Disc golf course at Orchard Park
• The boat launch at Rood Bridge Park

Basketball courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters remain closed for now to avoid encouraging large groups of people to gather together.

Staff at other City facilities, including libraries, recreation buildings, and other buildings, are currently preparing for the work necessary to safely reopen to the public, including City of Hillsboro facilities. The next community update will be shared no later than July 1 on the City’s website.

City leaders continue to monitor guidance from Governor Kate Brown and the health experts at the Oregon Health Authority and Washington County Public Health. The continued closures balance the City’s prioritization of the health and well-being of employees and the community at large with City employees’ role as trusted public servants.
 

Continuing essential services

Essential City services that have continued uninterrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic include:

• Police services
• Fire & Rescue services  
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• Drinking water and other utility services
• Public Works and Parks Maintenance services
• Development services (online)
• Capital projects

The City’s website and social media channels remain fully operational to connect the community with City services and important COVID-19 information. City phones continue to be answered and employees continue to work remotely whenever possible.

Actions by the City of Hillsboro in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have included:

• Awarding $1 million in emergency grants to more than 400 small businesses in Hillsboro
• Donating $75,000 to the Hillsboro Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local nonprofits
• Partnering to open an emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness without COVID-19 symptoms
• Launching the Food 2 You food pantry delivery program to help food pantries meet the basic needs of those who are medically fragile or cannot leave home
• Partnering with Washington County to open a respite shelter in Hillsboro
• Closing playgrounds and sport courts to protect public health
• Offering rental assistance for those struggling to pay rent, and a moratorium on evictions during the emergency
   

Helpful resources

Visit the City’s COVID-19 webpage to see the full timeline of the City’s response, and get more information and resources:

• Business resources
• Community resources
• Questions and answers

The following information is in response to a media request for information regarding recent death investigations by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Date of death: 05/29/2020

Location: Vancouver, WA

Decedent Name: Gay, Lajeune Q.

Decedent Age:  23 Yrs               

Resident of:  Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death: Pending

Manner of death: Pending

Decedent Name: Rosbach, Kristina L.    

Decedent Age:  50 Yrs               

Resident of:  Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death: Pending

Manner of death: Pending

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to the Vancouver Police Department.

Nikki J. Costa

Operations Manager

DALLAS (OR) - Today Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton issued the following statement on the death of George Floyd and subsequent protests.

“I am shocked, horrified, and outraged by the brutal killing of George Floyd while in police custody. There is simply no legitimate police tactic, policy, or procedure that justifies what occurred. I join with law enforcement professionals throughout the country and within our community who unreservedly condemn the actions of the involved former officers. I send my sincerest condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family and friends for their loss.

I am also deeply troubled by the violent actions of some individuals this past weekend that have distracted attention from the peaceful and honorable protests over Mr. Floyd’s death and called out the very real unchecked inequality in our nation.

As an elected official entrusted with the solemn duty to seek justice and uphold the Constitution, I choose not to remain silent or to look away from the pain our system has caused for so many. Rather, I pledge to learn from the hard lessons of these past days, listen to the voices raised in anguish, and further dedicate myself to the principle of equal justice for all.”

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County remains in Phase 1 of the four-phased Safe Start Washington plan for reopening the state.

Gov. Jay Inslee replaced the Stay Home order with the “Start Safe, Stay Healthy” proclamation that outlines the state’s phased reopening plan. Under the proclamation, counties remain in their current phases and do not automatically move to Phase 2. Clark County residents and businesses should continue to follow the Phase 1 guidance outlined by the governor.

Clark County Public Health submitted a request for a variance to move to Phase 2 on Friday, May 22. Secretary of Health John Wiesman placed the county’s request on pause on Saturday, May 23, due to the outbreak at Firestone Pacific Foods in Vancouver.

At Secretary Wiesman’s request, Public Health provided additional information and data about its response to the Firestone outbreak on Thursday, May 28 and requested a timeline for moving to Phase 2.

On Friday, May 29, Secretary Wiesman and Gov. Inslee announced new metrics for moving to Phase 2, as well as a modified Phase 1 option. It’s unclear how these announcements will impact Clark County’s request to move to Phase 2.

Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director, will be meeting with Secretary Wiesman to discuss the request. Public Health will provide an update on Tuesday.

For more information about COVID-19 and the Public Health response, visit the Public Health website.

Vancouver, Wash. –The Police Activities League of SW Washington (PAL) is excited to announce that summer camps will be going virtual this year!

"We really wanted to do in-person camps this summer, but believe it is in the best interest of our families and staff that we go virtual this year in order to keep everyone safe and healthy," said Jenny Thompson, PAL Executive Director.

PAL will be offering three science camps and one craft-based camp virtually via their Facebook page and YouTube channel. Even their soccer, football, and basketball camps will be going virtual too! Be sure to review the attached document for camp dates and times.

For their science and craft virtual camps, families will be able to pick up kits for FREE (while supplies last) the Thursday & Friday before the camp at Orchards Elementary, Fruit Valley Elementary, and Battle Ground Police Department. Pick-ups at Orchards & Fruit Valley will be from 12-12:30pm (June 25/26; July 9/10; July 23/24; & August 6/7). Pick-ups at Battle Ground Police Department will be at 3pm (June 25, July 9, July 23, & August 6) and at 10am (June 26, July 10, July 24, & August 7).

PAL Officers, Deputies, & Troopers are excited to be working with PAL Staff to bring summer camp to our families virutally this year. It is going to be a fun-filled summer and we will be looking forward to when we can be doing programs in person again.

Feel free to email Jenny at jenny.thompson@cityofvancouver.us to learn more the virtual summer camps or visit their website at https://palofswwa.org/summer-camp-with-pal/.

Learn more about PAL by visiting https://palofswwa.org

As Oregon heads into the 2020 wildfire season, there are actions each of us can do to prepare ourselves, our families and our homes. 

Preparing your family in advance of an emergency is important.  Oregon Office of Emergency Management encourages individuals and families to be 2 Weeks Ready - a tangible action that creates self-sufficiency for at least 14 days in the midst or in the aftermath of an emergency or disaster. Have a “go kit,” make an action plan and communicate the plan with your family.  

In addition, be familiar with “Ready, Set, Go” emergency evacuation levels and sign up for emergency alerts in your county to receive evacuation notifications. 

“We can all do our part when it comes to prevention and knowing what to do when wildfire threatens our home and our community,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “In spite of the countless ways COVID-19 has changed our lives, these steps can help heighten levels of certainty and empowerment when it comes to personal safety. 

The statewide evacuation system is used to notify communities facing a threat, or potential threat, to lives and property. Evacuation levels are as follows:

• Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, and in some cases, pets and livestock. 

• Level 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. You should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice as this level indicates there is significant danger to your area. Residents should be prepared to voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. Residents may have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.

• Level 3 Evacuation means “GO.” Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent. If you choose to ignore this advisement, emergency services may not be available to assist you further. Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.

Each year, OEM partners with the Department of Forestry, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Keep Oregon Green and other state agencies to promote wildfire awareness and preparedness. For more information on how to be 2 Weeks Ready, or other personal preparedness resources, visit www.oregon.gov/oem/2WeeksReady.

# # #

Mark Stoker, a member of the VPS board of directors since 2007, has resigned his position, effective immediately, in response to concerns about comments he made on his personal social media account.

As reported yesterday in an article by The Columbian newspaper, Stoker apologized publicly for those comments. In a letter of resignation to VPS Superintendent Steve Webb, he wrote, “I have determined that to continue to serve on this board would prove too big a distraction from the critical work needed to overcome the challenges created by these unprecedented times. The focus must be solely on the work.”

Stoker, whose term of office expires in December 2021, encouraged his board colleagues to consider the district's rich culture and diversity when selecting a successor. “The board should appoint a director that reflects the demographics of the district in order to bring new ideas and representation not currently on the board,” he wrote. 

“That new director will have an opportunity to make an impact on the vision and policies of the district before his or her term expires,” he added. “That would be a fitting end to this story.”

Please reference CCSO Case # 20-011253

Over the weekend, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office led an overnight search-and-rescue mission that successfully located an overdue mountain biker in the Memaloose area east of Estacada.

Around 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020, Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Coordinators were notified of an overdue mountain biker: Rachel Dawn Eggers, 43, of Milwaukie.

Eggers had set off in the morning on a long mountain-bike trip. She went alone, but had provided her planned route to family members, along with an estimated time of return. She had also checked in with the family at 3 p.m. by text message.

After a few hours had passed without any contact with Eggers, the family called 911 and SAR Coordinators were notified.

Eggers was believed to be in the Memaloose area east of Estacada. SAR Coordinators initially called on Pacific Northwest Search & Rescue and Mountain Wave for assistance. They searched through the night and the inclement weather.

About 3 a.m. on Sunday morning  (May 31), CCSO SAR Coordinators called in additional resources join the search, including the Clackamas County Search & Rescue Trail Running Team, NORSAR K9 teams, and Hood River County Sheriff's Office search aircraft. Searchers showed up throughout the night under poor weather conditions to help.

Search crews were dealing with the severe weekend weather, including thunderstorms, as well as the hazards it had caused, such as fallen trees.

Eggers was located about 6:30 a.m. Sunday between Memaloose and Fish Creek by the Clackamas County SAR Trail Running Team. The Trail Running Team comprises skilled off-road ultramarathoners who can deploy on roads and trails during search and rescue missions, carry packs of first-aid gear, conduct assessments in the field and develop extraction plans. They were able to assess Eggers and determined she would be about to safely walk out under her own power. Rescuers learned she had planned a trip that was a loop, returning on the "old Fish Creek Road"; unfortunately, that road is decommissioned and was impassable, leaving her stuck there. She abandoned her bike and had to hike out.

Eggers returned home safely to her family.

Photos from the mission (including two courtesy PNWSAR) are attached.

[END]

Public hearing to be held via Zoom on June 16, public comment period open until July 1

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Ocean Science Trust would be able to partner with private nonprofits for fundraising purposes under new proposed rules. 

The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) is seeking public comment on rules resulting from the Oregon Legislature’s 2019 passage of Senate Bill 753. The rules aim to clarify the Trust’s role and responsibility in granting and distributing funds for ocean science research.

Temporary rules are currently in place and will expire on August 27, 2020.

Public comment sought via Zoom hearing, written comments
A public hearing on the proposed rules will be held June 16, 2020, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit the DSL website for hearing details, to request the meeting link, or to review the draft rules.

The public comment period will be open until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Comments must be received by this date and time to be considered. Written comments may be submitted on the DSL website by online form, by email to ules@dsl.state.or.us">rules@dsl.state.or.us, or by mail to DSL Rules Coordinator, 775 Summer St. NE, Suite 100, Salem, Oregon 97301.

Once the public comment period closes, DSL will consider any comments received and revise the rule draft as needed. The earliest the permanent rules would go into effect is August 1, 2020.

About the Oregon Ocean Science Trust: In establishing the Oregon Ocean Science Trust, the 2013 Legislature created an opportunity for Oregon to understand how our ocean is changing, and take action to ensure a thriving coastal environment and economy for future generations.  The Oregon Department of State Lands is responsible for providing administrative support to the Trust.

Please reference CCSO Case # 20-011024

On May 28, the Happy Valley Police Department and Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested two subjects on several charges after they were seen prowling around a Damascus neighborhood. Stolen property was recovered and some was returned to the owners. Authorities are currently searching for more victims so they can reunite them with their stolen property.

At 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2020, Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a subject walking through Damascus' Goosehollow neighborhood checking for unlocked cars. There appeared to be a car following the subject slowly.

(The Goosehollow neighborhood is located in Damascus near SE Eckert Road and Highway 224; it's not to be confused with Portland's Goose Hollow neighborhood.)

Upon arriving in the area, a deputy spotted the suspect vehicle driving without headlights on. The deputy stopped the car on Hwy. 212 near SE 152nd Avenue in Happy Valley to investigate further.

Deputies contacted the two subjects in the car, who were later identified as Casey Lee Murphy, 34, of Portland, and Christopher Duane Holverson, 34, of Wilsonville.

Deputies located what appeared to be several stolen items in the car. Deputies detained Holverson and Murphy without incident after an initial investigation.

One of the subjects was also in possession of another person’s identification, which was later determined to be stolen.

As deputies investigated further, they were able to confirm items in the car were stolen. Some of the property was identified as belonging to people who live in Damascus' Goosehollow neighborhood.

Among the items discovered in the vehicle: a lock pick-kit, a book on lock-picking, bolt-cutters, a high-end road bicycle, a drone, a guitar, camping and sporting gear, identifications, checks, credit cards, and methamphetamine. (See attached photos.)

Some of the items had been reported stolen out of the City of Hillsboro. The Hillsboro Police Department helped identify these items.

Deputies also contacted two people at different residences in Damascus' Goosehollow neighborhood and determined the recovered items had been stolen from their cars.

Casey Lee Murphy and Christopher Duane Holverson were booked into Clackamas County Jail on charges of Theft I, Identity Theft and Possession of methamphetamine. Booking photos are attached.

Three Clackamas County cities -- Happy Valley, Estacada and Wilsonville -- contract with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office to provide municipal police services.

ADDITIONAL TIPS, VICTIMS SOUGHT

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking additional information in this case -- and they hope to reunite victims with additional stolen items. Anyone with information on Casey Murphy or Christopher Holverson, or who believes we may have recovered their stolen property, is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line -- by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip . Please reference CCSO Case # 20-011024

[END]

Public hearing to be held via Zoom on June 17, comment period open until July 1

PORTLAND, Ore. – Several Columbia River locations would close to camping, campfires, and overnight use under a new rule proposed by the state.

The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) is seeking public comment on potential restrictions in the North Portland Harbor area, on the north end of Hayden Island including Oregon Slough (also known as the North Portland Harbor Channel), and on the Columbia River at the Sandy River Delta. See a map of the closure areas.

Temporary restrictions on camping, campfires, and use between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. were enacted in August 2019 to address ongoing damage to public lands, extensive littering and dumping, reckless burning, and other health and safety issues.

If the proposed rule is adopted, the camping, campfire, and overnight use restrictions would become permanent. The riverbanks would remain open for recreational use during daytime hours.

Public comment sought via Zoom hearing, written comments
A public hearing on the proposed rule will be held June 17, 2020 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit the DSL website for hearing details, to request the meeting link and to review the draft rule.

The public comment period will be open until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Comments must be received by this date and time to be considered. Written comments may be submitted on the DSL website by online form, by email to ules@dsl.state.or.us">rules@dsl.state.or.us, or by mail to DSL Rules Coordinator, 775 Summer St. NE, Suite 100, Salem, Oregon 97301.

Once the public comment period closes, DSL will consider any comments received and revise the draft rule as needed. The earliest a permanent closure would go into effect is August 1, 2020.
 

Dear VPS community:

In light of recent events reported in The Columbian newspaper, I want to be clear about my position as superintendent of schools. Racism in any form is wholly inconsistent with our mission, values and beliefs. It cannot be tolerated. Vancouver Public Schools is working very hard as an organization to promote equity and justice for our students, families, employees and community. 

As an adoptive father of a multiracial family, I know this: The feelings of pain and hurt felt by many people in our community are real. We must endeavor together to work toward creating a more just and humane world. The children of our school district and community deserve nothing less. 

Mr. Stoker is an elected official with a 13-year history of service to our district. It is his responsibility to respond to concerns about the comments he made on his personal social media account.

https://www.columbian.com/news/2020/may/31/vancouver-school-board-member-under-fire-for-urging-fire-hoses-at-protests/

Sincerely,

Steve Webb, Ed.D.

The Tigard Police Department is excited to launch an online reporting system that allows community members to file non-emergency police reports from their computer or mobile device.

The system is live beginning today, June 1st, 2020. To use it, the following must be true:
•    It is not an emergency
•    There are no known suspects
•    The incident happened within Tigard city limits
•    You are at least 18 years old and have a valid email address

The types of reports that can be submitted online include non-injury auto collisions, non-injury hit-and-run crashes, lost property (including firearms and narcotics), shoplifting, suspicious activity, vandalism/property damage (excluding graffiti and/or hate crimes), thefts of items under $5,000 (excluding the theft of firearms and narcotics) and supplemental reports to existing police reports.

To make a report, visit: www.tigard-or.gov/report-a-crime and follow the instructions. In general, all cases filed online will be reviewed by a member of the Tigard Police Department within 5-7 business days. If further investigation of your case is needed, you may be contacted for additional information. If your incident type is not listed here or does not meet all the requirements, please call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 to file a report. 

We encourage community members to file reports about all crimes. Having accurate crime data allows our department to identify crime trends and focus our resources where they are needed the most. In addition, officers may be able to return stolen property to the rightful owner if a report has been filed.

The online reporting system is meant to be an added convenience for community members who would like to use it. We recognize that your time is valuable, and this tool allows us to provide a higher level of service by reducing potential wait times over the phone. However, it is not required that these types of incidents be reported online. People who are more comfortable making telephone reports should continue to do so by calling non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.

###
 

On the afternoon of May 31, 2020, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received an allegation that a deputy sent an inappropriate email with racial epithets. While it appears the email is over 16 years old and four years before being employed at the Sheriff’s Office, it is entirely inconsistent with the core values and professional standards at the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office promptly opened an investigation by the Professional Standards Unit (PSU). The employee is on administrative leave pending PSU’s investigation.

At this time, additional information related to the allegation or the employee in question is unavailable.

Regarding this allegation, Sheriff Garrett stated, “We understand and appreciate the community’s concern over such an allegation. We are thankful it was brought to our attention, and we are committed to a thorough investigation and appropriate action.”

PSU oversees internal investigations within the Sheriff’s Office and is comprised of two fulltime sergeants and is overseen by a commander.

Salem, Ore. – A new Public Records Request portal will make it easier to submit, track and pay for requests starting June 1.

“People who make multiple requests will love this,” said Bria Dezotell, Enterprise Business Systems Analyst.

One of the goals of the new system is to remove as much paper as possible from the request process. Default delivery of records will be in electronic form.

Another goal is to make the process easier for the requestor.  This system is available 24/7 to allow the requestor the ability to follow the progress of their request when the timing is convenient for them.

The new Public Records Request portal is mobile-friendly, with a simplified interface. Choose “Submit a Request” from the Public Records Menu and you can refine your request based on the type of records you are looking for.  Once you have created an account, log in to “My Public Records Center,” and you’ll have quick access to your requests, invoices and customer account information.

One new feature will be the ability to pay online via credit or debit card. Requests will no longer require a trip to City Hall to make payment or to the Post Office to mail a check.

This is just one of the recent measures implemented by the City to make it easier for the public to access City information online from wherever they are.  With our current climate of contactless transactions to stop the spread of COVID-19, this system provides that from start to finish.

- 30 -

June 1, 2020 – Salem, Ore. – Peter Malone of Portland will always like Season 2 of the Blacklist on Netflix. He and his wife were watching that show when they played an Oregon Lottery Scratch-it and realized they’d won $200,000.

“I buy the tickets and then she plays them,” Malone said. “We were watching this show and she plays it and said she thought she won $200. She didn’t have her glasses on, then she thought we won $2,000. When I looked at it, I was pretty sure we’d won $200,000!”

Malone purchased the $20 Triple Golden Cherries Scratch-it at the Milwaukie Safeway while getting groceries. Malone said he downloaded the Oregon Lottery mobile app to check the ticket to make absolutely sure he won.

“It started flashing lights and said we were winners!” he said. “That’s when we realized it was real.”

Malone said the couple were looking for their first house, and with the prize they are going to be able to have enough for a down payment without having to pay mortgage insurance.

To protect the health and safety of its employees and the public, the Oregon Lottery has temporarily closed the Salem and Wilsonville Lottery offices. Officials with the Lottery continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. If players have a winning ticket, they can fill out a claim form on the Oregon Lottery website, https://oregonlottery.org/about/claim-prizes , and then mail in the signed ticket and claim form.

Players who have winning tickets of $50,000 or more, will need to make an appointment to come to the Oregon Lottery office in Salem. Call 503-540-1000 for assistance. As always, players should be certain to sign the back of their tickets.

Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

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

At 4:26pm 10 units from Vancouver Fire responded to the report of a structure fire at 2227 E 8th Street, in West Vancouver. Crews arrived to find smoke showing and a fire burning in the attic, and rescued a family pet in one of the apartments while attempting to gain control of the fire. A total of 3 families are displaced, and 2 of them are receiving care from the Red Cross. No injuries were reported during the incident and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Vancouver Fire reminds you to check your smoke detector batteries 2 times a year.

Vancouver, Wash. – Over the past week, the Vancouver Police Department responded to several medical calls involving drug overdose(s).  Some of these calls have resulted in the death of the person that ingested the substances. Investigators believe “counterfeit” Oxycodone pills laced with Fentanyl are being sold throughout Clark County. 

Detectives from the Major Crimes Team located a relative of one of the victims and were able to identify the individual who provided the pills to them.

On May 29, 2020, Detectives observed the suspect leaving his residence in the 1900 block of NE Bridgecreek Avenue. Detectives executed a search warrant on the suspect’s residence and located evidence matching evidence found at one of the victim’s residences.

David A. Urbach, 23, was arrested for Controlled Substance Homicide and was booked into the Clark County Jail.

The investigation is still ongoing and nothing further is releasable at this time.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday, May 31, 2020

Salem, Oregon –– The following details provide a timeline and account of the Salem Police Department response to protests occurring in the city of Salem on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

Rumors of demonstrations

On Friday, May 29 Salem Police began receiving information of possible demonstrations to take place on Saturday night, May 30. The information varied from plans for peaceful demonstrations to threats of looting, rioting and arson.

Planned and impromptu events are taken seriously, and the department makes every effort to communicate with organizers to help ensure demonstrations are peaceful and rights are protected.

As a result of the information received the Salem Police Department Mobile Response Team (MRT) was activated. The team consists of more than 20 officers trained in various levels of crowd control and the use of less-than-lethal crowd dispersal tools. They are outfitted in protective gear which includes a helmet, gas mask and protective padding. The MRT deployment was supported by numerous other officers to support the team or provide uninterrupted patrol response.

May 30, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

A group of approximately 50 young people gathered peacefully near the Capitol building. Just before 9 p.m., the group began a march into the streets without the required City of Salem permits. The group proceeded into the downtown business district. Although the march created some traffic congestion there were no signs of other criminal activity, and officers monitored the march without any intervention.

After approximately 45 minutes, officers closed intersections in order to guide the growing crowd of about 500 toward the Capitol and away from the downtown area. March organizers were contacted and assisted in directing the crowd back to the steps of the Capitol building. Once at their destination, speeches and chanting took place. At that time, some individuals in the crowd vandalized statues and areas on Capitol grounds with spray-paint.

11 p.m.

Shortly after 11 p.m., the organizer declared the event over and asked the participants to go home. Some participants departed, but a crowd of approximately 200 people remained at the Capitol steps. Eventually, the crowd of 200 splintered into smaller groups with approximately 100 people attempting to march again into the city center. Officers formed a line on Court and Church STS NE to block the groups progress toward downtown Salem.

People in the crowd began to throw items at officers including mortar fireworks, bricks, rocks, glass bottles, and water bottles. At 11:30 p.m. the crowd was warned of the City of Salem-imposed curfew and with the direction to disperse. A long-range acoustic device was used for the announcement to which the crowd responded by moving back to the east toward the Capitol but did not disperse. An additional large group of people began to gather behind officers at the intersection of Court and Church STS NE. Different factions in that crowd began to fight with each other and distraction devices were deployed toward the second large crowd to encourage dispersal.

After the curfew notifications and declaration of the of the group to be an unlawful assembly, the use of CS gas (commonly referred to as tear gas) was authorized to be deployed to disperse the crowd. The tear-inducing aerosol was deployed, and the crowd moved closer to the Capitol grounds, yet continued to throw objects at officers.

May 31, 12:30 a.m.

The crowd at Court and Church STS NE was dispersed and attention was directed to the group near the Capitol grounds. Officers deployed more gas and marched toward the crowd. Not until officers arrived back in front of the Capitol did the crowd fully disperse.

Reports of vandalism at the Salem Center Mall were received and officers arrived to find more than 100 people scattered along Liberty and Chemeketa STS NE. Resources were mustered including patrol personnel, MRT, and SWAT officers to act as arrest teams, if needed. Officers made announcements for the crowd to disperse but many refused remaining gathered on sidewalks and in the middle of Liberty ST. Individuals in the crowd threw bricks and fireworks. CS gas and other dispersal devices were deployed to move the crowd.

1:30 a.m.

The dwindling crowd moved to Liberty and State STS and dispersed enough that officers could leave the area. About the same time an uninvolved vehicle crash occurred at State St and High STS. A large crowd gathered at that location impeding officers’ ability to help the crash victims. Ultimately the crowd was moved onto the sidewalks and Salem Fire Department medics were able to treat the people involved in the crash.

Eventually the crowd near the crash deescalated and officers and fire personnel were able to safely deal with the crash. At approximately 1:50 a.m. people were voluntarily dispersing throughout downtown allowing MRT and other personnel to return to the police station.

Property damage

There was property damage done by people in the various crowds during the event. A complete listing of the damage has not yet been compiled, but what is known is there was graffiti applied to multiple buildings in the area including the Capitol building. Several glass doors were broken at the Salem Center Mall and the Capitol Mall. Roofing nails had been laid out on streets causing an unknown amount of damage to the tires of various law enforcement vehicles and the vehicles of private citizens.

No arrests were made. No injuries were reported.

First responder resources

To manage the events described involved law enforcement resources from multiple agencies and the Salem Fire Department. In total approximately 50 officers were needed.

The Salem Police Department extends thanks to the Salem community for their support and understanding during events such as these. We support citizen rights to freedom of speech and assembly and asks that those actions be done peacefully and without harm to others or damage to public and private property.

# # #

At the request of the Portland Police Bureau, ODOT has closed freeway off-ramps leading to downtown Portland. This includes off-ramps from U.S. 26, I-5, I-84 and I-405. We expect  these closures to be in place until midnight tonight but conditions may change as we continue working with the Portland Police Bureau.   

The Portland Fire & Rescue Fire/Arson Investigations Unit in cooperation with the Portland Police Bureau & Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the help of the public regarding the fires which occurred during the civil demonstrations on the nights of May 29th through May 30th, 2020.

Investigators are still trying to determine the exact number of fires that were intentionally set or attempted to be set in the Downtown area.  If your business, or property you own was set on fire, or you believe someone attempted to set your property on fire, please contact the PF&R Arson Tip Line at 503-823-INFO.  If you believe there is physical evidence of a fire setting device still at the scene, please do not clean it up, but call Non-Emergency at 503-823-3333 and report the incident.  Fire Investigators may be dispatched to your location to conduct an investigation.

Investigators have obtained photographs of several persons involved in the events that transpired.  We are asking for the public’s help in identifying any of the individuals pictured. If anyone has any information that they feel would be beneficial in furthering the investigation into the fires that occurred, please contact the PF&R Arson Tip Line at 503-823-INFO.

Salem, Ore. — Salem City Manager Steve Powers has canceled plans for a curfew tonight, May 31, 2020.

He consulted with Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore, who sees no indications a curfew is needed to maintain order.

The Declaration of Emergency issued Saturday will remain in place until its termination at 6:00 a.m., Monday, June 1, 2020.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 153, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 58 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 4,243.

The new confirmed and presumptive cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (6), Deschutes (1), Hood River (2), Jackson (1), Jefferson (3), Lane (4), Marion (11), Multnomah (23), Wasco (1), Washington (5), Yamhill (1).

The Oregon Health Authority is now including a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The Daily Update is a detailed look at COVID-19 in Oregon, including testing data, hospital capacity, and cases broken down by demographic information such as age groups, gender, race and ethnicity.

OHA last week announced that it will begin reporting large COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces. This will include all past and future outbreaks that involve five or more cases in a workplace setting. OHA is in the process of compiling information on past outbreaks.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

NOTICE OF WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JUNE 2ND, 2020 @ 6:30 p.m.

1-346-248-7799 passcode 638792021# and via Zoom at

 28TUhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/638792021

Late last night the Vancouver Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire in an apartment building at 900 SE Park Crest Drive in Vancouver, WA.  Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire already showing from the structure.  Initial crews moved quickly to evacuate residents and extinguish the blaze.   

With a fast response and nearly 33 VFD units on scene, the fire was quickly extinguished at 23:21.  No injuries were reported.  The building was saved.  Ten apartment units were not habitable.   More than 25 people were displaced.  VFD is working with the red cross to find shelter for the residents.  The Vancouver Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.

On Saturday, May 30, 2020 at approximately 1:33 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 90.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Buick Century, operated by Ruth Whittenberg (60) of Hammond, LA. was southbound when it crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a Toyota Tacoma operated by Lee Davis (27) of Tillamook.

Davis and passenger Nicole Gonzales (35) of Tillamook were transported to North Lincoln Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Whittenberg was transported by ambulance to Tillamook Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT, and Nestucca Rural Fire Department.

Last night, the City of Portland saw unrest unlike any I have experienced in my lifetime in this city. Portland Fire & Rescue was put to the test in a night full of emergency calls. I want to personally thank every member of Portland Fire & Rescue, including the Rapid Response Team, for their dedication, compassion, professionalism, and courage on every call. I am humbled by your continuous commitment to all communities that make up Portland and I feel these words fall short of how proud I am of the firefighters who braved the frontlines last night. 

When I became Chief of Portland Fire & Rescue, I made a promise to your loved ones that I would do everything within my power to ensure your safe return to the station and then back to the place you call home. But, I cannot fulfill that promise alone. Your dedication, your training, and your ability to make critical decisions brought you home safely to your loved ones by this morning. 

Last night, this city’s public safety teams worked together to back each other up and support the security of our community.From the 9-1-1 dispatchers at the Bureau of Emergency Communication who managed high-call volumes with technical expertise to the Portland Police Bureau teams that ensured our safety as we fought fires and attended to medical emergencies, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

When I was sworn in less than a year ago, I could have never predicted what lay before us all in 2020. Although I couldn’t see what challenges we had before us, I had unwavering faith in the skill and commitment of the public safety professionals I have worked with side-by-side for my entire career.

I saw the best of our public safety professionals last night and I could not be prouder to put on my uniform again today. Thank you all for your exceptional service to the community.

Chief Sara Boone 

Vancouver, Wash. – The tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of officers from the Minneapolis Police Department is disturbing, upsetting and heartbreaking. This incident absolutely does not reflect the oath police officers take to serve and protect their communities. The actions depicted in the video of this incident absolutely do not reflect the values of the Vancouver Police Department or the way that we train our officers. 

Law enforcement is a profession based on public service, compassion, safety and care for others. Hearing a man begging for his life, saying he cannot breathe, while other officers stand by and do nothing, is not reflective of the values of law enforcement in any way. The result of the actions of a few officers left a scar on the honorable profession of policing, and fractures the hard-earned relationships between the men and women who put on the uniform across our nation each day and the communities they are privileged to serve.  

The Vancouver Police Department remains steadfast in our duty to honorably serve the citizens of Vancouver with professionalism and accountability. We are committed to continuing to build relationships with the community, to build trust and to maintain the highest levels of training for our personnel. 

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Floyd. I sincerely hope our communities can heal from this tragedy without further violence and division, but rather by seeking to come together peacefully to build relationships and continue to make our communities stronger.

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https://portlandalliance.com/news/2020-05-30/-we-stand-against-systemic-racism-and-reject-acts-of-vi.html

PORTLAND, OR - Yesterday’s powerful demonstration in front of Portland’s City Hall was a true reflection of what it means to stand in arms together. Our gratitude, our thanks, and our solidarity are with those community leaders who, in the wake of the tragic loss of George Floyd’s life, called our community together to stand up against systemic racism and hatred.

What happened hours later, in the middle of the night, is simply anarchy. We reject and condemn those involved with the looting and wanton destruction on the streets of Portland.

The rioting that occurred has left us all devastated. 
 
So many employees who have been unemployed under “stay at home” orders with COVID-19, were looking forward to coming back to work today in downtown Portland. Today, they were deprived of that opportunity.

This morning, our thanks to the hundreds who responded to pick up the pieces. Teams from Downtown Portland Clean & Safe and Central City Concern, private property owners, building managers, retail store owners and their staff, and contractors, city agencies and concerned Portlanders, all are working together to sweep up truckloads of broken glass, removing miles of graffiti. All told, businesses and our community will suffer the loss and or damage of tens of millions of dollars. And even more employees now will go without wages. 

“We stand with the peaceful protests and demonstrations that occurred yesterday afternoon, but to see what occurred overnight is by no means acceptable in our city or any city or any place at any time. We stand with the folks who are here on the ground today, trying to fix what’s broken and so our city can reopen,” said Andrew Hoan, president & CEO, Portland Business Alliance, greater Portland’s Chamber of Commerce.

“My heartfelt thanks to all of the cleaning and security teams with Central City Concern and Portland Patrol, Inc. who showed up at first light this morning, helping sweep up the city we love,” said Mark Schlesinger, Partner, Schlesinger Companies and chair of the board of directors, Downtown Portland Clean and Safe.

“This is heartbreaking. These businesses were already hurting because of the COVID-19 crisis. This is just another blow. This is one of the saddest moments in our city’s history,” said Vanessa Sturgeon, President & CEO, TMT Development and chair of the board of directors, Portland Business Alliance.

“To the dedicated people of Downtown Portland Clean and Safe who were out early this morning, removing graffiti, sweeping up broken glass and helping store owners repair the damaged storefronts. We thank you and we’re here for you,” said Maureen Fisher, Executive Director, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe.

We as a community stand together in support of peaceful demonstrations that call out the systemic hate in any city. We condemn those who choose violence or to take advantage and loot and riot, especially under the devastating economic conditions we all face.

Should those who looted last night return, we call upon our city and state to activate the National Guard to support our Portland Police Bureau at this moment of vulnerability. We need time to repair what damage has been done and be made safe to recover. 

###

Portland Business Alliance
The Portland Business Alliance is Greater Portland’s Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at PortlandAlliance.com. Or follow us @PDX_BizAlliance

Downtown Portland Clean & Safe
The district provides additional cleaning and security as well as market research, retail recruitment and retention efforts. Learn more at DowntownPortland.org.

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 153, the Oregon Health Authority reported as of 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 55 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 4,185.

The new confirmed and presumptive cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (1), Deschutes (3), Douglas (1), Hood River (2), Jefferson (2), Klamath (2), Lane (1), Marion (7), Multnomah (21), Umatilla (2), Wasco (1), Washington (12).

Notes due to data reconciliation:

• One case previously reported in Morrow County was determined not to be a case; the county case count has been adjusted to reflect this.

Oregon’s 152nd COVID-19 death is a 62-year-old man in Lane County, who tested positive on May 4 and died on May 4; the location of death is awaiting confirmation. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 153rd COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Polk County, who tested positive on May 2 and died on May 28 at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Clarification: The investigation into the COVID-19 outbreak at Duckwall Fruit in Hood River County began May 28. The date was incorrectly reported in yesterday’s daily media release.

OHA previously announced that it will begin reporting large COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces. This will include all past and future outbreaks that involve five or more COVID-19 cases in a workplace setting. OHA is in the process of compiling information on past outbreaks.

The Oregon Health Authority is now including a link to the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update in the daily news release. The Daily Update is a detailed look at COVID-19 in Oregon, including testing data, hospital capacity, and cases broken down by demographic information such as age groups, gender, race and ethnicity.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

(Salem, Ore.) – Mataya Gearhart, a child who went missing from Portland, Ore. on the night of Monday, May 26 has been found. Mataya was found late on the night of Friday, May 29. DHS is thankful for the community support to find her.

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

###

Statement from Mayor McEnerny-Ogle on the death of George Floyd:

Like many in our community, and throughout the entire country, I was shocked and saddened by the death of George Floyd. On behalf of the City Council, I extend our condolences to the Floyd family and all the communities profoundly affected by this trauma. 

Over the past few days, demonstrators have gathered in many cities to protest Mr. Floyd's death. Peaceful, meaningful demonstration is an exercise of our right to free speech and assembly, but it is unfortunate when these protests, including the one in Portland last night, devolve into unlawful, destructive and dangerous activity. The outrage at the root of these protests is understandable but I hope we will see peaceful demonstration and dialogue as the path forward. 

Here in Vancouver, we will continue to protect our community with the professionalism and respect that preserves rights and free speech while effectively serving public safety needs. I am proud to serve as Mayor of a community that honors our differences, values peaceful assembly and exercises its voice without violence. I have the utmost confidence in the Vancouver community to remain peaceful.

Again, I want to express profound sadness over the tragic loss of Mr. Floyd. I also want to express our support to Portland and other cities across the country who have suffered as a result of events over the past several days, but also a recognition that while physical damage to buildings can be repaired, the pain, anger and frustration this damage represents must also be healed.

This May is bringing us hotter weather (yeah!), as well as the Memorial Day weekend, so the West Linn Police Department is stepping up its DUII and Distracted Driving patrols. A grant from Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation will provide funding for the West Linn Police Department to increase its DUII patrol presence throughout the rest of the Memorial Day weekend.

Here are some sobering DUII statistics from MADD:

Every 2 minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash.
Drunk Driving costs the United States $199 billion a year.
On average, 2 in 3 people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.
Drunk Driving costs each adult in the United States almost $800 per year.
In 2012, 29.1 million people admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol-that's more than the population of Texas.

The West Linn Police Department asks you to please think about these statistics before you operate a motor vehicle after drinking alcohol or using any other substance that impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

On Friday, May 29th, demonstrators gathered at the Multnomah County Justice Center in the 1100 Block of SW 3rd Ave in Downtown Portland. At 11 p.m., demonstrators began smashing windows and vandalizing the building. Flares and other incendiary devices were thrown into a ground-level office while Corrections Records staff were working inside. Staff quickly evacuated to a secure location within the Justice Center. The building’s fire sprinkler system activated and doused the fires, but caused extensive water damage.

The Justice Center is now cleared and secured. Multnomah County’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) is on scene and will remain at the Justice Center indefinitely. The East County Major Crimes Team is responding to thoroughly investigate these crimes and will hold people accountable for the destruction caused.

“I am incredibly disappointed in Friday night’s actions that put staff, adults in custody and the public in extreme risk,” Sheriff Reese said. “This could have had tragic consequences in a corrections setting.”

Today I received the report from the Clackamas County District Attorney regarding the West Linn Police Department’s Investigation of Michael Fesser.  First of all, I am thankful for the work the investigators put into this extremely thorough independent investigation.   

The report found Sergeant Reeves and Retired Chief Timeus engaged in serious misconduct during the Fesser investigation.   As a result, both Sergeant Reeves and Retired Chief Timeus will not be called as witnesses to testify by the CCDA.  The results of that decision are very impactful to the community.  The CCDA is currently reviewing 40 active criminal cases where Sergeant Reeves was a witness.  Any case that cannot move forward without his testimony will be dismissed.  CCDA will also review approximately 500 adjudicated cases involving Sergeant Reeves.

At the moment, Sergeant Reeves remains on Administrative Leave.   As a public employee, Sergeant Reeves has rights to due process which The City of West Linn and the Police Department intend to strictly follow.

I firmly believe the West Linn Police Department will become a better and more professional police department as a result of this investigation and the others still underway.   We have a long way to go in earning back the confidence and public trust we’ve lost.

See attached:

WEST LINN, OR – May 29, 2020 

On Friday, May 29 the City of West Linn received a report from Clackamas County District Attorney (CCDA) John Foote reviewing the West Linn Police Department investigation of Michael Fesser. 

“We greatly appreciate the extensive work of Clackamas County District Attorney John Foote and his staff in reviewing this case. An independent external review of this matter is critically important to our community’s efforts to move forward,” Interim City Manager John Williams stated. “The District Attorney’s report contains findings of serious misconduct that is inconsistent with the West Linn Police Department and City of West Linn’s mission and values. Legal counsel and City Management will be reviewing the information received and will take a prompt and appropriate response to this development.” City staff will not be making further public comment, pending further resolution of this matter. 

The CCDA report (full report found here) found that both Sergeant Reeves and former Police Chief Timeus engaged in misconduct. The CCDA concluded that Reeves would be disqualified from testifying in any criminal cases in the future, and there will be a review of cases in which he testified in the past. The CCDA is referring this matter to the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) with the recommendation that Sergeant Reeves’ and Chief Timeus’ police certifications be revoked. Pursuant to the policy of the CCDA, Sergeant Reeves and Chief Timeus may seek an appeal to the District Attorney if they submit new or additional information. 

CCDA’s analysis of this case also included a review of former West Linn Police Lieutenant Stradley and former West Linn Detective Boyd. Lt. Stradley remains subject of an on-going investigation by the City of Portland’s Independent Police Review oversight agency. CCDA did not find substantial evidence that Detective Boyd committed misconduct. 

The completion of the Clackamas County District Attorney’s investigation is just one part of the work underway at the City of West Linn. The Mayor, City Council, and staff are committed to a full, impartial and transparent assessment of these matters in order to continue to rebuild community trust and ensure the highest possible level of service moving forward. Investigations by the Department of Justice remain underway, and a specialized independent investigator has been contracted to review the City’s internal handling of Michael Fesser’s tort claim against the City. Other work underway includes conducting an independent Diversity, Equity and Inclusion audit; developing and implementing a City-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan; and working towards creation of a Police Oversight Task Force.

###

Correcting link to the "Weekly Testing Summary"

May 29, 2020

Oregon reports 48 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, no new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 151, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 48 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 4,131. The new confirmed and presumptive cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (1), Curry (1), Douglas (1), Hood River (1), Jefferson (3), Klamath (1), Lane (1), Lincoln (2), Marion (11), Multnomah (18), Wasco (1), Washington (7).

Notes due to data reconciliation:

• Two cases previously reported in Josephine County were determined not to be cases; the county case count has been appropriately adjusted.
• One case previously reported in Malheur County was determined not to be a case; the county case count has been appropriately adjusted.
• One case originally reported in the 70-79 age group was determined not to be a case.
• One case in the 60-69 age group originally reported to be hospitalized was determined not to have been hospitalized.

Oregon’s 151st COVID-19 death, which was reported Thursday without details, is a 72-year-old man in Polk County who tested positive on May 1 and died May 25 at his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

An outbreak of six COVID-19 cases has been connected to Duckwall Fruit in Hood River County. The investigation started today, May 29. State and county public health officials are working with the business to address the outbreak and protect the health of workers.

The risk to the general public is considered low. If you have questions or concerns about your risk of exposure, please contact your health care provider. Additional information for this outbreak will be added to the COVID-19 Weekly Report published Wednesday, June 3.

Weekly report indicates steady testing, fewer positive cases

Today OHA released its Weekly Testing Summary, which showed that in the week ending May 29, 17,447 tests were performed in Oregon, with 304 positive results, for a positive rate of 1.7 percent.

The state’s weekly testing capacity remains at 37,702. Meanwhile, Oregon’s cumulative positive testing rate is 3.3 percent of tests performed, which is considerably lower than the national average of 12 percent.

Oregon’s decreasing weekly test positivity rate reflects fewer numbers of individuals with COVID-19 due to physical distancing and other preventive measures, as well as increasing testing statewide.

To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

OHA modeling report shows steady testing, reduced transmission

Today, OHA released an update to its modeling report  produced jointly with the Institute for Disease Modeling. The new model simulations suggest that there have been approximately 20,000 cumulative infections in Oregon by May 22, of which about 4,000 have been diagnosed based on the local epidemiologic data.

The model continues to show that the “aggressive interventions in Oregon have been effective in dramatically reducing transmission rates.”

But the report also cautions that while hospitalization data suggest that infections have continued to decline in recent weeks, this trend may change as Oregon counties begin phased re-opening. The report further notes that moderate increases in transmission levels in the community could cause a much larger increase in infections.

For example, under the scenario with interventions reducing transmission by 50 percent (versus 70 percent), the model projects about 3,000 more cumulative infections, 155 additional infections per day, and four more new severe cases per day by July 3. The modeling will be updated again in two weeks.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

OREGON CITY - The Clackamas Community College Class of 2020 is preparing to graduate like never before, and the college wants to celebrate with them like never before. A drive-thru graduation procession is being held on the Oregon City campus June 12, 3–7 p.m. The ceremony is open to all 2019-2020 GED, Adult High School, and degree and certificate completers and petitioners, as well as any student who plans to graduate in summer or fall of 2020. 

Graduates and their families will sign up for a time slot to take part in the procession. From their vehicles, graduates will receive a bag with their caps, gowns, tassels, honor cords, programs and swag. From there they will proceed to a stage where the graduate will exit the vehicle. They will have their names announced, receive their diploma covers, get their photo taken and then exit the stage, turning their tassels from right to left, signaling their shift from being a student to a graduate. All participants are to follow social distancing guidelines and wear face masks.

“We surveyed our graduates to see how they would like to be honored during this pandemic since we are not able to celebrate together,” CCC President Tim Cook said. “By and large they did not want a virtual ceremony, and they didn’t want to wait until next year. We hope this modified version of commencement will give our students at least some of the pomp and circumstance they deserve.”

This year, Clackamas Community College is awarding 1,207 degrees and certificates, 244 GEDs and 11 adult high school diplomas. The youngest graduate is 16 and the oldest is 76. 

“The graduates of 2020 will be known as the most resilient and agile class in the college’s history. In a time when it would have been easy to quit their college education, they persisted. When asked to move their learning from the classroom to online in their living rooms, they successfully made that transition,” Cook said. “This graduating class is like no other.”

For more information about Clackamas Community College, visit www.clackamas.edu. For more information about graduation, visit www.clackamas.edu/graduation.

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The Vancouver Police Department has recently responded to several medical calls involving drug overdose(s).  Some of these calls have resulted in the death of the person that ingested the substances. It is believed “counterfeit” Oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl are being sold throughout Clark County.  These pills are likely being purchased illicitly and not through a pharmacy. Fentanyl is a dangerous, powerful Schedule II narcotic responsible for an epidemic of overdose deaths within the United States. 

Attached is a photograph of real Oxycodone pills. The counterfeit pills have similar markings. 

The Vancouver Police Department advises people to beware of taking prescription medication that is not purchased from a pharmacy or to take medication that has not been prescribed to you.

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro (BGCP) is saddened and outraged by the recent events in Minnesota and other unjustified deaths perpetrated on people of color. BGCP stands for equal justice under the law. We are compelled to register our concern over the events that have occurred most recently to George Floyd, which calls into question our nation’s commitment to equal justice under the law.  

Today, millions of Americans live in fear knowing there is a high likelihood they will be treated differently and actively harmed simply because of the color of their skin. The racism they face is both cultural, systemic and institutional.  It’s in the inner workings of our criminal justice system, schools, health care, and even in the interactions between neighbors, coworkers, and friends. 

Racism has deep and lasting impacts. It terrorizes and traumatizes youth, families, and communities. And in the case of George Floyd, as with so many others before him, it kills. 

Everyone, in Portland, in Minnesota, and across this country, has a responsibility to work together to create a society that is actively anti-racist, where people regardless of race or class can get justice. We must do better. We must be better. We must call it out and hold ourselves accountable for racism where it exists. 

“When BGCP implemented our Trauma Informed service model several years ago”, said CEO, Erin Hubert, “it was in an active effort to address and alleviate the impacts of the traumas our families face, including the racist systems our families of color fear.  We’ve worked in partnership with our communities to use restorative justice rather than punitive measures with our youth; to connect families with resources they need to thrive; to foster opportunities for meaningful connections between young people and law enforcement; and to empower our Club youth with 21st century skills and opportunities to help them achieve their wildest dreams.  But this is still not enough. This addresses the effects, and not always the causes, of the trauma our communities face every day.” 

BGCP utterly rejects the abuse of power by police authorities that led to George Floyd’s unjustified death, and so many other, heartbreaking and unnecessary deaths.  We continually seek to learn and grow in inclusion, and we’re committed to being a safe, diverse and equitable place for our youth, families, and staff who face any sort of oppression. 

We must take action to actively fix the systematic form of injustice that leads to rigged and unequal patterns of injustice. If we want our children to grow up in a society that truly values their lives, we must dismantle systems that promote oppression and inequities. 

Get involved in uprooting these systematic patterns of injustice structures that create and justify unnecessary violence and silence toward black, brown, and indigenous individuals. Call your representatives and fight for reforms to our criminal justice system and all forms of institutional racism that undermine diversity, equity and inclusion.    

Don’t Tune Out and Don’t Stay Silent!

Vancouver, Washington—Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes today issued Emergency Order 2020-14 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order will be reviewed by Vancouver City Council at its next meeting Monday, June 1.

The order authorizes the use of “parklets” by Vancouver restaurants looking to expand seating capacity during Phase 2 and 3 of the state’s phased reopening plan through the city’s new Street Eats Program. (Clark County remains in Phase 1 at this time.)

Parklets are temporary outdoor dining areas located in on-street parking areas adjacent to businesses licensed by the City of Vancouver. Restaurants may operate a parklet with a valid city-issued permit. The emergency order, which expires July 31, also waives the permit application fee and the minimum parking requirement typically required by Vancouver Municipal Code. The city is currently accepting permit applications at www.cityofvancouver.us/sidewalkseating.

The new emergency order also lifts the city’s previous restrictions on park picnic shelters—opening picnic shelters for use to the extent allowed by the state’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. The new emergency order also extends the duration of several previous emergency orders as follows:

• extends city community center closures to July 5
• extends the suspension of on-street parking enforcement to June 30
• extends requirements that landlords, their contractors and representatives wear personal protective equipment and adhere to physical distancing protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Clark County Public Health Department when entering the interior of a rental unit or property located within the city limits to July 31
• extends the city’s internal infection disease control policy related to physical distancing and safety protocols until the city’s state of emergency order is lifted
• extends the city’s internal telecommuting policy until the city’s state of emergency is lifted

The full text of all city emergency orders can be viewed online at www.cityofvancouver.us/coronavirus.

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Friday, May 29, 2020 - Woodburn, OR - On Saturday, May 23 at approximately 11:00 p.m., a male subject threw a rock through the glass doors at Long Brothers Building Supply located at 195 Birds Eye Avenue in Woodburn. The suspect entered the location, went directly to the Benchmade knife display case on the front counter and then exited the store with the case of knives. The suspect appears to be a tall and slender male and was wearing a black jacket and tan pants and had their face covered with a light-colored cloth. The suspect left in a light-colored Dodge Durango, 1997-2009 style, with aftermarket chrome rims, no front license plate and has a long tow-hitch attached to the rear of the vehicle.

If you have any information about this subject or vehicle, please contact the Woodburn Police Department at 503-982-2345, referencing WPD Case #20-5225.

Surveillance Video Links

Clip 1 (Break in occurs at 0:09): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ujCVKi2YvSFJyiR6ZlR_dzAffS2kMgTV/view?usp=sharing

Clip 2 (Break in occurs at 1:02): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FSNdwyOVLgbyvwycmpo52zPojqk6GtDM/view?usp=sharing 

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Vancouver, WA – CCHM's 2020 Speaker Series continues on Facebook Live Thursday, June 11 at 7 p.m., with Donna Sinclair in “Clark County Stories: Conversations with Women in Politics”.

In this presentation based on the Clark County Stories project conducted in partnership with WSU Vancouver, historians and scholars, Donna Sinclair and Sue Peabody, highlight a series of conversational interviews and discussions exploring and reflecting on the role women have played as political leaders in Clark County. Several women in Clark County politics participated in recorded discussions for this program, including former congresswoman and state legislator, Linda Smith, former state legislator and Clark County Councilor Betty Sue Morris, former Camas Mayor, Nan Henriksen, and former City Councilor, Pat Jollota.

"We are excited to facilitate the stories women have to tell about their lives and community. I am especially thrilled to share the many experiences of women in political life from the many women in leadership who participated in our Clark County Stories: Women and Politics series, including Betty Sue Morris, Pat Jollota, Nan Henriksen, Linda Smith, Busse Nutley, Connie Kearney, and Judie Stanton. I can't think of a more timely or important set of conversations to have than these as we look back on the anniversary of women getting the vote."

Donna Sinclair, Ph.D. is an historian and scholar specializing in oral history and the history of the Pacific Northwest. Sinclair holds a Bachelor’s degree from Washington State University – Vancouver as well as a Master’s in History and Ph.D. in Urban Studies from Portland State University. She teaches as an adjunct for Washington State University Vancouver, served on the Washougal Planning Commission in 2017 and is on the Washougal School Board of Directors.

Dr. Susan Peabody is Meyer Distinguished Professor of History at Washington State University Vancouver. Her historical exhibit, “The Strange History de Furcy Madeleine,” about a slave who won his freedom in the courts of France and Britain, appears at the Musée de Villèle, Réunion Island, France.

The CCHM Speaker Series is sponsored by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission and Wager Audio. In our effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19, this event will be streamed free on Facebook.

The Clark County Stories project is supported through the Pettyjohn Fund of the Department of History, Washington State University.

For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or each@cchmuseum.org">outreach@cchmuseum.org.

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The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be on Friday, June 5, 2020.  The meeting will be held electronically due to the current COVID-19 health crisis.

Call-In: 1-253-215-8782 or Toll Free: 1-888-788-0099
Meeting ID: 950 5097 3569 Password: 822992

AGENDA:
9:00  Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 
9:05  Public Comment 
9:15  Meeting Minutes for Review –May 1, 2020
9:20  Report for the Director

9:45  Homeownership Division Updates

- Oregon Bond Loan Approvals

10:00 Affordable Rental Housing Division Updates 

- Patton House
- Tigard Triangle

- Springtree Apartments

10:45 Chief Financial Officer

 - 2021-2023 Legislative Agenda Development: Final ARB Content Update

11:45 Affordable Rental Housing Division Update

 - Rent Increase Policy

12:30  Report of the Chair
12:45  Meeting Adjourned

Beginning Saturday, May 30, 2020, temporary lane closures will occur on Commercial Street SE between Kearney Street and Bush Street to allow for stormwater line repairs. A single southbound lane closure beginning at Leslie Street SE will become a double lane closure at Kearney Street. This will restrict southbound travel to a single lane for one block. The lane closures will continue through Sunday, May 31, and will likely resume the following weekend (June 6 and 7), as the repairs are completed. Please use caution and plan for slower traffic along this stretch of Commercial Street SE.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Salem at service@cityofsalem.net  or 503-588-6311.

Vancouver, Washington -- The City of Vancouver will reopen its Safe Parking Zone at C-TRAN’s Evergreen Transit Center (1504 N.E. 138th Avenue), pending approval by the C-TRAN Board of Directors at its next board meeting on Tuesday, June 9.

The Safe Parking Zone provides a place for people sheltering in their vehicles to comply with Washington’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. The city will continue to manage the program in exchange for use of the C-TRAN site.

The Safe Parking Zone offers 24-hour parking, restrooms and garbage service to registered participants. The transit center location will remain limited to 40 vehicles, with the ability to accommodate up to seven recreational vehicles.

The Safe Parking Zone closed its previous site at Vancouver Mall on May 7. Since then, the city has been seeking a new site for the program. In its first month of operation, the program averaged 40 vehicles and served up to 60 participants per day.

“It’s unfortunate that participants had to experience an interruption in service, but we are excited to be partnering with C-TRAN on the next chapter of the Safe Parking Zone,” said City of Vancouver Recreation Manager Dave Perlick. “We believe this site will offer a comfortable location for the Safe Parking Zone program for the duration of the state’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.”

For more on the Safe Parking Zone program and participant registration information, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/safeparking.

For information about the City of Vancouver’s response to COVID-19, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/coronavirus.  

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About C-TRAN

C-TRAN is the regional public transportation provider for Clark County. It offers Local bus service within its Clark County service area, plus Regional and Express commuter service to Portland. It also provides Connector service within the city limits of Vancouver, Camas, La Center and Ridgefield. For more information on C-TRAN please visit C-TRAN’s website at www.c-tran.com, or call Customer Service at 360- 695-0123.

On May 28th, 2020, approximately 11:40 pm, Jose Daniel Martinez-Flores, 26, walked away from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Transition Center.  Martinez-Flores is a Hispanic male, approximately 5’6”, 150 lbs, and has black hair with brown eyes.  He was last known to reside in the Salem area.

Martinez-Flores was serving a sentence for a probation revocation related to a prior menacing charge.  Martinez-Flores is currently on parole for Burglary 1.  He was scheduled for release on 2/9/2021.

Staffed around the clock, the Transition Center provides an intermediate sanction between Jail and Probation. Unlike the Jail, the Transition Center provides minimum-security supervision. Residents are expected to work, either at their own jobs, or by performing community services.

If you see, or know the location of, Jose Daniel Martinez-Flores, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 503-588-5032 or submit a tip at https://www.co.marion.or.us/SO/Pages/tip411.aspx.

UPDATE, noon 5/29: The bivouac tent camping area at Smith Rock State Park remains closed until further notice.

Original release text below

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) today released a list of state park campgrounds that are scheduled to open with limited services within the coming days. 

OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said, “I am cautiously delighted. We are working hard to welcome campers wherever we can safely do so, as soon as we can.”

Sumption said that campgrounds will open only when the following conditions are met:

• Public health guidelines (OHA established) for the county are fulfilled.
• The local community agrees.
• The park has enough staff, supplies and equipment to safely open and operate at a basic level.

Sumption also noted that revenue loss, COVID-19 precautions and staff reductions will curtail services at most if not all campgrounds. Cabin and yurt camping, except in rare cases, will not be offered. Group camping remains closed across the state, due to distancing concerns.

RV and tent campers with existing reservations for a campground that opens will be honored beginning June 9. Not all sites or loops may be available at open campgrounds. For parks in the coastal region, there will be no walk-in or first come, first-served camping until further notice.

The online reservation system has been suspended since April 28. It will reopen for new reservations sometime next week, and will accept new reservations one day to two weeks in advance. OPRD will announce the reservation reopening date early next week through its website, stateparks.oregon.gov.

First come, first-served campgrounds in eastern Oregon lead the way. The following campgrounds open Friday, May 29. Others may be added to this list without a formal announcement. For updates, please check the website:

1. Goose Lake, south of Lakeview
2. Jackson Kimball, northwest of Chiloquin
3. Minam, north of La Grande
4. Hilgard Junction, near La Grande
5. Catherine Creek, near Union
6. Clyde Holliday, near John Day
7. Cottonwood Canyon, southeast of The Dalles

 Campgrounds scheduled to open June 9, 2020:

Coast
Note: All group camping, cabins and yurts closed. No walk-in or first come, first-served camping until further notice. Additional services or changes will be on park page. Please visit the link. 

• Fort Stevens, near Astoria
• Cape Lookout, near Tillamook (Loops A & B closed)
• Nehalem Bay, south of Cannon Beach 
• Beverly Beach, north of Newport
• South Beach, south of Newport
• Jessie M. Honeyman, south of Florence
• William M. Tugman, south of Reedsport  
• Sunset Bay, near Coos Bay (B Loop closed)
• Bullards Beach, north of Bandon: (Horse camp closed)
• Humbug Mountain, south of Port Orford 
• Harris Beach, in Brookings

Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge
Note: All group camping, cabins and yurts closed. Additional services or changes will be on park page. Please visit the link. 

• Silver Falls, east of Salem (sites A47, A50, A71 closed; Howard Creek Horse Campground open)
• Detroit Lake, east of Salem
• Champoeg, near Newberg
• Cascara Campground at Fall Creek State Recreation Area, east of Eugene
• Memaloose, near The Dalles

Southern, Central and Eastern Oregon
Note: All group camping, cabins and yurts closed unless otherwise noted. Additional services or changes will be on park page. Please visit the link. 

• The Cove Palisades, southwest of Madras
• Prineville Reservoir, southeast of Prineville
• Smith Rock, northeast of Redmond (bivouac tent camping only)
• Deschutes River, east of The Dalles
• LaPine, south of Bend (campground and rustic cabins open)
• Tumalo, north of Bend        
• Collier Memorial, north of Klamath Falls 
• Joseph Stewart, northeast of Medford      
• Wallowa Lake, southeast of Enterprise
• Farewell Bend, southeast of Huntington
• Clyde Holliday, near John Day

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The Office of State Fire Marshal, Oregon fire service, natural resource agencies, Oregon licensed fireworks wholesalers, and health and safety experts want to encourage Oregonians to “keep it legal and keep it safe” when using legal fireworks.

The 2020 Oregon fireworks retail sales season opens June 23 and runs through July 6.

“Oregonians can help each other and especially our first responders by keeping all fireworks use safe and legal, especially now with greater risks of wildfire this fire season and the stresses that COVID-19 it putting on our systems,” said Mark Johnston, assistant chief deputy fire marshal. “Our office’s fireworks safety and education materials reinforce these important messages to help prevent unwanted fires, wildfires, and calls to responders or visits to our medical facilities.”

The OSFM is providing downloadable items that help Oregonians understand the fireworks that are legal to use in Oregon without a permit, where they are permitted to be used, and the important safety steps to take when using fireworks. The OSFM is asking Oregonians to share this information with their friends, families, and neighbors.

OSFM’s fireworks materials can be found on its website.

The OSFM encourages everyone to use the four Bs of safe fireworks use:

• Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
• Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
• Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
• Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.

The OSFM website also provides FAQs for commonly answered questions about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, permits for the retail sale of fireworks, and state rules for their use and enforcement activities.

In Oregon, officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children. 

Despite their regulated sale and use, fireworks in Oregon continue to cause public safety and health threats every year. In 2020, the Oregon fire service faces additional burdens of protecting their personnel from exposure to COVID-19 and serving the public with the disease in circulation.

For the last reported five years through 2019, there were 1,173 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon, resulting in more than $4.9 million in property loss and contents damage. During that same period, fires resulting from fireworks resulted one death and 37 injuries. 

For more information on fireworks in Oregon, visit the OSFM website.

On May 16th, 2020, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a disturbance outside a business in the 300 block of Hemlock Street in Waldport.  A witness reported the two people involved entered a single vehicle and left at a high rate of speed after driving over the curb and landscaping.  Deputies were familiar with the vehicle the witness described and attempted to contact the owner at his residence, however he fled from the location just prior to deputies arriving. 

The other person involved in the disturbance emerged from the residence and began describing what took place.  An investigation revealed 48-year-old Waldport resident Richard D. Leach had forced an unwilling victim into a vehicle at gunpoint. Leach then drove the victim to several places around the Waldport area before stopping at a location where the victim was able to escape.  Leach physically assaulted the victim multiple times during the encounter.

A firearm was recovered during the investigation.  Deputies searched for Leach extensively over the next several days.  The vehicle Leach used in the incident was found burned on a remote forest road during the search, but Leach could not be located.

On May 28th at about 4:45 PM, Leach was seen in a Toyota Corolla near milepost 3 on Highway 34 outside of Waldport.  Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Leach, but he failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued.  As the pursuit was initiated, the Corolla was reported stolen from a residence on Highway 34.

The pursuit lasted approximately 45 minutes over forest roads between East Canal Creek Road and East Eckman Creek Road.  During that time, Leach struck a vehicle passing by and attempted to hit the involved patrol vehicles.  Despite both rear tires failing, Leach continued to attempt to elude deputies.  To prevent the pursuit from going back into Waldport and heavier traffic, the vehicle’s front tires were deflated with spike strips near the intersection of E. Eckman Creek Rd and E. Lakeside Dr.

The vehicle mechanically failed in the 500 block of E. Eckman Creek Rd and rolled to a stop.  Leach refused to comply with repeated verbal commands to surrender.  Sheriff’s Office Patrol K9s Bonni and Nix were deployed.  K9 Nix entered the vehicle and successfully apprehended Leach.  Medics were summoned to the scene for injuries Leach sustained during the K9 apprehension.  While being treated at the scene, Leach spit blood on emergency medical personnel.  Leach was taken into custody and transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital. 

Leach was charged with Kidnapping in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Attempting to Elude Police, Aggravated Harassment, Coercion, Pointing a Firearm at Another, Reckless Driving (x2), Menacing, Assault in the Fourth Degree, Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver (Misdemeanor), Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, Offensive Littering (x3), and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.  His bail was set at $730,000.

An Oregon fishing guide had an envelope of cash and clients ready to fish when he was cited for illegal fishing activities on May 19 in Tillamook County. The citation concludes an ongoing investigation into his activities by Oregon State Police.  

Kyle Buschelman, 41, of Eugene, was on the Nestucca River boat ramp with clients ready to launch when Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Senior Trooper Ryan Kehr approached him at about 7:40 a.m. Buschelman initially stated he was fishing with friends. However, after interviewing passengers in the boat, it became clear to Trooper Kehr that the trip was conducted as a matter of business. In addition, Buschelman had an envelope of cash comparable to standard guide fees for that number of passengers.

Buschelman eventually admitted to booking guided fishing trips online through his website, promoting himself as a licensed and registered guide. Trips were generally for the Willamette and McKenzie rivers, and recently in Tillamook County waterways as well. He said he had not gotten around to completing the licensing renewal process. He and his passengers did have valid fishing licenses and tags.

The Oregon State Marine Board registers outfitters and guides annually to certify that they carry the minimum liability insurance required by law, they have current First Aid and CPR training and if required, have a US Coast Guard (USCG) Operator License and/or Surety Bond. Under Oregon Statute, Failure to register as a Guide/Outfitter is a Class A Misdemeanor.

Buschelman was subsequently cited and released into the Tillamook County Circuit Court for Unlawful Compensation for Non-Licensed Guide/Outfitter. Guides who skirt regulations create unfair advantages for themselves.

“This maintains an even and fair playing field,” Trooper Kehr said, “This makes it fair for everyone else who is taking the time and paying the fees and following the rules.”

 All wildlife violations, including those of the outfitter and guide laws can be reported to the Oregon State Police Turn in Poacher (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888.

Poaching wildlife and damaging habitats affects present and future generations of wildlife, impacts communities and the economy, and creates enforcement challenges. The Oregon Hunters Association offers rewards to persons, through their T.I.P. fund,  for information leading to the issuance of a citation to a person(s), or an arrest made of a person(s) for illegal possession, killing, or taking of bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, elk, deer, antelope, bear, cougar, wolf, furbearers and/or upland game birds and water fowl. T.I.P. rewards can also be paid for the illegal taking, netting, snagging, and/or dynamiting of game fish, and/or shell fish, and for the destruction of habitat.

In addition rewards may be paid for information leading to the issuance of a citation to a person(s), or an arrest made of a person(s) who have illegally obtained Oregon hunting/angling license or tags. People who “work” the system and falsely apply for resident license or tags are not legally hunting or angling and are considered poachers.

Rewards:

Bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose                                                                 $1,000

Elk, deer, antelope                                                                                                       $500

Bear, cougar, wolf                                                                                                        $300

Habitat destruction                                                                                                      $300

Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags                              $200

Game fish, shell fish                                                                                                     $100

Upland birds, waterfowl, furbearers                                                                         $100

Preference Points:

5 Points-Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Wolf

4 Points-Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar

On May 27th, the Silverton Fire District responded on a barn fire in the 900 block of Drift Creek Rd. NE. This structure is located in Marion County south of the City of Silverton.

When units arrived on scene, they found that the large barn was fully involved with fire and an immediate fire attack and exposure protection operation commenced. Multiple fire engines and tenders from Silverton, Sublimity, Aumsville and Mt. Angel responded to the fire to assist with suppression and overhaul operations. No firefighter or civilian injuries occurred.

Unfortunately, all the livestock in the barn were killed by the smoke and heat of the fire. The livestock belonged to Morgan Yates and was valued at more than $15,000. In addition to the livestock, approximately $60,000 worth of farm implements was also consumed in the fire.

A majority of Ms. Yates livelihood came from the livestock that perished and the farm implements that were destroyed and unfortunately, the structure and its contents were not insured against fire loss. 

The fire investigation has been completed and the cause is being listed as undetermined, not suspicious and likely to be electrical in nature.

Pictures Attached

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power to reopen camping areas on the Lewis River

PORTLAND, Ore. (May 29, 2020) — In response to updated public health directives from Washington Governor Jay Inslee and with Cowlitz County in Phase II of its COVID-19 reopening process, Pacific Power is expanding access to the popular series of day use areas, boat ramps and campgrounds along the Lewis River in southwest Washington beginning May 29.  

Pacific Power is a division of PacifiCorp, which owns and manages hydroelectric resources that offer clean, affordable energy for customers, as well as a variety of public recreation opportunities. The facilities provide boating, swimming, camping and picnicking opportunities.

The Beaver Bay, Cougar Park and Cresap Bay campgrounds are ready for use. Campers with reservations will be notified and advised that camp sites are ready, restroom facilities are available, and camp hosts are on site and available to help guests have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Per Washington state guidelines, each campsite will be limited to five people. Group camping will not be opened at this time (awaiting Phase III). Pacific Power appreciates the cooperation of the public as we work to maintain these opportunities while observing social distancing and safety guidelines.

These conditions will remain in effect until Cowlitz County enters Phase III of Washington’s Phased Approach or the WA Department of Health revokes the county’s Phase II status. Pacific Power reserves the right to close campgrounds if conditions warrant closure due to non-compliance with state directives.

For a complete list of closures and limited maintenance sites, including PacifiCorp facilities in Oregon, Washington, and California, please visit https://www.pacificorp.com/community/recreation.html.

# # #

Date:  Thursday, June 4th, 2020

Time:  7 p.m.

Location: Science on Tap Facebook Page or Register on Zoom

Tickets: $5 suggested donation (Support us on Patreon or make a one-time donation here)

Event Website: https://viaproductions.org/events/online_june_4_fermentation/

With social media feeds full of homemade bread, homebrew, and pickling, people seem to be embracing fermentation like never before.

In this tasty Science on Tap Online event hear from geneticist Dr. Kevin McCabe, former Quality Manager for Full Sail Brewing and co-creator of KYLA Hard Kombucha as he explains the science behind some of our favorite foods and beverages. Kevin will introduce the biochemistry of fermentation, the microbes involved, and the similarities and differences of how cider, wine, beer, distilled spirits, bread, kombucha, and pickles all rely on fermentation.

Visit our Facebook page at 7pm on Thursday for the Facebook live show (refresh until you see the video post), or watch the high quality version on Zoom: Click here to register for this event on Zoom

Recorded live shows are available on our YouTube channel within a day or two.

Science on Tap is a science lecture series where you can sit back, drink a pint, and enjoy learning. Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don't have to be a science geek to have fun--all you need is a thirst for knowledge! For more information on this event or about Science on Tap, visit Via Productions.

LINCOLN CITY-Oregon Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be repairing cracks in the pavement of U.S. 101 in Lincoln City starting this Sunday at 7 p.m.  The work will cover a 5-mile stretch of both northbound and southbound lanes (mileposts 112-118).

The work will take almost two weeks to complete and is scheduled during the evenings, Sunday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Travelers can expect periodic lane closures with flaggers controlling two way traffic.  Expect delays.

Vancouver, Wash. ??' The Clark County Auditor’s office recently was nationally recognized for its financial reporting and performance auditing efforts. 

The Government Finance Officers Association awarded the Auditor’s Office a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This is the 34th year the Auditor’s Office has received this award. 

The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.

The Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) has selected Clark County Auditor’s 2019 Performance Audit of Risk Management Function report for the Knighton Distinguished Award. This is the fifth time Audit Services has been recognized by ALGA for an audit report. The previous honors included two Exemplary Audit Awards and with the addition of this year’s, three Distinguished Audit Awards.  

ALGA is a national audit association founded in 1985 committed to supporting and improving local government auditing through advocacy, collaboration, education and training.

The audit report was judged on several key elements, such as the potential for significant impact, the persuasiveness of the conclusions, the focus on improving government efficiency and effectiveness, and its clarity and conciseness.

Clark County’s audit received the Distinguished Knighton Award in the Small Shop Category. In making the award, judges commented that they found the report, compelling, well-written in a way that made a complex topic easy to understand, and convincingly used charts to show how the County’s operations changed over time and how it differs from other risk providers.

“I’m proud of the Financial Services department and Audit Services staff for their reporting efforts that help Clark County residents obtain a better understanding of county operations,” said Auditor Greg Kimsey. “Their peers within their respective fields have recognized them for conducting their work within the highest professional standards.”

To review this and past financial reports please go to the Auditor’s website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/financial-reports.This year’s Distinguished Award report, Performance Audit of Risk Management Function, and the other Knighton Award-winning audit reports can be viewed at https://www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/audit-reports.

Salem, Ore – The State Library Board will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 online. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Cory Horton at y.horton@state.or.us">cory.horton@state.or.us. Ann Malkin of Bend will chair the meeting.

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested 48 hours before the meeting; notice 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Cory Horton at y.horton@state.or.us">cory.horton@state.or.us.

Agenda

9:00 a.m.        Approval of the Minutes – April 2020 meeting                                            Malkin

9:05                 Reports of Board Chair & Members                                                          Malkin                        

9:45                 Report of the State Librarian                                                                Patterson

10:00              Budget report                                                                                        Patterson

10:15              Quarterly Statistics Report                                                                    Patterson

10:20              Recommendations of the Talking Book & Braille Advisory Council           Bruton

10:40              Open Forum

10:50              Break

11:00              Update on LSTA mini-grants                                                                    Westin

11:10              CARES Act funding plans                                                                        Westin                 

11:30              360 Review Questions and Process                                                   Patterson

11:50              Elect Board Chair & Vice Chair                                                                Malkin

12:00              Adjournment                                                                                             Malkin

Any person may address the State Library Board at this meeting on any topic.

NOTE:  The times of all agenda items are approximate and subject to change.

PORTLAND, Ore. May 29, 2020—As the COVID-19 crisis transforms and challenges the education system, teachers have worked hard to quickly adopt new ways to teach, support students and innovate with remote learning. In honor of this dedication through such unprecedented times, OnPoint Community Credit Union today announced the winners of the 2020 Prize for Excellence in Education Educator of the Year award. Carol Biskupic Knight, 4th Grade teacher at Sato Elementary in Beaverton, and Kerryn Henderson, AP Biology and AVID teacher at Parkrose High School in Portland, will have their mortgages paid for one full year and receive $2,500 for their schools. 

"Teachers have had to rapidly adjust to a new normal of teaching online, supporting students and parents remotely, and providing innovative teaching methods and ideas to families," said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "OnPoint thanks the entire education community for their unwavering dedication in such unprecedented times, and we are thrilled to celebrate Carol and Kerryn for sparking passion in students, parents, peers and their community."

The OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education is an annual award that recognizes outstanding educators throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington for their work to positively impact students, their schools and communities. OnPoint has awarded more than $470,000 in prizes to 285 local educators and schools since launching the campaign 11 years ago.  

OnPoint's grand prize, Educator of the Year, is awarded to two teachers – one who teaches kindergarten – 8th grade and one who teaches 9th – 12th grade. This year's grand prize winners are:

K–8 Educator of the Year

Carol Biskupic Knight, 4th Grade, Sato Elementary

Carol has been key to changing the way science education is taught in her district and beyond. For the past 40 years, students have walked through the door of Carol’s classroom and are welcomed to a year of discovery where they are treated as professional scientists, technologists, engineers, artists, and mathematicians taking on new adventures in learning and innovation. She works to build on the natural curiosity in students, giving them the tools to explore and observe the world around them, work effectively with others and communicate their experiences. Units of study are language-rich, interdisciplinary, and designed to be relevant both locally and globally, in addition to being strategically planned out in order to develop students who solve problems and think critically. Whether they’re solving the energy challenge of a wearable power source without a battery, figuring out how to decrease the erosion on our playground, or identifying what nature’s artifacts are telling us about the impact humans are having on our planet, Carol’s students generate, evaluate and implement solutions to address problems of today and tomorrow. She has also worked to implement Sato’s STEAM night and district K-8 Science Expo, acted as Sato’s STEAM Coordinator, and conducted numerous professional development sessions for preservice and veteran teachers. 

9–12 Educator of the Year

Kerryn Henderson, AP Biology and AVID, Parkrose High School

Kerryn built the AP Biology program at Parkrose and has worked tirelessly to make it accessible for the school’s diverse student body and inspire students to pursue careers in the STEM field. As an educator she pushes her students to take the harder path, choose rigorous classes, strive for high grades, and take academic risks. In her classroom, failure is celebrated as an opportunity for growth. Unlike most AP teachers, Kerry doesn’t lecture – instead, students explore concepts through simulations, games, song writing, modeling, role-play and Socratic discussions. Through this method of teaching science becomes non-threatening, friendly, relevant, and thrilling. In her AVID classes, Kerryn works with future first generation college students to help them see the possibility of their dreams and how to reach them. As a leader at the school, Kerryn pioneered the use of assessment data to design and refine instruction, and guided changes in grading practices across the school and district. She also acts as the MESA Lead Teacher and AVID site coordinator, and leads the Middle and High School Science Departments through professional development sessions focusing on inquiry, equity and innovation. 

Educator of the Year Finalists

OnPoint will award a $5,000 cash prize to the following 2020 finalists and make a $1,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies:

K–8 Finalist

Ali Herron, Kindergarten, Marysville Elementary School, Portland Public Schools 

9–12 Finalist

Matt Sten, Modern World History and Government/Economics, Cleveland High School, Portland Public Schools

Circle of Excellence

Six additional teachers were named earlier this month to OnPoint's Circle of Excellence. These educators will each receive a $1,500 cash prize and $1,000 donation to their school:

• Alfonso Garcia Arriola, 7th & 8th Grade Science, ACCESS Academy, Portland Public Schools
• Jesse Gardner, Career and College Exploration and Hip-Hop Literature, Madison High School, Portland Public Schools
• Janelle Jackson, Alternative Education, Dayton High School, Dayton School District
• Hillary Marshall, Library Media Specialist, Washougal High School, Washougal School District
• Pauline Pham, Special Education and English, Springfield High School, Springfield Public Schools
• Erika Pollock, 1st Grade, Lake Grove Elementary, Lake Oswego School District

2020 Community Builder Award Recipients

OnPoint previously announced four recipients of their Community Builder awards. These schools will receive $2,000 for a special project:

• Atkinson Elementary’s Gardening and Cultural Cooking Project, which will provides K-5th grade classes with two garden work parties each year in the school's community garden.
• Clear Creek Middle School’s The Tomorrow Bus, a mobile STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) classroom that encourages K-8th grade students to create, collaborate, and innovate using hands-on learning materials.
• Sandy High School’s Pioneer Digital Media Broadcasting program, a live multi-camera broadcast that covers sports, news and events from the Sandy High School campus.
• Sifton Elementary’s After School Club, a free program for families designed to provide extra academic support and extracurricular activities.

In addition, Grout Elementary School was selected by community votes, and will receive $5,000 for their Ground Improvement Project. Click here to learn the impact the Community Builder award had on last year's winner, Bridger Elementary.

OnPoint was founded in 1932 by 16 school teachers. In addition to its annual Prize for Excellence in Education campaign, OnPoint continues its founders' mission today by supporting local education by:

• Helping De La Salle North Catholic High School students gain valuable real-life work experience.
• Collecting school supplies and cash donations at branch locations for Schoolhouse Supplies. 
• Supporting Babies With Books, which provides books to families in Randall Children's Neonatal Intensive Care Unity so they can bond with their babies and help with early literacy.
• Sponsoring Oregon Humane Society’s Humane Education Program, which brings OHS educators into public and private schools to teach concepts of respect, responsibility and compassion for animals.

OnPoint also partners with Financial Beginnings, Junior Achievement, and Portland Workforce Alliance to provide financial literacy and workforce development education. In 2019, OnPoint employees used 485 paid volunteer hours for financial education efforts, impacting 3,500 students.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 395,000 members and with assets of $6.5 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 13 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Stefan Peierls, Co-Founder, Executive Director
Passion Impact
5106 SE Powell Blvd.
Portland OR 97206
Local Phone: (503) 912-4241
https://www.passionimpact.org
stefan@passionimpact.org
 

May 29, 2020 - Portland, OR - Passion Impact’s recently released their schedule for the June 2020 Informational Interviews. Students have successfully hosted interviews with over 30 professionals spanning eight states and four 4 countries to deliver insightful content for their high school peers.

Passion Impact administered a Survey Career Survey and they received voices from students at over 16 schools in the Portland Metro area and Salem. The top four professions voted on by students were: Photography, Fashion Design, Zoology and Wildlife Biology, & Child, Family, and School Social Worker. In listening to these students, their lineup for June 2020 is as follows is as follows: 

June 3 | School Social Worker - Sahana Prasad: a social worker & trauma therapist who is passionate about supporting survivors of interpersonal and structural violence in their journeys to healing...

June 10 | Fashion Designers - Kristen Gonzalez and Sam Romero: Influenced by their Latina heritage, they support their collection with intentionality and strength to combine a collective of honest and mindful products made in Los Angeles, California...www.selvanegra.us IG: selvanegra_

June 17 | Wildlife Biology - (Coming Soon!)

June 24 - Photographer - Josué Rivas: a creative director, visual storyteller and educator working at the intersection of art, journalism, and social justice...www.josuerivasfoto.com IG: josue_foto

Passion Impact invites high school students to explore informational interviews with them throughout June.

Read more.

Register here.

ABOUT PASSION IMPACT

Passion Impact engages youth in a lifelong exploration of career development through volunteerism and education! Passion Impact believes in a world where students claim community engagement as a tool of connectivity, curiosity, growth, and joy. Passion Impact is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Portland, OR, working closely with Franklin High School, Portland Community College, and the students that attend both.

(Salem, OR) — Employment Department Director Kay Erickson will be holding a press availability to discuss the agency’s ongoing response for processing record levels of unemployment benefit claims in Oregon. She will be joined by unemployment policy expert and Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Division Director David Gerstenfeld.

The press availability will be held by teleconference today, Friday, May 29, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time.

Members of the media must RSVP for call-in information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 10:45 AM.

Teleconference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP to participate remotely. We will have an operator-assisted teleconference line available for this press conference. Thank you for working with us to ensure the health and safety of all participants.

                                                                                                      ###

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

This morning 5/29/2020 at 12:35 AM Marion County Fire District #1 (MCFD1) Engine 315 (E315) was dispatched to a non-structure low risk fire at 133 Stafford Lane NE.  Shortly after E315 was dispatched, 911 call takers began to receive multiple reports of an apartment complex on fire at the same address.  The alarm was upgraded and additional units were dispatched. E315 arrived first and found a six unit apartment complex with the exterior siding on fire and blocking exits of one ground floor, and one second floor apartment.  Occupants of the ground floor apartment were able to escape through windows on the rear of the building, E315’s crew was able to knock down the exterior fire and assist the upstairs occupant down the stairwell.  The fire did extend up the exterior siding and entered the attic space. Additional arriving crews were able to confirm no additional occupants in any of the adjoining apartments and extinguish the attic fire. There were no injuries to occupants or firefighters. Red Cross is assisting occupants of two apartments. The fire remains under investigation. MCFD1 responded to the incident with four engines, one rescue, one medic unit, one Battalion Chief and one Fire Marshal for a total of 18 personnel.

May 28, 2020

Media contact: Robb Cowie, 503-421-7684, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us" target="_blank">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will begin reporting large COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces, based on a directive from agency head Patrick Allen. Effective immediately, OHA will publicly report all past and future outbreaks that involve five or more COVID-19 cases in a workplace setting, no matter where the outbreak is located.

The only exception to the new policy would be if the disclosure would identify an individual or a reporting source.

As a home rule state, Oregon’s public health system is a partnership between OHA and county health departments. Currently, responsibility for investigating and reporting any communicable disease outbreak rests with a lead public health agency, in most cases a local public department, if the outbreak is limited to a single county jurisdiction. OHA is the lead agency in public health investigations that involve multiple counties or the Oregon portion of a national outbreak.

Reporting on any public health investigation must balance public health and safety, the need to ensure full cooperation by people who are affected by the outbreak so health officials can best protect the public, and patient privacy. Oregon’s public health investigations statute limits the disclosure of information. Health officials are only permitted to report information when public health is at risk, or when the agency publishes the data.

Director Allen said, “The COVID-19 pandemic demands that we all rethink how we accomplish necessary tasks that are vital to our roles. OHA believes a consistent, transparent statewide approach to reporting COVID-19 cases in workplaces will give Oregonians more information to help people avoid the risks of COVID-19 infections. We want to ensure employers, workers and customers know the same criteria will apply, no matter where they work or what businesses they support, everywhere in Oregon.”

OHA will publish information about all workplace outbreaks involving 5 or more cases through news releases and other regular COVID-19 communications channels and publications, including its COVID-19 website.

Attached is a Joint Statement from local law enforcement partners. The Washington County Sheriff's Office is distributing the document on behalf of the agencies listed on the statement.