West Linn, Oregon—The holidays are a time for friends, family, and co-workers to come together in celebration. Wherever you are—whether at an office party, a family member’s home, or out at the bar—it is essential that you make the lifesaving choice to drive sober when the party ends. To help spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving, the West Linn Police Department is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get drunk drivers off the roads and help save lives. The national high-visibility enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs from December 13-31, 2018. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving, as well as drugged driving, which is on the rise. Increased State and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways.

Sadly, the statistics show that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to drunk driving. According to NHTSA, 10,874 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2017, equating to one person killed every 48 minutes. On average, 10,000 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes each year from 2013 to 2017. That’s the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors. In December 2017, alone, 885 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver. This is why the West Linn Police Department is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to enjoy the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road: Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem on our nation’s roads. If drivers are impaired by any substance—alcohol or drugs—they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Driving while impaired is illegal, period. The bottom line is this: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. It’s that simple.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating 76-year-old MARIE HELENA EVANS.  Ms. EVANS was last seen on 12/15/18 while walking near her residence at 13004 NW Marina Way in northwest Multnomah County.  It is unknown what clothing Ms. EVANS was wearing when she left for her walk.

Ms. EVANS suffers from early onset dementia and wears glasses.  She is 5'4" tall, weighs 150 pounds and has white hair.

If anyone has information on Ms. EVANS whereabouts, please call 503-823-3333 and reference MCSO case number 18-66527.

Corbett Fire District and other agencies (AMR), Portland Police Sunshine Division, and Helping Hands team up to help those in need in the Corbett area. See press release below

The operator has been identified as Vallerie Miller (66) from California

On Thursday, December 13, 2018, at approximately 5:00PM, a Jeep SUV was traveling eastbound on Highway 140 near milepost 30 in Jackson County when the vehicle left the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and collided with a tree.

The female driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Winter weather conditions in the area contributed to the collision.  

Oregon State Police was assisted by ODOT, Lake Creek Rural Fire, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

On Saturday, December 15, 2018 at approximately 10:07 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash on Hwy 99W near milepost 114.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2000 Honda Accord operated by, Saucedo Salvador-Mendez (21) of Cheshire was traveling southbound at a high rate of speed and collided with the back of a southbound 2011 Ford F350 PU operated by, Peter Haag (20) of Junction City.  

The front seat passenger in the Honda Accord, Francisco Jose Perez-Velasco (33) of Corvallis, was not wearing a seat belt and sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The rear passenger in the Honda Accord, Chase Pomaikai Kealoha (21) of Junction City, was wearing a seat belt and sustained minor injuries - not transported to the hospital.

Salvador-Mendez was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend and treated for injuries. 

Haag sustained minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital.

Alcohol impairment and speed by Salvador-Mendez are being investigated as probable factors.

Hwy 99W southbound lanes were closed for approximately four hours.  ODOT created a detour in center turn lane to accommodate southbound traffic.  

OSP was assisted by Junction City Police, Lane County Fire Department, and ODOT.

Today at 2:47 p.m. officers were called to Mt. Hood Medical Center where a woman, believed to be a danger to herself, left from the hospital’s care. Police are now searching for 34-year-old Lacy Mae Erkkila. Erkkila is a white female, 5-feet-10-inches tall and 140 pounds. She was last seen leaving the hospital wearing a blue hospital jacket and teal scrubs. If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of Lacy Erkkila, please call 911.  

Abandoned House fully involved when Canby Fire arrived. 12/14/18 at 9:27 Canby Fire was dispatched to a residential fire at the corner of Mulino Rd and 13th. When the firefighters arrived they were met with a 1600 sqft home fully involved in fire. There was no one living in the home but there was a report of squatters being there in the past. This is an area outside the city so all the water had to be hauled in with water tenders. Canby Fire, Colton Fire and Clackamas Fire.  Fire is under investigation  

December 14, 2018 

On Friday, December 14, 2018 Interstate 84, from milepost 304 in Baker County to milepost 216 in Umatilla County, was closed for for several hours due to high winds. 

Pendleton Area Command Troopers responded to the scene of this commercial motor vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 84 westbound near milepost 223.

Strong winds blew the tractor/trailer over.

No injuries reported.

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports on December 13, 2018, his Detectives arrested Eric Wayne Dille, 46 of Mill City, for one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree and one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Eric Dille was arrested after video evidence implicated him in these crimes, which occurred several years prior.  The victim in this case is an adult female, known by Eric Dille, and was incapacitated at the time the crimes occurred.
 
Video evidence leads investigators believe there are other female victims.  Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Mike Rossiter of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 541-967-3950.

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross dispatched to a home fire disaster on Friday, December 14, 2018, in the 100 block of Lexington Ave, in Kelso, Wa. at approximately 1600 hours 

This single family fire affected 2 adults and one child. The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits including toiletry items, information about recovery resources, health and mental health as needed. Additional information, if available may be obtained by contacting local first responding agencies/fire department. The Red Cross in Oregon and SW Washington (Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by home fire disasters each day. The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call 503-528-5783 or complete an online application at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment. 

Cowlitz County, WA- Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Lexington Ave just before 2pm Friday.  Initial reports were from an off duty Cowlitz 2 firefighter and an American Medical Response (AMR) EMT who reported flames from a front room window, from the roof, and that there were cars and other property near the home at risk of catching fire.  The two off duty responders ensured everyone was out of the house and provided other critical information for incoming units including a down live power line.  Four engines (including one from Cowlitz Fire District #6 in Castle Rock), a water tender, a medic unit, and two Chief Officers (including one from District 6) were dispatched to the incident.  Cowlitz County Sheriff deputies and Cowlitz County Public Utility District also responded.  Fire crews reported the one and a half story home was half involved with fire when they arrived; they had the fire knocked down in under 6 minutes and canceled other resources initially dispatched.  One male resident was evaluated by Paramedics on scene, no injuries were reported.  The home is considered a total loss, according to fire officials.  Red Cross will be assisting the residents with shelter and other resources needed. The cause of the fire is under investigation.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DECEMBER 14, 2018

Multnomah County jury convicts former substitute teacher of sexual abuse

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that upon the conclusion of a nine-day trial, a jury convicted 54-year-old Dale Arnold Buckendahl of sexual abuse in the first degree.

At trial, the state presented evidence to show that in 2008 the defendant was a substitute teacher for a third grade class at Alder Elementary School, located in Fairview, Oregon.

In 2011, the victim, who was then in sixth grade, reported to a school counselor that a substitute teacher, in 2008, put his hands up her skirt and touched her in a sexual manner.

The jury found that the defendant unlawfully and knowingly subjected the victim, who was under the age of 14 at the time of the offense, to sexual contact by touching her leg.

The evidence presented at trial showed the offense occurred while the victim was seated at a table inside a classroom, with other students, during a reading group.

"[The victim] endured an emotional struggle after this [incident] and it was long-lasting," Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Amity Girt said during closing arguments.

This trial, which started December 3, 2018, was presided over by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Kelly Skye. 

Upon the verdict, the defendant was remanded into the custody of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office pending sentencing, which is set for January 2, 2019 at 2 p.m. Mr. Buckendahl was acquitted of one count of sexual abuse in the first degree.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office will have no other comment on this case at this time.

This case was investigated by the Multnomah County Child Abuse Team and the Multnomah County Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team, which includes representatives from local law enforcement, public schools, hospitals, courts, health departments, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Oregon Department of Employment Child Care Division.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team is responsible for reviewing and coordinating all child abuse and neglect cases in Multnomah County. The team also handles all child homicides, felony child physical abuse cases, felony child abandonment cases, custodial interference cases, and felony sex crimes where the victim is currently under the age of 18 and where the perpetrator is considered a family member.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

Today 1:21 p.m. Jefferson Fire District was dispatched to an ATV rollover near Parrish Gap Rd., Jefferson, Oregon. Upon arrival, Division Chief Louis Gisler, was informed a hunter was riding a ATV up the side of a hill and had rolled it. He was located approximately 1 mile up the side of a steep hill. Due to the rough terrain, a few firefighter/paramedics started hiking up to the patient. At the same time, Albany Fire was dispatched with a sport utility side by side.

Albany arrived and assisted with Jefferson fire personnel to get the patient off the side of the hill and to a nearby landing zone where they met Life Flight Network to transport the patient to a local hospital. 

Media Advisory

What: Researchers from Oregon State University (OSU) and Portland State University (PSU) will present key findings of studies on trends in Oregon’s long-term care settings on Dec. 17 in Salem.

Oregon Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities program (APD) has commissioned these studies for each of the past four years. The research summarizes topics such as residents’ needs, rates and fees, facility policies, and staffing.

The quality and availability of long-term care options in Oregon are closely monitored by APD. The program licenses adult foster homes, assisted living, residential care and nursing facilities, including those designated for memory care. Demand for long-term care will continue to rise as the percentage of Oregon’s population that is 65 and older is expected to increase, according to the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis.

Researchers presenting at the event will include:

• Paula Carder, Ph.D., Interim Director of Institute on Aging at PSU and Associate Professor at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health;
• Carolyn A. Mendez-Luck, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Jeff Luck, M.B.A., Ph.D.,
  Associate Professors, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University.

When: 2-3 pm, Monday, Dec. 17; presenters will share research highlights and analysis from 2-2:30 p.m. following by a question and answer session.

Options to join include phone, Skype and in-person in Salem: To join the meeting, please contact APD Communications Officer Elisa Williams at Elisa.A.Williams@state.or.us or 503-509-9604 for details.

 
###

Contact:  Pacific Power media hotline                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-800-570-5838                                                                                            Dec. 14, 2018

Heavy rain and potential flood forecast. Do you have your emergency kit ready?

National Weather Service forecasts a series of lows will bring heavy rain and potential flooding to the Pacific Northwest through next week.

PORTLAND, Ore. – As heavy rains move into the Northwest beginning Sunday, Pacific Power reminds its customers and the public to take precautions to stay safe and comfortable.

“We work hard to prevent outages, but heavy rain and wind make it difficult to predict when and where an outage will happen,” said David Lucas, vice president of operations. “Our crews will be out there during the thick of it to help get the lights back on, but their safety and the safety of the public is our number one priority.”

Pacific Power suggests these safety precautions:

• Stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.
• This storm system may cause flooding. Be especially careful of any standing water or even soggy ground. A live down wire may seem to be a safe distance away, but is still extremely dangerous due to wet conditions.
• Don’t drive over downed power lines.

“We encourage Pacific Power customers to text, call or notify us through our mobile app or website if they are experiencing an outage” said Barb Coughlin, vice president of customer service. “The more information we have from our customers, the quicker our crews can get to that location.”

Customers can report an outage via text messaging. Text OUT to 722797 to report an outage. Text STAT to 722797 to check the status of your outage.

Please visit the Pacific Power mobile app or website to update your outage alert preferences, email address and phone number. Keeping this information updated ensures you will be able to report outages and receive updates using these quick and easy options.

Download our mobile app (www.pacificpower.net/ya/app.html) to report power problems or get real time outage updates.  Outage information is always available by viewing our outage maps on the mobile app and website at pacificpower.net.   

Every home should have an Emergency Outage Kit that includes the following:

• Flashlight
• Battery-operated radio and clock
• Extra batteries
• Non-perishable foods
• Manual can opener
• Bottled water
• Blankets

To ease the inconvenience of power outages and assist crews in restoring power, Pacific Power suggests the following tips and safety precautions:

• Stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Call 911 and report the downed line to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.
• Don’t drive over downed power lines.
• Turn on your porch light. After crews complete repairs, they patrol the area of the power failure to see if lights are on.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those who may need special assistance. Also, check with others who have electricity, to see if you can visit.
• Keep mobile devices charged so that may be used in an emergency.

Pacific Power also thanks customers in advance for their patience during power outages. Crews make every effort to keep outage durations to a minimum and to restore power safely and quickly.

Customers and media representatives can also track outages of any size online. Updates will be made as new information becomes available or at least every 15 minutes at pacificpower.net/outage.

-30-

In an effort to better serve our media partners, MCSO has created an email address that can be monitored simultaneously by our team of PIO's. Please add the following email address to your contact list for the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Email: MCSOPIO@co.marion.or.us

Thanks,

Chris

Portland, OR – Join the Oregon Historical Society for its last Family Day event of 2018 this Saturday, December 15. This free all-ages event features cultural performances and activities by local immigrant community groups.

At 12pm enjoy Vietnamese Christmas carols sung by the Abba Choir from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Experience the beauty, elegance, and spirit of the Vietnamese ?'àn tranh, an ancient instrument played by the internationally recognized Huong Viet Performing Arts Group. 

At 1:15pm, watch traditional Iraqi dances performed by members of the Iraqi Society of Oregon. Tap your feet as you watch the "Jobiya", a popular line dance that is an essential part of Iraqi celebrations.

At 3:15pm, learn about the pastoral lifestyle of the Borana people from Northern Kenya through the songs and dances of the Sabbo Gonna Sisters. In the Borana culture, songs focus on praise for livestock, especially cows and goats.

Throughout the day, members of the Bosniaks Educational & Cultural Organization will teach visitors about their culture through artifacts and photos. Those who visit early may have the pleasure of sampling homemade Bosnian delicacies!

Throughout the day, take a break at the craft table to make tissue paper stained glass suncatchers; dragon, cow, and goat hand puppets; and sponge-patterned gift bags. 

Plus – Santa will be landing his sleigh in our Santaland display from 12pm – 4pm! Stop by for a photograph and view beloved pieces from the iconic Meier & Frank Santaland.

Family Day takes place from 12pm – 4pm at the Oregon Historical Society (1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland) and is free and open to the public.

About the Oregon Historical Society

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

Battle Ground Education Foundation (BGeF) President Colleen O'Neal presented the Battle Ground Public Schools district with a donation of $3,989.12 to purchase two Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs. The donation means that every school in the district will have one of the life-saving devices.

AEDs make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Because AEDs are portable and easy to use, they can be used by non-medical people. In fact, an AED at Chief Umtuch Middle School was used in early 2017 to save a man’s life after he went into sudden cardiac arrest while playing basketball, providing a great reminder of the effectiveness of citizen CPR combined with having an AED nearby.  

“Each year, there are more and more people working, learning and recreating in district buildings,” said BGPS School Health Services and Nursing Supervisor Cathy Shannon. “Improving access to AEDs in our schools is more important than ever and can literally be the difference between life and death, so we are very grateful for the donation from BGeF.”

BGeF, which has a sole mission of supporting Battle Ground Public Schools, has also donated to literacy programs, the Family and Community Resource Center, and unified sports. Thank you BGeF and its contributors!

The community is invited to attend the opening celebration of Vancouver’s newest youth substance prevention coalition on December 19, from 4-6 p.m., at Educational Service District 112, 2500 NE 65th Ave. in Vancouver.

The Central Vancouver Coalition, funded through a Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) grant, is designed to help communities prevent adolescent substance use and will primarily service the area surrounding Fort Vancouver High School.

Central Vancouver joins other successful community prevention coalitions in West Vancouver, Washougal, Skamania County and Klickitat Counties. According to a comparison of biannual Washington State Healthy Youth Survey data, 90 percent of the communities that have these coalitions saw a reduction in youth alcohol use.

The kick-off event includes:

• A community mapping activity to discuss area needs and locate sources of strength and protection in the central Vancouver community.
• A Town Hall where participants can share their concerns and learn more about how to support youth substance abuse prevention efforts as well as and the resources available to help.

“This event is about understanding community needs and identifying how the coalition can best help to prevent youth substance abuse,” said Leanne Reid, Regional Prevention Project Coordinator. “Together we can help youth make healthy and informed choices that lead to productive futures.”

The new Central Vancouver Coalition grant provides funding for a community-based coalition coordinator and a student assistance professional who will work in central Vancouver schools and neighborhoods.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site announces a modest fee increase for entrance to the reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company Fort Vancouver, effective January 1, 2019. Currently, visitors to the reconstructed Fort site at the park pay a $7 individual fee for a seven-day pass, or $30 for an annual pass. Starting January 1, 2019, those fees will increase to $10 for individuals for a seven-day pass, or $35 for an annual pass.

These increases are reflective of ongoing efforts to address aging park infrastructure and improve the visitor experience throughout park units in the National Park Service. Increases went into effect June 1, 2018, for 77 parks, including the 17 that were a part of the October 2017 proposal to implement peak season entrance fees. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is one of 33 parks that will increase their rates on a delayed schedule starting on January 1, 2019.

“We appreciate that increasing our fee structure is a necessary accommodation to assist with the ongoing efforts to address the maintenance backlog throughout the national park system,” said Tracy Fortmann, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Superintendent. “Rest assured that we will utilize the extra funds earned from these entrance fees to improve the visitor experience and address the maintenance backlog at the park.”

Fort Vancouver uses entrance fees to invest in critical improvements that directly benefit visitors, including maintaining and enhancing visitor facilities.

The changes, which come in response to public comments on a fee proposal released in October 2017, will modestly increase entrance fees to raise additional revenue to address the $11.6 billion in deferred maintenance across the system of 418 parks, historic and cultural sites, and monuments.

Out of the 418 units in the National Park Service (NPS), 115 parks charge an entrance fee. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) allows the NPS to collect and retain revenue and requires that fee revenue be used to enhance the visitor experience. At least 80 percent of the money stays in the park where it is collected, and the other 20 percent is used to benefit parks that do not collect fees.

What: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will modestly increase its entrance fees to the reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company Fort Vancouver site on January 1, 2019.

Cost:

• Individual (Currently $7, valid for seven days; increasing to $10 on January 1, 2019, still valid for seven days)
• Fort Vancouver Annual Pass ($30 valid for one year from month of purchase; increasing to $35 on January 1, 2019)

Where: Reconstructed Fort at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (1001 E 5th Street, Vancouver, WA).

Nearly 70 teens from three SW Washington counties will learn from nationally-trained youth leaders how individuals can make a differencence in their communities through policy-making and laws. The Use Your Voice workshop, held at Washougal High School on December 21st, is completely led and organized by youth facilitators with experience working with decision-makers and government leaders.

Middle and high school students from Clark, Klickitat and Skamania Counties who attend the workshop will be invited to put their learning into practice in Olympia on Prevention Policy Day (February 18) by the Washington Association of Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention (WASAVP). They’ll have meetings with their own senators and representatives to share their youth voice around substance abuse, prevention and building healthy communities.

Youth facilitators presenting at Use Your Voice include:

• Madison Langer, Tobacco Free Kids Youth Ambassador
• Jesse Jimenez, Police Activities League Coordinator and Prevent Coalition Committee Chair
• Bridgette McCarthy, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Youth Leader

Also on the agenda is Washington State Representative Paul Harris to share a short speech about youth empowerment, using your voice and getting involved in government.

Hosted by Youth Now (an initiative of Prevent Coalition) this workshop is funded through the Washington State Department of Health dedicated marijuana account funding.

About Prevent Coalition
Founded in 2006, Prevent Coalition is a group of diverse community members working together using an evidence-based framework to prevent youth substance abuse in Clark County, WA.  Working in collaboration with parents, youth, schools, media, business, government, faith communities, law enforcement, youth-serving organizations, civic groups, health care professionals, and prevention organizations, Prevent Coalition is focused on improving the environment surrounding youth to create a community culture that promotes prevention and honors healthy living.  Find toolkits, resources, and information about addiction, prevention, and resilience for adults and youth at PreventCoalition.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DECEMBER 14, 2018

Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination investigation results in 180 month prison sentence  

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 67-year-old Jihad Eldeen Moore Jr. received a 180 month prison sentence.

“I’m happy to have closure and to help others have the confidence to report rapes and/or sexual abuse,” the victim said in a prepared statement.

The defendant was convicted of two counts of rape in the first degree and one count of sodomy in the first degree on October 31, 2018 by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Thomas M. Ryan.

Judge Ryan ruled that 150 months of the total prison sentence are subject to Ballot Measure 11.

“This prison sentence is warranted because of the defendant’s deliberate and predatory actions in seeking out a naïve young woman, manipulating her into following him to an isolated area, threatening her with a firearm, and then subjecting her to multiple acts of sexual assault,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Tara Gardner who prosecuted this case.

At trial, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office presented evidence to show this stranger-on-stranger incident occurred in Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland on June 14, 1996 and that the victim made a report to medical professional and law enforcement that same day.

In 2015, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office sought, and was awarded, a grant from the District Attorney’s Office of New York (“DANY Grant”) to test previously untested sexual assault kits.

The victim’s sexual assault kit was one of those submitted to a private lab in Utah for testing under the DANY Grant. After receiving the results from the Oregon State Police Crime Laboratory in November 2017, the Portland Police Bureau’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) unit re-opened the investigation.

During trial, the victim testified about the fear she had that the defendant would kill her during the sexual assault and about the harm, both physical and mental, the defendant inflicted by forcibly attacking her that night.

“You broke me down and made me question my trust and faith in people and the world, but I made a decision that day: I would not let you win. I would not let you break me. I would not let you change me. I would not let you ruin me and you know what, you didn’t. I am still a nice, trusting, happy person who is not scared of the world…I chose not to let you have any more power over my life and my future,” the victim said in court.

On the day the defendant was convicted, the State of Oregon announced that it had cleared the backlog of more than 5,000 Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) kits.

In a statement released December 14, the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit said, “It is important for survivors to know that even after a significant time has passed that the Portland Police Bureau is dedicated to providing the best possible service to victims of sexual assault. The team assembled to review and investigate these cases are determined to seek justice where it is possible and anticipate more resolutions in the future.”

Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project

In 2015, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill, along with the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory collaboratively initiated a project to process thousands of untested Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits in Multnomah, Marion and Lane counties.

District Attorney Underhill and others quickly identified funding from the New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) and worked collectively with the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit after the City of Portland received a grant from U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Grant Program.

DANY awarded the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office a total of $1,995,453 in September 2015. Using those funds, a coordinated effort involving local law enforcement and the Oregon State Police was launched to send SAFE kits, dated 2014 or older from Multnomah, Lane and Marion counties, to a private lab in Utah for testing.

In early 2018, an additional 302 SAFE kits from 13 other Oregon counties were sent to the lab using funds from the DANY grant. In total, nearly 3,000 SAFE kits from Oregon were sent to be tested. As of October 2018, all of the SAFE kits identified under the DANY grant, have been tested.

In Oregon, Senate Bill 1571, known as "Melissa's Law," was the Oregon Legislature's response to ensuring all sexual assault kits, except for anonymous kits, are sent to the Oregon State Crime Laboratory for timely testing.

The Portland Police Bureau implemented a full submission policy in February 2015 that mandates every SAFE kit, with the exception of anonymous kits, be sent to the OSP Forensic laboratory.

Results from the kits continue to be investigated and survivors of sexual assaults are being notified through the Rose Project. The PPB Sex Crimes Unit, a victim-centered and trauma-informed detail, encourages those who have had a SAFE kit collected prior to 2015 to contact the oseproject@portlandoregon.gov">roseproject@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0125.

Current Multnomah County SAFE kit criminal cases (as of December 14, 2018)

State of Oregon vs Jihad Eldeen Moore - 18CR13996 – Convicted Oct. 31, 2018

State of Oregon vs Chanh Van Tran - 18CR25167 - Pending Trial

State of Oregon vs Curtis Clint Williams - 17CR37474 - Convicted in June 2018

State of Oregon vs Steven Guy Tubbs - 17CR08640 - Convicted in August 2018

State of Oregon vs Jose Oscar Rosales - 17CR29317 - Sentenced to 210 days in jail, 60 months of PPS

State of Oregon vs Ricky Alexander Harrison - 18CR59141 - Pending arraignment

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

UPDATE : Video is 30 seconds in length and too large to send via this format.  It will be sent to those that have requested it to this point. Apologies for the confusion.

On 12.12.18 at 1257 hours Clark County Deputies were dispatched to a Hit and Run collision at the Wal Mart store located at 9000 NE Highway 99. It was reported that a vehicle had hit an employee,  then the building with the driver fleeing from the vehicle.  The plate provided to 9-1-1 by citizens returned to a stolen vehicle. Witnesses provided a detailed description of the fleeing driver and a direction of travel.  The described driver was located by responding Deputies sitting/leaning on the center jersey barriers that separate north and south bound lanes of travel on I-5 between NE 78th St and NE 99th St.

Deputies contacted the subject who appeared to be sleeping or passed out on the barriers and a struggle ensued in the narrow center median to detain the subject.  Eventually the subject was detained, a dose of Narcan was administered and he was later transported to a local hospital for treatment of possible overdose symptoms.  During the struggle with the subject a Deputy received minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. The person who was hit was treated for minor injures.

After treatment at the hospital the subject was transported and booked into the Clark County Jail for Felony Hit and Run, Possession of a stolen car, Possession of a controlled substance and a felony warrant for his arrest issued by the Department of Corrections. 

The subject was identified as : Michael Alan Huston 8.9.1995

A video clip should be attached to this release.

It is unknown if the driver was distracted by a cell phone or under the influence of narcotics at the time of this incident.

If you have any additional information on this incident please email Deputy Phane at Jack.phane@clark.wa.gov.  Leave you contact information.

No further information to be released at this time.

 At 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 13, 2018, Newport Fire Department was dispatched to smoke in an apartment at the 600 block of SW 6th Street. First in fire department units initially could only detect an odor of smoke.
After a thorough search of the building, crews were able find a small fire in another apartment unit in the same building. The fire damaged a bathroom and filled the unit with smoke. After extinguishing the fire, crews ventilated the smoke from the unit. There were no injuries reported.
Newport Fire Department received mutual aid assistance from Depoe Bay Fire District and Toledo Fire Department. Newport Police Department, and Pacific West Ambulance also helped on scene. Newport Fire Department responded with a fire engine, one rescue, one chief officer and 12 firefighters.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Newport Fire Department reminds everyone to test your smoke detectors regularly and have a home escape plan.

BEAVERTON, Ore. – On Thursday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 a.m., the Jesuit High School Student Center will become a food sorting and distribution center, with canned food that reaches the ceiling, just more than 15 feet. The JHS student body will bring all of the food that has been collected over a two-week period and begin compiling food boxes for 375 families in the Portland area. Last year, enough food was pledged by first period classes for 605 families. Students have committed to the same amount this year.

The JHS food drive is in its 50th year and has seen a huge increase in participation over the years. In its first year, 1969, roughly 40 families benefited from the project and just a little more than $350 was raised.

“As Jesuit High School has grown, so has its food drive. The drive not only helps families during Christmas, but also provides non-perishable foods for local food banks as well. We are seeing more multigenerational families, families pooling resources to try and make ends meet. The need is tremendous,” said Scott Powers, food drive coordinator.

Students, faculty, and staff will volunteer through the night of Dec. 19 sorting and preparing the food for delivery on Thursday, Dec. 20, beginning at 12:00 p.m. “Not only are we collecting food these two weeks, we are raising awareness about hunger in Oregon. We hope students will realize hunger is not a once-a-year issue. It is year-round,” said Powers.

The families are pre-selected through St. Vincent de Paul and Lifeworks Oregon. Students will deliver all of the food that has been collected at Jesuit High School over the prior two weeks.

In addition, alumni of Jesuit High School will host their own food drive the weekend of December 20-22. Alumni will deliver to over 1,500 families and 30 local shelters.

“The Alumni Food Drive brings our community together to continue our mission of being men and women for others,” said Kathy Baarts, Alumni Director. “The need for food continues to increase and we have continued to grow in the number of boxes we are able to provide and the agencies we are able to serve.” Packing begins on Thursday, Dec. 20, immediately following the conclusion of the student drive mentioned above.

If you are interested in delivering food (all are welcome to participate) on Saturday, December 22, or helping prepare food boxes on December 20 or 21, please contact the JHS alumni office at 503-291-5414 or kbaarts@jesuitportland.org.

Food Drive Schedule (VIDEO & PHOTO OPPS.):

• Wednesday, Dec. 19 @ 2:10 pm  – Food collection in student center (Jesuit HS)
• Thursday, Dec. 20 @ 8 am or 12 noon – Student delivery begins
• Saturday, Dec. 22 @ 8:00 a.m. – Alumni food drive with pancake breakfast and delivery

About Jesuit High School: Founded in 1956 by the Society of Jesus, Jesuit High School is Oregon's only secondary school in the Ignatian tradition of excellence in education. Our 1,264 students represent a diverse mix of young men and women from the Portland metro area and southwest Washington.

Jesuit High School's mission is to educate "men and women for others.” Our graduates are leaders who are religious, loving, intellectually competent, committed to doing justice, and open to growth. Jesuit is the recipient of two U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Awards, a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Award for its sustainability efforts, and 14 Oregonian Cup Awards for outstanding achievement in academics, school activities, athletics, and sportsmanship. More information can be found online at www.jesuitportland.org.

VANCOUVER, Wash., Dec. 14, 2018 – The tally is in for the tenth annual Holiday Ball to benefit the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington. Funds raised at the event and related follow-up pledges total over $230,000. The money will provide medical care, medicine, supplies, lab testing, and medical equipment for low-income, uninsured and underinsured members of the community.

The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Free Clinic December 1 at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver. About 218 people attended. Dawn Tolotti of Providence Health and Services and Ron Bertolucci of Columbia Credit Union co-emceed the evening.

“We are so grateful to the Friends of the Free Clinic and our Holiday Ball guests for their support,” said Ann Wheelock, interim executive director of the Free Clinic. “This was a very successful event.”

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center served as presenting sponsor. Other sponsors included Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, Providence Health and Services, The Vancouver Clinic, Hidden Charitable Trust, Physicians Insurance A Mutual Company, ENTOffice.org, Wells Fargo Advisors, Rebound Orthopedics  & Neurosurgery, Inc., the Free Clinic’s Board of Directors, and the Friends of the Free Clinic.

About the Free Clinic:

The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington provides free, compassionate, quality health care to children and adults who are otherwise unable to obtain such services. The Free Clinic offers medical, dental, vision and specialty care services from 500 volunteer professionals. The Free Clinic is funded by the local community, and all donations stay in Southwest Washington. For more information about the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, visit our website: freeclinics.org.

OREGON CITY – Ron Adams has resigned from the Clackamas Community College Board of Education Wednesday after representing the West Linn/Wilsonville area since 2003. The board passed a declaration of board vacancy for the zone during its Dec. 12 regular meeting.

In a letter to the Board of Education, Adams wrote “Now is the best time for myself, my family and the college. … My confidence in the faculty, staff, the Board and President Tim Cook for continued success could not be greater.”

Adams has served the college district for 15 years and served on the Oregon School Board Association Legislative Policy Committee. During his tenure, he has helped the college achieve many milestones, including:

• 2007 – Successful president search
• 2009 – Go Oregon stimulus package funding
• 2011 – Approval of three-year $18-million grant to support CASE strategies to expand and enhance career pathways
• 2012 – National Guard awards CCC Family Program Community Purple Award
• 2014 – Passage of a $90-million bond measure
• 2016 – Completion of $10-million Foundation campaign that raised more than $11million
• 2017 – CCC named top college for vets by Military Times
• 2017-18 – Successful president search
• 2018 – Restoration of the Environmental Learning Center

“Along with the Board of Education, I thank Ron for his service. His strong commitment to strengthening relationships between community colleges, K-12 and universities and his experience as a representative in the state legislature have been great assets to the college” CCC President Tim Cook said.

Applications for the vacant position are being accepted until 4 p.m., Jan. 4, 2019. For more information about the position and to apply, visit www.clackamas.edu/board-of-education-documents.

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On Monday, December 10th at about 5:30 p.m. a vehicle struck a pedestrian from behind as he traveled on 5th Street, west of the City Park in Amity.  The pedestrian was thrown to the shoulder of the road, resulting in minor injury. The suspect vehicle was described by the victim as being a white or gray GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado pickup, most likely from the mid 1990's. 

The driver of the pickup, who got out of the vehicle momentarily, was described as a younger male in his mid-teens.  He was wearing a black snapback style ball cap, blue pants, a dark jacket, and black/white/green Adidas shoes. 

If you, or anyone you know witnessed the above incident or has information as to the identity of the young driver, they are encouraged to contact Deputy Jody Ingham of the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office at inghamj@co.yamhill.or.us

(Salem) – The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has awarded three grants totaling nearly $120,000 to help develop workplace safety and health education and training programs.

The recipients are:

Northwest Forest Worker Center: Safety and Health for Latino Forest Workers

The nonprofit group will produce a training program to help Latino forest workers in southern Oregon prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Forest workers lift heavy objects, walk on steep and uneven terrain, and engage in repetitive motions. Such activities put them at high risk of developing injuries and disorders that affect the body’s movement. Data show that bodily reaction – which includes musculoskeletal disorders – was the third-leading cause of injury among forest workers in 2017.

The training program will be interactive, engaging workers in discussions that relate to their own on-the-job experiences. The goal is to equip workers with best practices in preventing musculoskeletal disorders as they plant trees, thin forests, and pile brush.

Grant award: $40,000

Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association: Spanish First Hospitality Employee Handbook Template Tailored for Minority Employees

The association will develop an employee handbook designed for Spanish-speaking restaurant and hospitality employees and make it available in both print and digital formats. The project is intended to address the lack of such handbooks, which are often designed for workers who learned English as a first language.

By creating a culturally and linguistically appropriate employee handbook – accompanied by training – the association intends to increase communication and trust, and help Latino workers become more effective in their workplaces and reduce work-related injuries.

The association will evaluate the effectiveness of the project in several ways, including measuring the number of employers who choose to use the handbook and the percentage of businesses that identify improvements in minority employee retention and safety. 

Grant award: $39,963

SafeBuild Alliance: Strengthening Construction Safety Culture by Developing Front-Line Leaders

The nonprofit group will develop a training and outreach project that will engage construction companies and labor organizations in identifying and cultivating front-line leaders who are capable of improving workplace safety.

As the construction industry flourishes in Oregon – and as the number of retirements of front-line supervisors increases – the need to find, promote, and train potential leaders from the field of employees grows.

The training and outreach project will encompass several activities, including developing a methodology to identify emerging leaders; building on foundational safety leadership programs; and sharing findings and recommendations with the construction industry on the alliance’s website.

Grant award: $40,000

The Oregon Legislature launched the Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training Grant Program in 1990. Award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA’s Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, an advisory group with members from business, organized labor, and government.

###

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore., December 14, 2018—The Portland Business Journal recently recognized OnPoint Community Credit Union, the largest credit union in Oregon, as number five on the state’s “Most Admired Companies” list in the financial services category. The list, compiled through results from a survey conducted among CEOs across Oregon, evaluated companies on innovation, branding and marketing, quality of management, community involvement, and caliber of products and services.

OnPoint is the only credit union recognized among the top 10 in this year’s financial services category, which includes banks and wealth management firms from throughout Oregon.

“Thank you to the Portland business community for recognizing OnPoint’s commitment to exceptional service and giving back to our community,” said OnPoint President and CEO Rob Stuart. “It is truly an honor to be in the company of so many inspiring organizations.”

OnPoint increased its total membership in 2018 by over 20,000 to more than 360,000 members in Oregon and SW Washington.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 360,000 members and with assets of $5.4 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 13 Oregon (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.

Date:               Monday, December 17, 2018

Time:               6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting

Location:         Hockinson School District Board Room

Address:          17912 NE 159th St.; Brush Prairie, WA 98606

Lieutenant Jason Millican, Woodburn Police Department, recently completed one of the toughest challenges available to local law enforcement officers: the FBI National Academy. In mid-December, Lieutenant Millican and two other Oregon law enforcement officers completed a ten-week training session at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

There is a highly competitive process local law enforcement officers must go through to be selected for this honor. That process includes a nomination by a supervisor; interviews with the candidate and co-workers to determine leadership skills and abilities; a background check; a determination of physical fitness; and the support of former National Academy graduates within the candidate's organization.

"The exceptional law enforcement leaders selected to attend the National Academy each year have the unique opportunity to share their experiences with peers and learn best practices from officers from across the globe,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Only a few officers from Oregon have the chance to attend each year and we are proud to sponsor Lieutenant Millican and our other local partners in the National Academy."

Lieutenant Millican began his law enforcement career with the Woodburn Police Department in 1988 as a Police Officer. He was promoted in 2006 to the rank of Sergeant. During his career he has served as a patrol officer, K9 handler, patrol supervisor, tactical team member, detective supervisor, lead firearms instructor and range master. He became a Lieutenant in 2016 and he currently serves as the Operation Division commander overseeing patrol and traffic operations, the Mobile Crisis Response Team, and the Police K9 Unit.

"Lieutenant Millican has just completed an arduous ten week course of executive level study and a rigorous physical fitness program that has prepared him to help us take the Woodburn Police Department into the future. We are very proud of Jason for this accomplishment", said Woodburn Police Chief Jim Ferraris. "The FBI National Academy is really the 'finishing school' for command level police leaders. I look forward to Lieutenant Millican's continued contributions to our department and community".

During the ten weeks of training, local executive-level law enforcement officers spend most of their time in the classroom. Lieutenant Millican’s National Academy classes included: Essentials for Law Enforcement Executives; Emotional Intelligences; Cyber Threats; and Intelligence Theory. The program allows participants the opportunity to earn college credits through the University of Virginia for some of those studies. In addition to the classroom work, participants have physical training courses and activities.

Each year, the FBI sponsors four sessions of the National Academy. Each session includes about 220 local law enforcement officers from around the United States and around the world. While in the academy, the officers and deputies live in a dorm-like setting. The FBI does not charge U.S. students for tuition, books, equipment, meals, lodging or travel to and from their home.

On Thursday, December 13, 2018 at approximately 5:48 PM Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle, head on collision, on Hwy 20 near milepost 4.

Preliminary investigation revealed a  Chevrolet Cobalt, operated by Jane Dunn (64) of Albany, was westbound on Hwy 20 when it crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Kelly Blodgett (40) of Corvallis.  

Dunn was pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

Blodgett was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  An adult passenger and 4 juvenile children in the Tahoe were not injured.

Hwy 20 was partially closed for approximately three hours. 

OSP was assisted by the Albany Fire Department and ODOT.   

The Oregon City Police Department will be participating in the statewide High Visibility DUII Enforcement program during the upcoming Holiday season. (s://11">December 13, 2018 – January 2, 2019)

OCPD will be utilizing regular and overtime officers that are specifically tasked with identifying and arresting impaired drivers in order to reduce the number of drug/alcohol related traffic incidents within or near Oregon City.

This grant allows officers to conduct extra targeted enforcement of DUII drivers. The mission’s goal is to keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe throughout Oregon. High visibility enforcement,  increasing  the number of officers on the streets who aggressively seek drunk drivers, are designed to deter people from driving after they have been drinking.

There are many options for transportation (Designated driver, Taxi, Uber, Lyft, Tri-Met) which will get you home or to your next destination safely. Please have fun and enjoy the holiday’s, but do it safely!

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”

Just before 1:00 pm today Hillsboro Fire Station 2 responded to a residential fire on the 3000 block of SE Brookwood Avenue. Firefighters on Engine 2 arrived to find three residents and the family dog safely outside the two level home. As firefighters made their way around the back of the house they saw fire and smoke venting out of a 2nd floor window and fire on the covered back deck. As additional personnel arrived firefighters worked to extinguish the fire inside house and on the deck while others searched the house and cut an opening in the roof to allow heat and smoke to escape.

Unfortunately, due to extensive damage to the structure, the family will not be able to stay in the house. The Red Cross has secured short term lodging for the family and will assit with replacing essentials lost in the fire.   

Four Hillsboro Fire Department units and one Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue unit (twenty-five firefighters) responded to the fire. No injuries were reported. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

Hillsboro Fire Department reminds residents to take the time to develop and practice a home escape plan with two ways out of every room in your house and a family meeting place out front. Call 9-1-1 once safely outside and don’t re-enter until fire personnel give the okay.

For fire and life safety information, visit: www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/departments/fire or call 503-681-6166. For information on what is happening at Hillsboro Fire Department, follow us on Twitter @HillsboroFire

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Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on Dec. 13, 2018, at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the 3000 block of SE Brookwood Ave, in Hillsboro, OR. The fire affected one family, including four adults.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services. Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day. The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

Battle Ground, WA - Eighteen deserving kids spent the morning of Saturday, December 8 shopping for gifts for their families and items for themselves during Battle Ground's Shop with a Cop at Walmart.  Accompanying the kids were their shopping partners, seven of Battle Ground’s finest who volunteer for this special assignment.  

The cops and kids started the day at the Battle Ground police station for a meet and greet before heading to the Battle Ground Walmart in a police vehicle motorcade complete with lights and sirens.  The kids received a warm welcome from Walmart staff who provided refreshments for families and a bag of treats for each of the kids.

The participating children attend schools in Battle Ground and were nominated for the program by school staff for exemplary citizenship and academic efforts.  Each child was granted $125, as much time as they needed to shop with their cop, and the assistance of a Walmart store associate. 

The smiles of the kids and the cops, as well as everyone who witnessed the activities, reflected the season’s spirit of giving. Walmart patrons, moved by what they saw, donated $70 in cash towards the program.   

Battle Ground's annual Shop with a Cop, in its fifth year, would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Walmart Foundation.  This year’s $2,250 Community Grant supported these 18 children and their families.       

"We appreciate Walmart's support of this program," said Police Chief Bob Richardson, "These kids are deserving and our officers appreciate the opportunity to further build relationships with them and with the public we serve."

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.

This individual died on 12/10/2018 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Kiser, Gage Allan      Age: 18 Yrs           

The decedent was a resident of (city/state):  Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death: Homicide

Manner of death: Multiple Gunshot Wounds

No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: Prepared 12/13/2018

Nikki Costa

Operations Manager

Warner Pacific University is saddened to learn of the death of Alter Wiener, Holocaust survivor, author, and educator. Mr. Wiener was awarded an honorary bachelor’s degree from Warner Pacific University on December 15, 2001.

“With the strength of his faith, Alter Wiener was able to use the horrific experiences of his youth as a platform to share a message of hope,” said Dr. Andrea P. Cook, president of Warner Pacific University. “Alter believed that we are all children of God, each deserving of love, respect, and equal opportunities. This shared value led Warner Pacific to bestow on Alter Wiener an honorary bachelor’s degree in December 2001. Our prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Wiener, who regularly spoke about his Holocaust experience in schools throughout the state, endeared himself to the Warner Pacific community after sharing his life story at a powerful chapel service in September 2001. A student moved by his words suggested to the faculty that Wiener receive an honorary degree in recognition of his meaningful role as an educator in Oregon.

Having never completed more than an elementary school education, Wiener was deeply moved by the honorary degree. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the honor given to me today,” said Wiener during his acceptance speech. “Believe me; I will cherish it for the rest of my life.”

# # #

About Warner Pacific University

Founded in 1937, Warner Pacific University is Oregon’s most diverse four-year institution. Offering associate, bachelor, and master degrees, Warner Pacific University empowers students through personalized attention, relational support, and career-focused liberal arts education. Degrees are available in the traditional undergraduate format, as well as one night a week, and online. Earlier this year, Warner Pacific announced tuition reductions for all undergraduate degrees as part of its mission to provide equitable access to higher education for every student. Warner Pacific was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Most Ethnically Diverse Campus in the West, as a Best College in the West (10), and a Best Value School (8). Warner Pacific is the only four-year college or university in Oregon to be named a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Department of Education. Learn more about Warner Pacific University at www.warnerpacific.edu.

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST) held a regular meeting on December 13, 2018. The meeting was held in the Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. 

To increase the public's trust, the Oregon legislature has mandated the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training establish minimum standards that are required to be met and maintained by Oregon's providers of public safety, including police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, telecommunicators (9-1-1), emergency medical dispatchers, public safety instructors, and OLCC regulatory specialists. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is responsible for certifying public safety professionals who meet all of the Board-established intellectual, physical and moral fitness standards and for denying, suspending or revoking the certification of those who do not meet or fall below these standards.

Note actions listed below are not final and parties involved in professional standards cases may request a context case hearing.

Meeting Recap

Baker, Jason DPSST #46912-Basic and Intermediate Corrections Certifications; Department of Corrections - WCCF - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certifications be revoked for Gross Misconduct and Dishonesty.

Brown, Shannon (aka Kuehl) DPSST #40076-Basic and Intermediate Corrections Certifications; Josephine County Sheriff’s Office - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certifications be revoked for Gross Misconduct, Disregard for the Rights of Others and Dishonesty.

Bryant, Lejeune DPSST #56580-Basic Corrections Certification; Department of Corrections – CCCF - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that no action be taken against certification.

Gable, Robert DPSST #48832-Basic Corrections Certifications; Department of Corrections – OSP - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certification be revoked for Gross Misconduct.

Jones, Stephanie DPSST #49703-Basic Corrections Certification; Department of Corrections- SRCI - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certifications be revoked for Gross Misconduct and Dishonesty.

Kempas, Nicholas DPSST #56639-Application for Certification; Department of Corrections - TRCI - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certification not be denied.

McClendon, Reece DPSST #56137-Basic Corrections Certification; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certification be revoked for Gross Misconduct and Dishonesty.

Muschek, Steven DPSST #46720-Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Correction Certifications; Washington County Sheriff’s Office – Case tabled due to lack of quorum.

Navarro, Paul DPSST #36388-Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Correction Certifications; Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office – Case pulled due to relinquishment of certifications.

Sharp, Billy DPSST #52472-Basic Corrections Certification; Department of Corrections-OSP - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certification be revoked for Gross Misconduct and Dishonesty.

Tracy, Christopher DPSST #51211-Basic Corrections Certification; Springfield Police Department – Case pulled due to relinquishment of certifications.

Vaughn, Sherill DPSST #18399-Basic and Intermediate Corrections Certifications; Marion County Sheriff’s Office - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certifications be revoked for Gross Misconduct and Dishonesty.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the BPSST Corrections Policy Committee is on February 12, 2019 @ 1:30 p.m.

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

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

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

During the holiday season Beaverton Police Department, along with other law enforcement partners around the state, will participate in a high visibility DUII enforcement event.  Between December 13th and January 2nd, additional officers will be patrolling Beaverton to help take impaired drivers off the road.  Funding for the additional officers have been paid for through grants from the Oregon Department of Transportation.    

Beaverton is a no-refusal city.  No-refusal means officers will apply for a search warrant to obtain blood samples from a person who refuses to provide a breath sample after an arrest for DUII.  Beaverton has contracted with Metro West Ambulance to help execute search warrants for a sample of blood from these drivers.

Drunk driving, impaired driving or buzzed driving all have the potential to claim lives and often will result in jail time. The men and women of the Beaverton Police Department ask you to please use a designated driver or find another sober ride home.

This morning the Clackamas County Commissioners recognized A Safe Place Family Justice Center on its 5-year anniversary.

Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts and Clackamas Women's Services Executive Director Melissa Erlbaum appeared together to speak to the Commisioners about this unique partnership to combat family violence in Clackamas County.

During the recognition, the Commissioners also dedicated land for a future expansion of the Family Justice Center. Sheriff Roberts also handed out challenge coins to A Safe Place front-line staff.

Photos are attached. Video of this morning's County Commissioner recognition begins at 4:21 at https://youtu.be/YUoLGMxlxbI

ABOUT A SAFE PLACE

Located in Oregon City, A Safe Place Family Justice Center provides support and safety planning for anyone experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, human trafficking, and stalking. At A Safe Place, survivors can immediately access assistance from over nine agencies that offer culturally specific services, including advocacy, safety planning, counseling, legal support, and law enforcement assistance, among others. And it’s all under one roof.

“It makes sense to have trained and compassionate professionals from a cross-section of services all together, in one place to provide the best domestic violence services our county has to offer,” said Sheriff Roberts. “Since opening A Safe Place in 2013, we have served more survivors and children than we thought possible. By working together we are saving lives and reducing the destructive impact of family violence in our community.”

When you walk into A Safe Place, you have the opportunity to meet with an advocate who can help connect you with resources. This can be anything from housing and safety planning to help filling out a restraining order and getting a referral to a counselor. Services are drop-in and no appointment is necessary.

The law enforcement side of the center works with people who want to report domestic violence in a safe environment where support is immediately available. Safety and support are essential services of the Family Justice Center, since reporting abuse is often a difficult step for survivors to take.

“When survivors walk through the door of A Safe Place they see, sometimes for the very first time, a real path out of an abusive situation,” said Lt. Angie Brandenburg, Director of A Safe Place. “Research shows leaving a domestic violence situation is not a one-time event, but a process — our goal is to support survivors every step of the way.”

In 2016 The National Association of Counties (NACO) named A Safe Place, “Best in Category” for Criminal Justice and Public Safety.

You can learn more about A Safe Place at https://www.asafeplacefjc.org/

[END]

On Thursday, December 13, 2018 at approximately 6:15 A.M. Richard Drew Wilson (26) of Eagle Point attempted to cross the northbound lanes of I-5 near the Exit 33 interchange in Central Point.  Visibility in the area was limited by darkness and dense fog. 

Wilson was struck by a northbound Nissan Xterra driven by Jeri Renee Wiggins (52) of Medford. 

Wilson was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by ODOT, Jackson County Fire District 3, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. 

I-5 northbound was reduced to a single lane of travel for approximately three hours.

Vancouver, Wash. –Vancouver Police have received multiple calls today from area businesses who have received email messages containing bomb threats. The email appears to be an extortion attempt. At this time no suspicious devices have been located and there are no known victims who have complied with the threat and experienced any monetary loss. These emails are being sent to locations outside of the Vancouver area as well and the FBI is aware of these emails and is also investigating.

Anyone who receives an email of this nature is asked to save a copy and call 911 so that Vancouver Police can take a report.

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The Vancouver Police Department is seeking applicants for Entry and Lateral Police Officers. If you are interested in a career with us, visit https://www.cityofvancouver.us/police/page/how-do-i-become-vancouver-police-officer.

City of Tualatin Selects Program Delivery Team to Oversee Transportation Projects

The engineering firm Murraysmith has been selected to lead the program delivery team that will implement the City of Tualatin’s bond-funded transportation projects.

The Tualatin Moving Forward program encompasses the $20 million in congestion relief and traffic safety improvements approved by Tualatin voters last May. The new team will have lead responsibility for keeping multiple projects on-track, built on-time and within budget.

“The City has never taken on this many projects at one time”, explains Tualatin’s public works director Jeff Fuchs, P.E. “We’re counting on the program delivery team’s deep experience to help us handle as many as 40 projects all across the city.”

Troy Bowers, PE, will lead the Murraysmith team. His experience includes high level municipal programs and projects for more than 25 years. He managed large scale transportation projects and programs over the past 15 years in Lake Oswego, West Linn, Wilsonville, Tigard, Sherwood and other cities.

“I’m excited to see the City of Tualatin’s strong commitment to completing all of these projects promised to voters within the limited time and budget”, says Bowers.

In Lake Oswego, Bowers and Murraysmith recently wrapped up the first year of a four-year, $30 million pavement management program including rehabilitation and preservation of priority routes, and design and construction of four capital improvements.  Murraysmith is a regional engineering firm specializing in transportation design and construction management. The firm was founded in Portland in 1980 and has grown to 175 employees with offices across the Pacific Northwest.

The program manager will join other members of the Tualatin Transportation Team already in place, including City Manager Sherilyn Lombos and public works director Fuchs.

The program is already off to a fast start. Five projects will be finished within the first months of the five-year timeline – by early 2019. One has already been completed: the buffered bike lanes and pedestrian crosswalk installed on 115th Avenue near Hazelbrook School.

To learn more about Tualatin Moving Forward or to track progress go to tualatinmovingforward.com.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a resolution changing the start time for regularly scheduled board meetings to 8:30 a.m.

Commission meetings have begun at 9:30 a.m. since 1990. In response to public feedback, the commission voted Dec. 11 to shift the start time up an hour to help increase community accessibility and engagement.

The 8:30 a.m. start time goes into effect in January 2019. Commission meetings will continue to be held in the Commission Room at the port’s administrative offices, located at 3103 Northwest Lower River Road, Vancouver.

The port has canceled its second regularly scheduled board meeting in December, as it falls on Christmas Day. The next board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8.

The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners holds regular public meetings every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Meetings include opportunities for public comment and are broadcast on Clark/Vancouver Television cable channels 21 and 23, live-streamed via www.cvtv.org and live-tweeted at www.twitter.com/portvanusa.

                                                                                                                                                                                          – POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a skilled labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.

PORTLAND, Ore.—On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, a federal jury in Portland returned guilty verdicts against Harry Dean Proudfoot III, 78, formerly of Tigard, Oregon, for running a fraudulent gold mining investment scheme that he used to steal $3.2 million from 140 investors. Proudfoot was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering.

“Harry Proudfoot and his children made many promises to their investors—promises they never intended to fulfill. They now join a long list of financial criminals whose schemes were cut short by diligent investigators working on behalf of victims. Pursuing criminals who prey on unknowing investors is a top priority for federal law enforcement in Oregon,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“The FBI is committed to investigating fraud schemes and deceptive practices by those who can cause devastating and irreparable financial harm to the members of our community. Together with its law enforcement partners, the FBI is dedicated to protecting the interests of the American public, so they can both invest and lend with confidence,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

“Mr. Proudfoot and his children built a ‘house of cards’ with their false promises and when it collapsed, as these houses do, IRS-Criminal Investigation is proud to support its law enforcement partners to expose and bring to justice those responsible,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Darrell Waldon.

According to court documents and information shared at trial, in 2008, Harry Proudfoot created 3 Eagles Research and Development, a company based in Tigard that he used from 2008 through 2012 to solicit investors for a purported goldmining operation in Ohio. Harry Proudfoot, along with his adult children, including co-defendant Matthew Proudfoot, falsely promised to use investors’ money to purchase mining equipment and conduct mining operations at two gravel pits in Ohio.

To entice investors, Proudfoot and his children offered high rates of return, typically 10% of gross revenues, payable once the mine became operational. They falsely told investors they had all the necessary legal and business requirements in place for the mining operation.

At the same time, Proudfoot and his children withheld important facts from investors including that Harry Proudfoot had received cease and desist orders from the States of Alaska and Oregon for selling unregistered securities through material misrepresentations in 1992, 1993, and 2003 and that Matthew Proudfoot had filed for bankruptcy in 2010. Rather than using investor money as promised they diverted it to their personal use, funding living expenses, cars, travel, credit card bills, medical payments, lulling payments and other expenses to keep the scheme afloat.

In 2011, the States of Washington and Colorado and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating the group for securities violations. Ultimately, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon entered a judgment against Harry Proudfoot, Matthew Proudfoot and the 3 Eagles Research and Development Company in the SEC enforcement action.

Harry Proudfoot faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ supervised release on each count of wire fraud and 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ supervised release on each count of money laundering. He will be sentenced on April 3, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon.

Co-defendant Matthew Proudfoot pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering on November 1, 2017. He will be sentenced on January 9, 2019.

The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted by Scott E. Bradford and John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

VANCOUVER, Wash. (December 13, 2018) – Today, Governor Jay Inslee released details of his 2019-2021 budget proposal, which includes $17.5 million in funding to establish an I-5 bridge project office tasked with helping define a new project scope, evaluate the previous Record of Decision and re-establish vital partnerships that will lay the groundwork to ensure long-term success.

With a growing population and a rising number of businesses seeking to expand and locate in Southwest Washington, the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) is mobilizing its network of more than 200 business leaders and strategic partners to support a bridge project that provides a long-term solution to the mobility needs of Clark County, the metropolitan region and the entire West Coast.

To this end, CREDC recently formed the I-5 Bridge Replacement Task Force made up of business and public sector leaders across the County who will contribute the voice of the business community as this critical work moves forward. Aligned with the Clark County Comprehensive Economic Development Plan, CREDC’s vision for the County is to be one of the most inclusive, healthy, and amenity-rich communities in the country. To accomplish this vision, it is critical that our transportation infrastructure accommodate our immediate needs and set us up for success as we continue on a rapidly growing trajectory.

“This move makes it clear that Governor Inslee sees the importance of advancing infrastructure solutions along the Interstate 5 corridor through Clark County.” said Max Ault, interim president of the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC). “This investment is a critical step to continue growing Washington’s economy and strengthen Clark County’s competitive advantage at a national and global scale.”   

“We thank Governor Inslee for his leadership on this critical infrastructure project, and stand ready to assist him, his staff and the Washington Legislature.” said Steve Horenstein and Page Phillips Strickler, co-chairs of the CREDC I-5 Bridge Replacement Task Force. “As this project moves forward, we look forward to be a resource as representatives of the business community.”

“Thank you to Governor Inslee for his support and leadership in moving this nationally significant infrastructure project forward,” said Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “Replacement of the Interstate 5 bridge will support long-term economic development in the region and address the congestion and safety problems that increasingly impact our community and the region overall. Opening the I-5 bridge project office is a significant step forward in advancing this critical project.”

"Governor Inslee displayed great leadership today. Showing a willingness to re-engage in this project sends a loud and clear message that it is an economic life-line, not only between Oregon and Washington, but also to the region and the country.” said Tim Schauer, president of MacKay & Sposito. “Our future, both from an economic lens and a livability lens, depends on a new multi-modal bridge connecting the states.”

“It is critically important for us to focus on all the current transportation challenges, this includes both the river crossing challenge and the overall flow of traffic on both sides of the river. It is affecting local businesses in many ways.” said Kevin Tapani, vice president and chief financial officer of Tapani Inc. “I believe if all parties work together for the good of the whole, the challenges can be overcome, and we can move forward to strengthen our communities.”

About Columbia River Economic Development Council

Serving Clark County since 1982, CREDC is a private-public partnership of over 150 investors and partners working together to advance the economic vitality of Clark County, Washington. Through collaborative leadership, CREDC promotes job creation and capital investment while maintaining the County’s exceptionally high quality of life. www.credc.org  

The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. Two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in a 50-liter sample collected on Monday, Dec. 10. Prior to this detection, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on Monday, Nov. 19, when one oocyst was detected in a 50-liter sample.

The bureau continues to use the Bull Run as its primary source of drinking water. The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under the drinking water regulations. Portland is working to install filtration by Sept. 2027 under a compliance schedule with Oregon Health Authority. In the meantime, Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials has concluded that at this time, customers do not need to take any additional precautions.

Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious or life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS; those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system; and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.

The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that a small percentage of the population could experience gastro-intestinal illness from Cryptosporidium and advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their healthcare professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. The Portland Water Bureau and Burlington, City of Gresham, City of Sandy, City of Tualatin, Green Valley, GNR, Hideaway Hills, Lake Grove, Lorna Portland Water, Lusted, Palatine Hill, Pleasant Home, Raleigh, Rockwood, Skyview Acres, Tualatin Valley, Two Rivers, Valley View and West Slope Water Districts receive all or part of their drinking water supply from the Bull Run. To learn if your drinking water comes from Bull Run, please contact your local drinking water provider.

The public and the media are encouraged to view all sampling results posted to the

City’s website at portlandoregon.gov/water/cryptoresults. The bureau will notify the media and public immediately should further test results indicate a risk to public health and precautions are necessary.

Customers with questions regarding water quality can call the Water Line at 503-823-7525.

Dec. 13, 2018 - Salem, Ore. – If you purchased an Oregon Lottery Mega Millions ticket in Cottage Grove, it could be worth $3 million.

The winning Mega Millions numbers for the Nov. 30 draw were 25-28-40-43-63 and the Mega Ball was 19. The winning ticket matched five numbers but not the Mega Ball number, which is a $1 million prize.  In this instance, the player added the Megaplier option for an extra $1, which increases non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times.
For Nov. 30 drawing the Megaplier was 3, meaning the player multiplied their $1 million prize by 3, increasing their prize to $3 million!

“The Lottery’s computer system indicates that this ticket was purchased on Nov. 18, well ahead of the winning drawing date. What that means is that it’s ticket with multiple drawings on it,” said Patrick Johnson, Public Information Specialist with the Oregon Lottery. “If you purchased a ticket with multiple draws, and you purchased it in Cottage Grove, 2018 may be ending with some excitement!”

Players can purchase Mega Millions tickets for up to 24 drawings. Players also have one year from the winning draw date to claim the prize. In this case, the ticket would need to be claimed before Dec. 2, 2019, since Nov. 30, 2019 falls on a Saturday.

Mega Millions is one of two multi-state lottery games the Oregon Lottery offers. You can play Mega Millions in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each play costs $2. Jackpots start at $40 million, and the jackpot for the next drawing on Friday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. is $262 million.

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

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

This morning, numerous local area businesses and schools started receiving emails of a threatening nature with a demand for payment to a Bitcoin address.  These emails have been received not only McMinnville, but across the region.

The emails state something along the lines of “an explosive device” has been placed inside the building, business or school and it demands money be paid to prevent the explosive device from being set off.   The email warns against contacting the police or evacuating the building, further stating that there are “recruited persons” watching the building for any sign of evacuation or police.   It demands immediate payment to an anonymous Bitcoin account.  It appears that the author is not a native English speaker, which is seen a lot in mass scams.  These emails are a scam and fraud attempt. 

More information on identifying and reporting fraudulent emails can be located at the following website:

https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/sales-scams-fraud/report-scams-fraud/

In 2015,  Kevin Howard Noel reported taking an 8-pt mule deer buck in the Steens Mountain Unit during archery season with a valid archery deer tag.  He subsequently presented the buck at a Northwest sportsman show for measurement, resulting in placing 1st that year for Non-Typical Archery Mule Deer, and 8th all-time in the state of Oregon.

In May 2018, while Noel was being investigated for other crimes, the Oregon State Police received credible information that Noel had actually killed the record buck with a rifle, instead of a bow, as required by his tag.  Fish & Wildlife troopers with the Springfield Command of the Oregon State Police initiated an investigation, resulting in seizure of the mount and arrest of Noel in Lane County for Unlawful Possession of Mule Deer Buck Parts.

On November 28, 2018 a Lane County jury found Noel guilty of that offense.  On December 5, 2018, Lane County Circuit Court Judge Debra Velure sentenced Noel to three years bench probation, 15 days jail, a 3-year suspension of his hunting privileges in the state, forfeiture of the trophy mount to the Oregon State Police, a $6250.00 fine, and a condition that he not participate in any hunting excursions for the next three years.   

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Bighorn Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

Or the Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward fund also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

Contact: Drew Hanson, 503-813-6678                                                            

Dec. 13, 2018                                                                                      

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pacific Power’s Blue Sky customers are greening holiday lights with renewable energy

With Pacific Power’s customer-driven Blue Sky renewable energy program, holiday festivities in 12 communities are supported by renewable energy

PORTLAND, Ore. —From the Benton County Holiday Celebration to the downtown Portland Christmas lighting to the Madras Chamber of Commerce and City of Madras production of A Christmas Fantasy, communities throughout Oregon and Washington are getting support from Blue Sky participants to “green” the electricity used to power their holiday lights.

Together, these holiday lighting displays are being “greened” with about 195 megawatt hours of renewable energy. The impact of this effort allows communities to reduce their carbon footprint tied to their holiday lights’ electricity use by a combined 176,246 pounds of CO2.

 “Powering lights for community holiday celebrations is a century-old tradition for Pacific Power.” said Berit Kling, Blue Sky program manager. “Blue Sky customers have been “greening” the holiday lights in communities across the service area for more than 10 years. It’s a great way to join in the holiday festivities while raising awareness for the value of renewable energy.”

Communities greening their holiday light displays this year include:

• Albany, Ore.
• Cannon Beach, Ore.
• Corvallis, Ore.
• Dayton, Wash.
• Lebanon, Ore.
• Lincoln City, Ore.
• Madras, Ore.
• Medford, Ore.
• Portland, Ore.
• Prineville, Ore.
• Redmond, Ore.
• Seaside, Ore.

Pacific Power customers can also celebrate the season by greening their own homes and businesses. Through Blue Sky, customers can choose to support renewable energy equal to all or part of their energy use and start reducing their carbon footprint today.

“Blue Sky customers support wind, solar and other renewable sources,” said Kling. “The program helps customers reduce their carbon footprint and helps drive demand for more renewable energy in our region. While Pacific Power is always bringing more renewable energy into our basic service mix, some customers want to do more now and Blue Sky gives those customers a chance to match up to 100 percent of their energy use with renewable energy today.”

Last year, Blue Sky participants supported more than 777,000,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy and reduced their combined carbon footprints by 318,674 tons of CO2. Together, they supported enough renewable energy to travel from the Oregon coast to the tip of Maine 350,298 times in an electric vehicle.  

You can join more than 125,000 current Blue Sky participants by calling Pacific Power at 1-800-769-3717 or by visiting www.pacificpower.net/bluesky. Blue Sky is an opt-in program. You can increase participation or withdraw at any time.

Environmental benefits derived by comparing the Blue Sky mix with Green-e Residual Mix Emission Rates for US Customers (WECC) April 2017. Green-e Energy does not certify or verify carbon emissions claims or methodologies for calculating emissions related to biomass.     EV electricity consumption based on 2015 average efficiency of top-selling US EV brands (see https://energy.gov/downloads/egallon-methodology)

-30-

About Blue Sky

Blue Sky has ranked in the top five nationally for the number of customers participating and for renewable power sales volume. The program is Green-e Energy certified, which means the renewable energy supported meets the rigorous national environmental and consumer-protection standards established by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions. For more information or to join over 125,000 Pacific Power customers participating in the Blue Sky program, visit www.pacificpower.net/bluesky.

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 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 almost 1.9 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

Vancouver, Wash. (Dec. 13, 2018) – Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) presented its Excellence in Workforce Development Awards to two Clark County organizations at its board meeting on December 12.

Awards were given in two categories: Innovation in Workforce Development and Excellence in Building Workforce Partnerships.

The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) received the Innovation in Workforce Development Award for its stemCONNECT program that introduces students in grades 6-12 to high-demand career pathways.

As Southwest Washington’s largest business organization with approximately 1,100 member businesses, GVCC believes business needs to be actively involved in addressing the shortage of skilled workers, especially at STEM-related employers. With that in mind, GVCC, partnered with the Southwest Washington STEM Network, DIY Marketing Center and nConnect, with support from Banfield Pet Hospital and SEH America, to launch stemCONNECT, a program designed to help high school students discover high-demand career pathways in Clark County.

Through structured onsite visits to local businesses, including Webfor (a digital marketing technology company), the Port of Vancouver USA, and HAPO Community Credit Union, the program strives to spark students’ personal interest and connect them to businesses and industries that are thriving and in need of a skilled future workforce.

To address employers’ needs for soft skills and to teach the students how to present themselves appropriately and with confidence, stemCONNECT provides students with a networking skills training conducted by Veronika Noize of DIY Marketing Center prior to their workplace visits.

stemCONNECT is already making an impact. Teachers report that 22 of the 34 students that took part in the first visit to Webfor enrolled in Fort Vancouver High School’s CTE web design course this past fall.

“Local employers are a critical piece of our regional educational partnerships, ensuring our young adults are ready to work in high-demand fields across our community,” said Workforce Southwest Washington CEO Kevin Perkey. “The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce’s stemCONNECT program creates opportunities for students to explore first-hand how they can apply their education to the workplace and why STEM courses are critical to their long-term success.”

Interject Data Systems received the Excellence in Building Workforce Partnerships Award for its work with various organizations to help individuals in our community learn about, embrace and use technology.

CEO Jeff Honsowetz and his team work closely with Washington State University Vancouver to mentor and apprentice college students, helping them develop real-world professional experience while completing their last two years of study. They have six college students currently in their program and it continues to grow. Apprentices work in groups to learn data skills, teamwork, agile collaboration, and resourcefulness. Interject encourages their whole team to donate time and skills to meet needs within the community.

Jeff introduced a kids coding club six years ago to provide free instruction and help children gain confidence to create with technology instead of just using technology in their phones and tablets. The clubs prepare kids for success in any field by teaching them logic, problem solving, critical thinking, and soft skills like public speaking and teamwork through a focus on code literacy. This summer, WorkSource hosted an eight-week session of the coding club.

Chris Hight, a Data Engineer with Interject, shares Jeff’s passion for code literacy. Chris is starting a nonprofit called Future of Code, whose clubs and classes are now occurring in multiple locations throughout Vancouver, including tech companies, community partners, schools, and libraries. Students from 6 to 18 years old are encouraged to join. Future of Code offers leadership opportunities for high school and college students, as well as community professionals. Parents are also encouraged to participate and learn with their children.  

The Interject team demonstrates leadership in building partnerships by collaborating with diverse groups. They frequently host and support meetups in the community. Interject has participated twice in the Vancouver Tech Tour alongside other local tech companies. Honsowetz says, “The tech community in Vancouver is coming together, and we are seeing so much talent and leadership shaping our future. Vancouver is a great place for growing companies thanks to Partners in Careers, WorkSource, and community leaders.” 

“We can accomplish much more together than individually,” said Workforce Southwest Washington CEO Kevin Perkey. “Jeff and his team at Interject create programs that help improve the skills of individuals and contribute to the growth and sustainability of our community.”

Special Power of Partnership Awards were presented to WSW’s Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative partners Clackamas Workforce Partnership and Worksystems.

Nominations of businesses in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties are due January 11, 2019. To download the Awards Guidelines and Nomination Form, click https://bit.ly/2zrnwyW.

Photo Captions:

Innovation in Workforce Development Award: Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (l to r) Teresa Lawwill, GVCC Community Partnerships Director; Bill Skidmore, WSW Chair of the Board

Excellence in Building Workforce Partnerships Award: Interject Data Systems (l to r) Bill Erickson; Jonathon Carothers; Robby Boney; Chris Hight; Jeff Honsowetz, Interject CEO; Derek Olson; Bill Skidmore, WSW Chair of the Board

Power or Partnership: Clackamas Workforce Partnership and Worksystems (l to r) Bridget Dazey, Executive Director, Clackamas Workforce Partnership; Andrew McGough, CEO Worksystems; Bill Skidmore, WSW Chair of the Board; Kevin Perkey, CEO Workforce Southwest Washington

# # #

Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW), a nonprofit organization founded in 2002, contributes to regional economic growth by providing investments and resources to improve the skills and education of the workforce in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. WSW-funded programs operated by WorkSource and community-based organizations help businesses find and hire the employees they need and provide people with the skills, education and training to find work or advance in their careers. WSW collaborates with employers, community colleges and universities, labor groups, government and economic development agencies, high schools, nonprofits and community organizations. Learn more at www.workforcesw.org.

A Washington County grand jury indicted Shannon Cravens, 40 of Hillsboro, on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, third-degree assault, second-degree criminal mischief, and reckless driving.

Yesterday afternoon, deputies arrested Ms. Cravens for the above charges and transported her to the Washington County Jail.

The original media release is below.

# # #

Cornelius Pass Road Head-On Crash Leaves One in Critical Condition

August 20, 2018 - On Monday, August 20, 2018, at 3:44 p.m., a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy came upon a traffic crash that had just occurred on Northwest Cornelius Pass Road between Northwest West Union Road and Northwest Old Pass Road in unincorporated Washington County.

During the investigation, deputies learned that a gold 2006 Chrysler Sebring was traveling northbound on Northwest Cornelius Pass Road when it crossed into the opposing lane of travel and struck a white 2015 Toyota 4Runner traveling southbound head-on.

The driver of the Chrysler, 40-year-old Shannon Cravens of Hillsboro, was transported by Life Flight helicopter to a local hospital with critical injuries. Alcohol impairment is believed to be a factor.

The driver of the Toyota, 50-year-old Rebecca Field of Beaverton, was extricated from her vehicle and  transported by Metro West Ambulance to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Members from the inter-agency Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team responded and are assisting with the investigation. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue assisted at the scene.

Northwest Cornelius Pass Road was reopened to traffic around 7:00 p.m. this evening.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On December 7, 2018, Judge Ricardo Menchaca sentenced Kenneth Garcia to 25 years in prison after his conviction on several sex crimes involving two juvenile victims. Those convictions include two counts of Sodomy in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree and Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree- Victim Under 12 Years of Age. 

This case began after investigators with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office learned of possible abuse involving Garcia. They subsequently discovered he was employed as a school bus driver and moved quickly to protect other possible victims. There have been no additional victim disclosures to date.

Detective John Shipley of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and fellow investigators began looking into the case. Over the course of that investigation, he learned Garcia was abusing two young girls over an eight-year span. These crimes took place in Washington, Clackamas and Clatsop Counties. 

Garcia was arrested in February of 2018, shortly after the investigation began. He then admitted to the abuse and described himself as a “monster.”

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office takes crime against children very seriously. Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lewman prosecuted the case. Garcia entered a guilty plea on November 30, 2018 and was sentenced a week later. 
Under Ballot Measure 11, Garcia was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He must register as a sex offender for life and will be on lifetime post-prison supervision upon his release. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank our investigative partners across three counties for their assistance in putting an end to this abuse. We would also like to thank CARES Northwest for their support in this investigation. If you suspect a child is being abused, call 911 or report it anonymously to our hotline by calling 503-731-3100.
 

At approximately 5:30 am on December 13, Camas-Washougal Fire Department personnel were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 4000 block of C Street in Washougal.  On arrival crews found an active fire burning in an attached garage of a home.  Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control.  There was significant smoke and fire damage to the contents of the garage and smoke damage to the rest of the structure.  The occupants were home when the fire started but were able to evacuate without injuries.  Assisting CWFD on the fire were units from East County Fire and Rescue.  

The fire investigation is being conducted CWFD Fire Marshal Ron Schumacher.  At this time no cause has been determined.  

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross dispatched on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at approximately 0430 hours in the 4000 block of Ne Hazelgreen Road, Ne Salem, Or.

This single-family fire affected 2-adults with 1-pet. The Red Cross provided resources to help address immediate basic needs such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits including toiletrie items, information about recovery  services, health care and mental health services as needed. Additional information on this incident, if available can be obtained through the local first responding agencies/fire department.'

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by fire disasgters in the home each day. The Red Cross Advocates emergency preparedness and offers free installation of smoke alarms in the community. Residents can call 503-528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

Finding Your Way in Winter

 Winter officially begins in another week or so, but the time to start driving with extra caution is now. Our partners at the Oregon Department of Transportation have some excellent tips regarding use of your GPS during our rough and unpredictable weather and we thought it would be good to share them here as well: 

When roads are closed and your GPS navigation system directs you onto a detour route, keep in mind that the device you count on for guidance could instead guide you into trouble. Most navigation tools don’t take current road or weather conditions into consideration. They may direct you onto remote roads that are neither maintained nor passible in all weather conditions.

Already this season someone had to be rescued after following their GPS navigation device off the main highway and onto a snow- covered forest service road near Mount Hood. Fortunately, they received help and everyone was safe. This has not always been the case.

Navigation systems and similar smartphone apps are great tools, but travelers may need to verify the identified detour route is appropriate given current conditions and the vehicle they are driving. Here are a few tips to consider:

What you can do
• Be aware that the app on your phone or in your GPS device might not have the latest information – don’t follow it blindly! 
• Use TripCheck.com (available on your computer and on your phone) to get the latest on state road conditions, or call 511.
• Remember, in winter conditions (or in summer’s fire season), roads can be impassable, so USE COMMON SENSE. 
• If you are not familiar with an area and current road conditions, stay on state roads and don’t attempt detours onto roads you don’t know.
• Alter your travel plans.  If you are not sure of the route and road conditions your GPS device directs you to, ask local folks for information and consult a map. It is better to stay the night in town rather than be stuck on a remote road in the middle of nowhere.

What ODOT will do
• ODOT crews work continually to keep state highways safe, but during certain conditions, such as blowing snow and freezing temperatures, you may want to avoid travel altogether.
• ODOT will issue media flash alerts if roads are closed. These will be updated continually on TripCheck.com.

For other tips and information visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriffnet   or  visit us on Facebook: Lincoln County Sheriff - Oregon

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross were dispatched to a home fire disaster on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at approximately 20:20 hours.in the 11500 block of SW Greenbjurg Road, Tigard, Or.

This Multi-Family fire affected 5 adults and 2 children.The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected, such as temporary housing, food, clothing comfort items including toiletry items. Additional resources and information about recovery services health and mental services were provided as needed.

Additional information about this incident if available, may be obtained through the first responding agencies/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (Cascades Regions) helps an average of three families affected by home fire disasters every day.The Red Cross advocatyers emergency preparedness and offers the installationof free smoke allarms in our commumity. Residents can call 503-528-5783 or complete an online application by going to www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

Detectives with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies located and arrested two juvenile males associated with the homicide that occurred in Hazel Dell on December 10, 2018.  The two males, who will not be identified at this time, were interviewed and then booked into the Clark County Juvenile facility for a single count of Murder 1. 

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross were dispatched to a home fire disaster on Wednesday, December 12th, 2018 at approximately 17:33 hours near the 13100 block of SE Division Street, in Portland, Or.

This single-family fire affected 2 adults with 2 children. The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits including toiletry items. Additional information about recovery services along with health care and mental health services were provided as needed. Additional information about this incident, if available can be obtained through the first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in SW Washington and Oregon (Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by home fire disasters each day. The Ted Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers free installation of smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503)528-5783 or complete an online form at www,redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

Key points:

• In VPS’ current financial proposal, VAESP members could receive a total base salary increase of 8.5 percent from 2017-18 to 2018-19.
• Over four years, VAESP members would receive a total base salary increase of 15.5 percent.
• On average, VAESP members would be ranked first or second in hourly compensation for similar positions across Clark County school districts.
• VAESP hourly salaries at the top of the salary schedule would improve as follows:
  • Secretaries – from $25.32 in 2017-18 to $29.17 in 2021-22
  • Clerks – from $23.16 in 2017-18 to $26.66 in 2021-22
  • General education paraeducators – from $20.11 in 2017-18 to $23.20 in 2021-22
  • Special education paraeducators – from $20.71 in 2017-18 to $23.89 in 2021-22
• VPS would face a shortfall of nearly $14 million over the next three years to pay for the current proposal and the recent settlement with the Vancouver Education Association (teachers’ union). The shortfall would be addressed through budget cutting and spending from the district’s ending fund balance.
• VPS also must negotiate a new contract with the Service Employees International Union next year.

This evening, after negotiating for approximately 8.5 consecutive hours, Vancouver Public Schools presented a new financial proposal to the Vancouver Association of Educational Support Professionals. After receiving the proposal, and without presenting a counter proposal, VAESP leaders walked out of state-mediated bargaining at 6:30 p.m. Both parties and the mediator previously had agreed to negotiate into the late evening.

VPS and VAESP continue to bargain with the support of a state mediator to resolve the primary issues on the table, which are classified staff salaries and workload relief. Negotiations are scheduled to resume on Dec. 21 when the mediator is available to return to Vancouver.

Today’s proposal to VAESP would cost the district, on average, nearly $3 million each of the next four years for a total of $12 million.

Visit the district website (vansd.org/vaesp-contract-negotiations/) for additional information and regular updates.

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Regular Board Business Meeting on Monday, December 17, 2018 in the Boardroom at the Parkrose District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott St., Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30 pm. The Board will recognize outgoing School Resource Officer Jason Mills for his eight outstanding years service to the students and families of Parkrose. They will receive reports from the Associated Student Body, Sacramento Elementary, Teaching & Learning, Student Services, the Business Office and the Superintendent's office. They will take action on consent agenda items and report/discuss items of Board Business including: committee liaison reports, legislative update, color caucus and discuss which board member to send to NSBA this year. Twice during each Regular Board Business meeting time is set aside to hear Citizen Comments, see policy attached to agenda for further details. The agenda is posted on the Parkrose School District Website at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000205.

Feel free to join us for a short recognition of outgoing School Resource Officer Jason Mills at the top of the agenda.

Additionally, we will be collecting non-perishable food donations for Parkrose Provides & clothing, towels, socks, blankets and travel hygiene items for the annual Parkrose Homeless Project.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Gregory Rex Wilson, 52, of Portland, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for distributing heroin and illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, Wilson was part of a drug trafficking organization that transported heroin from El Monte, California to the Portland metropolitan area. The investigation revealed that Wilson was being supplied with heroin by “Chino Antrax,” later identified as co-defendant Pablo Flores. Flores had actively been trafficking heroin to Portland for more than a year. At the time of his arrest on December 12, 2016 in Portland, Wilson had 880 grams of heroin, 100 Xanax pills and a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol in his vehicle. Four additional firearms were later found in a second vehicle owned by Wilson, including one with an obliterated serial number.

On June 12, 2018, Wilson pleaded guilty in this case to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Three of Wilson’s co-defendants, Aaron Ray West, Ricardo Anguiano Cruz, Jr., and Jose Manuel Rodriguez, have also pleaded guilty to related charges. Flores awaits trial.

The case was investigated by the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF), FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by Matthew J. Semritc, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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A 71-year-old Lebanon man fell down a 40-foot embankment and into the South Santiam River on Wednesday afternoon near the Mark’s Slough Trail. A bystander noticed a dog pacing near the edge of the embankment and took a closer look to find the male and another dog clinging to the embankment at the water’s edge.

The Lebanon Fire District responded and initiated a low-angle rope rescue of the victim, who was in stable condition but unable to stand or walk due to fatigue and hypothermia. Firefighters used ropes and mechanical advantage systems to lower rescuers to the victim, load the man into a Stokes basket, and then haul the victim and rescuers up the embankment. The male was transported to Lebanon Community Hospital for treatment of hypothermia. The dogs were given a ride home by their human mom.

The Lebanon Fire District reminds people that rivers are extremely dangerous in winter, with low temperatures and increased levels of debris. If you will be out walking on trails or near rivers, always notify someone of where you plan to go and what time you plan to return.

For HD Video of this and other LFD incidents, please subscribe to the Lebanon Fire District YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTxDBuPbD3DPAybCkCgEvg

For HD photos of this and other LFD incidents, please follow the Lebanon Fire District Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LebanonFireDistrict/?ref=bookmarks

For updates on large scale incidents within the Lebanon Fire District, follow us on Twitter: @LebanonFD

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a new lease with T1 Hotel LLC on Dec. 11, paving the way for construction of a 160-room AC by Marriott Hotel at Terminal 1, the port’s waterfront development.

The original lease was signed in August 2017. Since then, the port and Vancouver, Washington-based Vesta Hospitality, which owns T1 Hotel, have been working toward agreement on lease conditions. The new lease incorporates subsequent amendments and includes language on green building standards and ground stabilization necessary to construct at the waterfront.

Construction on ground stabilization, which will support the hotel and future Renaissance Trail connection through Terminal 1, is expected to begin in 2019.

Hotel construction is expected to be complete in 2021. The hotel will be LEED Gold certified, one of the highest green building certifications in this comprehensive global rating system.

T1 Hotel estimates it will employ more than 80 people to support its hotel, retail, event and restaurant activities at Terminal 1.

                                                                                                                                                                                        – POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a skilled labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.

OREGON CITY – Thanks to the band Metallica, Clackamas Community College (CCC) is moving more heavy metal into its career technical education programs. The college is one of 10 recipients of a $100,000 grant from the Metallica Scholars Initiative, funded by Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH).

This major workforce education initiative provides direct support to community colleges to enhance their career and technical education programs. These programs provide skills and services to students who are looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program. CCC is one of 10 community colleges from across the country chosen through a competitive proposal process to receive $100,000 to support students training to enter the American workforce. These students will become the first cohort of Metallica Scholars.

“CCC is proud to provide a cost?effective education for students to pursue ‘metals’ careers working in automotive, welding and computer controlled machine manufacturing in greater Portland,” CCC President Tim Cook said. “For metals students, tuition is only half the battle. Our students, many of whom are low income, struggle to purchase the tools and textbooks needed for successful study, apprenticeship and employment in their chosen careers. I believe elevating the profile of career and technical education through Metallica Scholars could forge a path out of poverty for many in our community.”

Partnering with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), a Washington, D.C.-based organization that represents the nation’s 1,103 community colleges, the Metallica Scholars awards are designed to provide support of relevant job skill training for community college students, reinvest in communities that supported Metallica during its recent United States tours, and leverage the influence of Metallica to elevate the importance of career and technical education.

CCC will use the grant funding to purchase tools, textbooks, personal protective equipment for low-income students studying computer numerical control, industrial technology, welding and automotive technology. In addition to the tools, equipment and textbooks, the CCC cohort of Metallica Scholars will receive resume and interview prep and practice, job and/or internship placement assistance, advising, career coaching and additions support in transportation, books and supplies.

“The All Within My Hands Foundation and Metallica are proud to announce this major new initiative,” Dr. Edward Frank, executive director of AWMH, said. “While the foundation continues our support for the fight against hunger and emergency community aid, we are now expanding our mission to include support for career and technical education. The goal of our Metallica Scholars Initiative is to improve career opportunities for community college students in the trades. Equally, we hope to raise the awareness of the tremendous importance, value and impact of the education provided by our nation’s community college system.”

AWMH will work closely with AACC to implement and manage the program.

“Colleges across the country provide pathways to well-paying jobs through programs, services and training that lead to in-demand skills, certificates and degrees for students. These programs are responsive to the needs of local businesses and provide a pipeline of qualified workers to local industry. It’s a win-win for our students and the local economy,” said Walter G. Bumphus. Ph.D., AACC’s president and CEO. “For Metallica to see the benefit of these programs and invest in the communities that have supported them is a testament to the power of education and we are proud to do this work with them.”

In addressing why the foundation chose workforce education as part of its mission, Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s drummer and co-founder said, “All of us in the band feel fortunate that music has provided us the opportunity to be successful doing something we are passionate about. We want to share our success with others so that they can find a job where they can do the same.”

Other recipient colleges are:

• Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, North Carolina
• College of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois
• Community College of Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland
• Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, Wisconsin
• Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Lone Star College, The Woodlands, Texas
• North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
• Spokane Community College, Spokane, Washington
• Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, Wichita, Kansas

For more information about Clackamas Community College, visit www.clackamas.edu. To learn more about CCC’s programs, visit www.clackamas.edu/programs. To learn more about the Metallica Scholars program at CCC, contact Tom Brown at thomasb@clackamas.edu or 503-594-3956.

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This building's innovative design is the first of its kind for Kaiser Permanente in the Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 12, 2018 – Today, Kaiser Permanente opens its new Beaverton Medical and Dental Office. The new facility is our vision for the future of health care: person-centered care for body, mind and spirit, powered by innovation.

The three-floor, 90,000-square-foot facility replaces the current Beaverton facility that opened nearly 50 years ago, and it is the first Kaiser Permanente facility outside of California that was built from the ground up to harness design, technology and workflow to create an intuitive and convenient experience for members and care teams.

This state-of-the-art care facility features a public square at its heart to educate, engage and inspire wellness, and appointment notification text alerts allowing patients to relax, enjoy something from the café, or take in the Northwest-created art displayed throughout the building. Larger exam rooms are designed to be less clinical and more conversational, and digital screens let providers share notes and display other medical information.

One of the innovative ways that Kaiser Permanente is a national leader in care delivery is with medical and dental integration, which leads to improved health outcomes. For example, clinicians can look ahead at the dental patients on their schedule to see whether they’re due for any medical procedures, like flu shots, immunizations or blood pressure checks, that can be taken care of during their visit. Because of Kaiser Permanente’s integrated medical record, a dental team provider can then, for example, send a message directly to the patient’s primary care doctor.

“Kaiser Permanente is unique in our movement toward integrated medical and dental care, and our new Beaverton office was built from the ground up to offer a convenient and highly personal total health experience,” said Curt Lemrick, DMD, the lead dentist at the new office. “Dental health can often give clues about a person’s overall health, and we strongly believe that the future state of medicine will be one where the two are integrated. We’re excited our Beaverton neighbors can now receive all of their medical and dental care in this state-of-the-art facility.”

Key Services:

• Primary care for adults and children
• Dental and hygiene services for adults and children
• Imaging
• Laboratory
• Occupational Health
• Nurse Treatment Center
• Pharmacy
• Urgent Care
• Vision Essentials/Optometry

The new medical and dental office is adjacent to the old building at the corner of Western Avenue and Beaverton Hillsdale Highway. (The old building will be razed in 2019.)

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 12.2 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/share.

Meals on Wheels People Centro Cultural Center, located at 1110 N Adair in Cornelius, will be closed from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1 and will reopen for service on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. Meals on Wheels service will not be interrupted. Diners are invited to attend one of two nearby dining sites for lunch: Meals on Wheels People Forest Grove Center at 2037 Douglas Street or Meals on Wheels People Hillsboro Center at Sonrise Church, 6701 NE Campus Way.

About Meals on Wheels People: Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970. We provide more than a meal to thousands of older adults in the greater Portland metro area. Our service not only alleviates hunger and social isolation, but allows seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, visit: mowp.org.

Oregon Farm Bureau joined American Farm Bureau and farm and ranch families around the nation in applauding the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill by the U.S. House of Representatives today, after approval by the U.S. Senate yesterday. The bill will now make its way to the White House where President Trump is expected to sign it into law.   

The following statement may be attributed to Oregon Farm Bureau:

"After much debate, the 2018 Farm Bill passed the House of Representatives by a margin of 367-49, with 17 not voting. This comes on the heels of its passage yesterday by the Senate. Six of Oregon’s seven-member congressional delegation voted in favor of the bill.

“The legislation supports farmers and ranchers, protects crop insurance and conservation efforts, provides specialty crop programs, invests in efforts to expand foreign markets, protects animal health, and prioritizes agricultural research and rural development.

“The bill is critical to providing all stakeholders, including Oregon’s farmers, ranchers, and consumers, with consistent policy for the next five years, along with the many sectors and industries that rely on them.”

###

Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

PORTLAND, Ore. — In its annual fall giving campaign, NW Natural employees and retirees came together to give nearly $140,000. These contributions are matched by the company’s shareholder Corporate Philanthropy Fund, bringing the total to about $280,000 in donations for regional nonprofits.

The donations are distributed to organizations selected by employees, along with NW Natural’s nonprofit partners: Black United Fund of Oregon, EarthShare Oregon, Oregon Food Bank, United Way, and Work for Art.

“We’re pleased to add a fifth partner – Oregon Food Bank – to our giving roster this year,” said Von Summers, NW Natural’s community affairs manager. “Oregon Food Bank’s amazing work can be seen throughout the more than 140 communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington where we provide service, which means employees can give back to their neighbors.”

NW Natural has been a longtime supporter of the Oregon Food Bank. In October, a group of employees joined Oregon Food Bank’s volunteers to help package almost 50,000 pounds of food – enough to serve about 41,283 meals for people in need.

In addition to donations, employees embrace the company’s value of service by giving their time as well. To the many organizations where employees regularly volunteer their time outside of work, NW Natural’s Dollars for Doers program gave almost $20,000 in shareholder funds.

To learn more about NW Natural’s Corporate Philanthropy Fund and charitable giving programs, visit: https://www.nwnatural.com/AboutNWNatural/Community/CorporateContributions

About NW Natural

NW Natural provides natural gas service to approximately two million people in more than 140 communities through 740,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. It consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. 

NW Natural is part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), which is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and owns NW Natural, NW Natural Water Company, and other business interests and activities. 

NW Natural is currently constructing a 2.5 Bcf regulated gas storage expansion of its 16 Bcf facility in Oregon to support renewables. NW Natural Holdings' subsidiaries own and operate 31 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity.

NW Natural Water provides water distribution service to more than 17,000 people through 5,300 meters. To date, NW Natural Water has acquired four water distribution systems with one additional acquisition pending. Cumulatively, the company has committed approximately $67 million in the water and wastewater industry for nearly 16,700 connections in the Pacific Northwest.

###

Justin Coleman, 34, also arrested on steroid-dealing charges

Please reference CCSO Case # 18-014267

ADDITIONAL NOTE: The parents of the victim in the March 7 murder request privacy at this time, and decline all media interview requests.

A follow-up investigation in the wake of a March 7 murder/suicide has led to the arrest of the man who illegally sold the semi-automatic rifle used in the killing.

On March 7, 2018, David Cote murdered Bethany Schuch outside a residence on Alderwood Drive in West Linn, shooting her multiple times with an SKS semi-automatic rifle. Cote then committed suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound.

During the murder investigation, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office investigators obtained access to Cote's phone. This led to an investigation of Justin Joseph Coleman, 34, of Salem.

Until May 2018, Justin Coleman operated a side business out of his home as a federally licensed firearms dealer.

Authorities developed probable cause that Coleman illegally sold Cote the SKS rifle used in the March 2018 murder.

In a legal gun sale, Coleman would have filled out an ATF Form 4473 and initiated a background check on Cote before allowing him to purchase a registered firearm.

Instead, in February 2018 Coleman sold Cote an unregistered SKS rifle for an undisclosed amount of cash. This weapon was later used to murder Bethany Schuch.

On May 23, Sheriff's Office detectives, ATF agents, and Salem PD officers served a warrant at Coleman's Salem residence. Authorities recovered evidence of the illegal sale.

Coleman's Federal Firearms License (FFL) was revoked that same day.

Authorities also uncovered evidence that Coleman was illegally dealing anabolic steroids.

After further investigation, this morning (Wednesday, Dec. 12), the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office -- working with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Marion County DA's Office -- arrested Justin Coleman at his Salem residence. He was booked into Marion County Jail on charges including Possession of a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Firearms Transfer by Unlicensed Person. Bail was set at $20,000. A booking photo is attached.

Our earlier release on the March 7 murder-suicide is reproduced below.

[END UPDATE]

EARLIER (Thursday, March 8, 2018, 11:13 a.m.) -- Sheriff's Office investigates apparent murder-suicide in West Linn

 Please reference CCSO Case #18-006507

Just after 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting incident in the 400 block of Alderwood Drive in West Linn.

The caller reported that she had seen suspect David Cote, 34, arrive at the address in a black SUV, and that he was carrying a large firearm with a scope. The caller heard gunshots and reported that Cote had shot victim Bethany Noelle Schuch, 35, outside the residence at that address.

The Clackamas County SWAT Team and multiple patrol units responded to the area. Because the witness fled the scene immediately after seeing the victim on the ground outside the residence, authorities believed the suspect could be at large. As a precaution, police closed Borland Road and local parks; West Linn/Wilsonville School District schools were also briefly placed on lock-out status.

Deputies and SWAT arrived at the residence and located the victim and suspect. Both were deceased just outside the residence, in the breezeway between the house and the garage. The victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect had suffered what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Detectives and members of the Criminal Reconstruction and Forensic Team (CRAFT) responded to the location to process the crime scene, gather evidence and conduct interviews.

Authorities have determined Mr. Cote and Ms. Schuch knew each other.

Borland Road was re-opened at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner is conducting autopsies on the victim and suspect to determine exact cause of death. This investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking any information from the public that will help fill in details leading up to the murder.

ADDITIONAL TIPS SOUGHT

Anyone with information on David Cote and the events leading up to this apparent murder/suicide 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://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp . Please reference CCSO Case #18-006507.

[END]

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports on some activities his office has participated in over the last week. 

Last week was the annual Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA) Conference in Bend.  Linn County had two deputies recognized at the awards banquet. 

Deputy Craig Lyman was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for his many years of excellence in the field of DUII detection, DUII enforcement and DUII education.  Deputy Lyman has dedicated his career making our roadways safer to travel on.  Deputy Lyman is also a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and a DRE instructor. 

Deputy Caleb Riley was awarded a Life Saving Award from his time with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.   In essence, Riley and several other deputies responded to a shooting on the western end of Benton County.  They encountered an injured female with a gunshot wound and they needed to take immediate action to save her life.  They used a patrol vehicle as cover to get to the female and remove her.  They were able to put her inside the vehicle and take to safety.  She was then transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

Also at the awards banquet, retired Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley was awarded his lifetime membership into OSSA.  This is not an automatic award.  The recipient must be voted in by current Sheriff’s from around the state.  Thank you for your service Sheriff Riley!!

The Sheriff’s Office also participated in annual Shop-with-a-Cop events in Sweet Home and Lebanon.  There were 31 kids in Sweet Home and 69 in Lebanon.  A big Thank you to the Lebanon and Sweet Home Police Departments for organizing these great events.  Albany’s Shop-with-a-cop is being held on Saturday December 15. 

December 11 was the last day of Citizens Academy for the Fall 2018 class.  They learned all aspects of what the Sheriff’s Office does during the 12 week course.  The class went to the shooting range and did a session on shoot don’t shoot scenario’s.    

The Sheriff’s Office is going to hold the 39th edition of Citizens Academy again next spring, 2019.  If you are interested in attending, please keep your eyes out for an advertisement in February and March.   

Finally, the holidays are happy times for many, but there are also those who really struggle during this time of year.  Sheriff Yon would like all of us to keep an eye out on each other.   Do not be afraid to say something if you notice a friend or a loved one is struggling.  It takes just a minute to save a life. 

Parkdale, OR - On December 11, 2018, at about 4:30 p.m., the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a female who was distraught.  A short time later, the female’s employer called to report that she had not been to work for the last several days and were concerned about her wellbeing. 

At about 4:54 p.m., a deputy arrived at the female’s residence located in the 5000 block of Booth Hill Road in Parkdale, to check on her welfare.  The female, identified as fifty-one-year-old Lisa Vieira, immediately confronted the deputy with a firearm and ultimately fired several shots in his direction.  The deputy was able to safely retreat from the immediate area, while Vieira barricaded herself in her residence.

Tactical team members from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, The Dalles Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police responded to the location.  At around 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, Vieira surrendered peacefully to an Oregon State Police SWAT Team, ending a nine-hour standoff.

Vieira was lodged at Northern Oregon Regional Corrections in The Dalles on charges of Attempted Aggravated Murder, Recklessly endangering another person and Pointing a firearm at another.  No one was injured as a result of the incident.  The Columbia Gorge Major Crimes Team is continuing the investigation.

Media Contact: Robb Cowie, 503-945-7849, obb.cowie@state.or.us">robb.cowie@state.or.us

Lori Coyner to return as state Medicaid director

Oregon's former state Medicaid director will return to that role January 28.

Patrick Allen, Oregon Health Authority director, said Lori Coyner's return comes at a critical time for the transformation of Oregon's Medicaid program, known as the Oregon Health Plan, which provides health care coverage for nearly 1 million people in Oregon. Allen announced the hire in a message to OHA employees today.

"Lori has more than 25 years of experience developing and implementing health policy and leading health care transformation in Oregon," Allen said. “She knows the history and vision of our transformation work and she will be an invaluable member of our team as move into implementing the next five years of our Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) model.”

In her previous work at OHA as state Medicaid director, Coyner played a pivotal role in securing federal renewal of Oregon’s Medicaid waiver. She also oversaw the resetting of actuarially sound and federally approved CCO rates and helped address the Oregon Health Plan’s budget shortfall for the 2017-2019 biennium.

Before she was Oregon's Medicaid director, Coyner was OHA's director of Health Analytics, where she developed an incentive program to pay CCOs for value and quality instead of volume. Most recently Coyner was a managing principal for the Portland-based Health Management Associates.

# # #

December 12, 2018

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

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

CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee meets December 14

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

When: December 14, 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: Five Oak Building (formerly known as Lincoln Building), Suite 775, Transformation Center Training Room, 421 SW Oak St., Portland. The public also can attend by webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7438627555801803523 and telephone conference line at 888-204-5984, access code 1277166.

Agenda: Welcome, consent agenda, and updates; public testimony from 9:20-9:30; depression screening and follow-up for 2019; update on 2019 quality pool amount; planning for 2020 measure set; break; finalize HPQMC recommendations; finalize 2019 work plan; adjourn.

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

# # #

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

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

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

The name of the pedestrian who died following last night’s crash on Northeast Century Boulevard is Alter Wiener, 92. Mr. Wiener was a survivor of the Holocaust who published the book From a Name to a Number: A Holocaust Survivor’s Autobiography. He was well-known in the Hillsboro community for sharing his life experiences during library lectures.

The 50-year-old driver of the Honda Accord remained at the scene of the crash and cooperated with investigators. He will not face any charges or citations. 

Contact:  Pacific Power media hotline                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

               1-800-570-5838                                           Dec. 12, 2018

What is the winter forecast inside your home?

Meteorologists call for a mild winter with some cold snaps, but by using smart technology and Pacific Power’s energy tips you can forecast savings for your home this season

PORTLAND, Ore. – It’s a law of physics. The colder it gets outside, the more energy it takes to keep your house warm. New home technology can help offset that equation with insights that give you more control over your usage and energy bill.

This year, Pacific Power began upgrading more than 630,000 customers in Oregon and California to smart meters, bringing a new opportunity for winter savings. The nearly 350,000 customers who now have an activated new meter can tap into tools to help them better manage their energy use. Having a smart meter enables customers to view their daily and hourly electricity usage via their online account, and empowers them to make informed choices to help control their bills.

Customers with a smart meter can also set up a bill threshold and sign up to receive alerts when their bills are projected to exceed their chosen threshold. With this feature, customers get a text or email notifying them so they can make adjustments to their usage or budget, as needed.

“Technology can be a great way for customers to get in front of what can be a time of seasonally higher energy bills,” said Barb Coughlin, Pacific Power’s vice president for customer service. “Lower-tech options are also helpful, like sealing all windows or doors before the cold really sets in. This can be done inexpensively now and the difference will show up once temperatures start dipping below freezing.”

Another way to help manage winter bills is to switch to Equal Pay. Under Equal Pay, energy costs are averaged out over the year, so bills are more predictable and manageable. Customers can enroll in Equal Pay online at pacificpower.net/equalpay, via the Pacific Power mobile app, or by phone at 1-888-221-7070.

“The sooner you call, the better for Equal Pay,” said Coughlin. “If you wait until the higher bills have already come, your average will have gone up, too. This program also helps if you have high cooling costs in the summer.”

Here are low-cost tips you can use today to battle cold weather:

• Set your thermostat as low as comfortable, aim for 68 degrees. When you are asleep or out of the house, lower the temperature by another 10 degrees and this will reduce your energy usage by about 10 percent.
• Use space heaters sparingly and safely. Running a 1,500 watt portable heater 8 hours a day for 30 days can add an extra $30 to a monthly power bill in winter.
• Avoid the temptation to bump up the thermostat when it gets colder. That won’t get you to your desired temperature faster, you will just make your furnace run longer and use more energy.
• Improve your home’s heating and cooling systems by cleaning or replacing furnace filters and scheduling routine system maintenance to help air flow through the system more efficiently. Move furniture that is blocking intakes or heat registers.

You can save even more energy by taking a longer-range view of your energy use. In Oregon, Pacific Power teams up with Energy Trust of Oregon to offer energy efficiency consultation and cash incentives to upgrade your home and save energy and money. Visit bewattsmart.com or call the Energy Trust toll free at 1-866-368-7878 to learn more about qualifications and services.

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Beginning December 13th and ending January 1st, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) will have extra deputies on patrol looking for impaired drivers.  MCSO, along with other sheriff's offices from across the state, will be focusing enforcement efforts on drunk, drugged and fatigued drivers as part of the national holiday season enforcement campaign.  Funds for these patrols come from grants from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Oregon State Sheriffs Association.

MCSO encourages motorists to make a plan for safe transportation before heading out to social engagements.  Identifying a designated driver and installing ride share apps on your phone are both proactive measures that can be taken to insure your safety, and the safety of those around you.  

DUII applies to motorists who operate a motor vehicle under the influence of any controlled substance (like marijuana) and prescription drugs, not just alcohol.  Motorists arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants can face fines and fees of over $10,000, have their license suspended, and face jail time.  Penalties increase significantly for impaired drivers involved in crashes.

Drive sober or get pulled over.     

On December 15, 2018, Beaverton Police Department, along with Safe Kids Coalition of Washington County and Kuni Auto Center, will be offering a free child safety seat clinic.

The clinic will run from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Kuni Auto Center located at 3725 SW Cedar Hills Blvd. Beaverton, OR 97005.

Motor-vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death nationwide for children ages 1-12. In 2015, 1,353 children under age 9 were injured in Oregon traffic crashes; six children died. It's estimated that car seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under 1 year old, and by up to 59% for toddlers ages 1-4. Booster seats may reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among 4- to 8-year-olds by 45% compared to safety belts used alone.

For more information about the proper fit of a child safety seat please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats.

No appointment is necessary so please just drop in. Arriving early is recommended as we sometimes have more vehicles than we can accommodate during the event timeframe. Each car seat check will take approximately 30 minutes.

##BPD##

PORTLAND, Ore., December 12, 2018— OnPoint Community Credit Union and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) have announced the Fall winners of the 2018-2019 OnPoint Community Credit Union Academic All-State Program. This program awards students for outstanding achievement in the classroom.

The Academic All-State Award is awarded to all boys and girls teams in each OSAA-sanctioned activity that achieve a 3.0 or higher cumulative team grade point average. Each member of a winning team receives a commemorative decal and a certificate. Members of the top 10 schools in each activity of each classification receive additional recognition and the top school receives a plaque in honor of its team.

“OnPoint partnered with the OSAA because we are committed to advancing education and enrichment,” said OnPoint President and CEO Rob Stuart. “Congratulations to the winners of the Academic All-State Award for your continued excellence in your activities and in the classroom.”

The Academic All-State Award is part of OnPoint’s five-year partnership agreement with the OSAA, which includes the title sponsorship of the Oregon high school state championships. This partnership builds on OnPoint’s commitment to strengthen education by supporting students, schools and educators. OnPoint was founded by 16 schoolteachers in 1932 and has honored those roots in a variety of ways, including the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education.

“OnPoint’s commitment to education made the organization an ideal partner for the OSAA,” said Peter Weber, OSAA Executive Director. “Together, we are so proud of what the winners of the Academic All-State Award have accomplished and can’t wait to see what their future holds.”

The OSAA sponsors 118 state championships in 19 interscholastic activities including choir, dance/drill, football, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls swimming, wrestling, cheerleading, baseball, softball, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls golf, band, orchestra, solo music and speech.

Every season, schools and activity departments submit academic information for the Academic All-State Program. To learn more about the OnPoint Community Credit Union Academic All-State Program, view the winners or submit academic information, visit www.osaa.org/awards.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

About OnPoint Community Credit Union: OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 357,000 members and with assets of $5.5 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 13 Oregon (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.

ABOUT THE OREGON SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) is a private non-profit, board-governed association comprised of 291 member high schools.  A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the OSAA annually sponsors 118 state championships in 19 sports and activities.  For more information, visit www.osaa.org or follow @OSAASports on social media.

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On Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at approximately 5:56 PM Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a multi vehicle crash on Hwy 238 near milepost 38 in Jackson County.

Preliminary investigation reveals that Charles Redlingshafer (21) of Central Point was operating a 1989 Ford PU towing a trailer loaded with hay, he lost control of the trailer and crashed into a Geo Metro (driver to be identified later) and a 1987 Toyota PU, operated by Nancy Asman (66) of Jacksonville.

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

The operator of the Geo sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Redlingshafer was not injured.

Hwy 238 was closed for approximately 9 hours for investigation and recovery of vehicles.

OSP was assisted by Applegate Valley Fire District, Mercy Flights, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Police Department, and ODOT.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 – Ridgefield, Washington – On December 11, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the December Employee and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting.  

The Employee of the Month is Derell Couch, teacher at Union Ridge Elementary School.  Staff members describe Derell as caring, compassionate, hardworking and enthusiastic--always putting her students first.  She comes to school early, stays late and is constantly thinking of ways to make her teaching more effective.  She communicates well with her students and peers.  Her colleagues love collaborating with her.  She never shows bias and is able to give a different perspective in all situations.  Derell’s former students constantly visit or contact her long after they have graduated to thank her for her devotion and kindness and to express the profound impact she has had on their lives.  The staff at Union Ridge Elementary School is proud to name Derell Couch as December’s Employee of the Month.

Students of the Month

Cameron Branch, a second grader, is December’s Student of the Month at South Ridge Elementary School.  The South Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Cameron.  Cameron embodies the three R’s of South Ridge Elementary every day.  He shows true grit by remaining resilient in all of his scholastic pursuits.  If he is asked to try again, he will with a smile on his face.  Cameron proves how responsible he is every day by walking to and from specialists in a calm and quiet manner without being asked or reminded.  He has a kind gesture or thought to share at almost every moment.  His sense of wonder is hard to match.  He is a respectful member of the community who always tries to be helpful to students and teachers. 

Troyce Gosney, a third grader, was selected at Union Ridge Elementary.  The Union Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Troyce.  They write, “Troyce always has a smile on his face.  He brightens any room he walks into, and his joy for learning is contagious.  He works extremely hard and never gives up or gets down on himself.  He is extraordinarily kind and is always there when someone needs to be cheered up.  Troyce is an amazing example of a Ridgefield student who is respectful, responsible, and resilient.”

Kimberly Diaz, a sixth grader, is December’s Student of the Month at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School.  The Sunset Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Kimberly.  They write, “Kimberly is extremely helpful to adults and students alike.  She is always kind and wants to be a friend to all.  She has a great attitude about everything that she does, and she is the first to jump up and do something if she sees that something needs to be done.  Kimberly demonstrates the three “R’s”.  She is always respectful, responsible and resilient.  She is a hard worker, and she strives to turn in quality work.  She is a pleasure to work with and to have in class.”

Aaliyah Vogan, an eighth grader, was chosen at View Ridge Middle School.  The View Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Aaliyah.  They write, “Aaliyah Vogan is a strong student, role model and leader among her peers.  She works well with others in collaborative groups and is respectful and courteous, helping to create a positive learning environment.  Aaliyah consistently works hard and strives to do her best and challenges herself.  Aaliyah demonstrates progress based on self-reflection and feedback.  She is kind to everyone and is just a nice person to have around.”

Davin Tjia, a junior, was chosen from Ridgefield High School.  One staff member describers Davin as an exceptional student who seizes every opportunity to learn.  Another says, “I’ve never had a student challenge himself like Davin does.”  In addition to Davin’s exceptional work ethic, he is also described as a student who “is kind and thoughtful to everyone” and is a “person who truly reflects the three R’s.”  Davin is a member of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), National Honor Society and Robotics and is taking five AP classes at RHS, including AP composition and U.S. History.  Davin participates in the Poetry Out Loud competition at RHS and made it to the RHS finals last school year.  What is so exceptionally impressive about Davin’s accomplishments is that English is his second language.  He moved to Ridgefield from Taiwan in January 2017.  In less than two years, Davin has learned English, has immersed himself in RHS activities and has shown himself to be beyond outstanding.  We are proud of the many students at Ridgefield High School who work hard every day and are honored to have Davin Tjia represent RHS as the December Student of the Month.

Ridgefield School District is grateful to its sponsor, James Schmeling of Allstate Insurance Company, whose local office is providing funding to support the district’s recognition program during this school year.

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On Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at approximately 5:10 pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash on Hwy 99E near milepost 36.5.  This is approximately 1/2 mile south of Gervais. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 1996 Honda Accord, operated by Jose Alfredo Garcia-Ortega, age 35, of Woodburn, OR, was traveling northbound on Hwy 99E when for unknown reasons it drifted over the lane lines and into the southbound lane and struck a 2000 Chevrolet box truck, operated by Jasper Davenport, age 35, of Mill City, OR.   Garcia-Ortega's vehicle then collided with a third vehicle, a 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup, operated by Nick Martishev, age 53, of Gervais, OR.

Garcia-Ortega sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  He was not wearing a seat belt.

Davenport and Martishev were transported to the Salem Hospital for treatment of injuries. 

Hwy 99E was closed for approximately four hours. 

OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT, Woodburn Police Department, and Woodburn Fire Department.

At 4:57 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving a car and a pedestrian on Northeast Century Boulevard to the north of Northeast Brighton Street.  An elderly man in dark clothing walked across the street and was struck by a southbound Honda Accord.  The driver stopped and remained at the scene.  He was uninjured. 

The pedestrian was taken by ambulance to Emanuel Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation is ongoing, and names will not be released at this time.

At tonight’s Evergreen Public Schools Board meeting, Tuesday, December 11, Board President Todd Yuzuriha announced his resignation from the governing body effective February 13, 2019. After more than ten years of service, Yuzuriha said he must now focus on family health issues. 

Appointed to Director District Four in 2008 and elected in 2009, 2011, and 2015, Yuzuriha joined the Board during the height of the recession.  Despite needing to make over $25 million in budget cuts over three years, the district was able to protect teaching positions and became one of the first districts in the state of offer all-day, every day kindergarten at every elementary school.  Through all the highs and lows, he remained a champion for student achievement and pushed the Board to ensure students had 21st Century skills, curriculum and opportunities.

Yuzuriha has been part of the Board that has eliminated elementary school supply lists and fees for sports and extra-curricular activities as well as authorizing the transition to 1:1 devices supported with a significant investment in digital curriculum.  He is proud the district was able to build Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School by taking advantage of federal stimulus funds without requiring the taxpayers to pass a bond.  Yuzuriha is grateful for the tremendous courage and action by the district, staff, community, and local and state governments to recover quickly from the Crestline Elementary School fire.  He also played a major role in the crafting of the $695 million capital bond measure that passed last February, that will rebuild eight schools, add a new elementary school, and provide substantial upgrades to nearly every other school in the district.  He is a retired technology engineering executive, but is also a supporter for the performing arts in schools, including playing his trumpet in concerts and musicals throughout the district.

The Board formally accepted Yuzuriha’s resignation at tonight’s Board meeting and then discussed a process for appointing his replacement by the time he leaves his position in February. 

See Attached Bulletin

Mt. Angel Public Works successfully repaired a break to an 8-inch water main on S. Main St.  Water service has been turned back on in the affected area.

The City of Mt. Angel would like to thank our community members and others for their patience as our Public Works Department worked through this difficult issue.

Cowlitz County, WA- Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a structure fire Tuesday afternoon at 12:47 in the 100 block of Hunter road.  Residents returned home from an appointment to see black smoke coming from their front door and called 911 for help.  The male resident entered his home to retrieve his three pets, one dog and two cats.  Fire crews arrived and extinguished the fire within 30 minutes.  The two cats perished from smoke inhalation, the dog was revived by the homeowner; EMTs on scene later administered oxygen to the dog who was later taken to an emergency veterinarian by the owner.  Two fire engines, a medic unit, a water tender, and a Chief Officer responded to the incident.  Fire officials estimate $30,000 in damages from the fire including smoke damage to the double wide home.  The cause of the fire was accidental and was caused by a clothes dryer in the hallway of the home, according to fire officials. No other injuries were reported.  

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will hear updates on the Elliott State Forest, including presentations from public entities interested in owning the forest, during its Dec. 18 meeting in Salem. 

As part of an ongoing project to keep the forest publicly owned, the Board in October asked public entities to indicate their interest in ownership. For purposes of finding a new owner, “public” means state or federal government agencies, federally-recognized Oregon tribes, state universities, and local governments. Letters of interest are available in the meeting materials.  

Other Elliott State Forest updates include a declaration regarding the $100 million in bonding approved by the 2017 Oregon Legislature, summary of public comments regarding the recent stakeholder perspectives report, and direction on next steps for public engagement.   

During the meeting the Board will also consider new rules for easements on state-owned lands; the sale of .4 acres in Coos County; a legislative concept to transfer administration of Oregon’s unclaimed property program to the State Treasury; a resolution to increase efficiency of Common School Fund allocations; and reappointment of an Oregon Ocean Science Trust member.    

The meeting will be held:
Tuesday, Dec. 18  
10 a.m. 
Department of State Lands
Land Board Room
775 Summer St. NE, Salem

Meeting agenda and materials, including Elliott State Forest letters of interest: https://www.oregon.gov/dsl/Board/Pages/SLBmeetings.aspx

To live stream the meeting, go to the State Lands YouTube channel: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQA7FHTWwl-gjJkQeYPJ1IA

This meeting will be held in a facility that is accessible for persons with disabilities.  If you need assistance to participate in the meeting due to a disability, please notify Arin Smith at (503) 986-5224 or 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 Dennis Richardson and State Treasurer Tobias Read. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources. Many of the resources generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist, and unclaimed property. Twice a year, the agency distributes fund investment earnings to support K-12 public schools. The agency also administers Oregon’s Removal-Fill Law, which requires people removing or filling certain amounts of material in waters of the state to obtain a permit. 
 

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND, Ore. – Lilly Boone’s dream is simple. Well, at least, to her it is.

When she earns her associate degree from the Automotive Service Technology Program at the Sylvania Campus in Southwest Portland, the first-year college student wants to convert a school bus into a mobile auto shop and home for herself (a trend known as “skoolies”). Her aim is to repair vehicles for families who choose to live as nomads (think tiny home dwellers, RV enthusiasts…etc), but cannot make it to a traditional repair shop when their home, or vehicle, needs fixing.

“I want to travel the world as a ‘Nomadic Mechanic’ and help those who are stranded because they cannot get to an auto shop,” said Boone, who, for now, lives in Tigard. “By watching YouTube I’ve learned that many ‘nomads’ have been stranded, in the middle of nowhere, because they don’t have the knowledge to fix their vehicles. My interest in helping these people is what sparked my idea.

“I’ll be able to travel anywhere,” she added. “I’ll use solar to power my living space completely, minus heating, since I’ll be using a wood stove. I’ll also convert the school bus to run off veggie oil. Unfortunately, the amount of power needed to run an auto shop is greater than a solar system can handle at this time. I’ll use a generator for that.”

As she works through her required classes at Portland Community College, Boone continues to shape her future grand plans. In addition to the converted school bus, she wants to use YouTube as an educational tool like other nomadic-themed how-to channels. On her particular channel Boone wants to provide video lessons where she’ll cover the basics of auto repair, all the way to engine fixes and rebuilds, as well as market her services worldwide.

Rough Road in Rearview Mirror

Despite the 20-something’s lofty dreams, she’s traversed some rough roads to get to PCC: from being homeless to moving to Oregon with only $200 in her pocket.

The Wyoming native came to Oregon to restart her life. She had first moved to Denver for a relationship, but it ended up not working out after a few months. The experience of chasing other people’s dreams inspired Boone to take control of her future. She called her aunt, Dee Wilson (PCC’s longtime bursar), for advice, packed her Toyota Rav4 with her belongings (including her cat, dog and that $200), and moved to Portland in fall of 2016.

In 2017, Boone found work with the college’s Facilities Management Services as a custodian. Her route included servicing the AM Building shop at the Sylvania Campus where automotive servicing classes are held. The constant work inside the shop helped nurture her interest in auto repair. That motivated her to explore its offerings firsthand, as well as talk to instructors about the training required.

“It gave me an advantage as I got to know all of the instructors and see a little bit behind the scenes of what they are doing for students,” she said.

Resources Fuel Boone’s Success

PCC’s wrap-around student support services really made a difference in giving Boone the chance to succeed at college once she decided to enroll in the program. She was able to access the Panther Pantry, which is the college’s free food resource for low-income or hungry students and staff, and utilize counseling services. She then was directed to apply for financial help with the PCC Foundation, eventually earning a career-technical scholarship to pay for tuition and tools.

“People shouldn’t feel bad about taking advantage of the resources at hand,” Boone said. “Having a counselor available to talk to and get the proper advice about what is happening in their lives, helps students focus on their classes. Stuff happens in students’ personal lives and they need someplace to go to get help so they can focus on succeeding. This is why I am passionate about helping my fellow students realize the resources that are available at PCC because it provides so much for them to excel.”

Providing robust student support services is a priority for the college.

PCC is lobbying the state legislature to fully fund community colleges for the 2019-21 biennium at $787 million. About $70 million of the total would go toward expanding programs with proven success like Career Pathways and Future Connect, along with improving counselor-to-student ratios, which has shown to double completion rates. And, another $70 million would be used to double the amount of career-technical graduates in the state.

However, Gov. Kate Brown recently released her recommended budget of community colleges of $543 million, which would be 4.7 percent less than the current biennium budget level of $570 million. The recommended budget is a starting point for funding discussions during the legislature’s session, which begins Jan. 22.

Auto Program Providing In-Demand Skills

But right now, Boone has access to plenty of wrap-around services to help her succeed in automotive service. The support services have given her the confidence to grow her determination and passion, which has impressed her instructors.

“Lilly is a hard-working student who is learning a new set of skills,” said Russ Jones, auto service instructor. “And, she helps out other students when she can. She is going to school full time and working a full-time job on swing shift. This means she has to use all of her free time wisely so she can get her homework done on time and study for tests.”

Jones’ program focuses on training students in the latest automotive technology, and is equipped with 40 test vehicles, numerous above ground hoists, computerized four-wheel alignment racks, a chassis dynamometer, and many other specialized tools. He said PCC is playing a critical role in providing qualified workers for the industry in Oregon.

“The automotive job market is very good for our students,” Jones continued. “There is a large need within the industry, and every shop owner I know is looking to hire at least one technician. Of course, they would like to hire journeyman technicians, but there are none to be found. Many employers are knocking down our doors to recruit our students to come to work as an entry-level technician. Our students have a bright future in front of them if they stay in the automotive repair industry.”

Boone is on board with that sentiment. She said the program’s lab modules are preparing her to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams, which will help her and her classmates transition into well-paid and in-demand careers as automotive service technicians. And, they’re perfect for someone who wants to convert a large school bus into a kick-ass mobile automotive shop.

“It has been a dream come true for me,” Boone said of PCC. “The teachers here show endless support and true drive to help students reach their life goals. I hope that my story can inspire others to realize they do not need much to start chasing their dreams. They just need the passion and determination to take them all the way.”

About Portland Community College: Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 71,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, eight education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

Update

The drivers of the vehicles involved in the fatal crash on Hwy 101 / NW 68th St. on Dec. 10, 2018, have been identified.  The driver of the Geo Metro was identifeid as Candous Lee Holberg, 52, Waldport.  Holberg was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene of the crash.

The driver of the Chevrolet Blaser was identified as Jacqueline Eve Read, 34, Lincoln City.  Read's passenger was identified as Carl Vincent Davidson, 44, South Beach.  Read and Davidson suffered minor injuries during the crash.

The crash remains under of investigtation.

End of Update

On December 10th, 2018 the Newport Police Department, along with Newport Fire, were dispatched to the area of NW 68th Street and Hwy 101, on the report of a head-on collision. Newport Police Officers and Oregon State Police arrived and determined two vehicles were involved and there were multiple injured occupants, including one occupant trapped inside their vehicle.

 The investigation revealed a white GEO Metro headed southbound on Hwy 101 had crossed the centerline where it crashed head on into a Chevrolet S10 Blaser, which had been travelling northbound. 

 Newport Fire and PacWest Ambulance arrived and pronounced the driver of the Geo, who was trapped inside the vehicle, deceased as a result of the injuries.

 Highway 101 was closed for several hours while the Lincoln County Interagency Major Crash Team completed their investigation.  The team is comprised of members of the Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Toledo Police Department, Newport Police Department, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.  At the conclusion of the investigation, the vehicles were towed and the roadway was re-opened to through traffic.

Roberts named 'Sheriff of the Year,' set to serve as OSSA president in 2019

On Dec. 5, the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) recognized several Clackamas County deputies -- and Sheriff Craig Roberts -- during its 2018 Awards Banquet in Bend.

OSSA SAR DEPUTY OF THE YEAR:
SCOTT MEYERS

Deputy Scott Meyers was honored as OSSA's "SAR Deputy of the Year." The award recognized Meyers' long career as a Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Coordinator, for which he has received commendations from agencies and search-and-rescue volunteer organizations from around the state. Over the years, he has also received numerous commendations from families after SAR missions. They praise him for taking the time to get to know people. They praise him for putting them at ease during searches. And they praise him for making himself available -- and for helping the sometimes distraught relatives of a lost subject understand the complexities of a search-and-rescue mission.

In May, Deputy Meyers was also given a Meritorious Service Award by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, recognizing his work in SAR and his many lifesaving actions at the Clackamas County Jail.

The full nomination form describing Meyers' accomplishments and skillset in detail is attached as a PDF.

OSSA LIFE SAVING AWARD:
DEPUTIES DAN OLSON, JONAH RUSSELL and JONATHAN ZACHARKIW

Deputies Olson, Russell and Zacharkiw were recognized by the OSSA for their heroic actions during a dramatic Sept. 30 CPR rescue of an infant who stopped breathing at Clackamas Town Center.

The incident made the national news, and a week later the baby's parents invited Deputies Zacharkiw, Olson, and Russell to visit OHSU and take a group photo with the infant in the ICU.

For a detailed description and mall surveillance video of this incident, click here: https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/2018-10-09-CCSOPR-CPRBabySave.html

A narrative of the incident is also attached as a PDF.

OSSA MEDAL OF VALOR:
CLACKAMAS COUNTY INTER-AGENCY SWAT TEAM

Members of the team were recognized for their heroic actions during a Dec. 26, 2017 shootout against a heavily armed man who sprayed several patrol cars with automatic rifle fire.

A detailed timeline of this multi-hour incident and dash-cam video from patrol cars hit by gunfire can be found in this news release: https://clackamas.us/sheriff/pressreleases/2017-12-26-CCSOPR-OfficerInvolvedShootingInvestigation.html

A narrative of the incident is also attached as a PDF.

SHERIFF OF THE YEAR:
CRAIG ROBERTS

Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts was also honored as OSSA's "Sheriff of the Year." The award recognizes a long career of service that includes programs and initiatives that have impacted law enforcement statewide.

Sheriff Roberts was also named President of the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association for the 2019 term.

Undersheriff Chris Hoy's full nomination for Sheriff Roberts is attached as a PDF.

"He deserves consideration for this honor, not only because of his long and successful history with our own department, but because this nomination follows a remarkable run of accomplishments — especially over the past few years — that helped deputies and citizens statewide," wrote Hoy in the nomination. This has included chairing the Oregon Task Force on School Safety; championing the passage of HB 2763, the "Veterans' Pay Bill"; championing mental-health training; and targeting abuse by helping launch initiatives such as the National Family Violence Warrant Sweep, A Safe Place Family Justice Center, and the Child Abuse & Family Violence Summit.

"Sheriff Roberts is dedicated to improving public safety not only in Clackamas County, but also throughout the entire state and across the country," wrote Hoy. "His motto — and the motto of the Sheriff's Office — is 'Working Together to Make a Difference.' Throughout his entire career, especially during his terms as sheriff, Sheriff Roberts has followed that motto. He has the unique ability to bring together diverse groups of professionals to achieve common goals to improve the community and citizens he serves."

Photos of the award-winners will be added in a news-release update soon.

[END]

Kelso, WA- Kelso Police Officers and staff members will each receive a Chief’s Coin award, on Wednesday December 18th in the City of Kelso Council chambers on 201 South Pacific Ave at 6pm, from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue for their high level performance on an emergency medical call.   On Wednesday November 28th just before 4pm Police Captain Darr Kirk noticed the patient groan at her desk, fall out of her chair, and strike her head on the ground.  He assessed the coworker to find that she had no pulse and directed other employees to retrieve the Automated External Defibrillator (AED).  After properly administering a shock to the patient she became conscious and was breathing.  Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue resources were dispatched code three to the Kelso Police station on 201 South Pacific Ave; the woman was transported by ambulance to Peace Health St. John’s Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.  Staff member Becky Rakoz, Kelso Police Officer Jeff Brown, Detective Tim Gower, and Captain Darr Kirk will receive awards for their efforts by Fire Chief Dave LaFave.  The patient is expected to make a full recovery.

These individuals participated in CPR and AED training in March of this year at Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue’s headquarters station at 701 Vine St.  This recent training was put to use and saved a life.  Having medical training at any level is a great help to first responders to start patient care, especially the use of an AED or CPR.  Kelso Police officers are all CPR certified and also carry and have been trained to administer Naloxone (Narcan), a medication that reverses Opioid overdoses.  Kelso Police and Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue have had a long standing good relationship and work well together on emergency scenes.  Recently the two agencies have conducted numerous active shooter training at various locations.   

Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue no longer offers CPR classes as it was grant funded.  However, Workplace Wellness still offers classes every other Wednesday located at 1405 Delaware St. in Longview. 

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

December 18, 2018 @ 6:30 p.m.

1-888-824-5783 Ext.90095991# and via Blackboard Collaborate at

 http://tinyurl.com/BoardORVA

For Immediate Release                                               Contact: Courtney Dodds

December 11, 2018                                                     503-274-4483

                                                                                    971-275-2334 (cell)

Union Gospel Mission to Serve 500 Christmas Day Meals

Portland, Ore., - Union Gospel Mission will be providing 500 meals on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Union Gospel Mission. The meal is free and open to anyone in need.

This year’s menu will be ham, Au gratin potatoes, green beans with bacon and onions, Ambrosia fruit salad, dinner rolls with butter and pie. We will also have hot coffee, punch and water available to go with the meal. In addition to the meal, guest will receive a gift bag that includes a scarf, gloves, hand warmers, a flashlight, and a hygiene kit, along with a giant home baked cookie. Over 130 volunteers will be involved in preparing the meal and serving at the event.

“This is my first Christmas homeless, it’s like family when you can’t go out to see your family…it’s like a big family here” says Randy.

Union Gospel Mission is seeking donations of hams and coffee for the event. Items may be dropped off at 3 NW Third Avenue in Portland or call 503-274-4483. Donations may be made online at www.ugmportland.org.

About Union Gospel Mission: Union Gospel Mission’s purpose is “Feeding the hungry, restoring the addict and loving our neighbor.” Union Gospel Mission has been serving Portland since 1927. Union Gospel Mission provides meals and care for the homeless, and operates LifeChange -- a transformative recovery program for men, women and children. Contact Union Gospel Mission at 503-274-4483 or ugmportland.org and @ugmpdx.

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Oregon Hunter’s Association increases cash reward amount to $7,500 for poached bull moose in Wallowa County.

Pledges from OHA chapters across the state have poured in thus increasing the cash reward amount to $7,500 for information leading to the issuance of a citation or arrest for the bull moose unlawfully killed in the Chesnimnus unit.

In addition to the cash reward the Krebs Ranch, located near the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve in the Chesnimnus unit, notified the Oregon Hunters Association, that they are also offering a guided bull elk hunt valued at $3,500, to the person that provides the information.

“The poaching of a moose is a tragic thing,” said OHA Conservation Director Jim Akenson, who resides in Wallowa County. “Especially because our moose population is low with fewer than 70 in Oregon.”

Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating and apprehending the person(s) responsible for shooting a bull moose sometime between Thursday, November 8, 2018 and Sunday, November 11, 2018 (the last couple of days of the 2nd Bull Elk Season) in Wallowa County.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the moose was shot and partially cut up off of the USFS 46 Road between Teepee Pond and mile marker 35 in the Chesnimnus Big Game Unit. The suspect(s) accessed the moose carcass from a campsite on the north side of the USFS 46 Road. Additionally, a side-by-side UTV was used to haul the moose meat and parts from the kill site back to the campsite.

Anyone who was in the vicinity of Teepee Pond and mile marker 35 on the USFS 46 Road during the mentioned timeframes and who may have information that will help identify the suspect(s), is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at (800) 452-7888, OSP(677) or Senior Trooper Mark Knapp at (541) 426-3049.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Bighorn Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

Or the TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

Students at Laurin Middle School have discovered that the most intriguing thing about their STEM class is usually not the science, technology, engineering or math concepts that it takes to solve problems.

It's the art.

Take a recent assignment that STEM teacher Diana Sterle presented to her fifth and sixth grade students as an example. Studying a paper filled with nothing but 1,500 zeros and ones, the students didn't quite know what to make of it at first. How could all of these seemingly random numbers represent anything?

It didn't take long, though, for the confusion to quickly give way to curiosity and then excitement. You could almost see the light bulbs turn on above the kids’ heads as they realized that the zeros and ones unlock a secret: they’re bits of code that correlate to specific colors. And by filling in the corresponding rectangles with the correct color, pictures slowly emerge from the page.

The message is successfully received. The assignment demonstrates how computers make sense of codes to present digital images, and it's a perfect example of how Sterle is turning lessons on STEM (shorthand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) into an art form for middle school students.

“While the name of my class is STEM, it might be more accurate to call it a STEAM class with all the art and creativity that gets incorporated into the lessons,” Sterle said. “By starting out with coordinate grids or a bunch of zeros and ones and ending up with a physical representation, students really connect the dots and understand that precision matters in science and technology.”

For sixth grader Bo Homola, the class has quickly become one of his favorite subjects. “I really like that I get to make choices in STEM class,” Homola said . “While we have to follow the project guidelines that we’re given, we also get to be creative, and that makes learning math and science a lot more fun.”

This is Sterle’s first year teaching at Laurin Middle School. While her STEM class is not officially part of Battle Ground Public School's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, Sterle’s class helps lay the groundwork for middle school students who may be interested in taking CTE courses when they get to high school by introducing them to STEM concepts.

In addition to the computer language and digital art project, the students have learned about scaling and design. They used coordinate planes to create two-dimensional characters from popular movies and games, and then converted the characters into three-dimensional creations using beads.

Another project taught physics lessons about gravity and kinetic/potential energy. Students made a “marble run” resembling a Rube Goldberg machine with parts that the students designed and created using a 3D printer. The goal of the marble run is to engineer pieces that fit together and provide the proper forces to direct a marble a certain way once it’s been dropped into the run.

“All of these activities support students in learning how to describe a problem, identify what the important details are to solve the problem, and break it into small, logical steps so they can create a process to solve the problem, and then evaluate the process,” Sterle said. “These skills are particularly relevant to developing digital systems and solving problems using computer capabilities, and understanding these concepts will help prepare these kids for the future if they’re interested in pursuing STEM in college and beyond.”

Fifth grader Nicole Kinzie appreciates that the class is so hands on. “Actually making things instead of trying to learn from a book is so much better,” Kinzie said. “Pretty much every day, we’re doing something in STEM class that combines art with technology, so it makes learning more exciting.”

“It’s my job to introduce these kids to technology and engineering concepts and to generate excitement,” Sterle said. “I want to expose them to as many relevant STEM topics as possible in a fun and interesting way. It’s more than a typical technology class, and we’re not just using computers to study these concepts.”

The Centennial School District Governing Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at  7:00 p.m. at 18135 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, OR 97236 in the district office boardroom. 

Items of interest include recognition of  Centennial High School's outstanding Fall sports athletes.

To review the agenda and board documents paste the following link into your browser: -https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicMeetingMaterials.aspx?ak=1001533&mk=50296041 

For more information contact Pamela Jordan at pamela_jordan@csd28j.org.

Classroom connection helps students learn about climate science

Kindergarteners from Hockinson Heights Elementary in Brush Prairie will get on a ZOOM video call from a class of their peers across the country in St. Petersburg, Florida, Wednesday morning to talk about weather science. The groups of five-year-olds have been talking about weather and climate in their own classrooms and will compare notes to learn about how weather changes from one place—and one day—to the next.

The learning module, called “Weather, Here and There,” is coordinated by the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) professionals at Educational Service District (ESD) 112 as one of the many programs offered to school districts in Southwest Washington.  The science unit was originally developed at Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Elementary, then aligned to the next generation science standards (NGSS) by ESD 112 STEM Director Vickei Hrdina so teachers in Washington would be able to use it.

“These kinds of interactive discussions with young children can peak their science interest for life,” said Hrdina. “What a great opportunity for little scientists to explore very different places, people and climates, but recognize commonalities – we all experience weather science!”

Weather, Here and There:

Wednesday, December 12
8:30 – 9:45 am
Hockinson Heights Elementary
20000 NE 164th Street, Brush Prairie, WA 98606 

ZOOM video in with Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Elementary, Center for Math and Engineering, in St. Petersburg, FL.

About Weather, Here and There

Kindergartners across ESD 112 and other parts of the country engage in an Earth and Space Science unit called “Weather, Here and There.” The unit begins with students tackling a problem from the Aesop’s Fable “The Sun and the North Wind” and then collecting weather data from their town and a partner town across the country. As a part of the unit, the ESD partners two classes (one from Washington and one from another part of the country) to participate in an online, interactive, Kindergarten weather ‘summit’ using Zoom video.

Dec. 11, 2018

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

OHA responds to audit on Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director Patrick Allen issued the following statement today, following the release of the Oregon Secretary of State’s audit on the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program:

"We want to thank the Secretary of State’s audit team for their recommendations on how to improve the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, one of Oregon’s key strategies to protect patient safety in health care. The PDMP tracks prescriptions of controlled substances such as oxycodone to help clinicians make safe prescribing decisions and detect problems.

"Oregon has seen a steady decline in prescription opioid-related deaths and opioid prescribing in recent years, thanks to the PDMP and other initiatives aimed at reducing opioid overdose and death. About 93 percent of Oregon’s top prescribers of controlled substances are registered, and queries on the PDMP have quadrupled since 2012.

"We agree with the auditors’ recommendations and many align with work already ongoing at OHA. Other recommendations require legislative action, and we look forward to advising the Legislature on these policy ideas."

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications for an open position on the volunteer Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board.

The opening is for a resident who does not own or maintain domestic animals which generally refers to dogs, cats and some birds.

The term begins immediately and ends Oct. 31, 2019.

Advisory board members meet quarterly at 6:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Public Safety Complex, 505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield.

Duties of the 10-member board include

• Reporting to the county council and Vancouver City Council at least once a year on general operations of the Animal Protection and Control Program.
• Recommending potential modifications to code.
• Acting as an appeals hearing board.
• Volunteering at outreach and fundraising events.
• Promoting the program and its licensing of all dogs and cats.

For more about the board or to download an application, please go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/animal-control-advisory-board.

Applications and a résumé should be mailed to Animal Protection and Control, PO Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810 or dropped off at the department office on the third floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

Application deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.

Salem, Ore. — The Santiam Pass Ski Lodge in Linn County is among Oregon’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places.

The USDA Forest Service prepared and nominated this property to the National Register and Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation supported the listing of this nomination. The National Park Service—which maintains the National Register—accepted the nomination Oct. 18, 2018

The Santiam Pass Ski Lodge is representative of an important period of development that shaped public lands to facilitate access and usage for outdoor recreation for the general public. The lodge was constructed between July 1939 and February 1940 and was the result of collaborative efforts by the USDA Forest Service with Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) labor.

Located on the Santiam Pass on Highway 20 in the McKenzie River Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest, the Santiam Lodge was instrumental in creating a place for citizens to sleep and get meals in the mountains at a reasonable cost while they participated in winter sports activities around the area. It was operated in the capacity of winter ski lodge from 1939 until 1958.

This property is one of the few remaining extant Rustic ski lodge facilities built by the USDA Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest during the intensive building program between 1939 and 1941. The Santiam Lodge building was built in the Rustic style, an architectural style known for embracing a philosophy that is cohesive with the surrounding environment by using materials derived from local sources with a simple or natural finish.

On May 10, 2018, the Willamette National Forest signed the operating plan and special use permit for the restoration of the Santiam Pass Ski Lodge. The new permittees, Susan and Dwight Sheets, will be working with community members and foundations to renovate the CCC-built Lodge to its former condition. You can learn more about the work they are doing by visiting their website www.santiampassskilodge.org.

The Santiam Pass Ski Lodge is one of 67 individually listed historic properties in Linn County. The National Register of Historic Places was established as part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

The Forest Service Heritage Program seeks to preserve, protect and educate the public about historic sites. The Santiam Pass Ski Lodge, and many other Forest Service historic sites, reflect the agency’s commitment to working with partners, state agencies, and local communities to preserve the past.  Learn more about the Forest Service Heritage Program at www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/heritage

More information about the National Register and recent Oregon lists is online at www.oregonheritage.org (click on “National Register” at left of page).

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The Clark County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim of the homicide as 18 year old Vancouver resident Gage Allan Kiser.  Clark County Major Crimes continues the investigation.

No further information at this time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 11, 2018 – Oregon Farm Bureau Federation President Sharon Waterman witnessed the signing of the new Clean Water Rule at the EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C. today, along with presidents from other State Farm Bureaus from across the nation.

The following statement may be attributed to Oregon Farm Bureau Federation President Sharon Waterman:

"Oregon Farm Bureau applauds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for listening to America's farmers and ranchers and taking a step in the right direction with the new Clean Water Rule. We are reviewing how the new rule will work on the ground for farm and ranch families based in Oregon. 

“Every day Oregon's farmers and ranchers work very hard to maximize water efficiency and protect water quality because our livelihood and future depend on it, it's the law, and it's simply the right thing to do. We hope the new rule will give Oregon’s farmers and ranchers the ability to productively work the land without constant fear of litigation, costly permits, or risk of enormous fines for even basic farm practices.

“We are extremely proud of the many Oregon Farm Bureau members who helped in the years-long campaign beseeching the EPA to ‘Ditch the Rule.’ The 2015 Waters of the U.S. definition went far beyond the lawful bounds of the Clean Water Act, and Oregon farmers and ranchers explained how WOTUS was unworkable and impractical in meetings with national lawmakers and federal agency reps, in media interviews, in letters to the editor, and via social media.

“The fact that we have a new Clean Water Rule is a testament to the power of Farm Bureau’s grassroots membership.”

###

Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

December 7, 2018 – Salem, Ore. – Two moms. Two $25,000 Oregon Lottery 2nd Chance drawing prizes. And two ways to play.
The Oregon Lottery offers a 2nd Chance game for selected bingo and crossword Scratch-its. If a player has a non-winning ticket, they can enter the ticket on the Lottery’s website for a second chance to win the top prize. When the each of the games is ended, there is a drawing for the 2nd Chance top prize.
Amber Lahey, from St. Helens, said she couldn’t believe it when she was notified by certified letter that she had won $25,000 playing the Lottery’s 2nd Chance game. She won after entering her Railway Riches Bingo ticket into the 2nd Chance drawing.
“When I got the mail, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I called the Lottery and found out it was true. It’s perfect timing for me because my birthday is at the end of the month and, of course, Christmas.”
Lahey said she has a budget of $10 a week that she plays Scratch-its and that the 2nd Chance drawing extends her play.
Nicole Williams of Eugene also won $25,000 playing the 2nd Chance game, and said she uses the drawing to make sure her tickets are not winners.
“I will play them and sometimes I miss a word or letter with the crosswords,” she said. “So when I try to enter them into the website, it tells me that I won on that ticket.”
Williams won with a Mad Money Crossword Scratch-it she entered in the 2nd Change game. She said her plans were to buy a gaming system for her son.
To play the 2nd Chance Drawing, players register on the Oregon Lottery website and enter eligible non-winning Scratch-it tickets for a chance to win the last top prize in that game. Players can also see how many tickets have been entered, to select the best odds of winning that last top prize. Drawings are held  after a particular game has ended. Winners are notified by email, mail, and certified mail that they won.
Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
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MEDFORD, Ore. – Gonzalo Manzo, 33, of Fresno, California, was sentenced today to 188 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, in 2017, Manzo coordinated the shipment of a kilogram of cocaine from California to Southern Oregon. Manzo and his co-conspirators sold the cocaine to undercover agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Oregon in exchange for six Colt .38 Super caliber pistols, two Beretta 9mm pistols with silencers, a Glock 9mm machine gun and $21,000 in cash. Manzo intended for the firearms and cash to be transported back to California but agents arrested Manzo and his co-conspirators and the firearms were seized by law enforcement.

Manzo previously pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on April 27, 2018.

The case was investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Nathan J. Lichvarcik and Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Attachments:

Photos 1-3: Firearms received in exchange for cocaine

Photos 4-7: Screenshots from a 2015 YouTube music video depicting Manzo with firearms

# # #

December 11, 2018

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

Oregon Cannabis Commission meets by conference call December 19

What: The bi-monthly public meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission (OCC).

Agenda: Review, discuss, and vote on barriers and recommendations of HB 2198 report; OCC and HB 2198 next steps; public comment.

When: December 19, 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: By conference call only: 877-848-7030, access code 753428.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight-member panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. Along with this, they advise the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission with respect to the statutes governing medical and retail cannabis.  For more information, please visit the commission's website at http://www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver has extended the application deadline for two vacancies on its Planning Commission to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11.

The seven-member Planning Commission serves as a volunteer citizen advisory body and makes recommendations to the City Council on the comprehensive plan, district and subarea plans, zoning and other land use matters. Both of the open positions are currently held by individuals whose terms are expiring. These individuals may or may not reapply for their positions. Per City Council policy, all incumbents who wish to reapply for their positions will be re-interviewed along with any other qualifying applicants.

The Vancouver Planning Commission reflects a broad range of neighborhoods, professional and community experience and perspectives, and seeks to be representative of the cultural diversity of the Vancouver community. The Commission is seeking candidates with interest and experience in community planning, urban design or housing development, and who are active in business, neighborhood or community affairs.

Participation in the Planning Commission requires a significant time commitment of approximately 15 hours per month. This includes regular attendance at bi-monthly meetings held at Vancouver City Hall (415 W. 6th St.) on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.

The commission determines the start time for its meetings at the beginning of each year. These start times reflect the scheduling needs of current commission members to the extent possible.

Attendance at other subcommittee or Vancouver City Council meetings may also be required. Commissioners prepare for meetings by reviewing staff reports, maps and technical information, and making site visits.

Applicants may apply online at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. For an application or additional information, contact Michelle Bartley by mail at Vancouver City Hall, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, by phone at 360-487-8607, or by email at afus@cityofvancouver.us">michelle.bartley@cityofvancouver.us.

For more information about the City's Planning Commission, including links to meeting agendas and minutes, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us/pc. To view video of past meetings, visit www.cvtv.org/program/vancouver-planning-commission.  

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Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: Building a digital defense against fake ticket scams.

If you are like me, you don’t want to give your kids (or husbands or parents) any more stuff. Sure all those presents look good under the Christmas tree, but enough is enough. I’m tired of cleaning the clutter out of the closets in my home and finding treasured gifts that I paid good money for still in the plastic wrap.

A better alternative always seems to be to give them “experiences,” right? Memories that will last a lifetime and earn me some good Mom or wife points down the road. These kinds of gifts can be spectacular – and spendy. Your goal this holiday shopping season is to find a good deal while still making sure that you don’t get taken. Nothing will ruin the “experience” of your “experience gift” more than showing up at a venue and finding out that your tickets are bogus. Concerts, professional sporting events and special events are all vulnerable to this scam.

Here are some tips to keep your ticket purchases on the up-and-up:

• Pay with a credit card, not a debit card. This gives you a little more leverage to dispute the charge if something goes wrong.
• Make sure the website is secure. Always look for the lock symbol and an “s” at the end of the “http” portion of the site’s URL.
• Be wary if the site doesn’t have contact information for customer issues.
• Likewise, watch out if the seller requires you use a wire transfer or gift card to pay for your purchase. This is a huge red flag.
• Don’t buy from scalpers.
• Popular online marketplaces often have legit tickets mixed in with frauds. Know that the risk of losing your money is high.
• When searching for tickets online, don’t just choose the result at the top of your search list. Confirm that you know which company you are buying from and don’t just assume it is one of the more well-known options.
• Don’t click on links or attachments in social media posts, emails or texts.

If you want to stay low-risk, consider using one of the re-sale platforms run by the major ticket vendors. You will pay that company’s ticket fee, but at least these bigger companies will guarantee that your re-sale ticket is legitimate.

If you have been victimized by this or any 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.

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon announces his deputies will be working extra patrols for DUII enforcement over the next three weeks until New Year’s Day.  The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to making our community roads safe for all to travel.

The next few weeks will be filled with parties and family celebrations.  Many will enjoy alcohol and marijuana to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year.

Sheriff Yon asks for everyone’s help in making sure the holidays are not ruined this year by irresponsible behavior.  If you are going to share in holiday cheer, please have a sober driver to take you home.  If you notice your family or friends about to drink and drive, stop them before it’s too late.  There are several taxi and other ride services available in our area. 

Sheriff Yon and his staff wish you all a safe and happy holidays.

Vancouver, Wash. – The public is invited to join local and state dignitaries for a ribbon cutting on Clark County’s 10th Avenue Bridge, south of the Clark County Fairgrounds.

The bridge, which carries Northeast 10th Avenue over Whipple Creek, will eliminate a transportation gap in the Salmon Creek-Fairgrounds area. Construction started in spring 2017, and the bridge is expected to open to traffic in late 2018 or early 2019.

The event will begin at 1 pm Tuesday, Dec. 18, and will feature remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting and light refreshments.

People can access the site by driving north on Northeast 10th Avenue from Northeast 139th Street or by driving south on Northeast Delfel Road from Northeast 179th Street. Please park along Northeast 10th Avenue on either side of the bridge and walk a short distance to the event.

The event will be held rain or shine. Although some tents and chairs will be provided, people should play it safe and dress for the weather.

More information on the 10th Avenue Bridge is available on the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/ne-10th-avenue.

Clark County expects to begin construction in 2020 on a related project south of the new bridge: widening and improving Northeast 10th Avenue, from Northeast 149th Street to Northeast 154th Street.

The county also is working on plans for other road improvements at and near the Northeast 179th Street interchange on Interstate 5, a location where significant growth is expected in future years.

On 12/10/11, Clark County Major Crimes detectives, Vancouver Police Major Crimes detectives, and Clark County Tactical Detective Unit located the suspect vehicle used in the Hazel Dell homicide.  They identified a juvenile male as the suspect who drove the vehicle from the murder scene.  With the assistance of the Regional SWAT team, the 17 year old was taken into custody.  The male was arrested for accomplice to Murder 2 and booked into the Clark County Juvenile Detention Facility.  Clark County Major Crimes Unit is continuing the investigation.

The City of Mt. Angel Public Works is repairing a water main break on S. Main Street this morning.  Water has been turned off to the immediate area, which is anticipated to last for an unknown amount of time.  Mt. Angel Public Works crews report that the water line broke again in the same area as the break which occurred yesterday.

Traffic lanes may be closed at times to allow for construction activity to repair the water main.

Area residents have reported discolored water, and City officials want customers to know there is no threat to health at this time. The City will advise just as soon as water service has been restored. 

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross were dispatched to a home fire disaster on Monday, December 10, 2018 at approximately 1810 hours near the 20,000 block of SE Edward Drive, Damascus, Or.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits including toiletry items, information about recovery services, health care and mental health services as needed. Additional information about this incident if available can be obtained by contacting the first responding agency/fire department.

The American Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by home fire disasters each day. The Red Cross Advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503)528-5783 or complete an online formn at www.jRedcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointments.

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross were dispatched to a home fire disaster on Monday, December 10, 2018 at approximately 1735 hours in the 200 block of South Schoneman Street, Coos Bay, Or.

This multi-family fire affected 4 adults and 7 children. The  Red Cross provideds resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits including toiletry items, along with information about recovery sevices and health and mental health services as needed. Additional information about this incident if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by home fireew disasters, every day. The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503)528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.