January 29, 2015 - Salem, Ore. - A walk around the corner to get a bite to eat, turned into owning a pub outright for Leslie Coleman and Cassandra Johnston when they won the $116,984 Keno 8-Spot rolling jackpot.

The duo had just purchased a pub in Forest Grove called the King's Head English Pub and also plan to use their winnings to make more improvements.

"We recently purchased a pub and we plan to invest this money into it," Coleman said.

Johnston said the two were at the Little Monkey Deli, which is located around the corner from their pub, to get something to eat, when they decided to play Keno.

"We bought $5 in Keno and on the first game we hit the 8-spot," Johnston said.

Keno games are available every 4 minutes and players can decide how many numbers they are going to play. As an added bonus, when players play the 8-Spot, if no one matches all eight numbers, the prize amount rolls and is added into the next game. In the case of Coleman and Johnston, the prize had rolled to 17th largest Keno 8-spot prize since the game was introduced in 1991.

Coleman and Johnston join Donna Jensen-Mullins from Warrenton who won $200,000 playing Keno 10-spot last week. In the past week, Keno players have won more than $438,000 statewide.

Since 1985 the Oregon Lottery has transferred more than $9 billion to help fund public education, economic development, watersheds and state parks. Since the Oregon Lottery was created, players have won more than $26 billion in prizes.

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.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned over $9 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

*** Correction *** Change to name of Log Truck Driver

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into this morning's three-vehicle, double fatality crash on HWY 99W near Milliron (pronounced Mill Iron) road near Junction City in Lane County.

Preliminary investigation indicates that shortly before 7:00 A.M., on January 29, a red, 1991 Ford Explorer, driven by JACOB W. HARPER LEONARD, age 29, of Junction City, was northbound on HWY 99W near Milliron Road in Lane County, when for unknown reasons he crossed over the center median and into the southbound lanes of travel. The Explorer collided head-on with a southbound maroon Honda CR-V, operated by DANIELLE M. ROBERTS, 25, of Springfield. The CR-V was then struck by a loaded 2010 Kenworth log truck driven by SCOTT L. WOOD, age 55, of Veneta.

The driver of the Explorer, HARPER LEONARD, was critically injured during the crash and transported via ambulance to River Bend Hospital in Springfield. His passenger, identified as BRANDON J. FOSTER, 25, of Junction City, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the CR-V, ROBERTS, was pronounced deceased at the scene also. The driver of the log-truck, WOOD, was not injured during the crash and is cooperating with investigators.

Rodney Koffler, mentioned in a previous release was identified as the driver of the log truck - he was not the driver - WOOD was the driver. OSP regrets the error.

OSP was assisted at the scene by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Lane Rural Fire District, Lane Fire Authority and Junction City Fire Department.

Original Release
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are on-scene of a three vehicle crash on HWY 99W near Milliron Road - in Lane County near Junction City.

Preliminary information indicates as many as three vehicles were involved in a crash and two people have died. The Oregon Department of Transportation and the Fire Department have coordinated a detour around the closure.

Avoid the area if possible by using an alternate route and watch for emergency crews arriving on scene.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1002/81436/HWY_99W_Milliron_2.jpg , 2015-01/1002/81436/99W_Milliron_Fatal_1.jpg

Nicole Howell, a senior on Prairie High School's DECA team, won first place for Entrepreneurial Project Individual at the DECA district championships. She will advance to the state championship in March.

Howell wrote a very detailed business plan, including financials and projections, and created and presented a SWOT analysis of the business's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This was her first attempt at participating in this kind of competition and constructing this kind of paper.

DECA has helped high school and college students around the globe to become leaders, preparing them for careers in hospitality, management, and marketing.


Attached Media Files: Nicole Howell

On January 16, 2015, officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's Drugs and Vice Division (DVD) arrested two men as part of two heroin overdose death investigations.

41-year-old Arturo Pineda-Chavez and 36-year-old Dimas Rafael Laso-Barrajona were booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Distribution and Possession of Heroin.

DVD officers investigated overdose deaths on January 9 and 13, 2015. As part of these investigations, officers obtained information and evidence that resulted in the arrests of Pineda-Chavez and Laso-Barrajona.

In Multnomah County, heroin abuse and overdose deaths continue to be a significant issue for the community.

According to the Oregon State Medical Examiner, there were 59 heroin overdose deaths in Multnomah County in 2013, and an additional 45 from methamphetamine. 2014 numbers have not yet been tabulated.

DVD is notified on every drug overdose death in the City of Portland. If there are investigative leads to follow,(i.e. information on who supplied the narcotics), DVD officers focus efforts on identifying and arresting those responsible for putting the drugs in the hands of the deceased.

In 2014, DVD investigated 21 overdose deaths, primarily from heroin, for potential criminal prosecution.

In 2014, DVD seized over 82 pounds of heroin (a significant jump from the 13 pounds seized in 2013), which translates to 7.4 million individual doses, any of which is potentially fatal.

DVD attributes many of these heroin overdose deaths to people who first became addicted to prescription pain medication then switch to heroin due to the cheaper cost.

Additionally, in 2014, DVD seized 178 pounds of cocaine and 76 pounds of methamphetamine.

Members of the Drugs and Vice Division created a documentary film about prescription drug abuse called Generation RX - The Pill Problem, narrated by KGW's Tracy Barry, to raise awareness about the reality of prescription drug abuse in Portland. The film can be viewed at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/426624

Community members wishing to provide information about drug activity in their neighborhoods can file it online by visiting http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/30740

DVD works closely with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and eliminate illegal drug trafficking organizations (DTO's) in the Portland area and provides training and education on drug trends and illegal drug activity to other divisions within the Police Bureau as well as the community.

Community members wanting to learn more about the Drugs and Vice Division should visit http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/30560

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81448/Chavez_and_Laso.jpg

Thanks to many people sharing this story via social media, the owner of the camera has been in contact with police after seeing the information on the website for Portland's KGW.

The camera was stolen approximately 8 years ago near Centennial High School in Gresham.

Next week, officers will coordinate with the owner to return the camera.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Tuesday January 27, 2015, East Precinct officers arrested 22-year-old Jacqueline Tasha Moore for Driving While Revoked (Misdemeanor) and Possession of Methamphetamine after a traffic stop on Southeast 102nd Avenue and Ankeny Street.

During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a Canon digital camera and related equipment that, based on their investigation, suspected of being stolen.

On the camera were several family-type photographs, three of which are being released in hopes that someone will know who owns the camera so it can be returned to the owner.

Anyone with information about the owner of this camera should contact Officer Sara Clark by email at sara.clark@portlandoregon.gov; or by calling the main East Precinct number at (503) 823-4800 and leaving a message, reference PPB Case #15-7496.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81442/Tasha_Jacqueline_Moore_22.jpg

INCREASED INTERAGENCY TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT EFFORT IN OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS VICINITY

Oregon State Police, working in partnership with OSU Department of Public Safety and Corvallis Police Department, will focus enforcement efforts toward traffic-related violations in the campus vicinity on January 29th and 30th.

Following complaints and past problems related to bicycle and vehicle operation endangering pedestrians, the enforcement effort will focus both dates on roadways and intersections in the vicinity of Memorial Union, Valley Library and Kerr Administration from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are urged to remember their duty to exercise due care and obey traffic control devices (i.e., stop signs, traffic signals, pedestrian crossing signals) at all times. Drive safely to save lives.

There are lots of good things happening in the Centennial School District. Earlier today, the state of Oregon released the graduation rates for the 2013-2014 school year showing the number of students graduating up to 72 percent from 68.7 percent a year ago, reflecting steady growth over the last five years. In Centennial the district's four-year cohort graduation rate increased eight points from 65 percent to 73 percent and Centennial High School's rate went from 79 percent to 82 percent.

Over the past five years, the district's four-year graduation rate has gone from 57 percent to 73 percent - and this was during a time of significant budget challenges. The increase in graduation rate is a credit to the focus and dedication of staff and improvement of how we identify and support students. The message we want to get out is that Centennial's graduation rate is above the state average.

Our five-year rate dipped slightly this year, but that was expected since last year's four-year cohort rate had a slight dip as well.

There is still work to be done. Gaps still remain for students in underserved groups in both our four-year graduation and five-year completer rate. However, one celebration is a Black/African American five-year completer rate that exceeds the All Students rate - 81 percent for the district and 93 percent at CHS.

We expect the graduation rate in Centennial School District to continue to improve. The district has made significant changes in the structures that support students that have yet to be reflected in our graduation rate. These include:
- Use of early warning indicators to identify and serve students before they experience continued failure:
- Students into OPEN school coming out of sixth grade
- Centennial Park School shifting the service model to begin supporting students at the transition point between middle school and high school, and
- Addition of targeted ninth grade support to increase the number of students on track to graduate.

According to Superintendent Sam Breyer, "This is a tangible recognition of our good work and the progress we're making in Centennial. It's also a call for continued improvement as one out of four students are still not graduating on time."

The Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors selected Nada Wheelock to fill the board seat vacated by Mari Greves following her retirement. Wheelock will take the oath of office at the Feb. 10 school board meeting.

Upon learning of her appointment, Wheelock said, "I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the school board, district, teachers, staff, and community partners on behalf of Vancouver children and families. Thank you to Mari Greves for her 20 years of service on the board and for being a role model on how to give a voice to all stakeholders."

At a special board meeting on Jan. 28, the board voted to appoint Wheelock following five candidate interviews. A sixth candidate removed herself from consideration citing her professional obligations.

Wheelock has a history of volunteering in the school district and the community. Currently she serves on the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools' board of directors and its marketing and development and mentoring committees. She also participates in district parent-teacher associations and booster clubs and serves as a lunch buddy. Wheelock's two children attend district schools.

Wheelock holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Dartmouth College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Chicago. She has professional experience in marketing and consulting and has worked in Massachusetts for EMC Corporation, Contact Networks and Fidelity Investments. Wheelock co-founded the Tuck Nonprofit Fund at the Tuck School of Business, and served as a consultant to the SPOON Foundation, a Portland-based organization that works globally to improve nutrition for orphaned, fostered and adopted children.

West Valley Hospital Foundation scholarship applications for students in medically-related fields of study will be available beginning Feb. 1. Applications must be returned by March 27.

Applicants must live in Polk County or be a current employee or family member of a current employee at West Valley Hospital--and must have applied to a college in their field of study before applying for this scholarship.

More information is available online at salemhealth.org/scholarships and click the West Valley Hospital Foundation Scholarship link. If you have further questions, call 503-831-3456.

[Incident collage added to the photos.]

Please reference Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Case #15-2697

At approximately 7:30 am on Thursday, January 29, 2015, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to an alarm at the Verizon store at the Clackamas Promenade.

The alarm company had called to report that they had video inside the store -- and it was a burglary in progress. At 7:26 a.m., a yellow jeep with black top had smashed through the front window of the Verizon store, then parked in the street -- and then a suspect in the Jeep ran inside and stole items inside the store.

Surveillance video reveals the smash burglary took place over a 30-second period. The Jeep backed through the glass door of the Verizon. The Jeep stopped in the street outside, and a suspect exited the Jeep and stole display items inside -- items which were mostly useless once removed from the store.

Photos of the store damage and surveillance stills of the crime and suspect Jeep are attached. Tips are sought.

The suspect vehicle is described as follows:
- Yellow Jeep with black top
- Light bar with off-road lights
- Possible damage to the rear
- Black wheels and black fender flares

The suspect may have been wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and was only inside the store for approximately 10 seconds. However, surveillance video yielded excellent photos of the Jeep used in the crime.

TIPS SOUGHT

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office's confidential Tip Line -- by telephone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online e-mail form at http://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp . Please reference CCSO Case # 15-2697

[END]


Attached Media Files: Surveillance stills 4 , Surveillance stills 3 , Surveillance stills 2 , Surveillance stills 1 , Store damage 3 , Store damage 2 , Store damage 1 , Suspect Jeep , Incident collage

On Wednesday January 28, 2015 at approximately 1:00 p.m. Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Warrant Strike Team deputies arrested William Powell, Age 49, of Portland, OR. on two counts of Aggravated Animal Abuse I, Attempted Aggravated Animal Abuse I, Animal Abuse I, Animal Abuse II and two counts of Animal Neglect II after a Multnomah County Grand Jury indictment.

The indictment was the result of a joint investigation involving the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS), under the advisement of the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office. MCAS received a complaint on November 24, 2014 about a small dog being repeatedly kicked, choked and thrown to the ground in the backyard of a home in Southeast Portland. Animal control officers investigating the complaint found a small beagle suffering from injuries on the right side of his head and right eye. The dog was taken to Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital where an examination revealed the animal suffered from multiple rib fractures, pulmonary contusions, head and abdominal trauma. The examination also found signs of previous untreated traumas sustained by the animal. The investigation was turned over to MCSO detectives for further criminal investigation. Multnomah County Sheriff's Office detectives completed their investigation and turned the case over to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office for consideration of charges.

The dog's condition has since improved. He is currently in the care of Multnomah County Animal Services in Troutdale.

In addition to licensing, adoption and lost and found services, Multnomah County Animal Services serves as an investigatory agency -- often working in collaboration with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and/or other community partners in suspected animal abuse cases.

For animal related emergencies, please call MCAS 24-hour emergency line at (503)
988-7387. If an emergency involves a life-threatening situation for a human being call 911.

The Committee for Family Forestlands is meeting from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Friday, February 6 in the Tillamook Room at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters located at 2600 State Street in Salem.

The Committee provides information and counsel to the Oregon Board of Forestry and State Forester in matters relating to family forestlands, including maintenance of a viable family forestland base, protection of resources and positive contributions to Oregon's vitality.

On the agenda
Environmental Policy Consultant Mary Scurlock, Scurlock & Associates, will lead a discussion about riparian (streamside) Forest Practices Act rulemaking and conservation strategies.

The committee will also hear an update about the Eastside Private Forest Collaborative - a project that helps forest landowners in the John Day / Ritter Valley area collaborate to protect landscapes and ecosystems on privately owned lands.

Committee members will also hear from Tammy Cushing, Oregon State University (OSU), about a special event held recently: a tax symposium for owners of small forested properties held at Oregon State University. In addition, Private Forests Division Chief Peter Daugherty will update committee members on legislative topics that pertain to the Department.

"The Committee for Family Forestlands performs valuable work for the state, consistently looking ahead to identify ways to protect resources and maintain a viable family forestland base," said Lena Tucker, Deputy Chief, Private Forests Division. Meetings are open to the public.

Committee composition
Thirteen positions - seven voting members and six seats in non-voting roles - form the committee. Voting members include family forest owners, an environmental community representative, a representative of Oregon's forest products industry, and a citizen-at-large representing the public.

Non-voting ex-officio members may include representatives of the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University, Oregon small forestland groups, forestry-related industry associations, and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.

Public invited
Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the meeting. The meeting takes place in Tillamook Room at ODF headquarters in Salem. ODF headquarters are located at 2600 State Street, Salem. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.

Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-945-7502.

Additional information about the Committee for Family Forestlands is available on ODF's web site at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/pages/board/cff/cff.aspx.


# # #

Portland, Ore. - The Bonneville Power Administration's Energy Smart Industrial program is helping companies better manage their energy use and reduce costs. Since 2009, BPA and Northwest publicly owned electric utilities have partnered with 473 industrial companies on projects that have collectively saved more than 647 million kilowatt-hours of electricity -- enough energy to power nearly 60,000 homes for a year.

"Energy Smart Industrial is making Northwest industrial companies more efficient and competitive," says Richard Genece, vice president of Energy Efficiency at BPA. "The success of ESI is a credit to the work of our utility customers and ESI staff, as well as to industrial companies embracing energy efficiency across the region."

In the first five years of the program, 111 publicly owned electric utilities in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming have helped industrial end-users complete over 735 capital projects in a variety of market segments, including food processing, pulp and paper, wood products, advanced technology, water/wastewater and mining. A recent examination revealed that the annual energy savings from completed capital projects increased by 300 percent on average.

ESI provides a suite of energy management options that BPA's utility customers can offer to the industrial companies they serve. In order to meet the broad range of needs, technologies and facility sizes, the program features five components, many of which don't require a large, up-front investment: Energy Project Manager co-funding; Track and Tune Projects; High Performance Energy Management cohorts; Refrigerator Operator Coaching; and Small Industrial High Performance Energy Management. Since every facility is unique, the BPA program provides an engineer as a technical resource and point of contact for the customer and utility to ensure each project is defined, developed and managed successfully.

"With BPA providing incentives and technical expertise, we're helping our industrial customers, big and small, achieve significant energy savings," says Larry Blaufus, industrial accounts manager with Clark Public Utilities in Vancouver, Wash.

In 2010, Clark enrolled a non-woven fabrics plant in Washougal, Wash. Through energy efficiency measures and upgrades to chillers, air compressors and lighting, Fitesa Washougal Inc. cut its energy use by about 19 percent, or 2.5 million kWh a year.

JD Hisey, the plant's continuous improvement manager, says Energy Smart Industrial did more than just cut Fitesa's energy costs. "The new equipment reduced our maintenance, repair and downtime costs," Hisey says.

For energy-efficiency help at its plywood plant in Elgin, Ore., Boise Cascade, the second-largest softwood plywood manufacturer in North America, turned to Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative, a BPA customer utility in Baker City. After ESI-upgrades to its air-compressor system, Boise Cascade is saving about $24,000 a year in its energy bills.

"With better modulation, drying and pressure control, we're so much more efficient," says Scott Noble, manufacturing management associate for Boise Cascade. "And we've seen significant savings as a result."

The BPA program is now focusing on smaller industries in rural areas and water treatment and wastewater facilities. Also, since lighting upgrades have accounted for nearly 25 percent of the program's historical savings, ESI will continue to explore new lighting technologies and controls. And soon, BPA plans to develop a "Superior Energy Performance" pilot for industrial facilities.


Attached Media Files: BPA and Northwest publicly owned electric utilities have helped 473 industrial companies save enough energy to power nearly 60,000 homes for a year. , Energy Smart Industrial provides a suite of energy-saving options that BPA's utility customers can offer to industrial companies they serve.

District-wide average tops 80%, subgroup gains significant

January 29, 2015, Hillsboro, OR - Earlier today, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released graduation rates for the 2013-14 school year. Hillsboro School District's rate tops 80% for the first time since the current cohort calculation went into effect for the 2009-10 school year.

The gains are impressive, especially considering that the graduating class of 2014 had endured several years of dramatically reduced budgets due to the economic downturn that began in 2008, which resulted in higher class sizes and a loss of school days.
4-year Cohort Graduation Rates
(Students who received a regular diploma within four years of starting high school)
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
Century High School 83.2% 84.5% 84.9% 86.2% 87.9%
Glencoe High School 82.7% 80.6% 77.1% 85.3% 84.6%
Hillsboro High School 75.3% 79.0% 71.6% 72.4% 76.2%
Liberty High School 75.2% 82.7% 79.7% 83.5% 86.2%
Hillsboro School District 76.5% 78.2% 75.5% 79.8% 80.7%

Perhaps more significant, however, are the gains realized by the District's most highly-impacted subgroups: Economically Disadvantaged (ED), Limited English Proficient (LEP), and Ever English Learners (EL):

2012-13 2013-14 Difference
All students 79.84% 80.68% +0.84
ED 74.01% 76.46% +2.45
LEP 57.33% 63.89% +6.56
EL 66.78% 74.27% +7.49

Assistant Superintendent Steve Larson points to the District's continued focus on the three key elements of the Instruction strategy as the main reasons for the growth: standards-based teaching and learning; the Bilingual Program Model; and professional learning communities (PLCs). The District's Care Teams and graduation coaches have also had a measurable impact. "Graduation rates are a celebration of thirteen years of investment in students and are a recognition for all they have learned and accomplished," Mr. Larson explains. "The District's continued high graduation rates are a testament to the talent we have in our classrooms."

Superintendent Mike Scott adds: "Increasing graduation rates has been a priority of our School Board and each of our schools. We're very proud of our students and staff for their hard work and look forward to continued success in the future."
###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/107/81445/media_release_Hillsboro_School_District_graduation_rates_rise_again_012915.pdf

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- The most common remark we hear from people learning about the Port of Vancouver USA is, "I had no idea!" There's a lot going on at Washington's third oldest port, and now there are six opportunities to see the port in action this year.

Our free, two-hour public tours showcase many of the industries that call the port home and provide a taste of the maritime industry and global marketplace. Tour guests may see massive ships berthed along the waterfront as well as some of the diverse cargoes handled on our docks, including steel, grain, minerals and automobiles.

2015 public tour dates
* Saturday, March 7, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
* Tuesday, April 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* Thursday, May 21, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
* Wednesday, June 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* Saturday, July 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
* Thursday, Aug. 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Public tours begin at our administrative building, located at 3103 Northwest Lower River Road in Vancouver. Staff provides a brief presentation about our 103-year history, current projects and enterprises. After the presentation, guests take a bus ride around the port for an interactive tour of bustling marine terminals and expanding industrial centers.

Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is required to attend. Please leave cameras at home; they are not allowed on marine terminals.

Reservations are required and tours fill up quickly. People are encouraged to call the port at 360-693-3611 or email RSVP@portvanusa.com far in advance of their selected tour date.

For more information about public tours at the Port of Vancouver USA, visit www.portvanusa.com/community/know-your-port.

- 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.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1489/81443/012915_Public_tour_dates.pdf

(VANCOUVER, WA -- January 29, 2015) - Nominations for both the adult and youth award programs may be submitted by individuals or organizations and must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 6.

Nomination forms are available online at fortvan.org/marshall or may be picked up at the Trust's offices (General O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA). Please complete the nomination form online or return completed nomination forms to the Trust offices.

The 2015 award recipients will be honored at a joint award dinner on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at the Hilton Vancouver. Each nominee will receive tickets to the dinner. Additional tickets may be purchased for $50 each online at fortvan.org/marshall. A limited number of tables are available for purchase as well; please contact Natalie Hantho for details at (360) 992-1808 or natalie.hantho@fortvan.org.

Adult Award:
Nominees for the adult Marshall Public Leadership Award must be a resident of Clark County, be 35 years of age or under and have completed a four-year college degree. Selection is based on demonstrated leadership ability, commitment to public service, academic achievement and potential for an ongoing active role in public service.

Award benefits for the General George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award (adult) include:
* A $2,200 stipend towards a trip to the Marshall Foundation in Lexington, Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C.
* Opportunities to meet and develop relationships with community leaders
* A scholarship to participate in the Leadership Clark County Program, a nine-month course designed to enhance public leadership skills

Youth Award:
Nominees for the Marshall Youth Leadership Award must be enrolled in high school (or home schooled) at the 12th grade level and a resident of Clark County. Selection is based on the nominee's activities and projects demonstrating the values of General Marshall represented as one of America's leading citizens and soldiers.

Award benefits for the General George C. Marshall Youth Leadership Award include:
* $2,500 college scholarship
* $500 paid summer internship in the Trust's Celebrate Freedom office
* Opportunity to meet with local elected representatives
* Opportunity to participate in Celebrate Freedom events including Independence Day at Fort Vancouver, Flag Day at Fort Vancouver and Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver
* A biography of General George C. Marshall
About the Fort Vancouver National Trust:
Established in 1998, Fort Vancouver National Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community that preserves and celebrates its rich history while shaping its legacy for the future. The mission of the Trust is to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community's history. For more information, visit fortvan.org or call 360-992-1800.
The Fort Vancouver National Trust produces the Celebrate Freedom Series of festive and educational events that inspire all generations to strengthen the community values of leadership, public service, lifelong learning, vision and patriotism. For more information, visit fortvan.org/CelebrateFreedom or call 360-992-1804.

Utility relocation work has begun on the Skyline Road S street improvement project and will extend into April 2015. This relocation work is in preparation for the road improvements, which will begin in March 2015.

Motorists and pedestrians should use caution, as this work will require lane closures on Skyline Road S. At times, flaggers will be present to control traffic and pedestrians. This will create traffic congestion within the area and motorists should expect delays. Because of expected congestion and delays, motorists may want to consider alternate routes.

The Keep Salem Moving! Streets and Bridges Bond, passed by Salem voters in November 2008, included funds to widen Skyline Road S from Liberty Road S to Kuebler Boulevard S. The widening will provide two travel lanes, a center turn lane, bicycle lanes, curbs, sidewalks, and an updated stormwater system. The main purpose of this project is to improve public safety along the corridor.

Please contact Will Kuenzi, P.E., Project Manager at 503-588-6211 or wkuenzi@cityofsalem.net for additional information.

Project map attached.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet on Monday, February 2, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the main headquarters, 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, Oregon 97220 in the Glass Conference Room. The Committee will receive the Second Quarter and December 2014 financial reports, discuss other financial matters and approve the Board and Superintendent expenses.

Please reference CCSO Case # 15-2547

At about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday night (January 27, 2015), a resident in the 23000 block of SE Borges Rd. reported seeing an older U-Haul box truck, painted white, pull onto the caller's driveway, which is a long gravel road leading to the caller's residence.

The resident noticed two people take an object out of the back of the truck and leave it on their property. The truck then left the driveway and headed westbound on SE Borges Rd.

The object -- a cardboard box -- was left in a field where it may not have been noticed if the homeowners hadn't seen the truck.

The resident walked out to the field to investigate -- and located an injured dog in the cardboard box, which was also filled with foam packing material. (A photo is attached.)

The dog was a male Rottweiler, and appeared to be 1 or 2 years old. The dog had a broken jaw and left front leg.

The homeowners called 911 to report the incident, and deputies from Damascus Police responded.

The animal was taken to the VCA Animal Hospital on SE 82nd Drive in Clackamas. The vet examined the dog and said its injuries were consistent with being hit by a car 3-5 days ago.

The dog had to be euthanized due to the extent of its injuries and delay of treatment.

Photos of the dog -- in the box in the field, and at the vet -- are attached.

Damascus Police would like to interview the people in the white U-Haul to learn more about what led to the Rottweiler's injuries and eventual death.

TIPS SOUGHT

Anyone with information on the dog's injury and abandonment or the white U-Haul box truck is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office's confidential Tip Line -- by telephone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online e-mail form at http://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp . Please reference CCSO case # 15-2547.

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

[END]


Attached Media Files: Dog at vet , Dog abandoned in field

Portland, Oregon - Leaders from Cover Oregon and the Oregon Insurance Division will speak and answer questions Thursday about the February 15 deadline for getting private health insurance. Find out what Oregonians need to do to make sure they are covered in 2015 and what help is available to them. The news conference will also include an update on the number of Oregonians who have enrolled.

Who: Cover Oregon Executive Director Aaron Patnode and Oregon Insurance Commissioner Laura Cali

When: Thursday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1-C, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland OR

Dial-in Instructions: To participate remotely register online at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3595193380257568001. You must log on using this link if you want to ask questions and you are listening remotely

VANCOUVER, Wash. (Jan. 29, 2015) - Vancouver Mayor, Tim Leavitt, will help launch the YouthBuild Vancouver program at Partners in Careers on Monday, February 2 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. where he will speak with youth on the importance of making the most of the opportunities before them, and then take the students on a short run through the neighborhood.

YouthBuild Vancouver will offer 45-60 high school dropouts, ages 17 to 24, a chance to earn their GEDs while learning job skills through hands-on activities in the construction trades. Through the program, participants will help build two energy-efficient houses for low-income families in our community. The program will bridge academic understanding with practical application and problem solving and participants will earn industry-recognized certificates in the construction trades as part of the $1.1 million YouthBuild Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

"Youth unemployment is high in our region and these funds will enable us to provide opportunities for youth to complete their high school education while learning construction and other skills that will help them throughout their work years," said Jeanne Bennett, SWWDC's Chief Executive Officer. "We anticipate a need for additional construction workers in the near future and this program will give our youth the training they need to compete for these jobs."

In building homes, young people also rebuild their lives. Parenting teens, court-involved youth, foster youth, homeless youth and others will work together to understand their role in our community and, more importantly, in their own lives. They will gain competency, confidence and self-worth.

"YouthBuild participants will further their education and learn new jobs skills while at the same time giving back to their community. It will give young people without a diploma a second chance to accomplish their goals and become the leaders we envision for tomorrow" said Chelsea Chunn, SWWDC's Youth Initiatives Manager.

YouthBuild U.S.A. was founded in 1978 by Dorothy Stoneman, a Harlem teacher with a desire to do something after she witnessed time and time again how poverty, gang violence and crime consumed the lives of her young students. YouthBuild now operates 273 programs in 46 states.

YouthBuild Vancouver has been brought to Vancouver through an unprecedented partnership of nonprofit agencies - the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC), Partners in Careers, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, Vancouver Housing Authority and WorkSource Vancouver.

"This opportunity is truly transformational, not only to service delivery for our youth, but also for the organizations involved in this partnership," said Sharon Pesut, Executive Director of Partners in Careers. "We look forward to aligning our efforts."

Note: Partners in Careers is located at 3210 NE 52nd Street, Vancouver, WA 98663. Phone: 350.696.8417.

# # #

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC), a nonprofit organization founded in 2002, is the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) for Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. SWWDC brings together funding, service providers, colleges, economic development and community organizations to provide free employment and training services to businesses, job seekers and youth. For more information, visit www.swwdc.org.

Partners in Careers (PIC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create self-sufficiency through specialized job training and employment services. PIC has more than 30 years of experience connecting physically, educationally and economically-challenged people to career counseling, job training, placement and coaching to achieve economic self-sufficiency. PIC provides programs for at-risk youth, low-income seniors, refugees, people with limited English proficiency, veterans, ex-offenders and individuals receiving government assistance. www.partnersincareers.org.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/798/81431/Vancouver_Mayor_Leavitt_to_lead_YouthBuild_Students_through_streets_of_Vancouver.pdf

The Oregon Travel Information Council is pleased to announce that Nancy DeSouza has accepted the position as Executive Director of Oregon Travel Experience (OTE). DeSouza is a native Oregonian with more than 24 years experience in Oregon state government executive and management service.

"OTE is a semi-independent agency with an important and growing mandate to serve Oregon and its travelers, and Nancy brings the perfect combination of skill, wisdom and experience to guide the agency and assist the Council in the years ahead," said Council Chair Gwenn Baldwin. "From her executive management experience in other semi-independent state agencies, to her marketing and communication expertise, and her excellent reputation in state government as a collaborative partner, we couldn't have asked for a stronger, more well-suited executive."

DeSouza came to OTE from her role as Executive Director of the Oregon Board of Optometry. Her contributions to the State of Oregon are extensive--she also served as Executive Director of the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision, Public Affairs/Government Relations Manager for the Oregon Department of Corrections, Marketing/Communications Manager for Inside Oregon Enterprises/Inmate Work Programs, and Communication Manager for the Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services.

"I am honored to work with the Oregon Travel Information Council members and the staff of Oregon Travel Experience," said DeSouza. "As a native Oregonian in love with our state, I look forward to continuing the agency's work to ensure that motorists have convenient and safe rest areas, clear directions to local services, and information guiding visitors to points of Oregon interest, history and culture."

Oregon Travel Experience (OTE) is a semi-independent state agency located in Salem, Oregon with a focus on transportation information. The agency and its governing Oregon Travel Information Council's mission is to ensure a safe and convenient motoring experience. OTE oversees highway safety rest area management, helps motorists find essential services through blue highway logo signs, and connects the first-time Oregon visitor to tourism partners through its travel information centers. OTE also administers two of the state's official heritage programs: historical markers and heritage trees. Visit us on the web at www.ortravelexperience.com.


Attached Media Files: Nancy DeSouza

On Wednesday January 28, 2015, at 7:31 p.m., North Precinct officers responded to the report of an armed robbery at the Wendy's, located at 9800 Northeast Cascades Parkway.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted employees who told police that the suspect was armed with a handgun as he demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect ran out the door and rode away on a bicycle East towards Airport Way.

Several officers checked the area but did not locate anyone matching the suspect's description.

The suspect is described as a white male, 25 to 45 years old, thin build, blue eyes, wearing a gray hoodie with a skull print, a skull mask, riding a bicycle.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Robbery detectives at (503) 823-0403.

###PPB###

The Vancouver Police Department have located Kristine Bousquet and her one year-old child, Chase Bousquet and found them safe.

The police would like to thank the community for their assistance in this event and express appreciation for the many tips received by citizens.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/385/81428/Kristine_Bousquet.JPG , 2015-01/385/81428/Chase_Bousquet.jpg

Oregon State Police (OSP) criminal detectives are continuing the investigation into a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian incident in Josephine County.

According to OSP Lieutenant Darin Lux, OSP troopers responded to 1503 Three Pines Rd, in Grants Pass (Hugo) in Josephine County to investigate a report of a woman who had been run over by a vehicle on private property.

Upon arrival, troopers discovered the woman, identified as CHERYLE A. ANDERSON, 52, of Grants Pass, deceased as a result of her injuries. The driver of the truck, identified as RICHARD R. ROHAN, 71, of Grants Pass is reportedly cooperating with investigators. Preliminary information from investigators indicates ROHAN backed over ANDERSON. Troopers believe alcohol may be a factor in the incident.

All further updates will be coordinated with the Josephine County District Attorney's Office.

*** END UPDATE ***

Previous Release:
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash in rural Josephine County.

At approximately 8:20 P.M., troopers responded to a report of a woman in the Grants Pass area who was run over by a vehicle on private property. The investigation is ongoing and limited details are available at this time. Additional information will be provided when it becomes available.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Initial Release:
The Oregon State Police and Marion County Sheriff's Department are investigating the death of a woman this afternoon after the vehicle she was riding in crashed following a police pursuit.

While the incident is currently under investigation, preliminary information indicates that at approximately 6:06 P.M., a Mt. Angel Police Officer attempted to stop a tan, 2001 Chevrolet S-10 pickup, at S. Main and May Streets in Mt. Angel. The driver, identified as 17 year-old DRAKE D. CARSON, of Salem, failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle fled onto Howell Prairie Road and crashed about 1 mile north of Saratoga Drive. Two passengers were in the vehicle. The front passenger, a juvenile male, was transported to a Salem area Hospital for treatment with serious injuries. The rear seat passenger, identified as RHIANNON L. STEELE, age 35, of Keizer, was pronounced deceased at the scene. CARSON fled the scene immediately following the crash.

Any further releases will be coordinated through the Marion County District Attorney's Office. OSP was assisted at the scene by the Marion County Sheriff's Department, Woodburn Police Department, Keizer Police Department, Silverton Police Department, and Mt. Angel Police Department as well as the Marion County District Attorney's Office and Marion County Public Works.

Update:
The driver in yesterday's fatal crash, DRAKE D. CARSON, has been located and is in custody. OSP appreciates the assistance locating him.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1002/81376/Howell_Prairie_RD.jpg

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are asking for the publics help locating the driver of a semi-truck they believe may have been rear ended on I-5 shortly before 1:00 A.M., near milepost 253.

Preliminary information indicates that a silver Lexus passenger car was traveling southbound on I-5 near milepost 253 which was an active construction zone during this time. The driver of the Lexus, identified as VICENTE PLASCENCIA, age 40, of Salem, died at the scene.

Troopers believe the Lexus may have rear-ended a semi-truck which may not have known it was struck and not stopped. They are asking anyone with information on this incident or who may have seen the crash to contact the lead investigator, Trooper Eli Breen, at the Northern Command Center at 503-375-3555.

No photographs are available for release at this time. OSP was assisted by the Salem Police Department, Keizer Police Department and Salem Fire Department.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is encouraging Oregonians to submit nominations for the state's 2015 Golden and Silver Sparky awards.

The Golden Sparky recognizes a fire service member for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public fire safety education. The Silver Sparky is the civilian version, awarded to an individual, non-profit organization, or company for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public fire safety education.

"There are many Oregonians over the past year who have made contributions in fire prevention and fire prevention education, and I encourage everyone to let us know about it," says Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. "You don't have to be a member of the fire service to nominate someone. Nominations may be submitted by any member of the public as well."

Nominators just need to fill out the OSFM single-page nomination form and submit written examples of the nominee's achievements with the form.

The nomination deadline is February 15, 2015. Forms are available on the state fire marshal website.

For assistance or more information, contact Sally Cravinho at 503-934-8205 or sally.cravinho@state.or.us.


Attached Media Files: The Office of State Fire Marshal Silver Sparky award , The Oregon State Fire Marshal Golden Sparky award

On January 28, 2015, Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team (GET) detectives charged a 21-year-old man with multiple crimes in connection with an August 2014 shooting in Northeast Portland's Sabin Neighborhood.

21-year-old Ryan O'Neill Davis-Pinney was charged with Attempted Murder, Assault in the First Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm (two counts), and Unlawful Use of a Weapon after an indictment by a Multnomah County Grand Jury. Davis-Pinney was arrested previously on a Probation Violation and has remained in custody. He will be arraigned on Thursday January 29, 2015.

This investigation started on August 3, 2014, at 7:18 p.m., when North Precinct officers responded to the report of a shooting at a residence in the 4000 block of Northeast 14th Avenue. The victim, 24-year-old James Marquise Ross, had been shot multiple times in the groin, buttocks and right leg. Ross was transported by medical personnel to a Portland hospital for treatment. Ross survived his injuries.

GET detectives began the investigation and obtained some information from witnesses, although the victim was not cooperative with police. The investigation ultimately led to detectives obtaining an indictment for Davis-Pinney as the suspect in the shooting.

The Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and Gun Task Force are continuing to actively investigate gang and gun crimes in the City of Portland.

Anyone with information about gang and/or gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau's Tactical Operations Division at (503) 823-4106.

Tips on gun crimes can be emailed to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov

If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81429/Ryan_ONeill_Davis-Pinney_21.jpg

Correction - Previous releases mixed the Ford and Mazda order. The corrected version listed below is correct.

Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation into yesterday's fatal traffic crash on highway 99E at milepost 21 in Linn County.

Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 6:00 P.M., a Silver Pontiac Grand Am, was driving northbound in the southbound lane on highway 99E near milepost 21 when it collided head-on with a black, Ford Edge, which was southbound. A black Mazda MZ3, traveling southbound behind the Ford collided with the Pontiac in a second impact after the head-on with the Mazda.

The driver of the Pontiac, identified as NANCY L. CAVALO, age 66, of Halsey, was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis by ground ambulance where she was pronounced deceased. The driver of the the Ford, identified as RICHARD J. OLSON, age 55, from Junction City, was seriously injured and transported to Albany Hospital then transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis. The driver of the Mazda declined medical aid however, a pregnant female passenger the Mazda was transported to River Bend Hospital in Springfield where she was treated and released last night. A total of three people were transported for treatment of various injuries.

The investigation is ongoing and the reason why the Pontiac was not in its lane is undetermined. Troopers believe limited visibility due to darkness and foggy conditions may have played a factor in this crash.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Linn County Sheriff's Department, Albany Police Department, Albany Fire Department, Halsey Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Traffic was impacted in the area for approximately 6 hours while emergency crews investigated then removed the wreck.

OSP wants to remind all drivers to operate their vehicles with an abundance of caution during weather events which reduce visibility. Decreasing speed and limiting distractions during night hours or foggy times is the best policy when traveling during these times.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1002/81372/99_MP_21_Fatal_1.jpg , 2015-01/1002/81372/99_MP_21_Fatal_2.jpg

Correcting OHPB meeting page links.

January 28, 2015

Contact: Stephanie Jarem, 971-273-6844 (meeting information or accommodations)

Oregon Health Policy Board to meet February 3 in Portland

The Oregon Health Policy Board will hold its monthly meeting February 3 in Portland. The meeting will be held at the OHSU Center for Health and Healing. The board will receive a report from the newly appointed Director of the Health Authority, Lynne Saxton, as well as a legislative update. The board will review the summary and next steps from the January planning session and there will be a presentation on the 2014 Mid-Year Health System Transformation Report. Public testimony will be heard during the meeting, beginning at 11:15 a.m.

When: Tuesday, February 3, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: OHSU Center for Health & Healing, 3033 SW Bond Ave., third floor, Room 4. The meeting will also be available via live Web stream. A link to the live stream and a recording of the meeting will be posted on the board's meeting page at www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPB/Pages/2015-OHPB-Meetings.aspx

Agenda:

- Director's report;

- Legislative update;

- Review of OHPB January planning session summary and next steps;

- 2014 mid-year Health System Transformation report;

- Public testimony.

For more information on the meeting, visit the board's meeting page at www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPB/Pages/2015-OHPB-Meetings.aspx.

The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Individuals requiring accommodation may request alternate formats, sign language interpreters, physical accessibility, or other reasonable accommodations by calling the Oregon Health Authority at 1-800-282-8096 at least 48 hours before the meeting.

# # #

Effective Monday, February 2nd, the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office will change its' service times and days for concealed handgun licensing and fingerprinting.

In an effort to make these processes more accessible to the general public, CHL's and fingerprinting will occur on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, excluding holidays.

"We have been looking at how we can improve and expand our services while still meeting the needs of the citizens of Yamhill County. This change will provide citizens twice as much dedicated time to complete fingerprinting and CHL processing", said Sheriff Tim Svenson.

A friendly reminder:

CHL's/Gun Permits
$65 new
$50 renewal
$15 change of address/name or replacement

Fingerprints
$15 (2) cards

For large groups or classes utilizing this service, we ask that you please call ahead of time for scheduling.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact our Records Division at 503-434-7506 or email SheriffRecords@co.yamhill.or.us

The City of Albany has agreed to fund $2.9 million for technical training equipment at Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) to answer local business needs for skilled labor.
Jim Merryman, Chief Operating Officer and President of Oregon Freeze Dry, led a coalition of Albany-area businesses and industries in asking for money that the City had set aside for economic development projects. The funds will be used to purchase equipment, which will allow for the creation and enhancement of one-year certificates and 2-year degree programs at LBCC in non-destructive testing, titanium welding, machine tooling and mechatronics.
Merryman and other business leaders told the City Council that they are currently unable to fill many high-paying local jobs because workers don't have the skills to do them.
"This partnership addresses the specific needs of Albany businesses, diversifies and strengthens Albany's economy and will allow local businesses to fill more than 1,000 positions over the next five years," Merryman said.
Greg Hamann, president of LBCC, agreed. "What an amazing moment - business, education and the City have come together in a truly shared effort to shape Albany's economic future for the better," Hamann said. "Over the next couple of years, we will, together, turn these shared investments into the jobs on which that better future will be built."
This unique, community-wide partnership supplements workforce development work that is concurrently underway through the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. Complementary training efforts are also underway at South Albany High School.
"The challenge of a skilled workforce isn't just an Albany problem; it's an Oregon and nationwide problem," said Janet Steele, president of the Albany Chamber. "Our work in Albany has focused around finding ways to ensure our local manufacturers have a strong supply of workers to fill the positions they have open now and those needed in the future."

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are currently investigating a vehicle versus bicycle crash on highway 99E near milepost 7 (SE Silver Springs Road) in Clackamas County.

At approximately 5:40 P.M., OSP troopers responded to a reported vehicle versus bicycle crash on highway 99E near milepost 7, in Clackamas County. According to OSP Sergeant Yvette Shephard, early information indicates that a man dressed in dark clothing was walking a bicycle on the roadway in the center median (turn lane) without reflective clothing or lights on the bicycle. The man, identified as 54 year-old HARVEY G. MACMURRAY, of Oregon City, was struck by a Toyota Tacoma pickup operated by RALPH V. HITTER SR., age 85, of Oregon City, which was making a left turn into an adjacent business. The pedestrian was transported with serious injury to OHSU.

Sgt. Shephard advised one lane of travel is open each direction but the center lanes are likely to remain blocked for about another hour while investigators complete work on the scene.

OSP was assisted at the scene by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department, Oregon Department of Transportation and Clackamas County Fire District.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1002/81371/PART_1422331265635_.IMG_20150126_195957.jpg , 2015-01/1002/81371/PART_1422331357245_.IMG_20150126_200142.jpg

Legacy Contracting Inc. has won a $5.8 million contract to build the Minto Island Pedestrian Bridge, city of Salem officials said Wednesday.

Jeff Howell, president of Stayton-based Legacy Contracting, said site preparation for the project will likely start in April. By June, the company will begin work in the river, he said.

The steel and concrete footbridge will span the Willamette Slough from the south end of Riverfront Park and connect to Minto Brown Island Park. Legacy Contracting specializes in highway projects and marine construction.

The company was the prime contractor for a 1,400-foot pedestrian bridge in Roseburg. That project won an award from the Daily Journal of Commerce newspaper in 2011.

The Minto Island Pedestrian Bridge and trail will cost a total of about $10 million to develop. State and regional grants, as well as more than $6 million in urban renewal funds, will pay for project.

Legacy Contracting submitted the lowest responsive bid for the construction of the Minto Island Pedestrian Bridge Four other companies, all of them from Oregon or Southwest Washington, also submitted bids.

In December, Salem City Council voted to name the bridge in honor of Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney. Courtney served on Salem City Council in the mid-1970s when plans to build the pedestrian and bike bridge began to take shape.

City workers in fall 2014 cleared land to prepare for the start of the bridge construction. The Minto Island Pedestrian Bridge will become part of a signature natural area, near the heart of downtown.

The single-span bridge adds another link in a network of trails that will connect South Salem, downtown and West Salem. The bridge will link 1,000 acres of parks and more than 20 miles of off-street trails.

In comparison, Central Park in New York City has a total of about 843 acres.

And Salem's park system continues to grow. Last year, the city acquired the northeast end of Minto-Brown Island, next to Minto-Brown Island Park. The island's northern tip is still owned by the Salem Audubon Society.

The city also has a pending $2 million deal to buy a 3.8 acre parcel near Salem's Riverfront Carousel. The land would become an extension of Riverfront Park.

# # #


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1081/81423/Minto_designs_2.jpg

January 28, 2015

Contact: Leslie Carver, 971-673-2947 (meeting information or accommodations)

Oregon Health Policy Board-Early Learning Council joint subcommittee to meet February 3 in Portland

What: The Oregon Health Policy Board/Early Learning Council Joint Subcommittee will meet Tuesday, February 3, in Portland. The primary focus of this meeting will be to review the committee's work to date and identify priorities for 2015. Public testimony will not be heard during the meeting.

When: Tuesday, February 3, 1-4 p.m.

Where: 800 NE Oregon Street, Room 1E, Portland

Agenda:

-- November minutes;

-- Progress updates;

-- Priority setting;

-- April agenda.

The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Individuals requiring accommodation may request alternate formats, sign language interpreters, physical accessibility, or other reasonable accommodations by calling the Oregon Health Authority at 1-800-282-8096 at least 48 hours before the meeting.

# # #

NOTE TO EDITORS:
* UPDATED video link: youtu.be/XsQWAmTGMmQ
* Attachments include: Transcripts in broadcast & AP style; mp3 audio dub; Wayne McFarlin jpg

After more than three decades of working in law enforcement in Salem and McMinnville, Wayne McFarlin is now the emergency preparedness administrator for Salem Health. "I have a healthy lifestyle," said McFarlin. "I thought I was in excellent shape."

That suddenly changed when McFarlin thought he had indigestion. A trip to Salem Hospital's emergency room revealed something more serious: Dr. Paul Gramenz, the ER's medical director, found McFarlin was having a heart attack.

Dr. Raghu Kamineni, a cardiologist with Salem Heart Center, discovered an 85 percent blockage in one of McFarlin's arteries and inserted stents to restore adequate blood flow in the hospital's cardiac catheterization lab.

Later in the hospital's cardiovascular care unit, McFarlin learned his heart attack had caused minimal damage. "It was reassuring to know that I was going to be okay," he said. Hospital rehab staff taught McFarlin a safer way to enjoy running, plus dietitians encouraged him to eat more heart-healthy fruits and vegetables.

"It's really important for people to know that even if they think they're in excellent health, things change," said McFarlin. "People need to be aware of their bodies, be listening to what their bodies are telling them and be ready to get care when they need it."

Salem Health produced a video about McFarlin available at this link: youtu.be/XsQWAmTGMmQ

February 2015 is American Heart Month and the perfect time to learn more about heart health. Salem Health is offering special events throughout the month--from free health screenings to several informal luncheons hosted by cardiologists from Salem Health Heart & Vascular Institute. Find more details online at salemhealth.org/heart/heart-month.php.

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, along with West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon's mid-Willamette Valley. The prestigious 2015 Truven Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals named Salem Hospital among the highest performing hospitals in the nation--and the only Oregon hospital, and one of two Pacific Northwest hospitals, to receive this honor. Visit us at salemhealth.org; "Like" us on facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/salemhealth.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/977/81420/Salem_Health_video_transcript_BROADCAST_VERSION.docx , 2015-01/977/81420/Salem_Health_video_transcript_AP_STYLE_VERSION.docx , 2015-01/977/81420/Audio_from_Salem_Health_video.mp3 , 2015-01/977/81420/Wayne_McFarlin.jpg

****************Updated Release***************************************************
Investigators with Marion County Criminal Investigations Unit have completed processing the scene of the stabbing and continue to investigate the incident. Investigators have identified the victim in the stabbing as 24 year old Marcus Monk of Salem. The victim is still at Salem Hospital and we do not intend on releasing further information regarding the victims status.

Investigators will continue to interview witnesses as well process evidence left at the scene but the reason for the altercation is unknown at this time. We will not be releasing suspect information at this time but do not believe there is a risk to the public living in the area.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the stabbing or have information regarding the stabbing to call The Sheriff's Office Tip Line at 503-540-8079. Callers can remain anonymous when leaving information.


***********************************************************************************

One male transported to Salem Emergency Room with stab wounds and deputies searching for suspects with a canine in the 4100 Block of Satter Dr NE, Salem.

Marion County Sheriff's Office received multiple calls reporting a male in his 20's had been stabbed at approximately 10:22 PM on 012715. Deputies are currently searching for suspects with a canine in the area.

The victim, who we will not be releasing the name of, was transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries from being stabbed. Investigators with the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit are responding to the scene at this time.

The Sheriff's Office does not anticipate releasing any further details tonight regarding this incident. We are asking anyone who may have information regarding the incident to call the Sheriff's Office Tip line at 503-540-8079, you can remain anonymous.

Generous donations from Ideba Marketing and Chase Bank through Schoolhouse Supplies enable rich cross-cultural experience

January 28, 2015, Hillsboro, OR - West Union Elementary School held an assembly this morning at which students and staff learned about an exciting new partnership between their school and Mpondwe Lhubiriha Secondary School in Uganda.

Throughout the spring, students in each classroom will complete projects that will be delivered to the school this summer by Principal John Allen. Projects will include "my favorite part of me," in which students describe their favorite feature or attribute; watercolor paintings of the different varieties of trees we have in our area; an ABC Oregon book; a West Union picture book; and more.

In return, Mr. Allen will collect art projects and other gifts that the Ugandan students have prepared for West Union.

"This is a unique opportunity for our students to make a global connection and explore a culture that they otherwise might never be exposed to," explains Mr. Allen. "Students and staff are excited to share their perspectives, experiences, and messages of friendship with children who are thousands of miles away."

A wall map of Africa will be posted to give students a point of reference for the work they are doing.

West Union parent and president of Ideba Marketing, David Sly, is spearheading this effort. His company, in partnership with Chase Bank, had previously worked with local non-profit organization Schoolhouse Supplies to provide filled backpacks to students in need in Portland Public Schools. This year, however, he and his counterpart at Chase decided that in addition to continuing their support of students in Portland, they wanted to support both teachers and students in Hillsboro.

At the beginning of the school year, their donations enabled Schoolhouse Supplies to provide boxes of supplies to every classroom at West Union. At today's assembly, Mr. Sly announced that a second round of supplies would be heading to each classroom, according to teachers' specific needs. The value of these supplies, in addition to other fundraising support that is available to West Union, exceeds $12,000.

Similarly, a year's worth of supplies worth more than $7,000 will be delivered to Mpondwe Lhubiriha during the summer trip, including solar lanterns that students can use in the evenings to complete their homework.

###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/107/81419/media_release_West_Union_Elementary_School_to_partner_with_school_in_Uganda_012815.pdf , West Union students showed their enthusiasm for the school’s new partnership with Mpondwe Lhubiriha Secondary School in Uganda after learning that they would get to create projects and gifts that would be hand-delivered to students half-way around the wor

New Analysis Reveals Credit Unions Critical to Oregon and Washington Economies

SEATAC, WASHINGTON; TIGARD, OREGON -- A new economic analysis by the independent firm ECONorthwest discovered Northwest credit unions, as businesses, drove more than $6.8 billion dollars in economic impact, provided more than 15,000 family-wage jobs and delivered $352 million in direct benefits to their 4.9 million members in 2014.

Not-for-profit credit unions are financial cooperatives structured to put their members' interests first, and to ensure that families and small businesses have affordable access to financial services. The ECONorthwest analysis, commissioned in 2014 by the Northwest Credit Union Association, and conducted by ECONorthwest economist Michael Wilkerson, paints a clear picture of the important role credit unions serve in the region:

* Members appreciate direct benefits. Credit union members received an average direct benefit of $76 per individual member in Washington while Oregon credit union members received an average direct benefit of $63 per individual member. Collectively, credit unions put $352 million into the wallets of their members. That money went right back into the economy creating a ripple effect buying power of more than $732 million.

* Credit unions provide family-wage jobs. Credit unions employed 10,415 people in Washington and 4,908 in Oregon. Every credit union job supports another 2.02 jobs for workers in other sectors, according to ECONorthwest, resulting in a total impact of 46,296 Northwest jobs.

* Credit unions are foundational to the communities they serve. In Northwest rural communities, about 617,500 consumers are members of credit unions, representing 37% of the rural population. Credit unions are often the only financial institutions available in many Northwest communities.

There is more to the story.
The $6.8 billion in economic impact documented by the ECONorthwest study represents the effect of having credit unions as businesses in the Oregon and Washington economies. This does not include the additional economic impact created by lending activities such as auto lending, mortgage lending and business lending.

Credit unions offer a firm financial foundation for families through accessible loans. Consider the current snapshot of Northwest credit union lending, showing that nearly 3 million credit union loans totaling almost $40 billion are helping strengthen individuals, families and small businesses.

"The ECONorthwest analysis underscores the economic impact of credit unions in Oregon and Washington. In many ways, credit unions are the communities they serve," said Troy Stang, president and CEO of the Northwest Credit Union Association. "It is the not-for-profit financial cooperative business structure that credit unions operate under that makes them unique; they deliver real, tangible value to the economy. Credit unions were created to balance the credit structure of the nation and create a stronger financial foundation for the American people," Stang continued. "This analysis proves that credit unions are fulfilling the role for which they were created."

In addition to the ECONorthwest analysis, a new "Community Impact Report" documents the variety of ways Oregon and Washington credit unions help to make their communities better. To read the full reports, please visit www.nwcua.org/credit-union-impact.


The Northwest Credit Union Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing more than 160 of Oregon and Washington's credit unions and their consumer members. The NWCUA is the voice of the Northwest credit union movement, providing legislative, regulatory and public advocacy in addition to education, compliance, networking support and business solutions to its members. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit http://www.asmarterchoice.org.


Attached Media Files: ECOnorthwest Executive Summary

GRESHAM, Ore. - The City of Gresham now offers its utility customers the option of managing their utility accounts completely online - making it much more convenient to check an account status, start or stop service, pay a bill, or ask a question.

The new system, called Your Online Utilities, or Y.O.U., is free and easy to use.

"Our customers are going to be pleased that we've updated our utility billing system with new online features," said Gresham Finance and Management Services Director Bernard Seeger. "No one has to visit or call City Hall to see if their payment was received. They can check online 24/7."

Seeger added: "We expect healthy Y.O.U. enrollments not only because the system is convenient, but because customers can opt for paperless billing, which will help the City and our customers get greener."

Y.O.U. has several benefits, including:
* Looking up water use, payment status and bill statement history - right from a tablet or computer.
* Enrolling in the free AutoPay program - and never write or mail a check again.
* Signing up for paperless billing - save the planet, eliminate paper filing, and get an email when the bill is ready online.
* Updating accounts - make address changes hassle-free.
* Applying for financial assistance - or contribute to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Gresham's program for residents struggling to pay their utility bill.

Customers may enroll in Y.O.U at GreshamOregon.gov/Utilities.

The City provides utilities service for water, wastewater and stormwater to 24,000 customers. The City also sponsors Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a utility bill assistance program that has helped hundreds of residents experiencing financial hardship and cannot pay a water, sewer and stormwater bill. Donations are tax-deductible.

For more information, contact utility billing customer service at 503-618-2373 or UtilityBilling@GreshamOregon.gov.

-30-

***
Update with Cause and Damage Estimate

This fire started when sparks created by an employee grinding reached flammable liquids in the spray booth.

Damage from this fire is estimated at $500,000.
***
1/27/2015 7:54 AM-This morning a fire broke out in a spray booth at a semi-truck manufacturing plant. Arriving firefighters found fire burning in the spray booth and above spreading onto the buildings roof. The fire forced hundreds of employees to evacuate and numerous plant operations were put on hold.

All employees were accounted for and no injuries were associated with this fire. The fire involved flammable liquids and aerosols. Several systems had to be shut down before the fire could be extinguished. The fire was extinguished and firefighters hope to let employees back into safe portions of the building soon.

The fire's cause and damage estimates aren't yet available.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/549/81385/Paint_Booth_003.jpg , 2015-01/549/81385/Paint_Booth_005.jpg , 2015-01/549/81385/Paint_Booth_001.jpg

News Release

For Immediate Release
January 28, 2015

Monthly Statements Arrive for City Utility Customers

You asked, we listened! The City's two utility bureaus, Environmental Services and Water, value excellent customer service. In response to customer requests, we are excited to offer an option to pay monthly - rather than quarterly - to the 97% of customers who are eligible.

To keep administrative costs down, the monthly statement option was initially limited to paperless (e-bill) customers when it launched in October 2013. When we heard from some customers that the e-bill requirement was a barrier, we began working to remove it. We committed to removing that requirement before 2015, and beat our deadline, launching the free and voluntary program in November 2014. As of Jan. 27, 2015, 13,122 customers are already signed up.

Monthly statements can help our customers manage their monthly budgets and better understand how City utility charges fit into their overall monthly expenses. Customers receiving monthly statements still have their meters read quarterly, but will receive a statement each month. Those customers continue to pay the same total over a three-month period as those who choose to continue with a quarterly bill, in three installments rather than one.

"This option will allow older adults who wish to pay on a monthly basis but don't have access to electronic billing and payment the ability to do so," said Barbara Bernstein, Interim Executive Director for Elders in Action. "Our clients have asked for this option for years."

"Paying for sewer, stormwater, and water services monthly can help Portlanders manage their expenses right now," said Janice Thompson, the Citizens' Utility Board's consumer advocate for Portland public utility customers. "This is an important option that CUB has been pushing for."

"As Commissioner in charge of the City's two public utilities, good customer service is one of my top priorities," said Commissioner Nick Fish. "By expanding the monthly billing option, we are making it easier for customers to plan and budget for their water, sewer and stormwater services."

To enroll in monthly statements, visit www.portlandoregon.gov/utilitybill. To discuss whether monthly statements are a good fit for you, call the Customer Service Center at 503-823-7770 or visit the Service Center in person at 1120 S.W. Fifth Ave., Portland OR 97204.
Monthly Statements History and Fact Sheet

History of Monthly Statements
You asked, we listened. City utility customers told us that monthly statements would help them to manage their monthly expenses, and we developed this option to meet that need. To limit administrative costs, the City introduced a monthly statement billing option for paperless (e-bill) customers in October 2013.

When we learned that the e-bill requirement was a barrier to customers who wanted to sign up for monthly statements, we worked with staff from several City departments, as well as with our billing company, to expand eligibility. We committed to making this option available before 2015, and launched the free and voluntary program in November 2014. As of Jan. 27, 2015, 13,122 customers are enrolled.

Monthly Statements vs. Monthly Billing
Monthly statements are a great option, helping households manage their monthly budgets and understand how their sewer/stormwater/water charges fit into their monthly expenses. A monthly statement is different from a monthly bill. When a household chooses monthly statements, their meter continues to be read quarterly, but charges are invoiced monthly. Monthly meter reads, which are not currently available for residential customers, also have their benefits. An automated meter reading system could give hourly data, providing households with more frequent information and allowing them to control their usage and proactively identify household leaks. But upgrading to a new meter system would be expensive - approximately $40 million. In an effort to meet our customers' desire to pay monthly without incurring this cost, we developed this monthly statement option.

What Will This New Program Cost?
Offering this new program comes with a cost. In its first year, that cost is difficult to predict because we don't know how many customers will choose it. The cost is associated with reaching out to households 12 times a year, compared to just four. Based on an estimate that 10% of households will choose monthly paper statements, we budgeted an additional $246,300 for printing, paper, envelopes, postage and costs associated with processing and returned mail. One way to keep these program costs down is encouraging households to consider the monthly, paperless, e-bill option.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Monthly Statements?
The monthly statement option is ideal for customers who can pay a third of their quarterly bill each month, on time. This is especially convenient for customers who also take advantage of City's auto-pay feature. Monthly statements may not be the right option for customers who require greater flexibility in their payment schedule. These customers are better served by quarterly billing, which allows customers to make payment arrangements and request alternate due dates that work better for them. Quarterly billing is also a better option for customers who sometimes fall behind on payments. We are happy to help you choose the right billing option to meet your needs.
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Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Division (OPRD), will provide cash incentives to publicly accessible archives and museum collections that demonstrate a commitment to disaster preparedness.

Reimbursement for the purchase of equipment and supplies will be provided to organizations that can demonstrate that they have completed any of the following disaster preparedness commitments between April 13, 2013 and July 31, 2015.

* Organizations that complete an MOA for Oregon Heritage's MentorCorps program will be eligible for $50
o MentorCorps offers free expert guidance to organizations that manage public collections. For more information email heritage.mentorcorps@state.or.us or call (503) 968-0671

* Organizations that complete a Pocket Response Plan (PReP) phone tree will be eligible for $50
o Follow the link for a template PReP: http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/OHC/docs/OC2C%20Prep%20Plan.doc

* Organizations that complete a full disaster preparedness plan will be eligible for $500
o For more information consult: http://www.dplan.org/

All documentation must be received by OPRD by July 31, 2015. Organizations are encouraged to apply for more than one of the incentives. This award is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences. For more information, please do not hesitate to call or email Mike Gushard, Heritage Outreach Specialist at (503) 986-0671 or mike.gushard@oregon.gov

On Wednesday January 28, 2015, at 10:40 a.m., the Portland Police Bureau G.R.E.A.T. Program will be honoring students at Creston School, located at 4701 Southeast Bush Street in the Creston-Kenilworth Neighborhood.

Officer Trevor Tyler will be celebrating the graduation and honoring the students hard work and achievement in the G.R.E.A.T. Program.

Media is invited to attend this special event and is asked to check in with the office before attending the graduation.

To learn more about the G.R.E.A.T. Program, visit http://www.greatpdx.org or contact Officer Mike Paresa at (503) 823-2186; Mike.Paresa@PortlandOregon.gov.

###PPB###

#CEO


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81139/GREAT_Logo.jpg

Super Bowl Sunday is a national sporting event and is typically one of the most dangerous days on the nation's roadways due to impaired driving.

The Beaverton Police Department will have additional patrols working Sunday, February 1st, 2015 for the Super Bowl festivities. The officers' primary focus will be to identify and remove impaired drivers from the streets of Beaverton.

Grant funds from the Oregon Department of Transportation support these extra High Visibility Event (HVE) DUII patrols.

The most important player of any Super Bowl party is the designated driver. Fans planning to celebrate Super Bowl XLIX while drinking at a party, bar or restaurant need to plan a way to get home safely.

Ways to prevent impaired driving crashes:

Choose a responsible designated driver.

Serve plenty of food to lessen the effects of alcohol.

Offer a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks.

Stop alcohol service long before the event is over.

Prepare for guests to stay the night, if necessary, and call cabs for others.

Drunk (impaired) driving is always preventable, and driving drunk could result in much more than an arrest for DUII. Those who drink and drive risk seriously injuring or killing themselves or someone else. Drunk (impaired) driving is not an accident, it is a deliberate action taken by an individual that puts many innocent people at risk.

The Beaverton Police Department is asking citizen's to report impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1.
##BPD##


Attached Media Files: Press Release

The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office will increase patrols on Super Bowl Sunday in an effort to minimize and reduce the negative impact of impaired drivers on law abiding motorists. These extra patrols will take place on February 1st. The extra patrols are paid for through a grant provided by ODOT.

Sheriff Svenson said "with this year's Super Bowl having a team from the northwest playing for the second straight year, it is possible there will be more parties around the area than in the previous years."

If you plan to host a party or attend a party where alcohol is being served you can take some precautions beforehand to avoid what could be a deadly end to the night.

* If you host a party and provide alcohol, make sure to also include food and non-alcoholic beverages. Monitor your guest's alcohol consumption and take the keys from a guest who has had too much.
* Use public transportation or a taxi;
* Ask a friend who has not been drinking for a ride home;
* Promote the use of designated drivers and stop impaired family or friends from driving;
* Always wear your seatbelt.

If you see a suspected impaired driver please call 9-1-1 and report them. Some signs to look for are:
* Swerving or weaving in and out of a lane;
* Stopping abruptly at traffic signs or signals;
* Making unusually wide turns;
* Driving over curbs;
* Driving with headlights off at night.

East County Fire & Rescue Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting On Thursday, January 29 at 1:00 PM at Fern Prairie Fire Station #91 600 NE 267th Avenue,Camas, WA 98607

The Purpose of this Meeting is a Board Workshop to discuss Pre-strategic planning and the future of ECFR.


Questions should be directed to:
Dean Thornberry, Acting Fire Chief
360.834.4908

At 7:06 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a house in Beavercreek for a welfare check. They had received a 911 call from a female who said she received a message from her stepfather indicating he had killed her mother and would be killing himself.

Deputies responded to the area of S. Butte Rd and S. Jewell Rd in Beavercreek, and found two deceased subjects at the residence.

Detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation.

The couple is identified as Charles S. Liljenberg, 72, and his wife, Linda J. Liljenberg, 62. Both the Liljenbergs were diagnosed with illnesses. A message and additional evidence found at the scene led investigators to conclude that the Liljenbergs had made an agreement to end their lives due to these illnesses.

Detectives have concluded their investigation at this time.

[END]

VANCOUVER, WA--Confluence, in cooperation with the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, is pleased to announce the addition of a new exhibit in the lobby of the historic Pearson Headquarters Building located just west of Pearson Air Museum at 1109 E. 5th Street.

"This is yet another way that Confluence connects people to place through art and education," said Confluence Executive Director, Colin Fogarty. "We appreciate our partnership with NPS because it allows both organizations to provide greater public access to these amazing historic spaces."

The Pearson Headquarters Building was constructed by the U.S. Army's Spruce Production Division in 1918 as the Finance Office for the World War I Vancouver Cut Up Mill, and it is the only surviving structure of that complex. The structure was originally located approximately 500 feet further west, and was moved by the Army in 1925 to its current location to serve as the Headquarters of the 321st Observation Squadron at the newly formed Pearson Field. The structure was rehabilitated by the National Park Service and the City of Vancouver in 2001, and currently serves as the office space for Confluence.

The new exhibit, News Aloft, focuses on the history of former Oregonian newspaper editor, Leverett G. Richards. A series of six exhibit panels lines the walls of the lobby, and interpret Mr. Richards' love of flying and the aviation influence on his journalism, as well as the history of the Pearson Headquarters Building, and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The exhibit was designed by historian Mary Rose and sponsored by Steve and Jan Oliva.

"This exhibit is another wonderful example of how the National Park Service can work in partnership with non-profit organizations to enrich the visiting public's appreciation of the many historic resources at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site," said Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Superintendent, Tracy Fortmann. "We look forward to continued partnership efforts with the Confluence as we move forward into the National Park Service's second century."

What: History Exhibit entitled, "News Aloft," focusing on the role of aviation in the journalism of former Oregonian newspaper Editor, Leverett Richards.

When: Although there are no official hours, the exhibit is generally available for public viewing during Confluence's operations, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4 PM.

Where: Pearson Headquarters Building, at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1109 E. 5th Street, Vancouver, WA.

Cost: Free

For more information, please contact Confluence at (360) 693-0123 or at info@confluenceproject.org.

BACKGROUND: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is one of the 405 national parks which make up the National Park System and it is located in both Washington and Oregon. This national park is also the heart of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve which is located in Vancouver, Washington. The Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings together a national park, a premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields, the first national historic site west of the Mississippi River, and a waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the Columbia River. The partners of the Reserve teach visitors about the fur trade, early military life, natural history, and pioneers in aviation, all within the context of Vancouver's role in regional and national development. The National Park Service's vast array of public programs -- including living history events, festivals, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, active archaeology, and other special activities - serve communities in Washington and Oregon and create a dynamic, fun, and unique tourist destination for people of all ages.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/4821/81405/rsz_news_aloft_panel_edited.jpg

####UPDATE### ####UPDATE####

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 1610hrs

Earlier today, the parent of the 15 year-old female who reported an attempted kidnap on Monday notified police that her daughter had fabricated the story. The teen told police the incident did NOT occur. Beaverton Police had taken the initial reports and later forwarded them to Tigard Police upon learning the alleged incident occurred in Tigard. Beaverton Police may have charges forthcoming. Initiating a false report is a class C misdemeanor in Oregon.

While this information comes as a relief to most of the trail-users and residents in that area-it is also important for everyone to always be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity or persons to police immediately. The non-emergency telephone number to call in Tigard, Beaverton and all of Washington County is 503-629-0111.


On Monday, January 26, 2015, a 15 year-old female reported to the Beaverton Police that a man had attempted to kidnap her as she walked along a path which runs parallel to Barrows Rd. near Menlor Lane. The walking path is part of a large trail network which winds through Beaverton and Tigard. The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m.

The victim alleged that a white male, approximately 20 to 30 years of age had grabbed her arm from behind. The victim further reported that the suspect told her he had a gun although none was displayed. The victim further described the suspect as un-shaven with short hair and having a mole on his chin. The suspect was thought to be wearing blue jeans and gray zipper hoody.

Police reports indicate that the suspect began to lead the victim along the path towards Menlor Drive where the pair began to descend near a bridge along a dirt path. It was at this point that the victim was able to break-free and run for help.

Beaverton Police were dispatched to Southridge High School in Beaverton where the 9-1-1 call originated. The victim reported to police she called a friend immediately after the incident. The friend picked-up the victim and drove to Southridge High School where they reported what occurred to a staff member who then called police. The victim reported not being injured during the ordeal. Beaverton Police checked the area however given the time-delay, no one was found. Officers also scoured the area for evidence.

After further investigating by Beaverton Police, it was determined that the incident occurred on a portion of the walking path which is within the jurisdiction of the City of Tigard. Beaverton Police forwarded their initial reports to Tigard Police who will now be continuing the investigation.

Battle Ground Public Schools announced the members of its Facilities Improvement Team (FIT) Monday night at its Board of Directors meeting.

FIT members will create a long-term facilities management plan with recommendations for current and new facilities that meet the academic and learning needs of students and keep pace with community growth. This community-driven team will work in collaboration with the Board of Directors, district administration and staff, and third-party data collection consultants.

Two team members from each director district were selected from applications by a selection committee. Other members of the committee have been selected by constituency groups. The team will meet regularly beginning in February.

Members of the BGPS Facilities Improvement Team:
Director District 1--Sue Cranke and Karl Johansson
Director District 2--Dr. Roger O. Jarvis and Dr. Bruce Kelley
Director District 3--Curtis Miller and Joy Russell
Director District 4--Jamie Blick and Cathy Golik
Director District 5--Steve Pagel and Roger Shirley

Battle Ground Public Schools' constituency groups selected a representative to serve on the team:
Battle Ground Education Association--Beth Goble
Principals' Association--Travis Drake
Administrative Support--David Klemetsrud
Public School Employees--Alan Green

A District Resource Team will provide information and support during the process. The resource team includes Superintendent Mark Hottowe, Asst. Superintendent MaryBeth Lynn, Facilities Director Kevin Jolma, Board President Monty Anderson, and Communications Manager Sean Chavez.

More information and updates will be available on the district's FIT web page at http://www.battlegroundps.org/fit and in the district email newsletter, the BGPS Bulletin: http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/home/?u=470079fac988677965e6b997d&id=751f42c68e.

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

The name of the decedent: Develle, Joshua J. Age: 17 Yrs

This individual died on 01/26/2015 in Vancouver, WA.
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:
Blunt force head trauma

Manner of death:
Suicide

No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner's Office. Refer all other inquiries to the Vancouver Police Department.



Media release issue date: Prepared 01/27/2015

Nikki Costa
Operations Manager
Clark County Medical Examiner's Office

Please reference CCSO Case # 15-2473

At 8:18 a.m. today (Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015), deputies responded to a 911 call reporting that a male was running in front of the caller's house while pursued by the caller's neighbor, who was discharging a firearm.

A follow-up 911 call revealed further information. The second 911 caller reported that a male had attempted to break into the second caller's house. The second caller also reported firing a handgun into the air to frighten away the suspect.

Deputies responded to the area of the call -- Mayberry Lane and Lusted in Boring, Oregon. The deputies stopped a person matching the description of the fleeing male and burglary suspect. This suspect is identified as Richardo Padron, 35, of Gervais.

Deputies placed Mr. Padron in custody and then contacted the homeowner who'd made the second 911 call; the homeowner positively identified Mr. Padron as the burglary suspect he'd chased from his home.

The suspect is believed to have dropped a bag or backpack while fleeing the area; K9 teams searched the neighborhood, but were unable to locate anything.

Richardo Padron was transported to Clackamas County Jail and lodged on a charge of Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree. A booking photo is attached.

TIPS SOUGHT

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is seeking additional information on this case.

Anyone with information on suspect Richardo Padron or today's incident is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Tip Line -- by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at http://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp Please reference CCSO Case # 15-2473.

[END]


Attached Media Files: Booking photo: Richardo Padron, 35, of Gervais

Portland, OR - This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

"In 2014 our 1,197 volunteers were able to obtain total income tax refunds for the nearly 81,000 participants of $55,978,686, and $1.6 billion in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC)," said Jerry Cohen, AARP Oregon State Director.

In 2014, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide's 36,000 volunteers at more than 5,000 sites provided 2.6 million people with free tax help. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure their knowledge of revisions to the U.S. tax code. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

Last year, 1,197 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers in Oregon helped more than 80,795 people file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 134 sites in Oregon including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

Preparation of tax returns under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules will require additional documentation from taxpayers this year. The good news is that for taxpayers on Medicare or Medicare Advantage for the full year, no further information is required. Otherwise, taxpayers need to bring along their family's health insurance coverage information including information about Marketplace/Exchange purchases, and health care exemptions.

For more information on documentation is required or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site, visit www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

###

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is a charitable affiliate of AARP. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.


Attached Media Files: File your taxes

Tuesday, January 27, 2015-Ridgefield, WA-The Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation (RPSF) received a $10,000 donation from LSW Architects and a $5,000 donation from WRK Engineers, both Vancouver-based organizations, in a small ceremony at the district office on Tuesday morning. The donations will help the foundation continue its mission of providing support to teachers, students and classrooms throughout Ridgefield School District.

Both companies gave their donations in the district office with Superintendent Nathan McCann, Paul Lewis and Tim Shell, President and Secretary of the RPSF, respectively, in attendance. "These moments demonstrate the vibrancy and vitality of the Ridgefield community," said Dr. McCann. "These two companies stand as examples of corporate models, giving back to public institutions to encourage good work and increase student learning."

Both companies worked with Ridgefield School District to help build the new capital facilities projects located at all three of the district's campuses finished in late 2014. "By working with Ridgefield School District over these past years, we have really fallen in love with this community and its people," said Casey Wyckoff, President of LSW Architects. "There are so many opportunities for Ridgefield to grow and serve its students that we feel fortunate to have this opportunity to help."

Brian Knight, President of WRK Engineers, shared Wyckoff's sentiments toward the district and the foundation. "As part of such a large construction project, we were motivated to also be a part of the future of the district in other ways," said Knight. "The foundation funds great projects and we're happy we can support them."

In addition to offering an avenue for interested donors to provide funds to Ridgefield School District, the Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation offers several programs to support students' academic and social needs including Employee Appreciation Awards, Mini-Grants, the Principal's Checkbook program and student scholarships awarded to graduating seniors.

"The Foundation is incredibly grateful for the generous donations of these two companies," said Lewis. "These contributions will not only strengthen our current programs, but also provide us with opportunities to grow our offerings to help teachers, students and classrooms in a variety of ways."

The RPSF was established in 2009 by a group of parents and volunteers looking to fund programs and services in Ridgefield schools. As an approved nonprofit organization, all individual donations are eligible for a Federal tax deduction. More information on how to participate in the mini-grants and other programs offered by the Foundation can be found on their website: www.ridgefieldpsf.org.

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Attached Media Files: Brian Knight (Pres. of WRK Engineers) presents a $5,000 donation to the Foundation , Ralph Willson (VP of LSW), Casey Wyckoff (Pres. of LSW) present LSW's $10,000 donation to the Foundation , Representatives from WRK Engineers, LSW Architects, and the RPSF were on-hand for the donation ceremony

The five-year forecast for Salem's general fund shows that a stronger economy will grow revenue, but it won't be enough to offset the city's increasing costs.

Salem City Manager Linda Norris recently told the city's budget committee that no new programs can be added without taking funds away from existing programs in the 2015-16 fiscal year. And a round of budget cuts could begin as early as mid-fiscal year 2016, she said.

Property tax receipts-- responsible for a 57 percent share of the city's general fund revenues -- are expected to rise in the range of 2.8 percent to 3.2 percent over the five year period. Anticipated increases to property tax revenues, however, will remain well below the historical level of 5.5 percent growth.

One of the largest potential impacts to the city's budget: a legal challenge to changes in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System.

In 2013 and 2014, the Oregon Legislature made changes to PERS. The changes resulted in lower rates for public employee pensions paid by the state and local governments, including Salem.

By this spring, the Oregon Supreme Court may issue a decision on affirming or rejecting the changes to PERS.

If the Supreme Court rejects the changes, PERS rates will be higher. For Salem, that could mean service reductions totaling in the range of $6.5 to $7.2 million over five years, Norris said.

If the Supreme Court affirms the changes, about $2.5 million would still need to be cut from the budget in 2019 and 2020, the city manager said.

Norris also said she is particularly concerned about the city's transportation services fund, which depends on gasoline tax revenues. The forecast for gas tax revenues shows that it will be insufficient to keep pace with the cost of road maintenance and road improvements.

Street repairs in Salem and the cost of operating and maintaining city-owned streetlights are both funded by the gasoline tax.

City officials have proposed a streetlight fee, amounting to $2.80 per month for a single-family household, that would be added to city water and sewer bills.

Revenue collected from the streetlight fee would be placed in a streetlight fund dedicated solely for the operation and expansion of the streetlight system. Part of the fund would be used for upgrading city-owned streetlights to light-emitting diode lights, better known as LEDs, that would reduce energy costs. Gas tax funds, previously used for streetlights, could be directed to street maintenance.

The third annual Southwest Washington Math Challenge will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chief Umtuch Middle School in Battle Ground. This is an opportunity to watch students in fifth through eighth grades demonstrate their math skills in a math competition. The schedule includes several events that are open to the public, including a Welcome and a Mental Math event from 9 to 9:20 a.m., a College Bowl event from 11:05 a.m. to noon, lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m., and the presentation of awards from 12:30 to 1 p.m. For more information, please contact Kiersten Pirkl at Pirkl.kiersten@battlegroundps.org.


Attached Media Files: SWwashMathChallengeFlyer

Vancouver, Wash. - When Pacific Northwest weather brings rains and winds, concerns and questions about the condition and safety of large trees rise. Careful understanding and management of trees in advance can help create a safer environment, reduce liability and ease those concerns.

This Wednesday, Vancouver Urban Forestry offers a free TreeTalk Workshop in how to recognize and manage hazardous trees. The workshop takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28 at Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. Sixth Street.

Along with gaining tips and resources, workshop participants will learn how to create a safer environment, reduce damage and better prioritize tree care. Certified arborists and tree risk assessors will be on hand to lead the discussion and answer questions. Certified arborists are eligible to receive two International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) continuing education units (CEU).

On Saturday, learn how to properly prune while keeping trees strong and healthy at another Vancouver Urban Forestry TreeTalk Workshop, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jan. 31, in the Fishers Creek Neighborhood. Participants will meet at Village Woods Open Space, 17407 S.E. 34th St., for hands-on instruction in pruning young street trees for clearance and structure.

Tree should be pruned to allow 7-foot clearance over sidewalks and 12-foot clearance over streets. Proper pruning can make all the difference in keeping trees healthy and preventing hazards.

Saturday's outdoor workshop will be led by ISA-certified Urban Forestry staff and offer a brief overview of proper pruning techniques and tips. Participants should dress for the weather, bringing their own gloves. Where possible, participants are encouraged to bring bypass hand pruners. Certified arborists can receive 2.5 hours of ISA CEUs for participating and assisting small groups.

TreeTalk is a series of free, all-about-trees, educational workshops presented by Vancouver Urban Forestry, a City of Vancouver Department of Public Works program.

To ensure your place at the TreeTalk Workshop, register in advance by calling (360) 487-8308 or emailing urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us. For more information, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry.

Want to get tips and resources right away? Please visit the Urban Forestry webpage at www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry. You'll find information on how to manage hazardous trees, what you can do to help ensure your trees are prepared for severe weather conditions, how to contact a certified arborists to help you, and much more.

For a complete listing of Urban Forestry workshops and activities, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry or call (360) 487-8308.

###

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) which is continuing to roll out jail kiosk capabilities as part of its agreement with Securus Technologies has now enabled video visiting kiosks at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail. The Multnomah County Detention Center is currently in the process of installation and will also have video visiting available once it has been completed.

Sheriff Staton has listened to feedback from the public regarding video visitation throughout this process. Sheriff Staton made the decision to maintain an in person "through the glass" visiting option for visitors. Sheriff Staton held discussions with Securus Technologies, the video visiting provider, to address this. The contract amendment has been verbally agreed to and will be completed by the end of the week. Sheriff Staton will continue to review social visiting processes and video visiting processes over the next six to eight months to ensure all concerns are taken into consideration.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is committed to providing excellent service to the communities of Multnomah County and video visiting is a technology that enhances the ability for an inmate to stay connected with family and friends. The expanded hours and ability to schedule a video visit seven days a week provides working families more options to visit with a loved one at a time that is convenient for them. Scheduling a video visit decreases delays incurred during first come, first serve visiting sessions, as the time is reserved for your use when it is scheduled. All onsite visitation is free at the jail facilities.

In addition, lobby kiosks at both facilities are now active and available for scheduling visits with inmates at the Inverness Jail. Visitors can schedule online to conduct their visit from either jail lobby. This increases access for visitors who use public transportation or are traveling from other areas and wish to use a Multnomah County Detention Center lobby video visiting kiosk, rather than going all the way out to the Inverness Jail facility. Any visits scheduled through the kiosk system also provide automatic notifications via email in case an inmate is unavailable for the visit due to a scheduling conflict (court, appointments, etc). Inmates held at the Multnomah County Detention Center will have video visiting options available later this year once installation is completed.

The new video visiting kiosks also give family and friends of an inmate in custody at the Inverness Jail the option for "Remote video visits". Remote video visits allow a visitor to sign up and schedule a remote visit from their home or another location utilizing their internet connected computer with webcam capabilities for a fee. The current fee is $5 for a 30 minute remote video visit. For more information regarding this option, or to sign up, please go to www.visitfromhome.net

Sheriff Staton has set up a review process for video visiting to occur semi-annually once the kiosks are fully installed and operating to ensure it is meeting goals. Goals set include an increase in efficiencies, expanded accessibility for inmate visitation, meeting inmate needs for visitation, decreasing visiting delays, and increasing staff safety. Video technology could also be utilized in the future to assist in medical and mental health services, commissary services, entertainment, connections with community providers or other services yet to be determined.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office continues to look for ways to integrate new technologies into its operations to increase efficiencies and offer additional services to the public we serve.

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Attached Media Files: MCSO Video Visiting

Wilsonville OR - The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its first meeting of the year Feb. 10-11 in Wilsonville.

On Feb. 10, commissioners will gather at 8 a.m. for orientation and begin workshops starting at 9 a.m. at Clackamas Community College, Wilsonville Campus, Room 155, 29353 SW Town Center Loop East, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070.

On Feb. 11, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. at the Wilsonville City Hall, 2nd Floor, 29799 SW Town Center Loop East, to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A public business meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m. at the same location. The agenda includes items that request approval of grants funded by recreation vehicle license revenues to Oregon counties, a property transfer to Crook County, and approval of a state park comprehensive plan for properties in the Columbia River Gorge, and other items.

The full meeting agenda is available online at http://tinyurl.com/feb2015agenda, and the meeting packet with information on each agenda item will be posted online at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/Pages/commission.aspx by 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30. People who plan to present testimony are requested to provide 12 copies of their statement to Commission Assistant Jen Busey at jen.busey@oregon.gov for distribution to the Commissioners before the meeting. Those needing special accommodations to attend should contact OPRD at 503-986-0719 to make arrangements at least three days in advance.

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

The public is invited to the Mid-Valley Local Emergency Planning Committee's (LEPC) annual meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Linn Benton Community College; Calapooia Center Building 2; Fireside Room located at 6500 Pacific Boulevard SW, Albany Oregon.
In a proactive effort to enhance community safety in the event of a hazardous chemical release, Linn and Benton Counties established an LEPC. The LEPC is made up of emergency responders from police and fire, emergency planners, and representatives from health, education, media, hospitals, government, environmental groups, the public, and facilities in the community with extremely hazardous chemicals on site. The main goal of the LEPC is to work together to be better prepared in the event of a hazardous chemical release.
You are invited to this meeting to learn what an LEPC is all about and the benefits of having one in your community. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Douglas Baily at douglas.baily@ci.corvallis.or.us or 541-766-6953.

Update:
On January 26, 2015, a Klamath County Grand Jury indicted Guage Lee Gray, age 22, on charges related to the fatal crash at South Side Bypass and Washburn Way on December 28, 2014. Gray was charged with two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Two counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII). A warrant issued for his arrest was served when an OSP trooper located him and arrested him without incident. Gray was lodged in the Klamath County Jail on the warrant.

No photographs are available at this time.

Original Release:
Correction to location: Highway 140 (not Highway 50) as previously released - OSP regrets the error.

On Saturday, December 28, 2014, at approximately 7:40 am, OSP troopers responded to the South Side Bypass (Hwy 140 East) near milepost 3, on a reported single vehicle rollover crash. A red Ford Ranger pickup was driving west bound and left the north side of the roadway, colliding with a road side lamp post and highway sign, then rolling several times into an adjacent pasture.

Two of the vehicles occupants, GARRETT ZIMMER, 22, of Hermiston, and MARRI D. YOUNG-WELLBAUM, 26, of Eagle Point, were ejected from the pickup and deceased at the scene. A third occupant, GUAGE L. GRAY,22, of Klamath Falls, was transported to Sky Lakes Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Speed, alcohol and icy road conditions are being investigated as contributing factors in the crash. None of the occupants in the vehicle were wearing safety restraints. This investigation is ongoing and no further details are available for release.

OSP was assisted at the scene by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Klamath County Fire District #1, and the Klamath County Sheriff's Office.

Original Release:
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are just arriving on a single vehicle double fatality crash on HWY 50 (South side Bypass) at Washburn Road in Klamath Falls.

OSP is being assisted at the scene by ODOT and traffic at the location may be affected. For up to the minute traffic details please visit www.tripcheck.com.

Additional releases will be made as information becomes available.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SALEM,Ore., (1/27/2015) - Four tour buses, 250 people, 500 cowboy boots. This was the recipe used for a successful 2015 Pacific Northwest Young Cattlemen's Conference. The conference took place on January 23 and took its participants to El Oro Feedlot, Rathbun Angus Ranch, and concluded with dinner and speakers at Booker Auction Co.

For Thomas White, the tour marked the end of an enjoyable three year term as Oregon's Young Cattlemen's Committee Chair. White was impressed with the number of young participants that attended the conference. "It is a true testament to all of the hard work that Christina and the Washington Cattlemen's Association put into the tour," White said.

Among the participants was Eduardo Santacruz from Oregon State University. "My favorite part of the PNW tour was when we went to the Rathbun Angus ranch and learned about handling cattle, moving cattle around and loading them," Santacruz said. He also enjoyed learning about the ranches methods for bull development.

Besides showcasing the youth of the North West's interest in the cattle industry, the trip also marked the start of Keith Nantz's term as Oregon Young Cattlemen's Committee Chair. Nantz, a rancher from Maupin, Oregon, has served as chair for the National Young Cattlemen's Committee and is an avid member of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association.

"2015 is starting off with a bang," Nantz said. "As we begin a new year let's keep this momentum going forward and help create an organization full of excitement and opportunity." He encouraged Young Cattlemen's Committee members to follow the OCA Young Cattlemen's Committee facebook page in order to hear about YCC news and events. "I certainly hope to see just as many if not more for next year's tour." Nantz said.

The Oregon Cattlemen's Association was founded in 1913 and works to promote environmentally and socially sound industry practices, improve and strengthen the economics of the industry, and protect its industry communities and private property rights.

###


Attached Media Files: Participants listen to Greg Rathbun explain how his ranch operates.

SERT, CNT and North Precinct officers are clearing the area. No contact was established with the residents and based on information learned at the scene, there does not appear to be any immediate risk to the community or the residents. It also does not appear that any crimes have been committed by the man.

Crisis Negotiators made numerous attempts to contact the residents without success. Family of the man in crisis provided information to police regarding past behavior, which contributed to the decision to walk away.

BHU officers will follow-up at a later time to see about getting the man treatment.

Streets will be reopened and area residents will be allowed to return home.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

The location of this incident is a residence in the 4000 block of North Kerby Avenue. Neighbors are being evacuated placed in a warm TriMet bus as the situation continues.

Officers from the Portland Police Bureau's Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) have responded to the scene and are familiar with the subject.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Tuesday January 27, 2015, at 6:38 a.m., North Precinct officers on the report that a man suffering in a mental health crisis was armed with a knife inside a home, along with a female.

Officers arrived in the area, established a neighborhood perimeter around the location and began attempting to use a police car PA system to make contact. There has been no response to police requests.

Out of concern for the welfare of both people inside, the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) are responding to the scene.

North Kerby Avenue is closed to all traffic from Shaver to Skidmore, and Mason from Borthwick to Commercial.

Based on current information, there does not appear to be any risk to the area neighborhood.

Interested media may stage on Shaver and is reminded not to show SERT officers positions live on the air, web or social media.

PIO will be at the scene in approximately one hour.

###PPB###

Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley reports on January 26, at 8:10 p.m. his deputies responded to a reported stabbing at a residence on River Drive in Lebanon.

The investigation revealed that Sean David McKee, 26-years old, of Lebanon was involved in an altercation with a friend, Anthony Allen Ensley, 32-years old, of Sweet Home.

During the altercation, McKee stabbed Ensley several times with a folding pocket knife that contained a four inch blade. Ensley who was not armed during the altercation, received life threatening stab wounds to his neck and back of the skull.

Ensley was transported to Lebanon Community Hospital and later transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis, where he was listed in stable condition.

Also injured during the altercation was Karen Mae McKee, 48-years old, of Lebanon. Karen is the mother of Sean McKee and the homeowner of the residence where this occurred. She received numerous minor injuries and superficial stab wounds. Karen McKee was treated at the scene by paramedics from the Lebanon Fire Department for her injuries.

Sean McKee was transported to the Linn County Jail where he was lodged for Attempted Murder, Assault in the first degree, and Assault in the second degree.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing as to a motive for the assault.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/2993/81389/sean_mckee.jpg

Laura Bolt, Hathaway Elementary School principal, has announced her retirement effective at the end of the current 2014-15 school year. Bolt has been with the Washougal School District since 2003, hired as Hathaway's principal, a capstone to her 42-year career in elementary education.

Bolt brought to Washougal more than 29 years of experience as a teacher and instructional leader having taught for the Tahoma, Battle Ground, and Vancouver School Districts. Bolt also taught at a private parochial school, Our Lady of Lourdes School in Vancouver, for one year.

"I have come to know Laura as a person who cares deeply for the welfare of every child and every staff member," said Dawn Tarzian, WSD superintendent. "Her caring manifests itself in so many practical ways - from opening hundreds of milk cartons each day to working with a desperate mother to help her find the resources needed so her child can be successful in class the next day."

Bolt's relationship with her students, staff and parents has been her favorite and proudest aspect of her career. "I love to walk down the halls and interact with the children," she said.

"As an elementary school principal, one of my duties is discipline," Bolt explained. "I never wanted students to feel afraid to talk to me or to come in to my office. So my approach to discipline was to describe the problem as a mistake and that you can learn from mistakes. The kids trust me and know that I am fair. They need to learn how to approach problems in the future. I work to be a good adult role model for them."

Some visitors to Hathaway had commented to Bolt their surprise at how reasonable and calm the elementary students are. "These are my expectations and the kids try hard to meet those expectations," she said. "I am so proud of them and all of their accomplishments."

Bolt's skill as a teacher leader emerged early in her career and she was assigned opportunities to provide training and mentoring support to student and new teachers through long-term teachers. She is known and respected in Washougal, regionally and across the state for her exceptional work in supporting instructional improvement. Bolt provided support and coaching to her staff, having regular conversations on how to improve instruction. "I have a very good and wonderful staff," she said.

Bolt also cared deeply for her staff. "I know they deal with a lot of different academic and emotional needs of children every day," she said. "Whenever I can I would try to lessen their load. I want their energy to go to the kids. If there is something I can help work out, I'll do it!

"Laura's greatest strength is that she cares so much," said Sue Conway, Hathaway kindergarten teacher. "She makes sure that each and every child experiences success. She cares for kids. She cares for our Hathaway families. She cares for her staff. We will miss her so much!"

"Laura is the hardest working principal I've ever worked for," said Emma Slabbert, Hathaway kindergarten teacher. "She has the ability to see problems before they get too big, she's one step ahead. She cares about the kids and I feel like she's very fair."

After retirement, Laura plans to spend more time with her husband of 40 years, Ron, who semi-retired in December 2014 as a lumber broker. She is also excited for more time with her grandchildren, Peter and Paige, in Boise, ID.

"I'm looking forward to spending time with friends, volunteering and even playing some pickleball!" she said.

Caption: Laura Bolt will miss the caring relationships she has made with Hathaway students, staff and parents.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/28/81388/Laura_Bolt_and__Alexis_McKees_3rd_grade_class.JPG.jpeg

The Portland Police Bureau is seeking community members to serve on its Training Advisory Council.

The PPB Training Division provides a critical role in the Portland Police Bureau and public safety in the City of Portland. The Training Division protocols and processes provide officers with the tools they need to keep themselves and the city safe, and also reflect the values of the community. The Portland Police Bureau is one of the first jurisdictions in the country to establish a Training Advisory Council of community members to increase accountability for police training and to provide recommendations to the Chief of Police regarding training content, delivery, tactics policy and tools.

Applicants should complete the application form and return it to the PPB Training Division by February 27, 2015. TAC members will meet a minimum of four times each year and will be expected to commit additional hours outside of regular meetings. A two-year commitment is required, as is passing a criminal background check and signing a non-disclosure agreement.

The application form can be found here: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/512065

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the next quarterly public meeting on February 5, 2015 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the PPB Training Division Complex, 14902 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR.

###PPB###

#ceo

Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley reports today at 8:28 a.m. his office received a call from Linn County Circuit Court advising they had received a telephonic bomb threat at the Linn County Courthouse.

The caller was described as a male voice with an accent, and said the words, "bomb in the building, bomb, bomb, bomb."

The courthouse was evacuated and a search of the building and its perimeter was conducted. No evidence of a bomb was found. Employees returned to work approximately 45 minutes after receiving the initial call.

The Albany Police Department assisted with traffic control and perimeter security.

The investigation continues as deputies will be attempting to identify a possible suspect.

AARP Fraud Watch Network Launches Education Effort to Foil Tax Identity Thieves

Every Day Behaviors Put Oregonians at Greater Risk of Tax ID Theft

Oregon Ranks 33rd In ID Theft Complaints

Portland, OR-- To coincide with Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, the AARP Fraud Watch Network is launching an education effort to help people protect themselves from tax scams, releasing a new video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l7GZCtGQko&feature=youtu.be, a tip sheet https://action.aarp.org/site/SPageNavigator/FWN_Tax_Fraud.html and encouraging people to take advantage of AARP's free tax preparation services.

Many taxpayers are putting themselves at greater risk of tax identity theft according to a recent national study released by the AARP Fraud Watch Network http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2014/identity-theft-incidence-risk-behaviors.html in conjunction with the education campaign to help prevent scammers from stealing Oregonians hard-earned money.

"Throwing a pay stub in the trash may seem easier than finding a shredder, but the risk of having your tax refund stolen is just too great," said Shelley Buckingham, AARP director of communications. "The Fraud Watch Network is urging all Oregonians to file early so you can beat con artists to the punch."

According to the Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-january-december-2013/sentinel-cy2013.pdf, Oregon ranks 33rd in ID theft complaints. In this identity theft scheme, scammers electronically file a tax return under someone else's name to collect their tax refund. All they need is a birthdate and Social Security number, and many taxpayers make their personal information easy pickings by:

* Failing to lock their mailbox. Almost six in ten (59%) Americans do not regularly lock their mailbox, which leaves them open to a criminal stealing bills, tax forms and other documents that contain personal information.

* Leaving valuables exposed: Over half (54%) of Americans 18-49 have left at least one valuable personal item in their car in the last week (e.g., a purse/wallet, paystub, laptop) that could be used to steal their identity.

* Failing to destroy personal information: More than one in five (21%) Americans say they never shred any of the personal documents that could be used to steal their identity.

Tips on how to protect yourself and your family from tax identity theft include:

* Do mail tax returns as early in the tax season as possible before the cons beat you to it.

* Don't give out personal information unless you know who's asking for it and why they need it.

* Shred personal and financial documents.

* Know your tax preparer.

Oregonians are also encouraged to visit aarp.org/taxaide (1-888-227-7669) for information about AARP Foundation Tax Aide, the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation program. Each tax season, Tax Aide helps millions of low- to moderate-income taxpayers - especially those 60 and older - get the credits and deductions they deserve.

For these and other fraud prevention tips, visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. For additional help, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 and visit irs.gov/identitytheft.

###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/4847/81382/092314_IDTheftSurveyTipstwt1.png

On January 26, 2015 around 1:48 pm Oregon City Police received the report of a domestic disturbance between a husband in wife in the area of Meyers Rd and Gaffney Ln. The victim reported her husband was shooting at her, while they were driving in separate vehicles.

The victim, identified as 54 year old female from Oregon City, was able to escape her husband and contact local police. She was located in the neighborhood with help from a Good Samaritan and transported to a local area hospital for gunshot wounds she received during the incident.

The husband, identified as a 55 year old Oregon City resident, was located by Oregon City Police in his vehicle not far from the initial call location. Oregon City Police, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, and OSP contacted the husband in his vehicle with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a local area hospital for his gunshot wound.

Oregon City Police Detectives and the Clackamas County Major Crimes teams are currently investigating the shooting, which appears to be related to domestic violence. The names of the victim and suspect are not being released at this time.

Gaffney Lane Elementary School and North Clackamas Christian School were put in a lock out as a precautionary measure due to their proximity to the original call location. Both Schools have been returned to normal status.



UPDATE:

The female victim in this case was transported to OHSU to be treated for her gunshot wounds. She is currently in critical, but stable condition.

The male suspect was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center to be treated for his gunshot wound. He is in critical, but stable condition.


UPDATE:

Oregon City Police have released a photo of the suspect and victim vehicle in this case. The male suspect was driving a turquoise Ford F-150 truck and the female victim was driving a white Ford Explorer SUV. Investigators believe there was a vehicle chase between the suspect and victim through several Oregon City streets during this domestic disturbance, which ended near the intersection of Glenview Ct and Squire Dr.

The car chase occurred in the area of Jessie Ct, Leland Rd, Meyers Rd, Gaffney Ln, Glenview Ct, and Squire Dr. Oregon City Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed a vehicle chase between the suspect and victim vehicles to contact the Oregon City Tip Line at (503) 496-1616.

UPDATE:

The Oregon City Police Department has released the names of the victim and suspect in the Domestic Violence shooting which occurred on January 26, 2015 in Oregon City just before 2:00 pm.

The victim was identified as 54 year old Jan Marie Moffatt of Oregon City. She was transported to OHSU to receive treatment for gunshot wounds she received during the incident. Ms. Moffatt is in critical, but stable condition.

The suspect was identified as 55 year old Timothy Oliver Moffatt of Oregon City. He was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect is in critical, but stable condition.

Oregon City Police Detectives and the Clackamas County Major Crimes team are investigating the sequence of events which lead up to the shooting yesterday in Oregon City.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1388/81367/OC_shooting.jpeg , 2015-01/1388/81367/OC_shooting2.JPG

Portland General Electric's Sixth Leadership Symposium Slated for April 7, 2015

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Portland General Electric's 2015 Diversity Summit will take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, Ore. Two keynote speakers and more than 10 breakout seminars will emphasize the importance of how diversity and inclusion improve the ability for organizations to attract and retain diverse employees and customers. Tickets start at $99, available by visiting pgediversitysummit.com or calling 503-226-2377.

"Companies want new perspectives to help spur innovation and solve problems. The Portland General Electric Diversity Summit helps show them how," said Arleen Barnett, vice president of human resources, diversity & inclusion, and administration, Portland General Electric. "We're proud to bring leaders from across the U.S. and our region to discuss how diverse thinking helps meet business goals."

The Summit will feature two world-renown keynote speakers:

Frans Johansson is the best-selling author of "The Medici Effect" and "The Click Moment." A TEDx presenter on the topic of diversity, Johansson has spoken to audiences worldwide about intersectional innovation and success. Johansson is the founder and CEO of The Medici Group.

Bruce Tulgan is internationally recognized as an expert on engaging young people in the workplace and one of the leading experts on leadership and management. Founder of RainmakerThinking, Tulgan is a best-selling author and adviser to business leaders worldwide.

Topics covered during breakout seminars by diversity experts include:
* Cultural Agility in a Diverse World: Carol French and April Lewis
* Effective Leadership on Diversity and Inclusion: Steve Hanamura
* Gender Diversity-When Women Thrive: Tracy Bean
* Impact of Micro-Aggression: Miguel Valenciano
* Inclusive Digital Leadership for Diversity: Deena Pierott
* Insight on Disability: Dan Friess
* Intercultural Proficiency: Dr. Janet Bennett
* Managing Generational Differences: Bruce Tulgan
* Measuring Diversity Scorecards: Dr. Edward Hubbard
* Talent Acquisition and Retention for Diversity: Lillian Tsai
* Unconscious and Everyday Bias: Dr. Howard J. Ross

Event Details:

What: Diversity Summit 2015

When: Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Where:
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Portland, OR 97232

Cost:
* Early bird registration: $149.00 (through Feb. 28). After Feb. 28, the registration price will be $249.00.
* Non-profit registration: $109.00. This ticket is for non-profit organization attendees only. The non-profit organization name and email will be required.
* Student registration: $99.00. This is registration for current students. Student ID verification will be required at registration at the Summit.

Tickets:
* Visit pgediversitysummit.com or call 503-226-2377.

Sponsors:
* ACME Business Consulting, Bank of America, Bonneville Power Administration, Cambia Health Solutions, Fred Meyer, KeyBank, Knowledge Universe, Legacy Health, Mercer, NW Natural, Oregon Health & Science University, Port of Portland, Portland Business Journal, Providence Health & Services, Stoel Rives, The Oregonian, Towers Watson, Wells Fargo.

About Portland General Electric Company: Portland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 838,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. Visit our website at PortlandGeneral.com. In 2014 PGE celebrated 125 years of powering Oregon.

# # #

Missing 20-year-old Joshua Hanford has been safely located in another state and is no longer considered a missing person.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

The Portland Police Bureau Missing Persons Unit would like the public's help to locate a missing 20-year-old man from his North Tabor Neighborhood home.

Joshua Hanford has been missing since the morning of Sunday January 25, 2015, last seen leaving his home on foot. Joshua may be suffering a mental health crisis that has led to his disappearance.

Joshua walks or uses TriMet and frequently visits parks in his neighborhood but has been known to walk long distances.

Joshua is described as a white male, 5'11" tall, 150 pounds, last seen wearing a black sweatshirt with red lettering, jeans, a green beanie cap, and black shoes.

Anyone seeing Joshua should call 9-1-1 so officers can check his welfare. Anyone with non-emergency information should contact Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081, lori.fonken@portlandoregon.gov.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81375/Joshua_Hanford_20.jpg

On Tuesday January 27, 2015, at 4:13 a.m., North Precinct officers responded to the report of an ATM theft in progress at the Walgreen's store, located at 5420 Northeast 33rd Avenue.

As officers were still en route, witnesses told 9-1-1 that two men ran from the truck, which was stuck inside the store.

Officers arrived in the area and established a neighborhood perimeter and called for a Police K-9 Unit to respond to the scene. Officers went inside the store and located the truck and a chain wrapped around an ATM.

Several officers, including the K-9, searched the neighborhood but did not locate anyone matching the suspects descriptions.

Both suspects were described as white males in dark clothing.

At this time, it is not known if this attempted ATM theft is connected with other reports over the past few months.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Burglary Detail by email, burglary@portlandoregon.gov.

###PPB###

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's Scenic Bikeway Committee will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Travel Oregon office, located 317 S.W. Alder St., Suite 200, Portland. The meeting is open to the public.

The committee is an as advisory group for the management and designation of routes nominated by the public for state scenic bikeway designation. Its 11 members include representatives of bicycle advocacy organizations, tourism organizations, local governments, and state agencies involved in bicycling recreation or transportation.

The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance by calling 503-986-0631.

###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1303/81358/01-26_Scenic_Bikeways_meeting.doc

On 01-25-15, at 3:30 p.m., Milwaukie Police responded to an injury accident at the intersection of SE HWY 224 and SE Harrison Street, involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.

When police arrived, 42-year-old Daniel Graham had been thrown from his motorcycle and had sustained critical injuries. He was immediately taken to OHSU trauma center where he later died.

The driver of the vehicle, 37-year-old Russell Halverson, stayed at the scene and fully cooperated with the police investigation. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash.

The investigation is on-going and the Clackamas County CRAFT team is currently assisting with the investigating.

If anyone witnessed the accident who was not interviewed by police at the scene, please call Milwaukie Police 503.786.7500


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1406/81370/DSCN0584.JPG

Gresham, Ore -Police are asking the public's assistance in locating a Gresham woman with dementia who has been missing since 9:30 a.m. today. Ulrike Grieshammer,78, was last seen leaving her house to walk her dog at Butler Creek Park, 2385 SW 27th. Her home is in the 2800 block of SW 33rd.

Grieshammer is described as 5-foot 4,120 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes. Grieshammer answers to "Ricki" and should be walking a small black dog. She is physically in good health and is a frequent walker.

Police ask anyone seeing her to immediately call 911. Anyone with non-emergency information is asked to call the Gresham Police Tips Line at 503.618.2719

UPDATE--Grieshammer was found safe. 5:35 p.m. thanks.


Attached Media Files: Grieshammer

Salem - Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) members will visit the U.S. Capitol next week to discuss educational priorities with members of Oregon's congressional delegation. In meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3, members will urge Congress to significantly improve components of the No Child Left Behind Act, reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act, and increase federal funding for Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

They will also discuss long-term solutions to ensure that county timber payments continue to support public schools, and introduce OSBA's "The Promise of Oregon" campaign (www.promiseoregon.org) to highlight the accomplishments of Oregon students and ensure that schools are adequately funded.

OSBA Board members heading to Washington, D.C., for the National School Boards Association's Advocacy Institute include: President Dave Krumbein (Pendleton School Board), President-elect Bobbie Regan (Portland Public Schools Board), Secretary-Treasurer Sam Lee (Winston-Dillard School Board), Doug Montgomery (Multnomah Education Service District Board) and Betty Reynolds (West Linn-Wilsonville School Board). Also visiting will be members of OSBA's Legislative Policy Committee: Liz Hartman (Lake Oswego School Board), Nancy MacMorris-Adix (Salem-Keizer School Board) and Fred Marble (Forest Grove School Board).

Scheduled meetings include visits with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio, Kurt Schrader and Greg Walden. The OSBA group will also be attending a Feb. 2 luncheon at which Rep. Bonamici is the featured speaker.

If interested in speaking with an OSBA attendee about their planned meetings in the U.S. Capitol, contact OSBA Communications Specialist Alex Pulaski at 503-485-4812.

OSBA is a member services organization for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges. It also provides services to charter schools and their boards.

This afternoon, detectives spoke with the young man injured in a stabbing on Sunday afternoon. Detectives learned that the victim is actually 13-years-old, not 12 as originally reported to police.

Detectives learned that the victim and two of his associates were involved in an altercation with a person they believed to be a transient. The altercation led to the transient slashing the victim with a knife.

The victim's two associates fled the area and have not yet been identified by detectives. The suspect is described as a white male transient, facial hair, possibly wearing a green hoody, riding an unknown brand mountain bike.

Based on the information learned today, detectives do not believe this incident to be a random, unprovoked act.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective Arjay Dran at (503) 823-0483, arjay.dran@portlandoregon.gov.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

Portland Police Bureau Assault Detail detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Sunday afternoon incident where a 13-year-old boy was seriously injured by an unknown person with a knife. The victim remains in the hospital where he's being treated for a non-life-threatening injury.

There are no investigative updates at this time as detectives are continuing to gather information and evidence in this case.

East Precinct officers will be conducting extra patrols in the greater Gateway area and will be contacting area businesses to discuss livability concerns in the neighborhood. Officers assigned to the Transit Police Division will be assisting in this effort as this type of crime impacts the wider community.

Police Commanders from both East Precinct and the Transit Police have been in discussions about short-term and long-term strategies to address public safety concerns in the area after last week's purse snatching and Sunday afternoon's assault.

Anyone witnessing a crime-in-progress should immediately call 9-1-1. Anyone reporting a non-emergency should use the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 823-3333, or file a report online by visiting http://www.portlandpolice.com

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Sunday January 25, 2015, at 2:13 p.m., East Precinct officers responded to the report of a stabbing in the parking lot of the Gateway Fred Meyer store, located at 1111 Northeast 102nd Avenue.

Officers and medical personnel arrived and located a 13-year-old boy suffering from a serious slashing wound on his chest. The boy has been transported to a Portland hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.

The boy told police that the suspect was chasing he and his friend when the suspect cut him with a knife. The suspect is described as an "older" white male.

Officers are checking the area for evidence and have not located the boy's friend at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 823-3333.

###PPB###

Media Advisory

What:
Clear Creek Middle School/Sun Schools Program is partnering with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office to expose middle school students to the world of law enforcement. Students will meet after school with various departments from the sheriff's office for nine weeks.

What students will learn:
The purpose of the class will be to provide an opportunity for students to learn about all the areas covered by the sheriff's office to include:
* Crime Scene Investigation
* Trauma Intervention
* Search and Rescue
* K-9 Patrol

The class will also focus on demonstrating the science and math skills students need to enter this field. (We are working to get more students interested in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math].)

On Thursday, January 29, students will focus on a CSI Experience.
See description below:

CSI Experience - Youth will be asked to identify and gather evidence from a fictitious scene, analyze materials with the help of scientific techniques, formulate hypotheses crime, and confirm and communicate their findings.

When: Thursday, January 29 from 4 to 5:30 pm

Where: Clear Creek Middle School
219 NE 219th Avenue
Gresham, OR 97030

Contact: Principal David Atherton at 503-492-6700 or
atherton@gresham.k12.or.us.

Note: Please contact Mr. Atherton in advance if you plan to visit the class. If January 29 does not work for your schedule, we can share with you the list of classes by date.

Update 1-26-15. New victims identified on case where Woodland man defrauded elderly victim in contractor scam after reading about the original report in the media last week.

Cowlitz Sheriff's Office Deputy Brady Spaulding arrested Chris McNicholas for new Fraud related charges. The new investigation stems from a case where a 79 year old Kelso man paid McNicholas $310 in advance for home repair work he never performed. McNicholas had been arrested earlier in the week for defrauding a 91 year old woman out of $2500 to fix her windows, but never did the work.
The latest reported victim, Mr. Richard Howell of Kelso, called the Sheriff's Office after reading about Mr. McNicholas's arrest last week. Mr. Howell was contacted by Mr. McNicnolas last November and gave him one check for $160 for an "extended warranty" of the windows that were installed in 2009. The windows were installed by "PCVR" (Pacific Coast Vinyl and Remodeling). Mr. McNicholas showed Mr. Howell paperwork from the purchase in 2009 to show he was representing "PCVR". McNicholas represented himself as a representative of "GTI" GreenTech Innovations Inc., who McNicholas claimed to have bought out or taken over "PCVR". Mr. Howell gave Mr. McNicholas a check for $160.00 in November 2014 as a down payment to fix a leak in his roof. Mr. Howell said that McNicholas never came back and never did any repair work. Both checks were cashed.
According to the Department of Revenue, none of these businesses are currently valid. "PCVR" Pacific Coast Vinyl and Remodeling: Closed back in 2011. "GTI" Green Tech Innovations: Closed September of 2013. "GTI" was listed as being owned by Geri Newberg, who is Mr. McNicholas's wife.
There is an additional victim, a 75 year old woman from Vancouver. She told Officers McNicholas did work for her back in 2006, and had not heard from him since the initial work was completed, until last week. She advised McNicholas contacted her out of the blue and came to her house. She provided McNicholas a check for $1000, after being talked into replacing the windows that were installed in 2006. After supplying McNicholas the check, she cancelled the check after growing suspicions. The next day McNicholas returned to her home and demanded more money. McNicholas went so far as telling her he would take her to the ATM to withdraw the money. McNicholas did not receive any funds. Mr. Nicholas has not been charged on this incident at this time as it is still under investigation.

Deputy Spaulding conducted a search warrant on Mr. McNicholas's vehicle today and located additional documents that indicate there are potentially numerous victims who have been defrauded by Mr. McNicholas. Mr. McNicholas is the suspect in several other Fraud investigations of the same circumstances through the Washington State Attorney General, Longview Police Department, and the Clark County Sheriff's Office. Victims in these cases are reported to have monetary loses ranging from a couple hundred dollars to the tens of thousands of dollars. There are likely to be additional charges that stem from these investigations. Any Media questions should make contact with Longview Police Department, Clark or Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office for questions regarding their respective cases.



------------------------------Old media release -----------------------------
Cowlitz Sheriff Deputy Danny O'Neill arrested Chris M, McNicholas yesterday for defrauding a 91 year old Longview woman out of $2500 to repair a window that was leaking, but never did any work.

McNicholas, 44years, Woodland, Washington got his first check from the victim for $1200 up front to fix the window. He returned a few days later and demanded $300 more. He later demanded $1000 more, which the victim paid. He then demanded $2500 more but at this point a financial advisor for the victim stepped in and helped the victim cancel that check.

The financial advisor also contacted a local window company who went to the house and gave an estimate of $400 to fix her window.

McNicholas never did any work for the victim. He was booked for Theft 2nd (felony) and Theft 3rd (Misdemeanor).

For the safety of the victim we are not identifying her or the financial advisor or other contractor at this time. The case in active.

We do not have photos to release.

Cascades Region
3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
Portland, OR 97229
www.redcross.org/cascades






Portland, Ore., January 26, 2015 - 315 years ago today - more than 100 years before the United States would begin colonizing the area that eventually became Oregon and Washington - a powerful earthquake occurred along the Cascadia subduction zone, a plate that stretches from Vancouver Island, B.C., all the way to California.

The earthquake, which has been estimated to have had a moment magnitude of 8.7-9.2, is classified as a "megathrust earthquake" -- our planet's most powerful caliber of quake.

Local geologist Scott Burns, Ph.D., is a Red Cross Cascades Region board member who is often called on to discuss the effects of earth-shifting events. "Oregonians are more prepared today than they have been in the past," says Dr. Burns. "But we are far from ready for the effects of shaking, landslides, liquefaction and tsunamis that are sure to occur in the event the Cascadia subduction zone shifts."

Scientific evidence suggests that at least 13 other earthquakes have occurred along the Cascadia subduction zone over the past 2,500 years, with intervals of about 300 to 900 years between each event. While we can't predict the precise time and date of the region's next large earthquake, we can take some important precautionary steps to prepare for an emergency -- it could be another 600 years, or an earthquake could strike tomorrow.

The Red Cross recommends people take the following steps to prepare for an earthquake:

* Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
* Practice "drop, cover and hold on" in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
* Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person's bed in case the earthquake strikes in the middle of the night.
* Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.
* Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.
* Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
* Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.
* Keep and maintain an emergency supply kit in an easy-to-access location.

In addition to following these steps, downloading the free Red Cross Earthquake App provides a host of information about what to do before, during and after a disaster. The app also provides alerts and notifications when an earthquake occurs, information on how to prepare your family and home, and how to find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out. You can download the app directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

For more information on disaster preparedness, the Cascades Region offers emergency preparedness presentations that can be scheduled for any type of organization including schools, faith-based organizations, businesses, government entities, neighborhood associations and nonprofits. Trained preparedness professionals lead these free classes and walk participants through the risks of various disasters. The presentation also provides attendees a first-hand look on how to put together a disaster kit and make a plan.

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

On 01.26.2015 at 0030 hours Clark County Sheriffs Office Deputies were dispatched to an occupied residential burglary, that had just occurred in the 1600 block of NE 91st Circle. The female reporting party was awaken to a loud crash inside her residence. She discovered the rear slider open and noted her purse and lap top missing from inside her residence. The suspect had fled from the residence
Deputies arrived along with K9 Deputy Boyle and his service dog "Jango." A K9 track led to a nearby vacant apartment with an open sliding door.

A subject was located inside the vacant apartment who was in possession of the victims missing lap top. The subject was taken into custody without incident or injury. The victims purse was also located in a nearby field. The subject was booked into the Clark County Jail on charges related to this incident.

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Time: Doors at 6 p.m. event at 7 p.m.
Location: Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton Street, Portland, Ore.
Cost: $8 online advance tickets, $10 suggested cover at the door
Food & Drink: Beer, popcorn, and snacks available.

While we can't predict exactly when the next Great Cascadia Earthquake will happen, we CAN forecast the probabilities from a long history of past earthquakes. The study of the geological history of the last 10,000 years of the Cascadia Subduction Zone has shown that there have been 43 great earthquakes (magnitude 8.0 or higher) along the coast of Oregon, Washington, California, and British Columbia. It's likely that some of these earthquakes were magnitude 9.0 or higher, and as with the 2011 Japanese and 2004 Sumatran earthquakes, they probably also caused large tsunami waves that were devastating all over the Pacific. At this Science on Tap, Chris Goldfinger, PhD, professor of geology and geophysics at Oregon State University, will talk about the geology of Cascadia and his research on the recurrence interval of major earthquakes. While this research may not allow us to pinpoint a date for the next great quake, a better understanding of the geological forces at work can help us prepare.

Science on Tap is a science lecture series where you can sit back, enjoy a pint, and laugh while you learn. Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don't have to be a science geek to have fun--all you need is a thirst for knowledge!

For more information on Science on Tap, visit Via Productions.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/4849/81363/SoT_Clinton_2-3-15_Cascadia_-_Image.jpg

Monday, January 26, 2015-Ridgefield, WA-During the month of January, Ridgefield School District participated in School Board Recognition Month by recognizing the dedication and accomplishments of the district's board of directors. January is declared School Board Recognition Month by Governor Jay Inslee and designated as such by the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA).

The Ridgefield School District Board of Directors consists of five school board members, elected by ballot by the registered voters of the district. Each Director represents voters located in a different part of Ridgefield School District with the board acting as the policy-making body of the district responsible and accountable for planning, policy, advocacy, and evaluation of all aspects of the school district.

Guided by state and federal laws, the board provides direction for the district by approving policies, making financial decisions, determining building needs, and approving the budget. "The board sets the vision for the school district and serves in cooperation with the superintendent as chief advocates for the district," said Superintendent Nathan McCann. "In Ridgefield, we are very fortunate to have a board that's student-focused with the courage to put kids first; our board is made up of dedicated public servants."

To honor Ridgefield School District's Board of Directors, this week's Did You Know is dedicated to the Board of Directors, investigating what makes drives them, and having them speak in their own words about why they decided to serve on the board.

Jeff Vigue, District Director 1 and Vice President of the Board

I have five great loves in my life: my family, the City of Ridgefield, golf, music, and craft beer. I love spending time with my wife and adult children and am looking forward to having grandchildren one day. I love the community of Ridgefield and the people who live here. We are truly blessed to live in such a great community.

I chose to run for school board after the district failed to pass a few school bonds. I wanted to help ensure our students and staff members have the facilities they need to continue achieving excellent student learning. In addition, I wanted to serve my community.

My favorite part of serving on the board is working with our other board members. We each have such diverse backgrounds and interests, yet we seem to arrive at the same conclusions when it comes to what's important for the district. Also, I've had the pleasure of handing my two children their high school diplomas during their commencement ceremonies, an experience very few people have the opportunity to do and one that is in the top five highlights of my entire life.

To me, the biggest challenge serving on the board is time management. If I had the time, I would work full-time on educational issues; there are so many exciting things happening right now in the district and more planned for the future.

To me, the role of the school board is simple: hire a competent leader and get out of their way; set goals and direction for the district; and adopt policies that help move the district closer to achieving our goals.

Joseph Vance, District Director 2

My wife, Lori, and I moved to Ridgefield 16 years ago when we were looking for a place to settle down and raise our children. Ridgefield has been a great place to raise our seven kids. When not serving on the board, I am a partner with the law firm Miller, Nash, Graham & Dunn based in Vancouver, and I enjoy coaching my kids in youth sports. I also serve on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Washington as well as the Vancouver Rotary Foundation Board.

I decided to run for Ridgefield's school board because I am so excited about Ridgefield's schools and the potential for both the schools and the community. I want to help continue the tradition of the great schools we have in Ridgefield. My favorite part of serving on the board is handing out diplomas to graduating seniors during the commencement ceremonies.

Right now, the biggest challenge facing the board is ensuring Ridgefield School District will be prepared for the exciting growth that is coming to our area. To me, the most important roles of the school board are to hire and retain the best superintendent possible and set a vision with priorities for the district.

Steven Radosevich, District Director 3

My wife, Teresa, and I moved to Ridgefield in 2006. We have four boys who all attend Ridgefield schools. Professionally, I am the Director of the Supply Chain with Hewlett Packard's printer division and have over 20 years of business experience in the high-tech sector. For a few years, I also taught Operations Management as an adjunct faculty member at Washington State University - Vancouver's MBA program. In addition to serving on the school board, I also serve on the Ridgefield Little League board of directors and enjoy coaching youth teams.

I ran for the Ridgefield School Board to make a difference in the quality of education and school experience for the youth in our community. My favorite part of serving on the board is seeing the progress the district makes in becoming the premier school district in the state across multiple areas.

To me, the role of the board is for the directors to work collaboratively with one another to establish the goals and objectives for the district. Personally, my role is to work with my colleagues to see the big picture; understand where we are with data and facts; and help define the priorities for where the district should be going. The school board needs to keep every decision in line with what is best for building a foundation and culture for student achievement and success.

Becky Greenwald, District Director 4

I enjoy spending time with my husband and four kids, and I love watching all of the activities they are involved in. Professionally, I work as the Chief Financial Officer of our mortgage company, Creekside Mortgage Inc. For fun, I love spending time with family and friends as well as boating, water skiing, playing all sorts of sports, and volunteering in my kids' classrooms.

I ran for the school board because I wanted to be a part of the exciting growth and momentum of all four schools in the district. I want to help keep the district making positive changes, continuing the advancement and development of the district. I'm a huge supporter of the public school system, and I strongly believe in the importance of a great education for all children.

My favorite part of serving on the board has been working together with the other board members to create the conditions and structures necessary for success in our schools. As a board, we can help ensure the children in our community succeed in their classrooms and in their lives. In addition, each board member contributes unique talents and we all work well as a team.

Since I'm the newest member on the board, that has been my biggest challenge, and I have been learning a lot. However, when I have questions, the other board members are great at helping me find the answers.

Generally speaking, I believe that the role of school boards is to adopt and oversee the annual budget; hire and evaluate the superintendent; and set goals for the district as well as holding it accountable for results. I believe in keeping children our primary focus and working collaboratively with other board members to accomplish that. Personally, I feel that my role as a school board member is to stay informed and knowledgeable of things that are going on in and around the district.

I am committed to giving back to my community and ensuring that their tax dollars are being used efficiently.

Scott Gullickson, District Director 5, Board President

I grew up in Eugene, Oregon, and moved to the Portland area after college in 1987. In an effort to escape the neighborhood and have some extra elbow room, we moved to Ridgefield in 2001. In my spare time, I enjoy being outside, taking part in sports of all kinds, and watching my kids grow up.

I ran for the Ridgefield School Board after being asked to consider doing so by a community member when someone on the board was stepping down. I attended meetings, started asking a lot of questions, and felt I could add my energy to make positive changes where needed. Now that I've served on the board for several years, I particularly enjoy seeing that effort equals results, and that I can be both a voice and advocate for the educational needs of our community's children.

The biggest challenge I see facing the district is keeping a pulse on the growth increasing in the Ridgefield community, and trying to forecast the needs of the district in the coming years as the community continues to grow. Growth appears inevitable however we don't want to lose the benefits of the small community we live in. Another challenge is trying to provide all the resources possible in a setting where the state government is not funding public schools at the level they are constitutionally bound to support.

From my perspective, school boards have several responsibilities with two, in particular, standing out above the rest: the board needs to be an advocate for kids by making decisions based on what's best for student education, and the second is to maintain fiscal responsibility in order to ensure we leverage the funds provided by taxpayers to the fullest extent possible.

School Board Recognition

Superintendent McCann and the community recognized the school board during their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 13. The Ridgefield High School Leadership Class presented each board member with chocolates and special thanks. The district presented each director with a special vest including the district's logo for the board members to wear to school events.

"Ridgefield School Board Directors serve as great role models of everything the Ridgefield schools and the Ridgefield community holds dear," said McCann. "Each of our board members is extremely dedicated and willing to go above and beyond what is expected to them; in fact, I don't believe the public knows how much we expect from the board and how they always rise to the occasion."

Board meetings are open to any interested member of the community to attend, and are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 5 p.m. in the Presentation Room (room 311) at Ridgefield High School. For more information, including board policies and procedures, visit the district's website at www.ridge.k12.wa.us

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Attached Media Files: The RHS Leadership Class recognized the Board of Directors at a meeting on January 13 , Scott Gullickson, District Director 5, Board President , Becky Greenwald, District Director 4 , Steven Radosevich, District Director 3 , Joseph Vance, District Director 2 , Jeff Vigue, District Director 1 and Vice President of the Board , The RSD Board of Directors received special vests to wear at school events

PR 01 15
BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Jan. 26, 2015
CONTACT: Kevin Wingert, 503-230-4140/971-207-8390 or 503-230-5131

BPA hosts nation's largest regional science bowl
Students from Northwest compete for $134,000 in scholarships from 17 regional colleges, as well as a berth in National Science Bowl

Portland, Ore. - As many as 132 teams of middle and high school students from across western portions of Washington and Oregon will compete in the nation's largest regional science bowl over the next two weekends.

The Bonneville Power Administration is hosting the BPA Regional Science Bowl for the 24th straight year. The middle school competition is set for Saturday, Jan. 31, with the high school students taking to the buzzer on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the University of Portland. The top team in each division will travel all-expenses paid to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Department of Energy's National Science Bowl from April 30 to May 4.

Beyond the prestige of winning and the prospect of the national competition, BPA and science bowl volunteers have worked to establish partnerships with universities and colleges in the region to offer scholarships for the top three teams in the high school division. In all, 17 colleges and universities in the Northwest are offering $134,000 in scholarships to members of the top teams.

In addition to the competition, demonstrations and hands-on activities will take place throughout the day at the event. In the afternoon, a separate engineering competition allows teams that have not advanced to the double-elimination round to test their engineering and design skills in a hands-on project.

The more than 600 students in the competition come from public and private schools in western Washington and western and central Oregon - from as far north as Republic, Wash., and as far south as Ashland, Ore. Many practice for months, in groups and individually, for the competition, which is as intense as any sporting event, particularly at the high school level.

BPA sponsors the science bowl to showcase students' talents in science, technology, engineering and math, as well as to encourage them to consider careers in these fields. This helps to ensure a future labor pool of scientists and innovators so critical to the energy industry.

The BPA Regional Science Bowl is sponsored by the University of Portland, Google, Vernier Software & Technology and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc.

BPA REGIONAL SCIENCE BOWL 2015 - Middle School
Where: Franz Hall, University of Portland, Portland, Ore.
When: Jan. 31, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Notes: The event is free and open to the public. Championship rounds begin at approximately 4 p.m. in Buckley Auditorium.

BPA REGIONAL SCIENCE BOWL 2015 - High School
Where: Franz Hall, University of Portland, Portland, Ore.
When: Feb. 7, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Notes: The event is free and open to the public. Championship rounds begin at approximately 4 p.m. in Buckley Auditorium.

More info: www.bpa.gov/goto/ScienceBowl

Complete list of teams for both middle school and high school: www.bpa.gov/goto/ScienceBowlTeams

BPA is a nonprofit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.

# # #

Vancouver, WA - Friends of the Carpenter will host their annual meeting on Mon. Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. at the Friendship Center, 1600 W 20th Street.

"The Board and I are pleased that Friends of the Carpenter continues the organization's heritage of providing safety and a sense of purpose to members of our community," said Tom Iberle, executive director. "We plan to reflect on our successes while renewing our commitment to meeting the ever-expanding needs of the homeless, people with special needs and those living in poverty in our community."

The annual meeting will follow the February board meeting and will include a presentation of the 2014 Annual Report. A question and answer period will be provided, in addition to tours of the Friendship Center as well as light refreshments.

About Friends of the Carpenter
Friends of the Carpenter was incorporated in Vancouver, WA in Oct. 1998 and began as a vision of a practical outreach of simple welcome and personal interaction between volunteers from the church and people living in poverty. Since the beginning, regular contact has been made with the homeless and poor persons of our community through woodworking events scheduled throughout the community and which, today, are held at FOTC's Friendship Center. Our mission: Friends of the Carpenter is a faith-based Day Shelter that provides safety and a sense of purpose to members of our community. Learn more at friendsofthecarpenter.org.

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Virginia Rose Brandt, 23 years old, of Washougal was charged January 21, 2013 with one count of Assault 2 and Violation of a Domestic Violence No Contact Order stemming from the January 9, 2015 assault on Timothy Nielson.

Mr. Nielson sustained a serious injury to his abdomen. Ms. Brandt was also found to be in violation of a court order prohibiting her from being in the residence at the time of the assault.

Ms. Brandt is currently in custody at the Clark County Jail pending these charges as well as several unrelated charges from a previous incident.

The Oregon Recreational Trails Advisory Council will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Bend Park & Recreation District Office, 799 SW Columbia St. The council welcomes public comments.

Council members will hear updates on regional trails programs, according to the agenda. The following day, council members will take a field trip of trail projects in Deschutes County.

The Oregon Recreational Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) was established by the Legislature in 1971 to advise the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and to promote non-motorized trail recreation and development in Oregon. The Council is made up of seven volunteer members appointed by the Oregon Park and Recreation Commission to represent the five Oregon congressional districts. The Council meets four times annually in different locations across the state.

The agenda for this meeting is posted at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/Trail_Programs_Services/Pages/Advisory-Committees.aspx#ORTAC_Meeting_Schedule_and_Minutes. For more information about the meeting or about ORTAC, contact Rocky Houston, State Trails Coordinator, at 503-986-0750 or rocky.houston@oregon.gov.

***Update-This fire started when a halogen lamp tipped over onto bedding. The home had no working smoke detectors. Residents are reminded that halogen lamps are very hot and should be kept away from children, pets and combustibles.

1/26/2015 9:44 AM-This morning Portland Fire & Rescue responded with the Gresham Fire Department to a house on fire at 15424 SE Clay Ct. Firefighters arrived and found heavy fire in a bedroom. Firefighters searched for occupants and worked to extinguish the fire.

The homes occupants had escaped prior to the arrival of firefighters and were safe. The fire was extinguished and firefighters searched for any hidden embers. If not extinguished these embers often cause the fire to rekindle. A fire investigator was called to determine the cause of the fire. Damage estimates aren't yet available.

This release will be updated with images if any are available.


Attached Media Files: Clay Ct FFs on Roof , Clay Ct FFs on street , Clay Ct FF at door , Clay Ct FFs in yard

Portland, Ore., - Union Gospel Mission Women's LifeChange Center will have a grand opening for its new Learning Education Center and After School Program part of the Children's Activity Center on, Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. at 3400 SW 103rd Ave., Beaverton, Ore, 97005.

The Learning Education Center sets aside space for women to learn about their abilities, interests and strengths. The safe environment allows women to assess themselves honestly without shame enabling them to set and meet goals advancing them toward their futures. The curriculum includes basic and advanced computer classes; GED prep and testing support; and ILS Nova - a comprehensive self-led teaching software specifically developed for people coming out of abuse, addiction and homelessness.

In addition, the After School Program provides a place for mothers to engage with their children academically Monday to Thursday with the assistance of experienced counselors, tutors and volunteers with Friday deemed as "Fun Friday." Fun Friday gives children the opportunity to socialize with their peers through educational activities. The program gives the mother and children a time to strengthen their relationships while building life skills.

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.

###

January 26, 2015 - Salem, Ore. - Donna Jensen-Mullins started shaking and was speechless when she realized the Keno 10-spot ticket she purchased during a dinner date with her husband at Buoy 9 Restaurant and Lounge in Hammond was worth $200,000.

"I just play Keno sometimes when we are out to dinner, for the fun of seeing if I won," Jensen-Mullins said. "I am having a lot of fun!"

When Jensen-Mullins checked the ticket, it didn't tell her how much she won, just that she had to go to the Oregon Lottery(R) headquarters in Salem to claim her prize.

"I had the next day off so I thought I would drive to Salem and check it out. I figured I had won $600 or $1,000," she said. "No way did I think I won this much."

When Jensen-Mullins learned that she had won $200,000 she started shaking and was speechless. After taxes she took home approximately $134,000.

"I can't even believe I won," she said. "We will most likely go on a family vacation and I want to see about setting up a college fund for my grandchildren."

Since 1985 the Oregon Lottery has transferred more than $9 billion to help fund public education, economic development, watersheds and state parks. Since the Oregon Lottery was created, players have won more than $26 billion in prizes.

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.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned over $9 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org


###


Attached Media Files: Donna Jensen-Mullins of Warrenton won $200,000 playing Oregon Lottery Keno 10-spot

*** UPDATE 1 ***

The Vancouver Police Department has identified the male as a 17 year old Vancouver resident.

The investigation is continuing and no further information is being released at this time.


***

Vancouver, Wash. - On January 26, 2015 at approximately 2:42 a.m., Vancouver Police were dispatched to a fatality collision involving a male pedestrian that was hit by a train in the area of SE 164th Ave/SE Rivershore Drive.

The Vancouver Police Major Crimes Unit and Traffic Unit are investigating and no further information, including identity of the male, are being released at this time. Additional information may be available later this morning as the investigation progresses.



###

Basic Corrections Local #BCL017 Graduation

Date: January 30, 2015

Location: Oregon Public Safety Academy at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon

Time: 11:00 a.m. / Reception following ceremony

All family and friends of students, supervisors, department heads and city and county officials are welcome to attend. Commander Kevin Schultz of the Marion County Sheriff's Office will be the keynote speaker.

Class Members

Bailey, Brandon - Florence Police Department
Beeson, Spencer - Lane County Sheriff's Office
Blanchard, Matthew - Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Brazeal, Trevor - Marion County Sheriff's Office
Brooks, Joshua - Polk County Sheriff's Office
Cam, Tyler - Jackson County Sheriff's Office
Cherno, Ryan - Marion County Sheriff's Office
Curry-Roberts, Kolbey - Curry County Sheriff's Office
Curtis, Kyle - Curry County Sheriff's Office
Dollarhide, Brandon - Lane County Sheriff's Office
Downing, Tristan - Lane County Sheriff's Office
Fraser, Derek - Marion County Sheriff's Office
Guzman, Juan - Northern Oregon Correctional Facility
Hagert, Matthew - Jackson County Sheriff's Office
Karstendiek, Michael - Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Korn, Ryan - Marion County Sheriff's Office
Lederer, Eric - Linn County Sheriff's Office
Lewis, Seth - Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Lopezpalacios, Antonio - Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Merrell, Kassity - Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Miller, Jacob - Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
Nash, Loren - Linn County Sheriff's Office
Perkins, Travis - Union County Sheriff's Office
Reed, Jamieson - Lane County Sheriff's Office
Reid, Eric - Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Rennels, Jedidiah - Jackson County Sheriff's Office
Rodriguez, Oscar - Northern Oregon Correctional Facility
Rush, Erica - Union County Sheriff's Office
Sandquist, Lacey - Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
Schnell, Jess - Northern Oregon Correctional Facility
Singh, Amardeep - Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Stinnett, Samuel - Grant County Sheriff's Office
Thorne, Heather - Umatilla County Sheriff's Office
Tyson, Kyle - Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Vinson, Nicholas - Linn County Sheriff's Office
Whitaker Jr., Johnny - Marion County Sheriff's Office
Wohlers, David - Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
Yenchik, Joseph - Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Chief Kent Barker of the City of Tualatin Police Department 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, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

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

January 26 marks the anniversary of the last major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake that shook the Pacific Northwest 315 years ago. Scientists predict the next major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake could strike our state at any time.

"Scientists believe Oregon is in the average window of time during which another massive, destructive quake could occur," said Althea Rizzo, Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator.

Oregon is located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone a fault line stretching from offshore British Columbia to Northern California. Experts say a rupture on the Cascadia Fault line will likely result in a 9.0 or higher earthquake with the potential to devastate the area.

"A quake of this size will produce severe damage - buildings will be so damaged that restoring full utility service could takes months to years," said Rizzo. "We are taking steps right now to prepare our state for a potential Cascadia earthquake."

Rizzo said new guidelines recommend individuals prepare an emergency kit for at least two weeks, prior recommendations were for a three day kit.

"Highways may be down and electricity out for days making it critical for you to have enough supplies to sustain yourself for weeks," said Rizzo.

State and local government, private businesses and non-governmental organizations are doing much to prepare for the next Cascadia quake but individual preparedness is critical. There are many actions you can take to prepare for the next earthquake. Review the information below for more information.

-Check out "Living on Shaky Ground: How to Survive Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Oregon" published by Oregon Emergency Management;
-Read the "Without Warning Comic Book" produced by Dark Horse Comics here: http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/Pages/plans_train/earthquake.aspx
-Visit Ready.gov for resources on how you can be prepared before, during and after an earthquake;

On Monday January 26, 2015, at 2:56 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to the report of a robbery at Subway, located at 2411 Southeast 122nd Avenue.

Officers arrived in the area and spoke to the victim who told police that two men entered the sandwich shop and demanded money. One suspect shoved the victim to the floor during the robbery. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspects fled the store.

Several officers checked the area but did not locate anyone matching the suspects descriptions.

The suspects were described as unknown race males, no clothing description.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Robbery detectives at (503) 823-0403.

###PPB###

On Friday January 23, 2015, at 3:29 p.m., East Precinct officers responded to a residence at 9126 Southeast Insley Street on the report that a man menaced two people with a handgun inside the home.

Officers arrived and spoke with the victim and his girlfriend, both of whom were menaced by the suspect, identified as 52-year-old James Edwards Stebbins.

Officers surrounded the home and called into Stebbins, using a police car PA system, and asked that he come outside the home.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., Stebbins exited the home and surrendered to police without incident.

Officers assigned to the Gun Task Force (GTF) responded and obtained a search warrant for the home. Once inside, officers located and seized three (3) ounces of Methamphetamine, a small amount of Heroin, a stolen handgun, more than $4,000 cash, and other stolen property.

Stebbins was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon (two counts), Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, and Menacing (two counts).

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81343/James_Edward_Stebbins_52.png

Suspicious Object next to Clark County Courthouse
A suspicious object was located next to the Clark County courthouse. The Portland Metro Bomb Squad responded and determined the object was not explosive in nature and did not pose a threat to the public or property.

Sgt. Brent Waddell

On 1/25/15 at approximately 3:30 p.m., a car was stopped at a stop sign when another car rear-ended the car stopped. The accident occurred in the 1400 block of NE 104th Ave. The parties from both cars exited to assess the damage. The male driver who caused the accident then got into the car he hit and sped away. No words were exchanged between the parties when this occurred. After he sped away in the victim's car, the suspect crashed into a curb while driving northbound on NE Burton Rd. from NE Fourth Plain Blvd. The suspect then ran on foot eastbound along NE Fourth Plain Blvd. A K-9 track was conducted but due to the heavy foot and vehicle traffic it the area, it was unsuccessful.
The suspect is described as a white male in his thirties. Additionally the male was described as having a thin build with a scraggly beard and brown hair. The investigation into the identity of the suspect is on-going.

Additonal information:

The first car the male was driving when he hit the other car is stolen out of Portland.

Community support for a bond proposal that transformed North Clackamas Schools in 2006 has now brought an added dividend to taxpayers: about $20 million in savings.

"We are proud of our continued good stewardship of the bond," said Superintendent Matt Utterback, noting that projects were completed on time and met all promises made to the community. In a December sale, the School District refinanced about $170 million. The savings will be realized by taxpayers during the final 13 years on the bonds, which end in 2031. For the homeowner with an assessed value of $200,000, the savings will be about $300 total during that time.

Many new to North Clackamas may not realize the far-reaching impact of the bond, passed by voters on November 7, 2006. It brought additions and major renovations to:

Milwaukie and Putnam High Schools
Rowe and Alder Creek Middle Schools
Bilquist Elementary (A complete remodel)
Every elementary school districtwide, as well as
New schools to replace decades-old buildings at Ardenwald and Happy Valley Elementary; and
Four new schools to address growth (Scouters Mountain, Duncan, Happy Valley Middle and Rock Creek Middle)

Safety and critical maintenance needs were addressed with the bond, including
fire, energy, electrical and security systems,
roofing at 14 schools,
bathroom renovations at 18 schools,
playground cushions at 19 schools,
window improvements at 11 schools,
furnaces at 20 schools, and
flooring at 14 schools.

A Citizens Bond Oversight Committee reviewed bond activities to make sure the district was accountable for promises made. When all bond projects were completed, there was $1 million remaining, which was returned to taxpayers.

The interest rate on the new issue was 2.99%, vs. an average coupon rate of nearly 4.86% on the original issue.

The District benefitted from receiving a strong rating from Moody's Investor's Service of Aa2, making it one of the most highly rated Districts in the State. In their report, Moody's cited the District's strengths, including a "large tax base with healthy resident wealth metrics and participation in the Portland metro area economy." They also cited the School Board's commitment to rebuild reserves following the recession.

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation of a drive-by shooting in Northern Klamath County, which prompted a SWAT response to La Pine early this morning.

Preliminary information from on-scene commanders indicates that just before 2:00 A.M., this morning, 9-1-1 call centers in Klamath County received a report of shots being fired at or into a residence on Collar Drive, just south of La Pine. Troopers investigating the incident learned the suspect, identified as 31-year-old GARY T. DAVIS, of La Pine, had threatened a man at that location previously. No injuries were reported during the shooting and the matter is still under investigation.

Shortly before 7:00 A.M., troopers and Deschutes County Sheriff's Department deputies, tracked DAVIS to a residence at 52905 Meadows Lane, in La Pine (Deschutes County) where he was staying with his girlfriend, identified as TASHA L. MURPHEY, age 24, also of La Pine. Troopers and deputies who arrived began negotiating with the subjects who barricaded themselves in the residence. A limited number of OSP SWAT personnel were dispatched to the scene to assist with the incident.

At approximately 9:50 A.M., DAVIS was taken into custody without further incident on a probation violation with additional charges pending. MURPHEY was not injured during the incident. OSP Criminal Investigative Services Division is continuing the investigation.

In the early morning hours of Saturday January 24, 2015, Portland Police officers responded to and investigated three separate shooting reports. No gunshot victims were located and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents should report it to the Police Non-Emergency line at (503) 823-3333 or CrimeTips@portlandoregon.gov.

At 12:22 a.m., East Precinct and Gang Enforcement Team officers responded to the report of a large fight and shooting outside the Mitchell Court Apartments, located at 5214 Southeast 72nd Avenue.

Several officers arrived in the area and located evidence of gunfire outside the apartments. Multiple people were contacted at the scene by police but were uncooperative and refused to assist in the investigation.

Occupants of one apartment were contacted and an adult male was discovered to have injuries from an assault but was uncooperative. He was transported to a Portland hospital for treatment to non-life-threatening injuries.

No suspects were identified and no arrests were made during this incident.

At 1:25 a.m., East Precinct and Gang Enforcement Team officers responded to a residence in the 9900 block of Northeast Reedway Street on the report of a large fight in the street and that a female was hit by a car that sped away.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted the female hit and run victim, who was not seriously injured. She refused to cooperate with police and was transported to a Portland hospital for treatment. A possible suspect vehicle was located nearby and towed for Traffic Investigators.

While officers were conducting this investigation, they heard several gunshots being fired near them, just to the East of their location. Officers immediately responded to Southeast 103rd Avenue and Reedway Street and located evidence of gunfire but did not locate any victims or property damage. Witnesses described hearing vehicles leaving the area immediately after the gunshots.

At 2:02 a.m., North Precinct officers responded to Jag's Clubhouse, located at 605 North Columbia Boulevard, on the report of a shooting and cars speeding out of the area.

Officers arrived at the scene and located evidence of gunfire in the parking lot next to the bar. No gunshot victims or property damage was located.

Officers spoke with witnesses and learned that the shooting may have been part of domestic disturbance between a man and a woman, neither of whom remained at the scene. The woman left in one vehicle and the suspect left in another.

###PPB###

On Saturday January 24, 2015, at 4:43 p.m., North Precinct and Gang Enforcement Team officers responded to the report of gunshots heard in the Lloyd Center Mall parking structure, near Northeast 9th Avenue and Halsey Street.

Several officers arrived and immediately entered the parking structure to address any possible threats or suspects and to prevent access to the interior of the mall.

Officers did not locate any suspects at the scene and it appears there is no immediate risk to mall patrons.

Evidence of gunfire was located near the Barnes and Noble store on the Halsey side of the mall. One window at Barnes and Noble was damaged but it is not clear if the damage is the result of gunfire.

A person was seen running out of the parking structure and was described as an African American male wearing all dark clothing, bright-colored shoes, 5'7" tall, cornrowed or dread-locked hair, lase seen running northbound on Halsey from the parking structure. It is not known if this person is a witness, suspect or victim.

The Gang Enforcement Team is at the scene and will be conducting an investigation.

PIO will be at the scene to brief media at 6:30 p.m.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 823-3333.

The Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and Gun Task Force are continuing to actively investigate gang and gun crimes in the City of Portland.

Anyone with information about gang and/or gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau's Tactical Operations Division at (503) 823-4106.

Tips on gun crimes can be emailed to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov.

If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81333/GET_Logo.jpg

Come join us for our second Victorian Valentine Tea!

The menu includes scones served with sweet cream, assorted sandwiches and desserts, fresh fruit and hot tea.

The cost is $20 for adults and $12 for children under 10. This is a fundraiser to restore and preserve the 1874 Zimmerman House and the 1893 Heslin House. E.C.H.O. is an all-volunteer, non-profit historical organization.

The Tea will be held on Saturday, February 14th, 1pm at the Quail Hollow Clubhouse at 21100 NE Sandy Blvd. in Fairview, Oregon.

We will have historic Valentine Day cards on display, and there are door prizes and a raffle!

Please make reservations by emailing info@echohistory.org or leave a message at 503-261-8078. There are only 40 seats, and tickets are going fast - so call today!

And don't forget your hat and gloves! Victorian attire welcome, but not required.


Attached Media Files: Flyer , Valentine Exhibit , 2014 Event

Victim Randy Williams was 28, not 26 as previously released.

The Bureau regrets the error.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Friday January 23, 2015, a Multnomah County Grand Jury indicted 22-year-old Michael Aaron Wyatt Mininger for the murder of a 28-year-old man in Southeast Portland.

Mininger was arrested on January 15 on an outstanding probation violation warrant and has remained in the custody of the Multnomah County Jail.

Mininger was indicted on charges of Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and will be arraigned on Monday in Multnomah County Court.

This investigation started on Thursday January 8, 2015, at 8:49 a.m., when East Precinct officers and medical personnel responded to the report of an unconscious adult male down in the parking lot of a residential complex in the 900 block of Southeast 162nd Avenue.

Officers and medical personnel arrived and located the unresponsive male who was transported to a Portland hospital, where he later died.

The victim was identified as 28-year-old Randy Alexander Williams. The Oregon State Medical Examiner determined that Williams died as a result of gunshot wound to the head.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Williams and Mininger knew each other prior to the shooting.

Anyone with information about this incident or any unusual activity in the neighborhood should contact Detective Molly Daul at (503) 823-0991, molly.daul@portlandoregon.gov; or, Detective Anthony Merrill at (503) 823-4033, anthony.merrill@portlandoregon.gov.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81328/Michael_Aaron_Wyatt_Mininger_22.jpg

On Saturday January 24, 2015, at 2:37 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to The Street Bar, located at 3554 Southeast 82nd Avenue, on the report of a stabbing with two victims.

Officers and medical personnel arrived and located two stabbing victims suffering. Both were transported to a Portland hospitals for treatment to injuries that did not appear life-threatening.

The suspect, described as an Asian male in his 30s, fled the scene prior to police arriving.

Witnesses described the stabbing happening on the porch of the bar near closing time.

Anyone with information about this stabbing should contact the Assault Detail at (503) 823-0400.

###PPB###

Retired Fire Chief Wayne Yoder passed away Friday January 16th at 8pm. Retired Chief Wayne Yoder was a long time Firefighter for the Aurora Rural Fire District, with 62 years of service to the communities of Aurora, Donald and surrounding areas.
His memorial will be on Saturday, January 24th 2015 at 1300hrs.
Location: New Life Foursquare Church in Canby Oregon
Fire Apparatus procession:
Saturday, January 24th 2015
Staging Time: 1030hrs
Staging Location: Station 900 21390 Main Street Aurora, OR 97002

At 4:15 PM this afternoon, Marion County Fire District No. 1 (MCFD1) firefighters were called to a possible house fire in the 3000 block of Woodleaf Street in N.E. Salem.

Upon arrival, personnel found a single-story home heavily involved in smoke and active fire, threatening neighboring homes. The incident commander immediately upgraded the response to a 2-Alarm Fire, bringing additional fire apparatus and personnel to suppress the fire. After 45 minutes of firefighting, personnel were able to bring the blaze under control. During the firefighting efforts, crews searched the smoke filled home for any victims. No victims were located and no injuries were reported.

N.W. Natural Gas and Portland General Electric also responded to the scene to assist in turning off utility services to prevent injuries to firefighters.

Fire personnel on scene have ruled the fire suspicious. MCFD1 Fire Marshal Paula Smith responded to the incident scene and is conducting the fire cause investigation with the joint support of the Marion County Sheriff's Office, as well as the Oregon State Police. Due to the on-going investigation, no further specifics on the cause of the fire will be released at this time.

At the time of the fire, it did not appear that anyone was living in the home. As of the time of this press release, it is not known who the owners are.

The fire resulted in significant damage to the home and may likely result in a total loss. Units will remain on scene throughout the evening to provide scene security and monitor for any hot spots. Investigators plan to return to the scene in the morning to resume their on-scene investigation.

MCFD1 would like to extend their appreciation to Salem Fire Department for their assistance on the scene of this incident. MCFD1 also thanks Woodburn Fire, Silverton Fire and Aumsville Fire for the move-up coverage while units were on scene fighting the fire.


For additional questions, please contact:

Patrick J. Wineman
Incident Commander
Battalion Chief/Paramedic
Marion County Fire District No. 1
300 Cordon Rd NE * Salem, Oregon 97317
BC-32 Cellular: (503) 932-8359
District Office: (503) 588-6526
Fax: (503) 588-6537
Website: http://www.mcfd1.com
Email: patrickw@mcfd1.com


Attached Media Files: Front of House - Overhaul , Bedrooms , Garage

Gresham, Ore. - The Gresham Police Department will be working with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and other local agencies for this year's first safety belt blitz campaign. The enhanced patrols will occur from February 9, 2014 and go through February 22, 2014. The enforcement is funded by the USDOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. During this blitz, there will be an emphasis on child safety restraints, texting while driving and speeding.

According to ODOT crash data, 938 child passengers under the age of eight were killed or injured in a one year time period. Nearly one third of those children were either riding unrestrained or in the wrong type of safety restraint for their size. You can find more information about fitting stations at the following websites: http://www.nhtsa.gov/apps/cps/index.htm or at http://oregonimpact.org/car-seat-resources/

Distracted driving is a major contributor to traffic collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2012 there were 3,328 fatalities and 421,000 injuries as a result of distraction-affected crashes nationwide. Also, it is estimated that at any given moment during the daytime across the US, 660,000 people are using cell phones or electronic devices while driving. This behavior can increase by three times a driver's risk of getting into a crash.

Gresham Police will also be continuing to watch for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the blitz. During the month of December 2014, officers working under the Oregon Impact DUII grant arrested six drivers for suspicion of DUII, cited five people for driving with a suspended license, wrote 41 other citations for violations and gave out 22 warnings.

**UPDATE**01/23/15
Antonio Ramos-Perez, 38 years of age, who resides in the 1300 block of 6th St NW, has been charged with one count of Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree.


The Salem Police Department is actively investigating the death of numerous cats in the vicinity of 6th and Rosemont NW. So far, at least eight cats have died from suspected anti-freeze poisoning. The first cat began showing signs of poisoning Friday evening. The most recent fatality occurred Monday. The Willamette Valley Animal Hospital in Keizer is performing necropsies on the dead felines. Initial testing on three of the dead cats indicated positive for the presence of ant-freeze.

A person of interest has been interviewed by police. This is an on-going investigation and we are awaiting the results of more necropsies. While we do not expect any additional poisonings, any pet owner in the neighborhood who notices their dog or cat acting ill is encouraged to contact a veterinarian immediately.

The Hockinson School District will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Monday, January 26, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room, located at 17912 NE 159th Street, Brush Prairie, WA 98606.

Keeping Salem's more than 10,550 streetlights operating has squeezed funding for road repairs.

What's the crux of the problem? Streetlights and road repairs in Salem both depend on a shrinking pool of gasoline tax revenues. Money for basic road pavement maintenance has largely evaporated.

"We will, at some point, have to decide on whether we want to fix the sidewalks or streets because we won't be able to do both," said Mark Becktel, the city's parks and transportation services manager.

City staff have proposed a solution: a streetlight fee that would be added to city water and sewer bills. The proposed fee -- amounting to $2.80 per month for a single family household --would create a dedicated funding source for operating the city's streetlights and allow more gasoline taxes to be used for road repairs.

In February, Salem City Council is expected to hold a public hearing on the streetlight fee. The fee was first brought before council in July 2013, but councilors asked staff to come back with more information.

Each year, the cost of electricity and maintenance for streetlights consumes approximately $1.4 million of the city's $8.9 million allocation of gasoline taxes.

Meanwhile, street maintenance has sustained the brunt of recent budget cutting, losing all general fund support in the current fiscal year. The Public Works Streets Fund has had a recurring shortfall of $1 million since the end of fiscal year 2013-14.

Revenue from the streetlight fee would pay for electricity and streetlight maintenance, as well as upgrading city-owned streetlights to light-emitting diode lights, better known as LEDs.

About 68 percent of streetlights in Salem are city-owned; the rest are owned by utilities. Portland General Electric has already completed the conversion of its utility-owned streetlights to LEDs, which are more energy efficient than the traditional high-pressure sodium lights they replaced.

The city has met with neighborhood groups, as well as the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, and explained the rationale behind the proposed streetlight fee.

City officials maintain that using the existing utility billing system is the most cost-effective way to implement a fee for service.

Revenue collected from the fee would be placed in a streetlight fund dedicated solely for the operation and expansion of the streetlight system. Gas tax funds, previously used for streetlights, could be directed to street maintenance.

City officials, however, said another funding source for street maintenance will ultimately need to be found. The streetlight fee will stabilize funding for street maintenance for about three years, giving the city time to devise a solution to the funding crunch.

Without the streetlight fee, the city faces deep program cuts, including reductions of staff and services, by fiscal 2016-17.

The gravity of the city's street maintenance problems may not be obvious to casual observers. Main arterial streets are in good-to-fair condition, but many neighborhood streets haven't had preventative maintenance in 15 or 20 years, Becktel said. No pavement maintenance on residential streets was performed in 2014, other than emergency repairs.

Work crews completed only about 6 lane miles of pavement overlays and skin patches on collector and arterial streets in 2014. That compares to the city's 12-year-average of 11.4 lane miles.

Past attempts in Salem to improve transportation funding by imposing a new fee haven't succeeded.

In 2002, Salem City Council passed a "streetscape utility fee" that would have provided funding for streetlights, sidewalks and street trees.

Salem's business community found the streetscape fee unacceptable and mounted a political campaign to overturn it. An initiative petition sent the proposal to voters and it was repealed in 2003.

Becktel said the current streetlight fee proposal stands a better chance of succeeding than the 2002 proposal because it's narrowly focused on streetlights.

"We're not taking on sidewalks, streetlights and street trees all in one fee," he said. "It's just communicating to people that we can't afford to pay for streetlights out of gas tax anymore."
City staff have also addressed several concerns about the version of the streetlight fee presented to city council in 2013.

For example, city staff have recommended expanding a low-income credit on water and sewer bills to offset the fee's cost. About 500 low-income households in Salem would end up paying a little less on city utility bills.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1081/81321/Salem_spring_skyline_SUD.jpg

Contacts:
Dan Swensen, Engineering and Construction Services Manager, Department of Public Works, City of Vancouver, Wash., 360-487-7750 or dan.swensen@cityofvancouver.us

Loretta Callahan, Public Information/Community Relations, Department of Public Works, City of Vancouver, Wash., 360-487-8255 (office) or 360-931-1910 (cell) or loretta.callahan@cityofvancouver.us

Four years of fencing and barriers fell aside today, as Vancouver's popular Waterfront Renaissance Trail reopened to the public.

It was spring 2011, when snow melt and heavy rain drove the Columbia River to its highest flows since 1997 and severely damaged two sections of the popular Waterfront Renaissance Trail along the Tidewater Cove area. To protect the public's safety, the City of Vancouver erected barricades and fencing, blocking off a long stretch of trail regularly used by leisurely walkers, avid runners, parents with strollers, seniors with dogs, and more.

The highly visible problem offered no quick and easy fixes. The structural damage and natural forces to be addressed were complex, as were the environmental regulatory requirements. To add to that, erosion and undermining of the base continued to tear away the trail's foundation, raising further issues.

Now -- 370 coniferous root wads, more than 2,500 trees and shrubs, 16,000 tons of rock, and numerous local, state and federal permits later -- the reopening of the trail is both a community and an engineering success.

Repair and stabilization of the western portion of the damaged trail, directly in front of the Tidewater Cove condominiums, began in August 2014 and was substantially complete this week.

Repair and stabilization of the eastern-most section of damaged trail, located in front of the office building west of the Tidewater Jetty, began in September 2013 and was substantially complete in December 2013.

While crews will continue to put finishing touches on the project, as of today, those wanting to reach Wintler Park by trail no longer need to follow a detour along Columbia Way. They can stroll, run or ride along the river, enjoying Vancouver's views and riparian habitat.

For more information about the trail, visit the webpage here: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec/page/waterfront-renaissance-trail-5-miles

Project Facts:
- Repair of the eastern portion of damaged Waterfront Renaissance Trail, from September to December 2013, was a total contract cost of $396,000. About 70 feet of river bank and 150 of trail were repaired, and an additional 200 feet along the river's edge was reinforced to guard against future failure.

- Repair of the western portion, August 2014 to January 2015, was a $1.67 million contract. Work on the western portion, which had sustained the most damage, was done in two sections.

--- The first section, where the trail was undermined the most, required the removal and replacement of about 700 feet of total trail surface and construction of a slope-stabilizing, bio-engineered solution of roots and rocks.

--- The second section focused on slope reinforcement, plantings and rock stabilization along about 650 feet of trail, where the City was able to save and restore the existing trail surface.

- Both projects together installed 370 root wads to enhance the shoreline for fish habitat. A root wad is the lower 20 feet or so of a coniferous tree that includes its root structure.

- In the western portion of the repair project, five "barbs" were built out of rock, root wads and natural wooden piling. These barbs mimic an existing barb built many years ago that survived the 2011 high water very well. The barbs will work together to slow water flows near the shore, reducing erosion and allowing for the deposition of more sand.

- It took more than 16,000 tons or about 1,100 truckloads of rock to complete the total two projects. The rock ranged from as little as ?1/2 inch to as much as 3 feet in diameter.

- West and east portions included, more than 2,500 plants have been added at and below the level of the existing trail. The plantings are critical to the continued stabilization of the slope and restoration of the riparian area. The City intends to monitor the plantings and the shoreline in the area.

- The project required state and federal shorelines and environmental permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Washington Fish and Wildlife and Ecology departments, as well as City of Vancouver permits. Design, funding and permitting took two years.

-As a requirement of the project's environmental permits, construction equipment could not enter the river. That meant work had to wait for river levels to drop in the fall and get done quickly before river levels rose again in the winter.

-This year's low Columbia River water levels allowed the City to build a repair that was even more robust than was originally planned.

- To conserve resources, an old overlook in the area that had partially fallen into the river during the 2011 high flows is not being replaced.


Attached Media Files: Aerial view of the western portion of the damaged Waterfront Trail taken in December 2014 as repairs neared completion. , Glimpse of the western portion of damaged Waterfront Trail before repairs. The full extent of the undermined areas is not clearly seen here.

On Jan. 19, 2015, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2493 authorizing the City Manager to transfer ownership of a 9.8-acre parcel of City-owned property located at 11650 SW Tooze Road to the City's Urban Renewal Agency. This property was purchased with Urban Renewal Agency funds in 2006, but ownership was vested with the City in order to facilitate a land exchange with the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. Subsequently, the recession made development of an elementary school at this site financially unfeasible and a new site was selected for the eventual Lowrie Primary School. The resolution approves transferring ownership of this land back to the Urban Renewal Agency so that the proceeds from any future sale of the land are returned to the Urban Renewal Agency.

City Council also approved Resolution No. 2510 authorizing the City to spend up to $120,000 of the nearly $1 million needed to study and plan for the future expansion of the Willamette River Water Treatment plant to potentially serve as a regional water treatment plant for both the City of Wilsonville and the customers of the Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD), including the City of Hillsboro and others.

Under Mayor's Business, the Council voted to reappoint Mary Fierros Bower to the Development Review Board Panel A and also appointed Andrew Karr to the Budget Committee to fill a vacancy on the committee created by the recent resignation of Glenn Ohl.

The Wilsonville City Council continued Ordinance No.766 to the Feb. 2 City Council meeting. If approved, the ordinance adopts the 2014 Update to the Wastewater Collection System Master Plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide a 20-year blueprint for operating the City's wastewater-collection system. The Plan identifies needed sewer lines and pump station upgrades and replacements to meet Wilsonville's short- and long-term needs. A public hearing and first reading of the ordinance is scheduled to be held at the Feb. 2 City Council meeting.

On the Consent Agenda the Council approved the City's 2015-16 state legislative agenda to guide City responses to specific legislative proposals that may arise during the upcoming 2015-16 session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly.

During the worksession well-attended by residents and property owners prior to the meeting, City Council and Planning Commission members held a special joint meeting to hear an update from staff and consultants on the draft Frog Pond area concept plan. Funded by a Metro grant, the City is planning for future residential development, parks and schools in the 500-acre study area. Major items of discussion included the type and density of residential development and the potential inclusion and location of a small-scale, neighborhood shopping area. Members of the two bodies provided staff feedback and direction on the draft plan which will be the topic of another round of community engagement this spring.

- # # # -

Around 11:37pm on Thursday night (01/22/15), a call came into 911 reporting 5 gun shots heard coming from 329 Myrtle St. in Oregon City. The caller reported hearing about 5 gun shots followed by someone calling for help. While OCPD was responding, a second call came into 911 from the homeowner of the Myrtle St. home, reporting his roommate just fired 6 shots from a .44 cal handgun inside the house.

OCPD Officers arrived within less than 2 minutes and set up a perimeter around the house. The homeowner owner and his friend came out and met with police, reporting the suspect ran upstairs. OCPD repeatedly tried unsuccessfully to call the suspect from the home. Eventually the Clackamas County Inter-agency SWAT team responded to assist with trying to remove the suspect from the home and arrest him safely.

After several hours with no contact, the SWAT team made entry into the home and found the suspect was not inside. OCPD believes the suspect fled out a downstairs side door of the home as they were arriving. No one inside the home was shot or injured during the incident.

The suspect is identified as 31 year old Christopher John Earl Porter. He is described as a white male, about 5'11" tall, 170 lbs with short blonde hair. The weapon allegedly used was found inside the home, but it is not known if he is armed with any other weapons at this time.

Anyone with information on Mr. Porter's whereabouts is asked to call the Oregon City Police Department at (503)655-8211. Mr. Porter is wanted for the crimes of Unlawful use of a Weapon and Menacing.

Christopher Porter arrived at the Oregon City Police Department at around 11:00 am to turn himself in. Following an interview, he was taken into custody and lodged at the Clackamas County Jail on one count of Menacing (bail $7,500) and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (bail $15,000). Detectives continue to investigate details of the incident.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1388/81301/2014014113_0300[1].jpg

Parking time limits in Salem's downtown core, implemented on a temporary basis last fall, may be extended another year.

At Monday's Salem City Council, the council is expected to vote on whether to keep the three-hour, on-street parking time limit in place. The parking time limit, initially established to create more turnover of parking spaces during the holiday shopping season, will expire on Feb. 3 unless the council takes action.

Customers of downtown businesses can park on the street for three hours, for free, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The proposal under consideration at Monday's council meeting would extend the current parking time limit and hours of enforcement through February 3, 2016. The extension would give the city 12 months to gather data and make recommendations for a more permanent solution to downtown's parking issues.

Councilors are also expected to consider maintaining $3 daily parking permits for part-time downtown employees, who use city-owned parking garages. In fall 2014, the price was reduced from $5.

Salem City Council in October approved the three-hour, parking time limit on a temporary basis. The change came after downtown business owners complained about clogged on-street parking.
Parking congestion worsened after Salem City Council adopted the intent of an initiative petition in 2013. The petition called for the end of the previous two-time parking time limit and banned the installation of parking meters in the Downtown Parking District.

Business owners asserted that downtown employees, who aren't allowed to park on the street during work hours, were the main cause for the parking congestion. City officials maintained that telling the difference between who was parking legally and illegally was difficult with free, unlimited parking.

Earlier this month, city officials were invited to meet with about two dozen representatives of downtown businesses and discuss the parking issue. Salem Mayor Anna Peterson, Salem City Councilors Chuck Bennett and Tom Andersen, and Salem City Manager Linda Norris took part in the meeting.

Business representatives who spoke at the meeting said they preferred the three-hour, parking limit over the previous system.

Salem City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday in council chambers, Vern Miller Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. SE.

PORTLAND, OR - Thanks to generosity of members, staff and the local community, Point West Credit Union successfully "wrapped" its 2014 Caring Tree, delivering gifts to 50 local children and families in need just in time for the holidays. Volunteers did a fantastic job of wrapping all of the gifts, ensuring they were ready for Early Childhood Services to deliver to the families they work with throughout the year.

Each year, the Point West Caring Tree is decorated with the gift requests of 50 local families in need. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to pick a name or names from the tree to help these families have a brighter holiday season.

"The families working with Early Childhood Services are committed to creating stable, financially-sound homes," said Amy Nelson, President/CEO at Point West. "We want to support and celebrate their efforts. Thanks to the generosity of our staff, members, volunteers and community, our Caring Tree recipients can have a little brighter holiday this year."

Point West Credit Union was recently awarded a CUNA Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for its annual Caring Tree program during the Northwest Credit Union Association's annual Amplify Convention in October 2014. The program has supported well over 1,000 local children and families since its inception over 20 years ago.

Point West Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving the Portland Metro area for over 80 years. Its mission is to pursue financial wellness for its members and member businesses, while holding steadfast to its cooperative roots and empowering the local community. Find out more at pointwestcu.com.

Early Childhood Services is a division of the Multnomah County Department of Health that serves over 7,000 women, infants and children each year. Its programs provide home-visiting services that are responsive to the cultural needs of their clients and promote family bonding and parent-child attachment, improved pregnancy and birth outcomes, and the adoption of healthy behaviors during pregnancy and early life. For more information about Early Childhood Services and their mission, visit web.multco.us/health.


Attached Media Files: Point West Logo , Point West staff w/ Caring Tree Donations

January 23, 2015 - A Forest Grove Police Officer attempted to stop a reported reckless driver that refused to yield to him. Concerns for public safety resulted in the officer terminating the pursuit. The man ultimately crashed and was arrested for DUII by Sheriff's Deputies.

On January 22, 2015, at about midnight, a Forest Grove Police Officer attempted to stop a white 2002 Ford pickup that was reportedly driving recklessly. When the officer attempted to stop the truck, the driver sped westbound toward NW Gales Creek Road. The officer was using his lights and siren as he attempted to stop the truck. The driver refused to stop and was actively attempting to avoid law enforcement. For public safety reasons, the officer aborted his attempt to contact the driver.

At 12:22 a.m., a passerby contacted the Sheriff's Office to report a serious crash on NW Gales Creek Road near NW Owl Drive, more than three miles west of Forest Grove. It was reported that a white Ford pickup was upside down in the ditch on the north side of NW Gales Creek Road and a man was laying face-down in opposite ditch.

Sheriff's Deputies arrived and found James Bogosian, 29, from McMinnville injured in the ditch and identified him as the driver of the Ford pickup that fled the Forest Grove Police Officer. Deputies found Mr. Bogosian was driving westbound at a very high speed when his truck left the roadway and climbed a power pole support wire causing his truck to flip over violently. Investigators determined Mr. Bogosian was ejected from the truck as it tumbled and rolled a distance of over 475 feet before coming to a rest upside down.

James Bogosian was airlifted to Emanuel Hospital with serious injuries. He was issued a criminal citation at the hospital for DUII alcohol. Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.


Attached Media Files: Crashed Truck , Crashed Truck

Gang Enforcement Team detectives booked three people in connection with the Wednesday evening shooting on Southeast 89th Avenue. Five people were initially detained but two ultimately were released after the investigation by detectives.

20-year-old Jaelan Reid and 18-year-old Malik Seamster were booked into the Multnomah County Jail on probation violation holds. 17-year-old Javontae Simmons was lodged at the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Home on a charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence of 1611 Southeast 89th Avenue and seized two handguns from inside the home.

Anyone with information about this shooting incident should contact Detective Brad Clifton at (503) 823-2087, brad.clifton@portlandoregon.gov.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Wednesday January 21, 2015, at 10:16 p.m., East Precinct and Gang Enforcement Team officers responded to the report of multiple gunshots heard near Southeast 89th Avenue and Clay Street.

Officers arrived in the area and located evidence of gunfire but no gunshot victims or property damage.

Information learned at the scene led to officers focusing on one residence in the 1600 block of Southeast 89th Avenue, where five people were located and have been detained as Gang Enforcement Team detectives continue to investigate the shooting.

Earlier Wednesday evening, North Precinct and Gang Enforcement Team officers investigated a report of someone shooting at a vehicle at North Juneau Street and Chautauqua Boulevard.

A witness reported seeing an African American male shooting at a gray Sedan that was traveling northbound on Chautauqua Boulevard towards Columbia Boulevard. No victims were located by police.

Investigators do not believe these two incidents are related.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 823-3333.

The Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and Gun Task Force are continuing to actively investigate gang and gun crimes in the City of Portland.

Anyone with information about gang and/or gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau's Tactical Operations Division at (503) 823-4106.

Tips on gun crimes can be emailed to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov.

If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81255/Reid_and_Seamster.jpg

A friend of the family of the deceased has asked that the following statement be released to the public:

Lance's family is heartbroken at the tragedy and loss that happened yesterday. He was an amazing dad, son, brother, uncle and friend. The love of his family and the outdoors were his passion and he will be missed more than words can express. All of the thoughts and prayers for his family are greatly appreciated.

_________________________________________________________________________

Yesterday's recovered person has now been identified as:

Lance K. Leek
Age 38
Beavercreek, OR

According to the medical examiner, the death is accidental. Mr. Leek died of massive head and chest trauma from the fall.

Witness information indicates that Mr. Leek may have tripped near the edge of the precipice. Witness information also indicates that Mr. Leek may have been consuming alcohol before the fall and this may have contributed.

There is no information about any foul play in this matter and no further investigation is envisioned.

_______________________________________________________________________

Just after 3 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, callers to 911 reported that a male subject had possibly fallen off a cliff near the radio towers on Goat Mountain, near Colton in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The callers could not locate the subject and were searching the area.

Officials estimate the cliff height is between 200 and 300 feet.

First responders and SAR volunteers arrived at the scene to join in the search at the top and bottom of the cliff -- including personnel from the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Molalla Fire, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, and Mountain Wave Emergency Communications.

As a member of the reporting party was coming down the cliff, he discovered the subject, who was deceased.

The Sheriff's Office is not currently releasing the name of the deceased, pending family notifications. More details will be released as they become available.

[END]

On Wednesday, January 21, 2015, a 24 year old woman was trying on garments in the Target dressing room when she noticed a smart phone was being held under the door and angled up toward her, possibly recording her as she changed.

Video surveillance led to a person of interest in the case, who appears to be a Hispanic male, approximately 30 years of age, wearing a blue work uniform. Surveillance images are being released to the public for assistance in identifying this individual.

Anyone with information in regard to this case is encouraged to contact the Albany Police Department at (541)917-7680.


Attached Media Files: Target Person of Interest View 2 , Target Person of Interest

Battle Ground High School Drama Club's winter production of the play "Crimes of the Heart" opens Feb. 5. Written by Beth Henley and directed by Stephen "Cash" Henry, performances will take place in The Lair.

"Crimes of the Heart" is a dark comedy that follows the lives of three sisters in Hazelhurst, Miss. during the mid-1970s. Featuring a cast of six characters, the play's themes include appreciation for one's family and the intricate relationships of everyday life.

The play runs Feb. 5-7 and 12-13. Performances begin at 7 p.m., and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, in the office, or online at www.payments@battlegroundps.org and are $5 for students with ASB and senior citizens, $10 for the general public.


Attached Media Files: BGHS Production Poster

Prairie High School drama is presenting the play "The Playboy of the Western World" by J.M. Synge beginning Feb. 5. A short, one-act play called "Riders to the Sea," by the same writer, is also on the bill.

"The Playboy of the Western World" is a comedic masterpiece about a man who boasts of his dark deeds in rural Ireland, earning praise and affection from townsfolk. His real story is a mystery.

The plays run Feb. 5-7 and 12-14. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.seatyourself.biz/prairiehighschool.


Attached Media Files: PHS Drama Production Poster

VANCOUVER, Wash. - Washington State University Vancouver will host a free leadership conference for high school juniors and seniors, and college students from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Firstenburg Student Commons. Students must register at vancouver.wsu.edu/osi by noon on Feb. 2.

The Cougar Leadership Program will teach strategies participants can apply to their personal, academic and future professional lives. The program will be fun, informative and interactive.

The day will begin with learning to "Pace Yourself for Leadership" from keynote speaker Angela Cassel, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant and current CEO of TLC Moments, LLC. Cassel will focus on professionalism, attitude, courage, commitment and energy. Next, local business leaders and WSU Vancouver alumni, staff and faculty will lead workshops that will develop new or build upon existing leadership skills. Networking for leaders will round out the day. Lunch will be provided.

ABOUT WSU VANCOUVER
WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. Parking is free on weekends.

WSU Vancouver is celebrating 25 years of creating access to higher education in Southwest Washington. For 25 years, students have chosen WSU Vancouver for its scenic campus, small classes, close personal attention, topnotch faculty, accessible location and reasonable costs. At WSU Vancouver, students gain much more than a degree--they gain a brighter future.

# # #

A five-member committee tasked with advising the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) on the state's Smoke Management Plan will meet Feb. 4 in Salem. Highlight items on the agenda include:

- Fall prescribed burning season review - Committee members will review prescribed forest burning activity and smoke intrusions that occurred during fall 2014.
?,?
- West Bend forest restoration - Prescribed burning has been identified as an important tool to restore an overgrown forest tract west of the community of Bend in central Oregon. An update on the pace and scale of the project will be given.

- Smoke management data system charter - The committee will receive a status report on the effort to develop a new online database system for processing prescribed burning requests.

- Air quality non-attainment in Prineville - Testing has indicated that the community of Prineville is not meeting federal and state air quality standards due to various air quality impacts. The committee will discuss what this will mean for smoke management in the event that Prineville is listed as a "non-attainment" community.

- Discussion of available funding to support burning - The committee will determine how to most effectively allocate funds to reach prescribed burning goals in the future.

The meeting agenda can be viewed online at: www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/fire/fire.aspx#Smoke_Management_Information

The meeting will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Tillamook Room - Administration Building (C), Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, 2600 State St., in Salem.

The meeting is open to the public, and public comments will be received at 10:10 a.m. and 1:50 p.m.

By Oregon statute, the Smoke Management Advisory Committee includes representatives of industrial and non-industrial forest landowners, the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the general public.


Attached Media Files: Prescribed foreste burning removes excess vegetation, reducing the risk of damaging wildfires. The Oregon Smoke Management Plan regulates prescribed burning to enable forest landowners to manage their forests productively while minimizing smoke intrusions

Portland, Ore. (January 22, 2014) - OMSI is telling families to get lost!--and get their hands on some brain-bending science--in the new Mazes feature exhibition which opens to the public on Saturday, February 7!

Visitors will be challenged to explore 13 interactive mazes and come face to face with mystifying illusions and mind-boggling puzzles! Each maze features a dynamic environment where guests will discover a surprise around every corner, and develop new methods of problem-solving through improvisation, trial and error, observation and testing, and logic and reasoning.

Solve puzzles and patterns, challenge the relationship between the mind and the eye and nurture your inner musician! Mazes offers challenging and interactive maze experiences for all ages including the Music Maze, Puzzle Maze, Color Maze and Maze of Illusions! Guests can also run a marathon with their fingers in the Continuous Quad Maze or become a "webmaster," climbing over and under without getting tangled, through an intricate web of ropes.

"Puzzles and brainteasers are part of everyday life--from navigating crowds to tackling the daily crossword puzzle--our brains are constantly problem-solving," says OMSI President Nancy Stueber. "At Mazes, guests of every age can learn how our minds work to solve these challenges, and put their own skills to the test in a variety of fun and exciting ways."

Mazes will be on display in the Featured Exhibit Hall at OMSI from February 7, 2015 to May 6, 2015.

Media: Visit omsi.edu/press for exhibit photos and additional information.


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

###

An investigation into controlled substances that began in Salem led to a search warrant in Stayton Thursday. Yesterday, at about 10:30 AM, detectives with the Salem Police Department, assisted by officers from the Stayton Police Department, served a search warrant in the 1300 block of Highland Dr.

Taken into custody were 40 year old April Cook, and 41 year old Jason Spear. Both were charged with possession, as well as distribution of methamphetamine; and possession, distribution, and manufacturing of marijuana. They were both lodged in the Marion County Correctional Facility.
###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1095/81306/Jason_Spear.jpg , 2015-01/1095/81306/April_Cook.jpg

On Friday January 23, 2015, at 10:20 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to the Gateway Fred Meyer, located at 1111 Northeast 102nd Avenue, on the report that a purse snatching victim was riding on top of the suspect's vehicle.

Officers arrived in the area and located witnesses and the victim on 102nd Avenue. The victim, a 53-year-old woman, told police that the suspect stole her purse at Fred Meyer's and she chased him to his car. The victim told police that the suspect tried to drive away so she climbed on the hood, demanding her purse back from the suspect. The suspect continued to drive with the victim on the hood then threw the purse out the window. The victim then either jumped off or fell off the car and the suspect drove away, last seen eastbound on Glisan Street from 102nd Avenue.

The victim was not injured as a result of this incident and she recovered her stolen purse with all its contents.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s, short brown hair, 5'8" to 5'9" tall, thin build, wearing all dark clothing. The suspect vehicle is a blue, newer, small, two-door, possibly Toyota.

Officers are continuing to investigate the incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 823-0830.

###PPB###

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a vehicle-pedestrian crash on Highway 224 at I-205.

Preliminary information indicates that on January 17, 2015, at approximately 7:35 P.M., a 2004 Honda passenger car, operated by 23 year-old ASHLEY M. DUNCAN, of Gresham, was on Highway 224 making a turn onto I-205 northbound. As DUNCAN made the turn, ELIZABETH M. GRIGGS, age 47, of Milwaukie, proceeded through the intersection against the walk signal (pedestrian signal indicating stop) and was struck by the Honda.

Duncan immediately stopped and blocked traffic as she and others at the scene provided medical aid to Griggs. Griggs was transported to OHSU by ground ambulance with serious injuries. Duncan is cooperating with investigators.

No photographs are available for release on this incident.

Beginning tomorrow 01/24 through 01/30, Public Information Officer Sergeant Chris Baldridge will be unavailable. If you require a PIO you must call the PIO line at 503-584-6276 or 503-584-MCSO. Thank you.

Detectives continue to investigate the shooting at SE 20th and Park while crime scene investigators evaluate evidence collected. Detectives are not releasing any additional details at this time about the crime.

The victim is identified as Scott L. Firkus, age 44, transient.

The victim remains in intensive care.

The victim's family does not want any media contact.

Detectives continue to ask that anyone with information contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office's confidential Tip Line -- by telephone at 503-723-4949 or by he online e-mail form at http://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp . Please reference CCSO case # 15-1989.

____________________________________________________________

Please reference Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Case # 15-1989

At approximately 1:15 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2015, deputies responded to a reported shooting at the intersection of SE 20th and Park in unincorporated Clackamas County.

Callers to 911 had reported hearing multiple gunshots in the area. The callers then went outside and found a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds lying in the roadway on SE 20th at Park.

[Crime-scene location on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/KWmt6 ]

Deputies arrived. The victim was transported to the hospital by AMR, where he is currently listed in serious condition.

Deputies searched the immediate area. At this writing the suspect in this shooting is outstanding. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office detectives are currently canvassing the area.

More details will be released as the investigation continues.

TIPS SOUGHT

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is seeking tips and information regarding this shooting.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office's confidential Tip Line -- by telephone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online e-mail form at http://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp . Please reference CCSO case # 15-1989.

[END]

Kelso, WA-

The Sheriff's Office has received a report of a jury service scam by the Cowlitz County Superior Court Clerk's Office.

A citizen reported that she had received a call from an unknown male caller advising her that she had missed jury duty, and a warrant had been issued for her arrest. The Clerk's Office confirmed that she had not received a jury service notice, and was not listed to serve jury duty at that time. No other information was requested by the caller, nor was any other questions asked of the citizen.

A couple of other calls of this nature have been reported to the Sheriff's Office, and deputies are looking into them as well. No other details are available on those calls.

The Clerk's Office notes that if you fail to report for Jury service, you may receive a call from the Jury Management Clerk requesting you to appear as quickly as possible to not delay a jury trial. You will NOT be contacted from the Sheriff's Office, you will NOT be asked for personal information or to pay any amount of money to release a warrant.

To blatantly refuse to serve as a juror is a misdemeanor offense according to Washington State RCW 2.36.170. However, you would first be notified by the Cowlitz County Clerk's Office of your failure to appear and if you refuse Jury service, the Courts would be notified and they would determine if further action were to take place. If a misdemeanor civil warrant were to be issued, a law enforcement office would serve it on you personally.

Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson reminds citizens that they should never give personal or financial information out over to phone.

The Business Oregon commission will hold a regular meeting Friday, January 30, 2015. The meeting will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Mill Casino Hotel at 3201 Tremont Avenue in North Bend.

You can view the agenda and the commission roster online.

Unanticipated agenda items may or may not be included. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to: Denise Thayer at 503-229-5009.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1504/81280/Business_Oregon_Commission_Agenda_1.30.15.pdf

This project will close lanes on SE Morrison Street from 12th to 20th avenues, not 30th Avenue. The original headline misstated the length of the project. We regret the error.

(January 22, 2015) - The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the traveling public that street improvements will require lane closures on SE Morrison Street from SE 12th Avenue to SE 20th Avenue from Monday, January 26th through Friday, January 30th , 7 a.m. through 5 p.m. each weekday. This project may also include some weekend work.

The lane closures will allow crews to grind 1.11 lane miles of pavement in preparation for paving at a later date.

PBOT street improvement crews work through the winter, adjusting tasks based on weather conditions. Crews will grind down old asphalt and prepare street surfaces for paving even in cold and rainy conditions. They will return to complete paving during a window of dry weather.

Streets with ground down surfaces are open for travel. Lane closures are only in effect during project hours. Access will be maintained for businesses and residents during the project.

Parking restriction barricades will be in place one or two workdays before the start of work. The traveling public is advised to expect delays while repairs are being made. We ask the public to travel cautiously, observe all lane closures and directions by flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible.

This work is weather-dependent and the schedule may change

Vancouver, Wash. - Explore your local parks and trails using two new maps, developed by the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department.

The Guide to Parks, Trails and Community Centers provides a map of regional and local parks, trails and community centers, along with information about amenities found in the parks and details about the City's three community centers. Funding for this map was provided thanks to a generous donation from Tidewater Transportation and Terminals to the Parks Foundation of Clark County.

Trails of Vancouver and Clark County provides a large overview map of trails located throughout the county, along with detailed information and maps for seven specific regional trails in the area. Funding to print this map came from a Congestion and Mitigation Air Quality Improvement Grant the City received from the Regional Transportation Council.

"We want to encourage people to get outside and discover all the wonderful parks and trails Vancouver and the surrounding areas have to offer," said Vancouver Parks and Recreation Director Julie Hannon. "Whether you love long walks by the river, family soccer games or picnics, mountain hikes or wide open spaces to run and play, there is something for you right in your own backyard."

Both maps are available at no charge at the following locations during regular business hours:

Vancouver City Hall
415 W. 6th St.

Marshall Community Center
1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.

Firstenburg Community Center
700 N.E. 136th Ave.

Vancouver Tennis Center
5300 E. 18th St.

Water Resources Education Center
4600 S.E. Columbia Way

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Visitor's Center
Pearson Air Museum and Jack Murdock Aviation Center (temporary location through summer 2015)
1115 E. 5th St.

To view an interactive online map of all parks and trails managed by the City of Vancouver, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/parksites.

For more information about the Parks Foundation of Clark County, visit www.parksfoundation.us.

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Attached Media Files: Cover of the new Guide to Parks, Trails and Community Centers map , Cover of the new Trails of Vancouver and Clark County map

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing will conduct routine F-15 night flying training missions January 26-29.

The night training allows the Citizen-Airmen pilots based at the Portland Air National Guard Base to stay current with mandatory Air Force requirements. Night flying is conducted almost monthly as it provides essential training for nighttime maneuvers. Training flights will be completed each evening before 10:00 p.m.

About the 142nd Fighter Wing:
The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,500 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region. The 142nd Fighter Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border, on 24-hour Aerospace Control Alert as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequalled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

The Centennial School District Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in the district office board room. Reports being presented at this meeting include: the Centennial Middle School building report, the audit report, the annual HB 3681 - Open Enrollment report, Food-for-Families bus report, student representative's report and the superintendent's report.

Business items to be considered for approval at this meeting include: Designation of March 2-6, 2015, as OSEA Classified School Employees Week; Designation of May 4-8, 2015, as CEA Teacher Appreciation Week; and revised policies JECB - Admission of Nonresident Students and JECF - Interdistrict Transfer of Resident Students.

Superintendent Barbara Jorgensen announced today that Laura Conroy is Multnomah Education Service District's new Public Information Officer.

Laura brings passion and experience for communications and community involvement, from 15 years in nonprofit and education settings. She succeeds Mark Skolnick, who retired in December 2014.

Laura holds a juris doctor from Willamette University College of Law and is a member of the Oregon State Bar. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Oregon State University with a minor in Spanish.

"I am thrilled that Laura will bring her experience, energy and focus to support our students, staff, component districts, and community" Jorgensen said.

Ms. Conroy started her position on January 12, 2015. She can be reached at
Email: lconroy@mesd.k12.or.us
Phone: 503.257.1516

UPDATE--The 80 year-old victim's full name is Betty Sandra Glassman.

January 22, 2015--Sheriff's Deputies responded to a crash where a vehicle struck a mother and daughter in a crosswalk. The mother did not survive her injuries.

On January 22, 2015, at 7:38 p.m., Washington County Sheriff's Deputies were called to NW Barnes Road and NW Monterey Place in the community of Cedar Mill concerning a crash involving one vehicle and two pedestrians.

Sheriff's Deputies arrived and found a 2007 Ford Escape, driven by John Lawson, 66, from Aloha, was turning west onto NW Barnes Road. He was turning at a traffic light exiting Saint Vincent Hospital. Deputies determined that Mr. Lawson turned directly into a mother and daughter who were in the crosswalk crossing NW Barnes Road south from Saint Vincent Hospital. Mr. Lawson remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Sheriff's Deputies found that Sherry Glassman-Beebe, 54, from Berkley California, was walking with her mother, Betty Sandra Glassman, 80, from Coos Bay. Both women were transported to Emanuel Hospital. Betty Sandra Glassman was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at the Hospital. Sherry Glassman-Beebe sustained minor injuries.

The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team responded to assist with diagrams and processing evidence. The west bound lanes of NW Barnes Road were closed for about two and a half hours to complete the investigation.

Investigators determined that Mr. Lawson was likely turning on a green light and failed to see the women who were crossing on a green crosswalk light. John Lawson received a citation for Failure to Yield to Pedestrian. There does not appear to be any criminal charges at this point in the investigation.


Attached Media Files: Scene Photo

A class of fifth graders at Daybreak Middle School got an interactive lesson last week on etiquette and manners, and then put what they learned into practice during a four course luncheon. The meal was served by Nutrition Services staff and parents who donned black aprons for the event and transformed a classroom into a dining room--complete with linen-covered tables, cloth napkins, water goblets, fresh flower centerpieces and China with multiple forks and other flatware.

The students, who are in Teresa Edmiston's class, were treated to the unique Fine Dining Event courtesy of Sodexo, Battle Ground Public Schools' Nutrition Services vendor. Each of the four courses were made from scratch by Sodexo's Catering Manager, Robin Boespflug. Many students dressed up for the occasion.

The menu featured Italian dishes:

Italian Wedding Soup and Fresh Baked Bread Sticks
Fruit Salad with Honey Vanilla Mascarpone
Meat Lasagna with Sauteed Vegetables
Dessert was a deconstructed cannoli

Each table had a table host that included Edmiston, BGPS Assistant Superintendents MaryBeth Lynn and Mark Ross, BGPS Board Members Mavis Nickels and Ken Root, and Daybreak Middle School Principal Kevin Palena. Sodexo manages the Battle Ground School District meal program and provided the meal at no charge to the students as an educational event. Thank you, Sodexo, for joining us in our mission of education.


Attached Media Files: Parents and staff serve a four course lunch to Daybreak Middle School fifth graders who practiced what they learned about table etiquette during a classroom lesson. , Sodexo Catering Manager for Battle Ground Public Schools, Robin Boespflug, and Russ Kallwick, BGPS Director of Nutrition Services, plate the main course: lasagna and sauteed vegetables. , Fifth graders at Daybreak Middle School converse over the second course of a four course luncheon, during which they practiced table etiquette and manners.

A common quandary facing many students is whether to call their female teachers Ms. or Mrs. But a pair of teachers at Laurin Middle School puts a new spin on the dilemma. Mother-daughter duo Sarah and Emily Lashua has forced many an eighth grader at the Battle Ground Public Schools middle school to take a second look at their class schedule.

Sarah Lashua, an eighth grade algebra and science teacher at Laurin, has taught in Battle Ground Public Schools since 1983. The last 15 years she has been at Laurin, but prior to that she taught at Pleasant Valley Middle, Maple Grove, and Captain Strong.

Sarah's daughter, Emily Lashua, started teaching English and history to eighth graders full time at Laurin this year after working as a substitute teacher in the district for one year. Emily is one of the Associated Student Body (ASB) advisors at Laurin.

They also arrived at their teaching careers in a similar manner.

Sarah chose teaching as a major while a student at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. She wanted to try her hand at physical therapy and attend a college close to home, but Pacific Lutheran didn't offer it as a major. After investigating her options and observing other teachers, Sarah decided her junior year to major in education. "I was drawn to the independence of older kids and their sense of humor," she said.

After graduating in 2008 from Prairie High School, Emily took different classes in various majors and played basketball at Saint Martin's University in Lacey, where many of her teammates were majoring in education. It didn't take her long to realize, though, that she was also interested in education as a major. Emily tried an education class in which she created a third-grade lesson plan, and soon after changed her major. "That class was one of my favorites," she said.

The uncommon bond between the pair of teachers has also meant that Emily Lashua doesn't have to go far to get advice on classroom management and teaching strategies. When Emily has a question, she can go to the adjacent classroom where her mother teaches. "If I have questions, she's a great resource," Emily said. "I don't have to call anyone. I don't have to worry about whether I've asked an odd question."

"She's been very helpful whenever I've asked her about a potential idea or strategy to implement in the classroom," Emily said. "With each group of students you have different kids, and you have to figure out what works for them."

The admiration that Emily has for her mother is obvious in that Emily replicates some of her mother's teaching practices in her own classroom. For example, Emily teaches her students a similar note-taking style that her mother taught her when Emily was a Laurin Middle School student herself in her mother's eighth-grade science class.

And the pride that Sarah feels for her daughter's accomplishments is readily noted in how Sarah enthusiastically shares that Emily was a good student as an eighth grader in her science class, and even now is "finding her own way."

But perhaps most noticeable is the enjoyment that this mother-daughter duo is getting from teaching in the classroom right next door to the other. "I was excited," Sarah said about Emily landing a full-time teaching position. "But to end up in the same place, I couldn't have planned it that way. It's just joyful to have her here all day."


Attached Media Files: Sarah Lashua, left, and her daughter, Emily Lashua, are both eighth grade teachers at Laurin Middle School.

Prairie High School will be inducting three new members into the PHS Hall of Fame on Thursday, Jan. 29 during halftime of the boys' varsity basketball game vs. Columbia River.

Since 2011, the PHS Athletic Department has been recognizing outstanding Falcon players, coaches and teams with Hall of Fame induction. Each inductee is nominated and reviewed by a committee before induction. This year's inductees are:

Beth Hamrick Graves - Basketball - Class of 1994
1992-1994 Columbian Top 5 Player
1993-1994 State Champion
Currently a collegiate basketball official

Shannon Wyckoff Hunt - Volleyball - Class of 1993
First four-time all-league selection in GSHL history
Participated in NCAA Volleyball Championship Tournaments all 4 years for Washington State University
Currently assistant volleyball coach at Washington State University

Chuck Scheiwiller - Wrestling - Class of 1985
First wrestling state champion at Prairie
31-0 record as a senior
Currently teaching math at On-Track Academy in the Spokane School District and coaching softball at Lewis & Clark High School and for 18U Travel Softball team the Spokane Crash

All community members, alumni, parents, students and staff are invited to watch the game at 7:00 PM and recognize these Falcons during the halftime induction ceremony.

For more information on the PHS Hall of Fame and game information, please contact PHS Athletic Director, Andrew Schoonover, at schoonover.andrew@battlegroundps.org or by calling 360-885-5013.

1/22/2015 5:36 PM-
This evening Portland Firefighters were called to a house at 6232 SE Windsor Ct. When firefighters arrived they noted heavy fire on the first floor and in the finished attic of the home. Firefighters confirmed that all occupants were out of the house and no injuries were associated with this fire. A down power line created an additional hazard for fire companies.

The power company was called to deal with the down power line. Firefighters cut a hole in the roof to help remove smoke and to access the attic fire. The fire was extinguished and a fire investigator was called to determine the cause of the fire. Damage estimates aren't yet available. This release will be updated with images if they become available.


Attached Media Files: Firefighter climbing stairs , Firefighter feeding hose into house , Firefighters donning masks for entry , Firefighter climbing onto roof

Woodland Elementary School Students will be hosting a Science Fair on Friday, January 23 from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Students explain and demonstrate their projects for attendees. Media welcome!

Woodland Elementary School is located at: 21607 NE Glisan in Fairview, Oregon.

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Regular Board Business Meeting on Monday, January 26, 2015 in the Parkrose School District Office Boardroom located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30 p.m. The Board will hear presentations from the Multnomah County School Based Health Center, Shaver's Juntos Aprendemos Program and the monthly ASB Report. They will receive department updates from the Superintendent's office, School Improvement, Technology, Student Services and the Business office. The Board will be taking action on Consent Agenda items. The agenda is posted on the Parkrose School District Website at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000205
January is School Board Recognition Month, please join us in recognizing the dedication and hard work of our Parkrose School Board Members.

OREGON CITY -- The Clackamas Community College Foundation awards more than $500,000 in scholarships every year, providing vital financial support for students. Scholarships are available to all students planning to attend CCC for the 2015-16 academic year, including current students, future students and high school seniors. Open enrollment begins Jan. 30.
CCC offers 275 different scholarships that range from funding a portion of tuition or supplies to a full-ride scholarship. They are available for students with at least a 2.0 grade point average, who are taking six credits. CCC scholarships are offered in nearly every area of study including career-technical fields such as automotive, welding, horticulture, health sciences and water and environmental studies.
"Scholarships have never been more important," said Greg Fitzgerald, executive director of the CCC Foundation. "Scholarships can mean the difference between starting your post-college career owing money and starting it relatively debt free."
With declining public support, students are carrying an increasingly larger portion of the cost of higher education. Undergraduate borrowers who graduated in 2012 owed on average $29,400, a 25 percent increase from just four years earlier. With community colleges offering a quality education at a fraction of the cost, scholarships recipients at CCC face less debt at graduation.
Some scholarships are dedicated to students pursuing certificates, while others benefit students who plan to transfer to a four-year program. There are scholarships available for students who begin at CCC and move on to Portland State University. Others support students who are the first in their family to attend college.
Three types of scholarships are targeted to high school seniors in Clackamas County who plan to attend CCC -- Opportunity, Honors and Academic Incentive. The scholarships are available to incoming high school seniors from many area high schools.
Scholarship applications are submitted online at www.clackamas.edu/scholarships beginning Jan. 30 and continuing through March 30. Scholarship winners will be announced in May.
The CCC Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation that raises funds and friends to support the college. For more information about CCC scholarship opportunities, contact Darcie Iven, scholarship coordinator, at 503-594-3421 or email darciei@clackamas.edu.


Attached Media Files: Students in CCC's Clinical Lab Assistant program

OREGON CITY - Pianist Paul Barnes, longtime champion of the piano music of Philip Glass and Joan Tower, will perform at Clackamas Community College on Friday, Jan. 30. The performance will take place at noon in the LeRoy Anderson Band Room, Niemeyer 119.
Barnes' performance, "New Generations," will feature the work of living composers including Ivan Moody, Jonah Gallagher, N. Lincoln Hanks, Lukas Floyd, Jason Bahr and Zack Stanton.
Barnes is the Marguerite Scribante professor of piano at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music and teaches during the summer at the Vienna International Piano Academy. He also coaches the students of Menahem Pressler, Barnes' own teacher, at Indiana University where Barnes received his doctorate in piano performance. In great demand as a pedagogue and clinician, Barnes was recently named 'Teacher of the Year" by the Nebraska Music Teachers Association. He taught and performed at the famed Amalfi Coast Festival in Italy in July of 2013 and will return in the summer of 2015.
The free concert is sponsored by the CCC Music Department. For more information, call the Music Office at 503-594-3337.
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OREGON CITY - Clackamas Repertory Theatre returns for its 11th season, featuring an American classic, a recent Broadway revival, and the Northwest premiere of a hit farce that originated at the National Theatre of London in 2011.
The 2015 season begins June 25 with the classic American drama "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams. Arguably Williams' masterpiece, Clackamas Rep's show will feature Ernie Casciato as Big Daddy and Tom Walton, who played CK Dexter Haven in last season's comedy "The Philadelphia Story," plays Brick. Artistic director David Smith-English directs the show that runs through July19.
Clackamas Rep's annual musical, running July 30-Aug. 23, is "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," Frank Loesser's award-winning sendup of 1960's corporate America. This sly lampoon of the business world is directed by associate artistic director Doren Elias. The show features Jameson Tabor as J. Pierpont Finch, whose meteoric rise from window washer to corporate giant is as improbable as it is swift. Joining Tabor are Jon Quesenberry and Cassi Kohl as Bud Frump and Rosemary, and Amanda Valley as Smitty. The score features the beautiful ballads "I Believe in You," and "Rosemary," and all-out romps "Brotherhood of Man" and "Coffee Break."
Closing the season is the Northwest premiere of "One Man, Two Guvnors," by Richard Bean. This hilarious farce opened to rave reviews in both London and on Broadway. Based on "A Servant of Two Masters," this fast-paced, audience interactive farce features Jayson Shanafelt as Frances, the "One Man." Frances races to keep up with two bosses in this unique blend of satire and slapstick that includes an onstage skiffle band. David Smith-English directs.
Performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. All performances are in the Osterman Theatre at Clackamas Community College. Tickets may be purchased at www.clackamasrep.org or by calling 503-594-6047.
For more information, contact managing director Cyndy Smith-English at 503-594-3915.
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State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is encouraging communities across the state to honor the work of those in the fire service by organizing events or ceremonies for Fire Service Appreciation Day in Oregon, Tuesday, January 27.

"Communities have many opportunities to get involved and recognize the work and sacrifice of members of the Oregon fire service," says State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. "From community groups hosting a breakfast, lunch, or dinner, to schools holding essay contests, this day is an opportunity for everyone to say thanks."

In 2007, the Oregon legislature passed House Joint Resolution 25, establishing January 27 each year, as Fire Service Appreciation Day in Oregon. The Legislative Assembly encourages all Oregonians to recognize and honor fire service members for their efforts to keep our citizens safe from the ravages of fire.

Local recognition in past years included city mayors presenting fire chiefs with a certificate of thanks, fire district boards presenting commemorative coins and certificates to volunteers, newspaper articles and special ads thanking members of the fire service, and citizens taking local firefighters to lunch.


Attached Media Files: Firefighters fly the U.S. flag over the Oregon State Capital during a past Fire Service Appreciation Day

January 22, 2014

What: Public open house and tour of Oregon State Hospital's newly completed campus in Junction City

When: Thursday, January 29, 1-6:30 p.m.

Where: Oregon State Hospital, 29398 Recovery Way, Junction City

Media availability: The superintendent and deputy superintendent for the Junction City campus will host two preview tours for local legislators and other officials - at 10 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. Media are welcome to join the tours, and media availability will follow.

Details: Oregon State Hospital invites the public to come and explore the recently completed campus in Junction City during an open house Thursday, January 29.

The public will be able to take self-guided tours from 1 to 6:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to see inside the hospital before patients move in this spring. Those attending the tour will view patient bedrooms, the treatment mall, activity rooms, dining halls and more.

Hospital staff will be stationed throughout the new building to answer questions, provide information about the types of treatment, and explain how people recovery from mental illness.

The Junction City campus is opening in phases, with patients moving into the first three living units on March 11. When fully operational, the campus will be able to serve up to 174 people with six, 25-bed living units and three, eight-bed cottages.

The Junction City campus will primarily serve people from the southern Oregon counties - Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, and Lane. It will treat people who have been civilly committed or who have pleaded guilty except for insanity. When people are well enough, they will return to life in the community.

Please note: To ensure safety, the hospital asks visitors to not bring bags or purses on the tour.

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Two grant writing workshops will be conducted by Oregon Heritage of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The workshops are free and open to anyone. One will be from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 3 at 725 Summer St. NE, Room 124A, Salem. The second will be online from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Feb. 5.

Both free workshops will cover project planning and tips for successful grant applications. The last portion of the workshop will be training on the OPRDGrantsOnline application system. This training is highly recommended if you plan to apply for one of Oregon Heritage's many grants. These grants fund historic cemetery, museum, archaeology, historic property and other heritage projects.

For information on the grant programs please visit our website or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. You will need to contact Gill to receive access information for the online workshop.


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This evening, Thursday January 22, 2015, a fundraiser is being held for 29-year-old Nic Gordon at Le Bistro Montage and La Merde, located at 301 Southeast Morrison Street.

The following statement was sent out by Peter deRosa at Montage:

"One of our employees was a recently a victim of a violent crime in his neighborhood, that left him hospitalized and seriously injured. He's going to be out of work for awhile and is facing a growing pile of hospital bills.

"So, on the night of Thursday, January 22, 2015, we will be donating 10% of Montage and La Merde sales to Nic for his bills and living expenses. In addition we will be accepting donations on his behalf all night.

"All donations will go directly to Nic to use for his bills so he can focus on getting better."

A "GoFundMe" account has been established by Nic's friends to help with his bills and expenses. Those interested in donating may visit http://www.gofundme.com/helpnicheal

This investigation started on Saturday January 10, 2015, at 2:15 a.m., when North Precinct officers responded to a residence in the 5100 block of Northeast 14th Place on the report of an assault and robbery where one of the victims was hit in the head with a hammer.

Officers and medical personnel arrived and located 29-year-old Nicholas "Nic" Gordon suffering from head trauma. He spent several days in the hospital for treatment to serious injuries but has been released and is home recovering.

Police spoke with a second victim, 34-year-old Patrick Guerra, who told officers that he and Gordon were walking back from the 7-11 at Northeast 15th Avenue and Killingsworth Street when they were approached by two men.

Guerra told police that one of the men was armed with a handgun and the other was armed with a hammer. The suspects demanded property from Guerra and Gordon and when they attempted to run away, the suspects chased them down. The man armed with the hammer attacked Gordon, striking him in the head several times, and taking his iPhone.

Guerra was not injured during the robbery.

Guerra described the suspect armed with the gun as an African American or Hispanic male in his 30s wearing dark clothing. Guerra described the suspect armed with the hammer as a male Hispanic in his 30s, heavy build, wearing all dark clothing.

Several officers, including a Police K-9, searched the neighborhood but did not locate anyone matching the suspects descriptions.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and tipsters can remain anonymous.

Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by the tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357) and leave the tip information.

Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Droid.

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#CS


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81278/Crime_Stoppers.jpg

Vancouver, WA - On Jan. 14, Whole Foods Market Mill Plain, 815 SE 160th Ave., hosted a 5% Day for Share which raised $1,556.

"For the past five years, Whole Foods Market Mill Plain has been a tremendous community partner for Share and we were delighted to be selected as a recipient of a 5% Day," said Diane McWithey, executive director. "We salute their commitment to giving back to local food banks and shelters to alleviate food insecurity and how they inspire families to improve their nutrition and wellness."

"Our community is important to us here at Whole Foods Market and we are proud to give 5% of our sales four times a year to Vancouver metro non-profit organizations," Natascha Robinson, marketing & community relations team leader, Whole Foods Market Mill Plain.

Whole Foods Market team members are part of the local community and they are passionate about supporting the local causes that are important to their shoppers and neighbors. In addition to donating food to area food banks, several times a year each store holds community giving days (otherwise known as "5% Days") where five percent of that day's net sales are donated to a local nonprofit or educational organization.

About Share
Share was founded in 1979 with the goal of caring for the homeless and hungry in the greater Vancouver area. Share operates three shelters for the homeless, a transitional housing program, case management, a street outreach program, a Housing & Essential Needs (HEN) program and provides daily meals for the homeless and low-income members of our community. Share also operates a summer meals program for low-income children and a backpack program benefitting 2,000 children at 90 schools to provide food for weekends to children receiving free or reduced-fee lunches. Additionally, Share offers financial programs that incorporate financial education and matched dollars for savings; these programs are designed to assist in the improvement of credit scores and financial management. For more information on Share, visit our Web site at www.sharevancouver.org.

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Educational Service District 112 announces the Southwest Washington regional competition for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest. The competition, presented in partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation, is part of a national program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. On February 3, 12 students from 12 regional high schools will participate in the Regional Poetry Out Loud school contest at ESD 112. The top two finishers in this competition will advance to the Washington State Poetry Out Loud contest, which will be held in in Tacoma, Washington on Saturday, March 7, 2015. The Washington State champion will advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals April 28-29, 2015, in Washington, DC, where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed.

Students from the following schools will participate in the regional competition: Battle Ground High School, Camas High School; Cedar Tree Classical Christian School; Hayes Freedom High School; Heritage High School; Illwaco Junior/Senior High School (Ocean Beach SD); La Center High School; Ridgefield High School; Skyview High School; Stevenson High School; Trout Lake School; and Vancouver School of Arts and Academics.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 3, 5 - 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Educational Service District 112, 2500 NE 65th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98661

OTHER: This event is free and open to the public, although seating is limited. For further information, call Kelly McPherson, Regional Coordinator, 360.952.3474

The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, 1726 Washington St., Oregon City. Agenda items include issues related to Oregon heritage sites, organizations and activities, including the application to be designated the first Oregon State Heritage Area.

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

The meeting will be preceded at 9 a.m. by a Commission tour of the proposed Willamette Falls State Heritage Area. No decisions will be made during the tour.

More information about the Heritage Commission and the meeting is available at www.oregonheritage.org or by contacting Commission coordinator Kyle Jansson at 503-986-0673.

The meetings are accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance by call 503-986-0655. People attending the meeting should report on arrival to the interpretive center's reception area for directions to the Wagon 3 meeting room.

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(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - On Sunday February 22nd, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) and the Kiggin's Theatre will team up to present the star studded event: Vancouver Goes Hollywood. This is Vancouver's official Academy Awards viewing party, themed: "Escape to Paradise." Starting at 4pm, Main Street will be transformed into a Hollywood hotspot for Oscar night. There will be a DJ on the street, step-and-repeat logo wall with the famed red carpet - plus local fashion icons interviewing our A-listers in search of the "Best Dressed" man and woman in their elegant formal wear. The "Escape to Paradise" theme will play out via Hawaiian dancers, traditional leis, and authentic Hawaiian cuisine catered by South Pacific Rum Bar. Celebrate this year's greatest accomplishments in Cinema at the historic Kiggin's Theatre, and "Escape to Paradise" with the who's who of Vancouver.

The ticket price is $100/person and includes a limo transport to the red carpet, keepsake red carpet photo, with a tropical Hawaiian drink, traditional leis, swag, dinner buffet catered by South Pacific Rum Bar, entertainment, a chance at prizes and so much more. RSVP online at www.vancouverusa.com.

Limo transfers from the parking area will begin at 4pm. Our 'red carpet' announcers will be Gary Bock and Jim Mains, along with fashion icons: Alisa Tetreault (Most Everything Vintage) and Brett Allred (Beigeblond). There will be a live-feed camera crew on the red carpet, streaming our fashion interviews in real time on the Kiggin's big screen. Attendees will also get to test their cinematic knowledge with an Oscar Ballot; along with other entertainment during the Academy Awards' commercial breaks. Emcee Temple Lentz, of High Five Media, will be keep guests engaged throughout the evening. There will be no-host bars providing tropical drinks in addition to top shelf options.

The Chamber is happy to announce KING'S HAWAIIAN as the official sponsor of this year's event. "KING'S HAWAIIAN has been a part of social gatherings and special moments - large and small - for more than 60 years," said Erick Dickens, Vice President, Marketing, KING'S HAWAIIAN. "We're excited to sponsor this year's Vancouver Goes Hollywood event, and thrilled for the opportunity to show that KING'S HAWAIIAN rolls are an essential part of any great awards show." Additional support is provided by The Columbian, SEH America, and High Five Media.

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC): Founded in 1890, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) is a non-profit organization aimed at advancing and strengthening the regional business community through member services, public affairs advocacy and community building. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is the heart of Clark County's business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate while improving Vancouver's infrastructure and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.vancouverusa.com.


Attached Media Files: Vancouver Goes Hollywood Flyer , Vancouver Goes Hollywood 2015

On 1/21/15 at 11:14 pm, Forest Grove Police received a call of a vehicle speeding up and down the street and squealing tires in the area of 21st Place and "D" Street. The vehicle was described as a white Ford pickup, lifted with over-sized tires. An officer checked the area but was unable to find the truck.

At 11:54 pm, the original caller reported that the vehicle was back in the area. An officer arrived to observe a white Ford F250 lifted pickup on "D" Street near 23rd Avenue and observed it go through a stop sign without stopping. The officer went after the truck and observed it go through another stop sign without stopping. The pickup pulled away from officer in excess of 70 mph on "E" Street toward Thatcher Road. The officer terminated the pursuit on Gales Creek Road near Thatcher for the safety of other drivers as the pickup continued out of town westbound at a high rate of speed.

At 12:23 am, police and medical crews were dispatched to an injury crash at Gales Creek Road and Owl Drive west of Forest Grove. Officers arrived to find the same Ford F250 upside in a creek along the south side of the road and the driver lying face down in the roadway unconscious. The officer recognized the driver as the same subject driving recklessly earlier in Forest Grove. The officer rendered first aid along with an Oregon State Police trooper that arrived on scene prior to arrival of medical personnel. The driver was transported by Life Flight to an area trauma hospital and is reportedly in critical condition.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is handling the crash investigation. The identity of the driver is unknown at this time.

The modified emergency drill at Reynolds High School is complete. Principal Bakley reported that the students and staff performed well and future drills will be full drills. The drill today was shortened to three minutes and parents and students were notified in advance.

The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects in an August 2014 robbery.

On August 6, 2014, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., a 30-year-old woman was coerced into giving a woman a ride from the area of Northeast Garfield Avenue and Sumner Street. Once the victim and suspect were in the car, the suspect implied that she had a gun and demanded that the victim drive to the area of Northeast 15th Avenue and Alberta Street, where a male suspect got into the car.

The suspects then demanded the victim drive to a bank and a credit union and withdraw money from her accounts. The female suspect then told the victim to drop them off at the McDonald's restaurant at Northeast Grand Avenue and Broadway.

No gun was ever seen and the victim was not injured during this incident.

The female suspect is described as an unknown race female, 30-50 years old, 5'9" tall, and medium build.

The male suspects is described as an African American male, 50 to 65 years old, 5'7" tall, and medium build.

The victim was able to get some photos of the suspects that are being released to aid in this investigation.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and tipsters can remain anonymous.

Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by the tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357) and leave the tip information.

Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Droid.

Reference Portland Police Bureau Case #14-63601.

###PPB###

#CS


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81230/Supect_1_(1).PNG , 2015-01/3056/81230/Supect_1_(2).PNG , 2015-01/3056/81230/Suspect_2.PNG

On 1/18/15 Monmouth Police responded to a report of a sex offense that had recently occurred in the 300 block of Whitesell St W. It was reported that 50 year old Peter Robert Furman was at an acquaintance's residence and subjected a minor to sexual contact. Furman then left the residence on foot. Furman was located in Salem near the intersection of 17th St NE and Nebraska Ave NE. Furman was arrested for Sex Abuse I and lodged at the Polk County Jail without incident.

During this investigation officers were told Furman had possibly been in contact with other minors. Furman is believed to have moved to Oregon from Idaho and told officers he was currently living at a rock quarry in Salem.

If anyone has any further information regarding this investigation or information regarding Furman, please contact the Monmouth Police Department at 503-838-1109.


Attached Media Files: Peter Robert Furman

Salem City Manager Linda Norris said Wednesday that the city has signed a contract with a new ambulance service provider.
Beginning July 1, Falck Northwest Corp. will begin providing ambulance service seven days per week, 24 hours a day, Norris said. The contract is for five years, with a provision for an additional five year term if both parties agree.
Falck replaces Rural/Metro of Oregon Inc., a company that recently completed a 10-year contract with the city. Falck Northwest was the successful bidder for the new contract.
In November, the city sent a letter of intent to award the contract to Falck. Rural/Metro and American Medical Response (AMR) both filed protests.
The protest process has been completed, Norris said, and Falck's contract has received final approval.
Salem Fire Chief Mike Niblock said the fire department will closely oversee the transition from Rural Metro to Falck and provide updates to Salem City Council.
As part of the agreement with the Salem, Falck will pay the city an annual sum of $825,000 for dispatching and fire department support services, according to the contract.
Mike Collins, chief executive officer for Falck's Pacific Northwest and Central United States operations, said the company would be recruiting a number of Rural/Metro's Salem employees

Portland Metropolitan Area: The Portland Police Bureau Youth Services Division, in partnership with other organizations that include the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI), Multnomah County Department of Juvenile Justice, Portland Parks and Recreation and the Portland Police Bureau, is once again implementing Operation Safe Summer for 2015.

Operation Safe Summer, which started in 1996, is a collaborative effort between various disciplines (prevention, intervention, enforcement and corrections) to reduce the amount of violence and crime that occurs during the summer months. The focus is during the summer months because most of the youth in our community are out of school and need positive activities. Studies show that when youth engage in positive activities and interact with positive role models they are more likely to succeed in life and avoid criminal activity.

To ensure that the youth in our community have access to positive activities and role models, the partners involved in Operation Safe Summer will again produce the 2015 Operation Safe Summer Publication that will be made available to the youth in our community. The publication will contain a brief summary of each organization and a calendar of offered activities or programs.

"We invite all community-based organizations to provide programming during the summer break" said Deborah Monk, Operation Safe Summer Liaison. "Adults with time to spare should consider contacting the advertising organization to volunteer time to work with kids."

If you would like your activity or program included in the 2015 Operation Safe Summer Publication, please call Deborah Monk at 503-823-2095 or email her at www.Deborah.Monk@portlandoregon.gov, no later than April 3, 2015. The publication will be available on-line only beginning April 10, 2015.

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#ceo

(Salem) - Oregon OSHA welcomes VR Analytical in Bend as the latest employer in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).

SHARP provides an incentive for Oregon employers to work with their employees to find and correct hazards, develop and implement effective safety and health programs, and continuously improve. The ultimate goal of SHARP is to encourage employers to become self-sufficient in managing workplace safety and health issues. Currently, about 34 employer locations are active SHARP employers, in addition to approximately 136 facilities that have graduated from the program.

With 25 employees, VR Analytical is a contract research organization that specializes in extractables and leachables testing, which is necessary to qualify materials for use in bio/pharmaceutical drug development. The company offers guidance about organic and inorganic chemical entities that may be extracted from materials used in the manufacture, storage, and delivery of pharmaceuticals. The oversight is necessary to achieve patient safety and to minimize potential delays in regulatory approval.

"Our first priority is to provide a working environment and appropriate safety training that ensures the well-being of our employees. And safety has business benefits beyond fewer injuries and lost-time accidents," said Raymond Colton, president of VR Analytical. "It turns out that our customers are starting to demand that we have a robust safety program and include safety on the agenda during their periodic quality systems audits. By participating in the SHARP program, we also commit to continually improving our safety program so that it exceeds requirements. This sort of continuous improvement fits with the culture of our organization."

Participation in SHARP does not eliminate regulatory enforcement, although SHARP participants do receive a limited exemption from programmed inspections. Employees retain all workplace safety and health rights contained in the Oregon Safe Employment Act. Oregon employers that have been in business for more than one year are eligible to apply for SHARP regardless of size or type of business.

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Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to www.orosha.org or follow on www.facebook.com/OregonOSHA.

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 or follow www.twitter.com/OregonDCBS.

Jan. 22, 2015
Con artists target seniors by pretending to be legitimate heating/air conditioning businesses

Salem - People pretending to work for legitimate heating and air conditioning businesses are approaching homeowners in the Willamette Valley, demanding money up front and working without a contractor's license.

In at least some cases, they are selling and installing equipment improperly.

In recent weeks, suspects tried to solicit work cleaning ducts and inspecting heating and air systems both door-to-door and through phone calls. Generally, they targeted Willamette Valley homeowners over age 65.

One suspect fled in his van after a caretaker for an elderly Keizer resident called the heating company to verify employment.

"It is rare for legitimate, licensed contractors to go door-to-door, and they don't usually call you out of the blue," Construction Contractors Board Enforcement Manager Stan Jessup said.

The suspects give out a business name with their pitch to work. When homeowners say they don't recognize the business as the one they normally use, the suspects often say they are a subcontractor. Or, they might say they bought another company's maintenance contract or they use a different assumed business name.

At least 10 legitimate heating and air conditioning businesses report people fraudulently claiming to be affiliated with legitimate HVAC companies.

The Construction Contractors Board is among the state and local law enforcement agencies that are investigating cases.

Report scams
If you are not sure about someone approaching you for work:
* Ask to check your calendar and say you'll call back. Call the business you regularly use to verify any appointments. If someone shows up at the door, tell them "no."
* Report suspicious encounters to police or sheriff's deputies. Also, alert the CCB (503-934-2229) or the Oregon Department of Justice (877-877-9392).
* Never give out personal information such as a Social Security or credit card number or pay in cash.
* Always check a construction contractor's CCB license number to verify a worker is legitimate. You can do that online at www.oregon.gov/ccb or by calling 503-378-4621.

#
About the CCB
The CCB is the state agency licensing 33,000 contractors. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.

Roman Rogelio Mendez is a suspect in a bank robbery in Portland as well.

Gresham, Ore -Gresham Detectives arrested a man today and accused him of robbing a Chase Bank in Gresham on January 5, 2015. Roman Rogelio Mendez,29, was arrested by Gresham Police Detectives. Mendez is also a suspect in a separate robbery in Portland.

On January 5, 2015, at about 4:18 p.m., a man walked in to the Chase Bank at 3090 NE Hogan in Gresham and presented a demand note. He escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. The same person is suspected of robbing the Northwest Priority Credit Union at 12630 SE Division in Portland on January 16 2015. Investigators from Gresham, the Portland Police Bureau and the FBI were able to identify Mendez as the suspect in both robberies.

On January 21, 2015, a patrol officer working on a tip located Mendez staying at a hotel in the 1400 block of NE 183rd. Detectives conducted surveillance on the location and he was arrested without incident.

Mendez was lodged at Multnomah County Detention Center and charged with Bank Robbery.

*note* The attached mug shot is not the photo from today's booking. That picture should be available soon. Check with MCSO jail website.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1278/81253/robber.jpg , Chase Bank robber , Mendez

VANCOUVER, WA--The National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in cooperation with the Oregon L5 Society (a chapter of the National Space Society) is pleased to announce an exciting aviation themed lecture series at the Pearson Air Museum and Jack Murdock Aviation Center.

"I want to commend Museum Director Bob Cromwell's work in bringing lecturers to share their unique experiences and vision associated with flight. As demonstrated by the Wright Brothers, aviation was born from imagination. The lectures in this series demonstrate how imagination continues to drive aviation and space exploration to this day," Superintendent Tracy Fortmann noted. Fortmann further stated, "Without question, Bob's created a wonderful public opportunity for our community, which is perfectly timed as the National Park Service enters its second century."

"We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Oregon L5 Society to present this series of aviation-themed lectures," added Pearson Air Museum Manager, Bob Cromwell. "This lecture series will present a mixture of aviation history, discussions on celestial bodies in our universe, and exploration and technological discussions of aviation and space of the present and future."

Mr. Charles Radley, President of the Oregon L5 Society, concurred, "We look forward to a long and beneficial relationship with the National Park Service at Pearson Air Museum, starting with the co-sponsorship of this lecture series. The Oregon L5 Society appreciates the opportunity to connect with a wider audience in Vancouver and Clark County, and many of these lectures present current and future avenues of space exploration."

The seven lectures and their dates are as follows:

*February 5, 2015: Robert Cromwell, Ph.D., National Park Service, "The Spruce Production Division's Vancouver Cut Up Mill and the Contribution to the Air War in World War I"
*February 12, 2015: Dick Pugh, Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory, Portland State University, "The Meteorite Petting Zoo" (Mr. Pugh will bring meteorites for up close viewing, and encourages attendees to bring suspected meteorites for verification)
*February 19, 2015: Charles Radley, Oregon L5 Society, "Mining the Moon With a Lunar Elevator"
*February 26, 2015: Diana DeLuca, Ph.D. "NA 337, The Commonwealth Air Crews and the Evolution of the Handley Page Halifax Bomber"
*March 5, 2015: Dan Dolan, Moon Base Builders, "Back to the Moon With the Lunar Rover Mission"
*March 12, 2015: Dr. Cameron Smith, Portland State University, "Designs on Personal Space Exploration" (Dr. Smith is designing and building his own space craft and space suit, which he will bring for show and tell)
*March 19, 2015: Matthew Simek, M.A. "Lincoln Beachey: the Man Who Owned the Sky"

What: Lecture Series entitled, "Imaginings of Flight: the Past, Present, and Future of Aviation."

When: Seven separate, free public lectures will be given on Thursday evenings beginning February 5 and ending March 19, 2015. Each lecture will start at 6:30 PM, and will last approximately one hour.

Where: The Tex Rankin Theater at Pearson Air Museum and Jack Murdock Aviation Center at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1115 E. 5th Street, Vancouver, WA.

Cost: Free


BACKGROUND: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is one of the 405 national parks which make up the National Park System and it is located in both Washington and Oregon. This national park is also the heart of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve which is located in Vancouver, Washington. The Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings together a national park, a premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields, the first national historic site west of the Mississippi River, and a waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the Columbia River. The partners of the Reserve teach visitors about the fur trade, early military life, natural history, and pioneers in aviation, all within the context of Vancouver's role in regional and national development. The National Park Service's vast array of public programs -- including living history events, festivals, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, active archaeology, and other special activities - serve communities in Washington and Oregon and create a dynamic, fun, and unique tourist destination for people of all ages.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/4821/81249/2015_Aviation_Lectures_poster_WEB.jpg

***Update***

A 31 year-old West Linn woman identified as Krista Nielsen was struck and killed by a tow truck in Tigard on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. A 9-1-1 call to Tigard Police was made by a witness at 2:19 a.m. The incident occurred in the northbound lanes of Pacific Highway near 71st Avenue.

Tigard Police and the Washington County CART investigated the fatality. The driver of the truck which struck the victim remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigators. A witness reported that the victim appeared to have stepped-off the sidewalk and into the lane of travel. The driver of the truck did not have time to react. The driver, a 43 year- old Washington resident was not cited. The northbound lanes of Pacific were closed while police conducted the investigation. All lanes reopened prior to 5 a.m.
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Tigard Police is presently investigating an early morning fatality in Tigard involving a pedestrian who was struck by a tow truck. The incident occurred on Pacific Highway near 71st Ave. at approximately 2:20 a.m. Witness statements indicated it appeared the woman may have stepped-out into the northbound travel lane as the tow truck approached. The Washington County CART is assisting with the investigation. The woman's identity is being withheld until notification of family. The driver of the truck involved remained at the scene and is fully cooperative with police investigators. The investigation is continuing.

Disaster action team volunteers with the American Red Cross this morning responded to a single-family home fire that occurred on the 9500 block of Raven Loop in Grand Ronde, OR.
This incident affected three adults and one child. Red Cross provided clothing, comfort kits, and information about health and mental health services.

Vancouver, WA - Riverview Community Banks Presents 'Springtime in Paris' Share's Annual Gala on Sat. ,April 25, 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Hilton Vancouver, 301 West 6th Street. Tickets are now available for purchase at early bird prices: $130 per couple of $650 for a table of 10; early bird ticket prices are available until Feb. 16.

"We are delighted to welcome Riverview Community Bank as the presenting sponsor of our 2015 gala," said Diane McWithey, executive director. "We look forward to celebrating with our loyal supporters amid the 'Springtime in Paris' theme on April 25, while raising much needed funds for our vital programs and services."

The Gala features dinner, casino-style gaming and both silent and live auctions. A featured item in the live auction is a new, five-foot, Kawai Grand Piano, Model GM-10K, in French Mahogany with matching bench.The piano has a list price of $17,195. It comes with a 10 year (transferable) warranty on all parts and labor, free delivery to the lucky winning bidder and a courtesy tuning in their home after delivery. A special thanks to Portland Piano Company for the gracious donation of this instrument to benefit our auction. Those unable to attend the auction may still bid on this item via proxy; contact Kim Hash at devdir@sharevancouver.org or 360-952-8227 for more information.

The silent auction will include 60+ items including gift baskets, trip packages and gift certificates. A comprehensive list of live and silent auction items will be available at www.sharevancouver.org in March.

Event tickets can be purchased on-line at www.sharevancouver.org. If you are unable to attend the Gala, but would like to make a financial contribution to Share, please call (360) 952-8223send a check to: Share, 2306 NE Andresen Road, Vancouver, WA 98661; or make an on-line donation at www.sharevancouver.org.

Sponsor packages are still available for $7,500, $5,000, $2,500, $1,000 and $500; table sponsorships are $1,500. For sponsorship package details or to donate auction items, please contact Kim Hash at 360-952-8227 or devdir@sharevancouver.org.

About Share
Share was founded in 1979 with the goal of caring for the homeless and hungry in the greater Vancouver area. Share operates three shelters for the homeless, a transitional housing program, case management, a street outreach program, a Housing & Essential Needs (HEN) program and provides daily meals for the homeless and low-income members of our community. Share also operates a summer meals program for low-income children and a backpack program benefitting 2,000+ children at 90 schools to provide food for weekends to children receiving free or reduced-fee lunches. Additionally, Share offers financial programs that incorporate financial education and matched dollars for savings; these programs are designed to assist in the improvement of credit scores and financial management. For more information on Share, visit our Web site at www.sharevancouver.org.

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On Tuesday January 20, 2015, at 9:34 p.m., Central Precinct officers responded to the Brunch Box food cart, located at Southwest 5th Avenue and Stark Street, on the report of an armed robbery.

Officers arrived and spoke with the victim who told police that a man holding a knife robbed the food cart of cash, then left the area on foot, walking northbound on 5th Avenue.

Several officers checked the area but did not locate anyone matching the suspect's description.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, approximately 6' tall, wearing a red winter coat and stocking cap, armed with a pocket knife or Leatherman-style knife. The suspect may have been accompanied by two shorter males after the robbery.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Robbery detectives at (503) 823-0405.

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January 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.EST, Anna Harrington from Meridian, Idaho, will complete a lifelong dream of walking across the country when she arrives on the steps of Shriners Hospitals for Children(R) - Boston. When Anna conceived this dream she did not have a purpose in mind other than to see the country. Her purpose became clear when her nephew was treated for scoliosis at Shriners Hospital in Northern California. Anna knew then that one day she would walk across the country in support of Shriners Hospitals for Children.

That day came on March 1, 2014 when she left Oregon with plans to walk all the way to Massachusetts visiting eight hospitals along the way and concluding her journey at a ninth - Shriners Hospital Boston. Anna's plans included walking each day and camping out at night. As it turned out, Anna only camped out four nights during her 328 day walk. Anna was fortunate to have received support from a network of Shriners members who passed word across state lines to assist Anna as she traveled through their state.

Anna reached Massachusetts 11 days ago and is excited to soon be arriving at Shriners Hospital Boston, where her much anticipated visit will mark the end of her journey. On hand to greet Anna and celebrate her remarkable accomplishment will be patients, families, staff, Shriners and others who befriended her along the way.

Anna will have logged 3800+ miles through 18 states, worn out six pairs of shoes, and visited Shriners Hospitals in Portland, OR; Salt Lake City, UT; St. Louis, MO; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati OH; Philadelphia, PA; and Springfield and Boston, MA. http://www.annaswalk.com/

Portland Fire Investigators working with the FBI, ATF, and Portland Police Bureau are seeking new leads in an apartment fire that occurred on August 8th, 2013. The fire damaged the Monroe Apartments at 318 NE Monroe Street and several nearby houses and vehicles. The apartments were still under construction. This fire caused an estimated $6,070,000 in damage.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for tips that lead to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the five-alarm fire.

Anyone with information about this fire should call the FBI at (503)224-4181 or Detective Joseph Ruiz at (503)823-3408


Attached Media Files: Monroe St Firefighters , Monroe St Ladder Trucks

On Tuesday January 20, 2015, at approximately 7:30 p.m., officers assigned to the Central Precinct Street Crimes Unit arrested 27-year-old Daniel Everett Johnson in connection with a bank robbery that occurred January 15, 2015.

Johnson was arrested without incident and booked into the Multnomah County Jail on a Parole Violation. Federal Bank Robbery charges are pending.

This investigation started on Thursday January 15, 2015, at 12:26 p.m., when North Precinct officers responded to the report of a bank robbery at the Key Bank, located at 3839 Northeast Broadway.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted employees who told police the suspect implied a weapon as he demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect ran out of the bank and was last seen running through the parking lot.

Several officers checked the neighborhood but did not locate anyone matching the suspect's description.

A surveillance photo from the bank, released to the public, assisted in identifying Johnson as the suspect.

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact Detective Brett Hawkinson at (503) 823-1080, brett.hawkinson@portlandoregon.gov; or, the Portland office of the F.B.I. at (503) 224-4181.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81245/Key_Bank_Suspect_Daniel_Everett_Johnson_27.jpg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2015

METH AND PILLS LOCATED DURING TRAFFIC STOP

On Tuesday, at approximately 9:23 p.m., a Yamhill County Sheriff's Deputy responded to a call of a reckless driver traveling southbound on Highway 99 near Archery Summit Road. The deputy located and stopped the vehicle, a 2005 Nissan 350z, on Highway 99 near Hawn Creek Road in rural McMinnville. During the course of his encounter with the driver the deputy located what he believed to be a small quantity of methamphetamine. Newberg-Dundee Police responded with a narcotics canine at the request of the deputy resulting in an alert to the vehicle.

In all, deputies discovered nearly 3 ounces of methamphetamine, a large quantity of prescription narcotic pain pills, drug scales and over $2,000 in U.S. currency inside the vehicle.

The driver, Xavier Canales Jr., 37 years of age of Happy Valley, Oregon was arrested on charges of delivery of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of hydrocodone and delivery of hydrocodone. Due to the quantity of drugs and other associated evidence the bail for the delivery of methamphetamine charge is a commercial drug offense with a $500,000 bail. Canales total bail $525,000.

Sheriff Tim Svenson commended his deputies on not only locating the vehicle on the reckless driving complaint, but for looking beyond the reason for the stop. "It's easy to deal with the situation at hand and not go any further. We try to instill a drive in our deputies to look for criminal activity beyond that of a simple traffic stop. In this particular case, it appears the deputy kept a large quantity of drugs from reaching our community. I'm proud of his efforts."

The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office was assisted in the case by the Newberg-Dundee Police Department and the Yamhill County Interagency Narcotics Team.

Anyone with information on this case or any similar case is encouraged to contact Sgt. Chris Ray of
YCINT at 503-434-7506 or the YCINT tip line at 503-472-6565.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1838/81244/Canales_Jr.docx

Dixie has been found and returned to her owner. Thank you for your assistance.

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are asking for your help locating a missing 4-year-old Pit Bull named 'Dixie'. The dog went missing late last night after the car it was riding in was involved in a minor traffic crash on Highway 6 near Aerts Road, about 1/2 east of Banks.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to the St. Vincent Hospital where she was treated and released. At some point during the event 'Dixie' fled the scene.

Anyone who may have seen 'Dixie' in the area of Highway 6 and Aerts Road is asked to contact the Oregon State Police at 503-375-3555. OSP will contact the dog's owner or put you in touch with them.

Media with follow-up questions may email the OSP Public Information Officer (PIO) at OSPPIO@state.or.us for additional information.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1002/81221/image1.jpeg

Tips that lead to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for a five-alarm fire that consumed a Portland apartment complex could result in a reward of up to $5,000.

The FBI is offering this reward in conjunction with the August 8, 2013, arson at the "Monroe Apartments" - a 46-unit building that was under construction at 318 NE Monroe Street. Callers to 9-1-1 reported the blaze to the Portland Fire & Rescue at 4:14 am on this date. Several nearby homes and vehicles also suffered significant damage. Investigators put the damage estimate at $6,070,000.

The FBI is offering the reward at this time in an effort to generate new leads in this investigation. The FBI has been working with investigators from Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Police Bureau, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) since the time of the fire to determine whether those with ties to domestic terrorism groups are responsible for the damage.

Anyone who wants to report tips about the arson should call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or Detective Joseph Luiz at (503) 823-3408.


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Note: Photo Credit should read "Portland Fire & Rescue"


Attached Media Files: Monroe St Apt Fire - 4 - Aug 8 2013 , Monroe St Apt Fire - 3 - Aug 8 2013 , Monroe St Apt Fire - 2 - Aug 8 2013 , Monroe St Apt Fire - 1 - Aug 8 2013

Today at about 10:00 a.m., detectives with the Marion County Sheriff's Office arrested Peter Bass, age 36, of Brooks. After his arrest, Mr. Bass was taken to the Marion County Jail and he is awaiting arraignment on fifteen counts of Sodomy I and fifteen counts of Sex Abuse II.
As a result of the investigation Mr. Bass has been terminated from his position as a youth pastor at the Brooks Assembly of God. Currently the Sheriff's Office has not identified any victims associated to Mr. Bass's position at the church.

The Sheriff's Office is however seeking any information regarding Mr. Bass or any information regarding additional victims. If you have information regarding this investigation please call Detective Nancy Hubbard with the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 503-316-6635.


Attached Media Files: Bass

North Precinct officers booked the homeowner, 46-year-old Traci Michelle Phillips, into the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used.

The Neighborhood Response Team began this investigation after receiving numerous complaints from neighbors about persistent criminal and livability issues at the home, including drug activity and property crimes.

Investigators today seized a firearm, a homemade silencer, multiple boxes of ammunition, and drug paraphernalia during the search warrant.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be added at a later time.

North Precinct NRT was assisted today by the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), Gun Task Force (GTF) and the North Precinct Street Crimes Unit.

Community members concerned about drug activity in their neighborhood should report the information on line at http://www.portlandonline.com/police/index.cfm?c=30740 or call the Drugs and Vice Division Drug Complaint Hotline at (503) 823-3784.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Wednesday January 21, 2015, at 5:00 a.m., the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) served a search warrant at 7805 North Hereford Avenue as part of drug and stolen property investigation being conducted by the North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT).

At this point five people at the home have been detained by police as investigators continue to search for evidence in the investigation.

There is no risk the neighborhood and updates will be provided later on Wednesday.

SERT is utilized by the Bureau to serve search warrants that are deemed "high risk" due to information developed in an investigation. This can include warrants involving structural barricades, information about firearms and/or a suspect or suspects history of violence.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81220/Traci_Michelle_Phillips_46.jpg

Get outside, learn about the environment, encourage stewardship, meet others, and earn rewards as a Volunteer Lead! Volunteer Leads receive training, exclusive access to fabulous activities, and rewards as they contribute hours throughout the year volunteering at Columbia Springs. Volunteer Leads can help with educational field trips, special events, administration, environmental restoration, and outreach efforts; there's something for everyone! To learn more and register for the training on February 7th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., go to www.columbiasprings.org.
For more information, contact Kaley McLachlan at volunteer@columbiasprings.org or by calling 360-882-0936 ext. 230.
Columbia Springs' mission is to offer our community a unique setting where educational experiences foster greater awareness of the natural world, inspiring stewardship. Learn more at www.columbiasprings.org

Get outside, learn about the environment, encourage stewardship, meet others, and earn rewards as a Volunteer Lead! Volunteer Leads receive training, exclusive access to fabulous activities, and rewards as they contribute hours throughout the year volunteering at Columbia Springs. Volunteer Leads can help with educational field trips, special events, administration, environmental restoration, and outreach efforts; there's something for everyone! To learn more and register for the training on February 7th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., go to www.columbiasprings.org.
For more information, contact Kaley McLachlan at volunteer@columbiasprings.org or by calling 360-882-0936 ext. 230.
Columbia Springs' mission is to offer our community a unique setting where educational experiences foster greater awareness of the natural world, inspiring stewardship. Learn more at www.columbiasprings.org

WILSONVILLE, OR -- The City of Wilsonville is holding a public meeting to obtain community member feedback on the City's proposed plans to upgrade City outdoor park facilities, bus stops, pedestrian signals and sidewalk ramps in order to comply with current Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6-8 pm, at Wilsonville City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop East.

The City invites the general public -- especially community members with disabilities and limited mobility -- to attend the meeting, review the proposed list of projects and share feedback. In particular, the City seeks feedback regarding which of the projects provides the greatest benefit to persons with disabilities, and therefore should be considered as a top priority by the City for funding and completion.

Based in part on feedback, consultants then draft an "ADA Transition Plan" -- a federally required document that prioritizes and guides local efforts to complete the identified upgrades and charts a course for the City to achieve compliance with current ADA standards.

After inspecting all of Wilsonville's outdoor park facilities, bus stops, pedestrian signals and sidewalk ramps, City staff prepared a list of proposed projects to be reviewed at the upcoming meeting.

In the spring, the City plans to hold another meeting to receive additional public input on a draft of the ADA Transition Plan prior to consideration by City Council for adoption. A date and time for this second meeting has not been set.

Interested persons may follow the ADA Transition Plan progress, review materials and submit feedback online at www.ci.wilsonville.or.us/ADA. Meeting accommodations, including American Sign Language interpreters, alternative format documents or other modifications are available upon advance request.

Enacted by Congress in 1990, the Americans with Disability Act is a comprehensive, federal civil-rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications.

For more information on the ADA Transition Plan or to request meeting accommodations, contact Zach Weigel, Civil Engineer, at 503 570-1565; weigel@ci.wilsonville.or.us.

Update #2.

Photos of the 3 adult male suspects are being released. Two are white males and one is a black male. ONe suspect was wearing a black drawstring sweatshirt and blue jeans. One suspect has a red/orange coat/sweatshirt and silver stocking had with a black rim. The black male has a sweatshirt/coat with at least "1880" on it and what looks like possibly a camo stocking cap.

There is no known car associated with the suspects at this time.

UPDATE: There were 3 suspects, all believed to be male.

Cowlitz Sheriff is investigating a robbery of a Castle Rock couple at knife point in their home early today. The robbery happened at 7315 Old Pacific Hwy, about 1 mile north of Castle Rock Washington. There was a delay of about an hour as the couple drove to relatives in Longview before reporting the crime.
The robbers wore face masks and two of them were armed with knives as they threatened Amanda Dickerman, 21 years, and her partner Yuni Hernandez, 28 years . No one was injured in the robbery. The suspects are believed to be in their late 20's early 30's. The victims did not see any vehicle that the suspect may have used.
The Hernandez had a permit to grow medical marijuana at the site and the suspect stole about a gallon bag of marijuana as well as several hundred dollars of cash as well as the victim's cell phones.
Anyone who has any information on this case can call Deputy Tonissen at 360-577-3092. People who wish to remain anonymous should call crime stoppers at 360-577-1206.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1503/81179/MJ_Robb_Mid_suspect_15-212.jpg , 2015-01/1503/81179/MJ_Robb_Mid_suspect_15-212.jpg , Main suspect

Working together with our partners at the City of Sublimity and Marion County Public Works, the speed limit on NW Starr Street in Sublimity has been changed to 35 MPH. This change comes after taking into consideration, public comment and several traffic studies conducted by the public works department.

The new speed limit for the entire stretch of NW Starr Street in Sublimity is now 35 MPH. In the past the speed zone included two different speed limits. Sheriff's Deputies, signage and a radar trailer will be used to warn residents of the new changes.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1294/81235/Sublimity_Change.jpg , 2015-01/1294/81235/35.jpg

Canby Fire District is proud to share that Division Chief Tom O'Connor has officially announced that he is going to retire after 21 years of dedicated time in the Fire Service. Chief O'Connor has worked for the past 10 years with Canby Fire District as the Operations/EMS Chief.

A retirement ceremony will be held for Chief O'Connor on Friday, January 30th beginning at 4:00 pm at the Canby Fire District Main Station, located at 221 S. Pine St., Canby OR.

Chief O'Connor states, "It has been a wonderful adventure that has taken me from Connecticut to Oregon with the U.S. Coast Guard; and has taken me from Corvallis to Lebanon, and finally to Canby with the Fire Service. I have worked with many wonderful people and made many friends over the years. I feel blessed to have had such a great career."

Tom's next chapter starts right next door to Canby as the Base Manager for Life Flight in Aurora, while also serving in the flight medic rotation. He looks forward to this new career challenge.

I have had the opportunity to work with Chief O'Connor in the past as a TVF&R Division Chief and during my time serving as a Volunteer Captain at Canby Fire District. I have now had the privilege of working with and knowing Tom as his Fire Chief. I can emphatically state that Tom is an experienced professional who has supervised the Canby Fire District Operations and EMS Sections, making Canby Fire well respected as one of the highest quality EMS ambulance transport services in the region. Tom has also chaired the Clackamas County EMS Committee and has worked diligently with the Clackamas County EMS Providers to strive for quality system enhancements. Chief O'Connor has truly made significant improvements at Canby Fire and will be sincerely missed. We are all excited for Tom as he pursues his next adventure.

Oregon's Unemployment Rate Drops to Six-Year Low

Oregon's unemployment rate dropped from 7.0 percent in November to 6.7 percent in December, the lowest level since August 2008, right before the worst days of the financial crisis which led to the Great Recession.

Jobs grew rapidly again in December. During the last three months of 2014, employment grew by a total of 24,300, the largest three-month gain since comparable records began in 1990. Nonfarm payroll employment rose by 8,200 in December. This followed a revised gain of 8,700 in November, with growth not as strong as the originally estimated gain of 11,200. These monthly job totals are produced each month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Gains in December were broad-based, as seven of the major industries each added at least 800 jobs. It is rare for so many industries to gain that many jobs in one month. Retail trade (+2,000 jobs), government (+2,000), health care and social assistance (+1,600), construction (+900), transportation, warehousing and utilities (+800), leisure and hospitality (+800), and other services (+800) were the industries adding the most jobs.

A large drop in the number of unemployed Oregonians coincided with December's employment growth. The labor force barely grew in December, unlike the rapid labor force growth seen in recent months. Fewer unemployed and an unchanged labor force contributed to the drop in the unemployment rate.

Note: all numbers above are seasonally adjusted.

Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the December county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Monday, January 26th and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for January on Tuesday, March 3rd.

The Oregon Employment Department is responsible for releasing Oregon's monthly payroll employment and labor force data. The data are prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS estimates of monthly job gains and losses are based on a survey of businesses. The BLS estimates of unemployment are based on a survey of households and other inputs.

The Oregon Employment Department publishes payroll employment estimates that are revised quarterly by using employment counts from employer unemployment insurance tax records. All department publications use this official Oregon series data unless noted otherwise. This month's release incorporates the April, May and June 2014 tax records data. The department continues to make the original nonfarm payroll employment series available; these data are produced by the BLS and are revised annually.


For the complete pdf version of the news release, including tables and graphs, visit www.QualityInfo.org/press-release, then within the Press Release Documents list, select Oregon Monthly Employment Situation. To obtain the data in other formats such as in Excel, visit www.QualityInfo.org, then within the top banner select Economic Data, then choose LAUS or CES. If you want the press release as a Word document, please phone the contact person shown at the top of this press release.

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

Equal Opportunity program -- auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.


Attached Media Files: Employment in Oregon December 2014 News Release

It is tax season again and the Sheriff's Office wants to warn our community that there are multiple IRS scams that move through the area. The Sheriff's Office has recently received calls from our citizens advising the scammers are currently working in our county. The IRS has provided the following information in regards to the scam:
The IRS continues to warn the public to be alert for telephone scams and offers five tell-tale warning signs to tip you off if you get such a call. These callers claim to be with the IRS. The scammers often demand money to pay taxes. Some may try to con you by saying that you're due a refund. The refund is a fake lure so you'll give them your banking or other private financial information.
These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They may even know a lot about you. They may alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. They use fake names and bogus IRS badge numbers. If you don't answer, they often leave an "urgent" callback request.
The IRS respects taxpayer rights when working out payment of your taxes. So, it's pretty easy to tell when a supposed IRS caller is a fake. Here are five things the scammers often do but the IRS will not do. Any one of these five things is a sign of a scam. The IRS does not:
1. Call you to demand immediate payment. We will not call about taxes you owe without first mailing you a bill.
2. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the chance to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
3. Require you to use a certain payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
5. Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying.
If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, here's what to do:
* If you know you owe taxes or think you might owe, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to talk about payment options. You also may be able to set up a payment plan online at IRS.gov.
* If you know you don't owe taxes or have no reason to believe that you do, report the incident to TIGTA at 1.800.366.4484 or at www.tigta.gov.
* If phone scammers target you, also contact the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov. Use their "FTC Complaint Assistant" to report the scam. Please add "IRS Telephone Scam" to the comments of your complaint.
Remember, the IRS currently does not use unsolicited email, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issues. For more information on reporting tax scams, go to www.irs.govand type "scam" in the search box.
The Sheriff's Office wishes to remind our community that in any phone scam if the offer appears to be too good to be true it probably is and do not provide any personal identifying information such as your social security number or birth date. Also, remember law enforcement or regulatory agencies do not threaten a person with arrest for failing to pay immediately.

On 1-20-2015 at approximately 5:56 pm the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge manager called 911 to report the possible death of a duck hunter. One of the hunters in plot "B" had not checked out of his blind at dusk as required. When the manager went to the blind, he found the hunter face down. He was unable to reach the hunter because of an aggressive dog. The Ridgefield Police Department responded immediately and managed the dog while firefighter/paramedics confirmed the hunter was deceased. The investigation transitioned to the Clark County Sheriff's Office based on jurisdictional boundaries.
The hunter was preliminarily identified through a state driver's license and hunting license. The identification was supported by the reservation name with the refuge. The hunter was a 54 year-old man from outside the Clark County area. There was reason to believe the hunter had a significant medical history. There was no evidence to suggest foul play of any kind. Identification of the hunter is pending contact with the next of kin.
Sgt. Randon Walker

On Tuesday January 20, 2015, at 10:11 p.m., North Precinct officers investigating a shooting at North Kerby Avenue and Webster Street heard multiple gunshots fired from North of their location. Several 9-1-1 calls were made from area residents reporting gunfire at Peninsula Park, located at North Albina Avenue and Ainsworth Street.

Several officers arrived in the area and located evidence of gunfire inside the park, near the pavilion.

A caller at 6017 North Albina Avenue reported a bullet hole in his window, but nobody inside the home was injured.

Limited information indicates that a group of four of five people were hanging out inside the park just prior to the shots being fired. One of the first arriving officers saw two African American males running westbound on Ainsworth Street from Peninsula Park shortly after the shots were fired.

At this point there are no known gunshot victims and it is unclear if this shooting is related to the shooting at North Kerby and Webster.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 823-3333.

The Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and Gun Task Force are continuing to actively investigate gang and gun crimes in the City of Portland.

Anyone with information about gang and/or gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau's Tactical Operations Division at (503) 823-4106.

Tips on gun crimes can be emailed to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov.

If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

###PPB###

On Tuesday January 20, 2015, at 9:22 p.m., North Precinct officers responded to the 600 block of North Webster Street on multiple reports of several gunshots heard in the area.

Multiple officers responded and began checking the neighborhood and located evidence of gunfire at the intersection of North Kerby Avenue and Webster Street, as well as in front of a residence approximately 1/2 a block to the West on Webster.

Officers have located four parked vehicles with bullet damage and are checking area homes. At this point, there are no known gunshot victims.

Limited information at this time indicates that two groups of people may have exchanged gunfire before fleeing the area on foot.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 823-3333.

The Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and Gun Task Force are continuing to actively investigate gang and gun crimes in the City of Portland.

Anyone with information about gang and/or gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau's Tactical Operations Division at (503) 823-4106.

Tips on gun crimes can be emailed to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov.

If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

###PPB###

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of its 346th Basic Police Class.

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

Basic Police 346 Graduation will be held on January 23, 2015 at 11 am at the Oregon Public Safety Academy at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon.

Any questions please call Academy Training Supervisor Teresa Plummer at DPSST (503) 378-2191 or e-mail her at teresa.plummer@state.or.us

Members of Basic Police BP346

Officer Scott Adam - Albany Police Department
Deputy Justin Armstrong - Union County Sheriff's Office
Officer Timothy Artoff - Grants Pass Department of Public Safety
Deputy Nathan Biel - Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Christopher Bonebrake - Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Officer Jose Cabrera - Hillsboro Police Department
Officer Robert Call - Molalla Police Department
Deputy Emigdia Camas - Washington County Sheriff's Office
Officer Andrew Cartwright - Medford Police Department
Officer Tyler Colson - McMinnville Police Department
Officer Rodney Cottis - Lake Oswego Police Department
Deputy Stephanie Cronk - Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Tanner Davis - Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Courtney Deming - Marion County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Daniel Drumheller - Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Christopher Erhardt - Deschutes County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Brent Everett - Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Officer Kevin Frahm - Philomath Police Department
Officer David Gilbertson - Portland Police Bureau
Officer Dennis Greiner - Tillamook Police Department
Deputy Benjamin Klecker - Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Officer Stephen Kosiewicz - Silverton Police Department
Deputy Ricco Lang - Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Officer Noah Lochner - Philomath Police Department
Officer Theron Logan - Eagle Point Police Department
Officer Jair Macareno - Astoria Police Department
Deputy Jerred Nelson - Linn County Sheriff's Office
Officer Kyle Nelson - Sutherlin Police Department
Deputy Gregory Ramseyer - Marion County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Ariel Schermerhorn - Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Officer Fred Schoeffler - Hillsboro Police Department
Deputy Jeremy Schwab - Marion County Sheriff's Office
Officer Torrey Streed - Portland Police Bureau


## Background Information on the DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Chief Kent Barker of the City of Tualatin Police Department 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, 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.

At approximately 1:30 pm this date, officers responded to a report of two men fighting in the courtyard of a apartment complex in the 2800 block of Pacific Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found one man suffering from two stab wounds. The man was transported to the hospital by ambulance for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police learned that the other man involved in the altercation was the victim's son, 45 y/o Victor Villa-Lupercio of Forest Grove. Villa-Lupercio was arrested and will be lodged at the Washington Count Jail within the hour.

Villa-Lupercio faces multiple charges including Attempted Murder, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree and Assault in the Fourth Degree.

Villa-Lupercio will be arraigned tomorrow.

The Lebanon Fire District responded to the report of smoke in a first floor apartment of a 3 story apartment building just after 4 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2015. A Paramedic Unit was first on scene, as other fire units were returning from a non-injury Motor Vehicle crash on the other end of the town. Upon arrival the Unit reported light smoke coming from the apartment, made entry and discovered a box of food on a stove top smoking heavily. The crews removed the box, and with the assistance of the Engine crew aired out the apartment with a ventilation fan. 2 units and 5 personnel were on scene, and 3 other units were cancelled enroute. The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind everyone of the dangers of placing any combustible items on stove tops.

On Monday, officers arrested 45 y/o Julio Bobadilla in the theft of approximately $10,000 worth of construction supplies and tools that occurred December 25th and into the early morning hours of December 26th. Bobadilla is accused of breaking into a locked box truck that was parked outside of Crane Point LLC construction supply distribution company in Forest Grove. Bobadilla also allegedly attempted to steal the truck causing extensive damage.

Bobadilla and his silver Cadillac Escalade were captured on surveillance video which was disseminated to area law enforcement agencies and to the public through media release and social networking including Facebook. Deputies with Tillamook County Sheriff's Department and Officers with Forest Grove Police, Hillsboro Police and Beaverton Police also assisted in the identification of Bobadilla. A citizen also phoned on a tip on Bobadilla.

Bobadilla was arraigned on charges of Aggregative Theft in the First Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, three counts of Unlawful Entry into Motor Vehicle and Attempted Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.


Attached Media Files: Bobadilla

Columbia County Sheriff's deputies today arrested a Rainier-area man on rape, assault and kidnapping charges, after the man assaulted a former girlfriend and forced her into her bedroom as part of the sexual assault.

Douglas Schaffner, 21, Rainier was lodged in the Columbia County jail on charges of Attempted Rape First Degree, Sodomy First degree, Strangulation, Assault Fourth Degree, Burglary First Degree and Kidnapping First Degree.

Deputies responded to 28997 Hirtzel Rd just outside of Rainier around 11:53 a.m. today when the victim called 911 saying her former boyfriend had "burst into the door," grabbed her by the throat and tried to rape her.

Deputies arrived at the victim's residence at 12:19 p.m., and the suspect had already left the scene. Deputies then proceeded to the suspect's residence at 28695 Hirtzel Rd., and they found the suspect waiting for them. Deputies arrested the suspect without incident around 1:30 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing. Rainier and Clatskanie Police Department also assisted in the investigation.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3009/81210/SCHAFFNER.jpg

The Benton County Sheriff's Office, will be participating in extra DUII saturation patrol and enforcement on the day of the NFL Super Bowl on February 1, 2015. There will be extra patrol targeting individuals who choose to drive under the influence of intoxicants and therefore endanger themselves and others on our roadways. The Benton County Sheriff's Office already actively patrols for this crime, but this is extra enforcement added to target this dangerous offense.

Driver impairment and speeding are the most common causes of injury crashes. Oregon's DUII enforcement program is committed to reducing the amount of crashes and impaired drivers on our roadways by keeping them off the roadway and arresting them when they choose to drive. For more info on impaired driving, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.com.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1505/81209/Drunk_driving.jpg

On January 20, 2015, 21-year-old Jacob James Simon was found "guilty except for insanity" for the March 2012 murder of his father, 61-year-old Peter Anton Simon.

Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Edward Jones sentenced Simon to lifetime supervision by the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB). Simon will be transferred from the Multnomah County Jail to the Oregon State Hospital.

This investigation started on March 27, 2012, at approximately 9:45 p.m., when North Precinct officers responded to the report of a stabbing at a residence at the Fox Run Mobile Home Community, located in the 9000 block of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Officers arrived and determined that Peter Simon was deceased and his wife, 58-year-old Sheryl Lynn Simon (Jacob's mother) was suffering from a non-life-threatening injury. Jacob Simon, 18-years-old at the time, was arrested at the scene and booked into jail for Murder and other related charges.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81208/Jacob_James_Simon_21.jpg

1/20/2015 2:49 PM-This afternoon firefighters were called to a garage on fire at 2756 SE Bybee. Firefighters arrived and found a detached garage on fire. Firefighters extinguished the garage and were able to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby house.

No injuries were associated with this fire. Damage estimates aren't available yet.

The quick call to 911 likely kept this fire from spreading to the house. When a fire breaks out, get to a safe place and call 911 immediately.

Salem, Ore. - Art as a medium to rally community around a shared need is reflected in 34 Oregon projects awarded $200,000 in 2015 Arts Build Communities grants from the Oregon Arts Commission.

Vacant downtown storefronts become celebrations of community in Corvallis; incarcerated youth fulfill treatment requirements by sharing their stories through pictures or performance in Clackamas County; and in Enterprise, Fishtrap inspires 1,700 people to read Luis Alberto Urrea's "Into the Beautiful North" before engaging in discussions, events and activities that explore Latino issues.

Now in its 19th year, the Arts Build Communities program targets broad geographic impact and arts access for underserved audiences. More than half of the 2015 awards go to communities outside of the Portland area.

"This program demonstrates the amazing power of art to bring people together around a common purpose," says Commission Chair Julie Vigeland, who led the review panel. "Due to a melding of this program with our former Cultural Tourism grants, we were able to award the largest grant total in the program's history. The award amounts are relatively modest, but the impact is huge."

In many cases the awards are seed money to spur additional local funding. In 2012 alone, Arts Build Communities projects attracted more than $570,000 in spending, much of it representing salaries paid to artists and others as well as products and services purchased in the funded communities.

Arts Build Communities grants are made possible through a funding partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

The 2015 recipients are:

The Arts Center, $8,000, Corvallis - Art in Rural Storefronts is a place-making project dedicated to strengthening connections between people and their hometowns through engagement with art. Focusing on one underserved rural town, three artists create contemporary art installations based on concepts from local cultural or natural history and community input. The installations transform vacant storefronts, signs of economic stress, into celebrations of community life through the arts.

Arts Council of Pendleton, $6,000, Pendleton - The goal of this project is promote traditional fine crafts of the region by creating self-guided tours of the artists' studios and retail outlets that display their work. Included is the creation of a database of Eastern Oregon fine crafts workers; the design, printing and distribution of a publication that lists open studio locations with maps and hours of operation; creation and marketing of four self-guided studio and outlet tours; and three workshops.

Ballet Folklorico Ritmo Alegre, $3,500, Talent - Cultural Bridges to Friendship will bring a Latino cultural arts course to 600 children from local K-12 schools. Planned by educators from six local schools and Ballet Folklorico Ritmo Alegre, it will teach Latino culture through Mexican folk culture and dance and provide participatory programs for Latino and non-Latino students in a community performance and class. Funding will be used to pay for busing and reduced ticket prices for the community performance.

The Circus Project, $7,000, Portland - Funding will support the expansion of outreach partnerships with four schools serving primarily youth from low-income families. The curriculum will be based on the existing eight-week model used in social service agency settings serving youth who have had little or no access to arts education. Funds will be used for artist and coach salaries and for the purchase and upkeep of program equipment.

Chehalem Cultural Center, $7,200, Newberg - Focus Culture brings the Northwest's indigenous art and traditions home through a partnership with the Chachalu Tribal Museum and Cultural Center. The collaboration includes a series of free public events, performances, field trips, hosted conversations, outreach and workshops - all within the context of an evolving exhibition that will change from a historical focus to a contemporary arts focus over four months.

Clackamas County Arts Alliance, $7,000, Oregon City - Youth Arts for Change gives teens in the County Juvenile Department and Parrott Creek residential facility a unique way to fulfill probation/treatment requirements. Working with artists, counselors and peers, adjudicated youth publicly share their stories via a theatre performance or drawing exhibit, building community connections and social skills. Funds will support programming, professional theatre internships, and a new prevention partnership for rural middle-school youth.

Cornucopia Arts Council, $4,500, Halfway - The Clear Creek Music Festival provides instructional and performance enrichment for Eastern Oregon rural community members through concerts; group and individual voice, piano, cello and composition instruction; and classes in music appreciation, choral performance and a two-week Kids' Camp. Support will fund the concert fees, instrument rental and a Kids' Camp instructor.

Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts, $6,195, Pendleton - Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts will partner with Nixya'awii Community School to offer comprehensive art programs to its students. This project will engage the student population in art making, production and display. Crow's Shadow will provide the space, technical expertise and resources to the students; the school will provide basic instruction and logistics. Funding will support space, materials, technical instruction, exhibition, display and public receptions.

Deschutes Public Library Foundation, $5,000, Bend - The Deschutes Public Library's community read program, A Novel Idea, broadens cultural, social, educational and economic areas of community life by ensuring wide access through partnerships with local artists, organizations and businesses. Residents are encouraged to read, discuss, create and explore the selected community read book together. Grant funds will be used to purchase books and assist in paying for the selected author's honorarium.

Drexel H. Foundation, $3,500, Vale - The Drexel Foundation's rural Oregon multicultural youth and family programs build audiences and art appreciation while promoting personal growth and connecting the community through various art opportunities. The 2015 collaborative public art project is the result of planning by local high school youth, artists, community leaders, the Drexel Foundation and the mayor of the City of Vale, who all indicated a desire and need for artistic improvement to our city streetscape for economic development.

Eugene Springfield Art Project, $3,000, Eugene - ChalkFest 2015 will bring chalk artists (local and out of town), performing artists and local residents to downtown Springfield for a free festival during which large scale chalk art is created while music plays and street artists perform. The event also will feature a family fun zone with a free-for-all chalk art area and take away art activities. This second annual event is supported by NEDCO, Emerald Art Center and the City of Springfield in an effort to revitalize downtown through creative community events.

Eugene Symphony Association, $7,000, Eugene - The Eugene Symphony's Roseburg Residency is a collaboration with the Umpqua Symphony Association and the Douglas County Youth Orchestra that includes all-ages concerts and related programs for young musicians. The project will provide Roseburg residents access to symphonic performances and strengthen local cultural resources and music education. The Symphony will include eight months of artistic development activities for students, culminating in an all-ages concert.

Fishtrap, Inc., $7,000, Enterprise - Beginning Jan. 8, Fishtrap will host its ninth Big Read, a month-long, countywide celebration of a work of literature. The featured book will be Luis Alberto Urrea's "Into the Beautiful North." 1,700 people throughout Wallowa County will read the book and come together for facilitated discussions, school presentations, lectures, films, potlucks, a finale with the author, and other activities promoting reading and discussion of key issues. This project stimulates community connection during winter months when rural isolation is at its highest.

Harney County Arts in Education Foundation, $7,000, Tigard - Harney County Arts in Education Foundation's board will partner with the Harney County Chamber of Commerce to hold a two-day symposium in May 2015 to inform national, state and local leaders on the successes of communities that have used the arts as an economic development strategy in rural communities, as well as to demonstrate relevance to the proposed Performing Arts and Education Center.

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, University of Oregon - $5,800, Eugene - Club de Arte para Mamás, a key component of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art's Latino Engagement Plan, offers free art workshops and childcare for Latina mothers. Addressing a sense of isolation among Latina mothers revealed in a survey conducted by the Museum in 2013, the project combines adult socializing with creative expression and aims to make the museum a "second home" for Latina families. Spanish-speaking artists will lead studio art sessions while participants' preschoolers enjoy separate art activities.

Lane Arts Council, $7,000, Eugene - The Lane Arts Council's Fiesta Cultural is a countywide initiative to celebrate Latino arts and culture, celebrating the many Latino artists in Lane County; and to increase opportunities for integration of Latino individuals into the broader community. The project outcomes will be accomplished through Latino focused music and art events during four Art Walks in Lane County during September 2015. Support will be used for artist fees, marketing and program coordination.

Living Stages, $6,000, Portland - Streets to Stages, a partnership with JOIN - an organization serving individuals in transitional housing - will offer three 12-week theatre and play development programs for individuals facing homelessness. The project will culminate in an interactive forum theatre presentation for communities at three transitional housing sites, and one presentation for the general public. Funding will support program coordination, artist stipends and participant support.

Literary Arts, $7,000, Portland - The Oregon Book Awards Author Tour creates community around literature by connecting small groups of people with our state's most accomplished writers. Funding from Arts Build Communities will support tour events, including free readings, writing workshops, school visits and panel discussions. The project engages librarians, bookstore owners, schools, publishers, literary organizations, and writing groups across the state and beyond to connect and inspire Oregon's readers and writers.

Miracle Theatre Group, $6,000, Portland - Milagro will bring a bilingual arts residency to Umatilla-Morrow County in collaboration with the Morrow County School District, the Desert Arts Council and the Hermiston Hispanic Advisory Committee. The three-day Journeys Residency with conclude with a public performance of Milagro's touring production, "Searching for Atzlán" at Hermiston High School.

My Voice Music, $7,000, Portland - My Voice Music's Artist Mentorship Program was designed to give youth the chance to study music year-round, led by professional musicians, in small groups outside of social service settings. This project will develop the program with more emphasis on moving students into Youth Leadership roles both with younger students and through service opportunities in the wider community, including music sessions with high-need adults.

Northwest Documentary, $5,800, Portland - Using its expertise in digital storytelling, NW Documentary will create a custom video for The Dougy Center--a nonprofit that provides support for children and their families who have recently lost a loved one. The video will enhance the Dougy Center's ability to effectively articulate its mission to the Portland community, thereby attracting new funders, volunteers, advocates and most importantly the families in need of their services. Funds will support production costs.

Obo Addy Legacy Project, $7,000, Portland - This project seeks to establish a new way of teaching through music with the intention of breaking down racism and empowering youth to look at the world with knowledge and understanding. The Obo Addy Legacy Project will bring "DRUM Language"- a replicable, integrated arts curriculum connecting African traditions to the roots of popular forms of youth expression to three Youth Correction facilities run by the Oregon Youth Authority.

One World Chorus, $5,580, Lake Oswego - One World Chorus is partnering with Portland's King School and the Oregon Trail Academy in Boring to bring a new collaborative chorus program to both schools. Third through fifth grade students at each site will be taught the same songs from a broad range of musical genres for 16 consecutive weeks. Between January and May of 2015, students will share musical ideas via Skype, email and video. The culminating performance will be in May, at Oregon Trail, where both groups will perform together for the community.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival, $7,000, Ashland - The Oregon Shakespeare Festival's partnership with the Oregon Child Development Center/Migrant Head Start in Ashland provides free classes and workshops in Spanish about theatre. The programs are for parents and teachers and are taught by the festival's bilingual teaching artists. Funding will pay for bus transportation, Spanish open-captioned plays, English/Spanish tours, and pre- and post-show discussions and gatherings with actors and artistic staff.

Oregon Writing Project, $7,000, Portland - SlamBoo will unite students from rural, urban and suburban Oregon to collaborate and compete as slam poets. Teachers and aspiring high school slam poets will provide instruction at six geographically and culturally diverse middle schools. Participants from each school will gather for evening events in order to collaborate, compete and share a common meal. SlamBoo will facilitate positive interactions between students from diverse geographic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Philomath Downtown Association, $3,500, Corvallis - The Public Arts Council will construct and print a series of 15 street banners, designed by a Philomath artist, to celebrate the history and education focus of the Philomath community. Local citizens and youth will develop requests for proposals from local artists; the banners will be produced as public art.

Portland Classical Chinese Garden dba Lan Su Chinese Garden, $4,475, Portland - The project will expand arts activities during the second annual Mid-Autumn Festival and attract a larger audience for this significant Chinese holiday. Funding will be used for dance, music, storytelling and puppet performances; hands-on family art-making projects; and marketing to promote the Mid-Autumn Festival as one of Chinatown's key family cultural events.

Robert Farrell High School, $5,600, Salem - Art Workshops at Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility will bring families and incarcerated youth together in monthly art workshops. The workshops in painting and mosaics will create rainforest banners and pebble mosaics. Students from Oregon State University's Inside Out sociology class and the community will participate. Funding will be used for artist fees, materials for painting, printmaking, mosaics, sculpture, concrete casting and to print a booklet of the process.

Salem Art Association, $7,000, Salem - Project Space will provide 50 local artists with a place to collaborate, present new work and engage with the community as they bring contemporary art to an unoccupied but highly visible temporary venue in Salem's City Center. Using the arts as a creative place maker, community members will engage in dialogue with artists during the art-making process and attend exhibits featuring new art. Grant funds will assist with artist payments, public events and project administration.

Sisters Folk Festival Inc., $4,050, Sisters - APAOS was started by Sisters Folk Festival in 2011 with the Sisters School District and Family Access Network to address the need for arts-related tuition for low-income youth, K-12. Program expansion will allow more at-risk youth to achieve social and academic benefits that come from long-term and specialized arts and music instruction. Grant funds will cover tuition, materials and instrument repair for programs and private instruction for up to 50 additional students.

The Skanner Foundation, $10,000, Portland - The Vanport Multimedia Project workshops in North Portland taught by professional artists will train individuals to record the oral histories of Vanport flood survivors. The recorded histories will be used to create video, audio, photo essays, theatre and poetry works disseminated electronically and presented in three venues during fall 2015 with post presentation discussion. Up to 400 community members will attend the presentation events. Funding will be applied to artistic trainer's fees.

The Tillicum Foundation, $6,500, Astoria - The 19th annual FisherPoets Gathering (Astoria, Ore.) will bring together commercial fishermen and women to perform their poetry, prose and song in Astoria venues. Rooted in traditional forms, these creative performances highlight the significance of Oregon's fisheries. The gathering demonstrates the connections between Oregon's maritime culture, restaurants and food traditions, and the regional economy.

Well Arts, $3,000, Portland - The Well Arts Voices of Military Sexual Assault Project is a partnership between Well Arts, Returning Veterans Project and Wise Counsel and Comfort. The partnership will lead two playwriting workshops (one for women, one for men) for veterans who were sexually assaulted during service in the military. The project will pair each veteran with a professional actor who will perform the stories written by the veterans for the public in six performances.

Write Around Portland, $7,000, Portland - Write Around Portland holds creative writing workshops for the most socially isolated and least financially secure Oregonians. In spring 2015, Write Around Portland will hold 15 ten-week creative writing workshops in partnership with social service agencies. 150 adults and young people will experience the power of the literary arts to connect, heal and transform. These workshops will culminate in the publication of writers' work and in readings held for the broader community.


? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of the Oregon Business Development Department in 1993 in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission's expertise in grant-making, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.
The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature, federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.
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Attached Media Files: Participants in Youth Arts for Change perform an original play titled IMHO (In My Humble Opinion). Youth Arts for Change, a program of the Clackamas County Arts Alliance, collaborates with community partners to engage underserved youth through the arts.

On Tuesday January 20, 2015, officers from the Portland Police Bureau's Traffic Division arrested 46-year-old Jon Bishop Jones in connection with Friday's hit and run in the Cully Neighborhood that seriously injured a 56-year-old woman.

Investigators received tips leading them to arrest Jones today at his residence in Corbett, Oregon.

Jones' vehicle, a black 2005 Ford Escape SUV, was towed from the property after investigators secured a search warrant.

Jones was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Assault in the Second Degree and Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver (Hit and Run - Felony). He will be arraigned on Wednesday in Multnomah County Court.

This investigation started on Friday January 16, 2015, at 6:52 a.m., when North Precinct officers responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at Northeast 57th Avenue and Prescott Street.

Officers and medical personnel arrived and located the pedestrian, 56-year-old Clarice Charging, suffering from serious injuries.

The vehicle that struck Charging, described as a gray 2005-2006 Ford Escape, fled the scene and was last seen traveling eastbound on Prescott.

Anyone with additional information on this incident should contact Officer Peter Kurronen at (503) 823-2103, peter.kurronen@portlandoregon.gov.

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Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81204/Jon_Bishop_Jones_46.jpg

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will meet via teleconference on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 1 p.m.

A meeting agenda is available here: http://bit.ly/1xT1JUT

The public may listen to the meeting in person at DOGAMI's Portland offices, 800 NE Oregon St., Ste 965.

The DOGAMI Governing Board sets policy and oversees general operations, and adopts a strategic plan every six years to guide DOGAMI's mission and objectives. The Board meets quarterly at sites around the state. As active members of their communities, board members provide an important connection between Oregonians and DOGAMI's mission of providing earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous.

Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tom Gauntt, Pacific Power, Jan. 20, 2015
503-813-7291
Tom.Gauntt@pacificorp.com
Follow: @TomGauntt1

Solar in NW communities receive $1.8 million boost from Pacific Power Blue Sky customers
Popular renewable energy program in ninth year of sustainable investment

PORTLAND, Ore.--Solar projects will soon help reduce energy costs for buildings in 10 communities across the Northwest, thanks in part to funding from Pacific Power customers who voluntarily participate in the Blue Sky renewable energy program.

Together, the solar projects represent up to $1.8 million new renewable energy investment in 2015, bringing more than 2 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity online. One megawatt of solar serves the average annual energy needs of 200 households. Since 2006, Blue Sky customers have voluntarily funded more than 75 facilities that produce in excess of 6.5 megawatts of emission-free renewable energy, demonstrating the viability of renewable energy in their communities with nearly $8 million in investment during that time.

"Our Blue Sky customers put their dollars to work in their communities," said Pat Reiten, president and CEO of Pacific Power. "Not only will these facilities supply renewable energy, but they are helping increase the visibility and adoption of renewable technology. We are proud to be part of this important partnership with communities and our Blue Sky customers."

"The Blue Sky program which helps fund these projects, has one of the highest voluntary customer participation rates you'll find nationwide," said Blaine Andreasen, vice president of customer service, Pacific Power. "One of the reasons the Blue Sky program is so popular is that customers can choose to participate and then can see what they are getting. In addition to supporting the renewable energy industry and taking personal action, they are helping fund on-the-ground, working renewable projects in their own communities."

Projects receiving funding in 2015 range from arrays connected to Portland's glittering convention center to affordable housing in Prineville to a nursery dedicated to helping the developmentally disabled in Grants Pass.
Oregon Convention Center
Portland, Ore.
Solar, 1.1 megawatt
$500,000
The Oregon Convention Center hosts an estimated 500,000 local, national, and international visitors per year. The building was retrofitted to meet Platinum LEED certification standards (the first existing building in the U.S. to do so). The planned roof-top solar array will be located on the north side of the center's large flat roof.

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute
Pendleton, Ore.
Solar, 200 kilowatt
$350,000
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation plan to install a solar array at its Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, a museum and event center that receives 20,000 visitors annually. The solar production information will be fed into the existing wind turbine monitoring kiosk located near the main entrance and on the center's website, providing classes and training on renewable energy to the tribal members and local schools. Together, the two Blue Sky funded projects will supply 25 percent of the center's power needs.
Central Oregon Community College - Redmond Campus
Redmond, Ore.
Solar, 504 kilowatt
$320,000
Central Oregon Community College plans to install a ground-mounted array near the new Technology Education Center that will be integrated into the curriculum. Guided tours will be available for schools and community groups wanting to learn more about solar.
Rogue Valley International Airport
Medford, Ore.
Solar, 36 kilowatt
$261,137
This project is an expansion of a previously-funded Blue Sky project, nearly doubling the existing solar capacity. The new array will be mounted on a canopy adjacent to three existing solar canopy structures located along the walkway between the parking lot and the main entrance.
Port of Columbia - Blue Mountain Station Artisan Food Center
Dayton, Wash.
Solar, 35.8 kilowatts
$81,778
In 2013, the Port of Columbia developed the Blue Mountain Station Artisan Food Center, an eco-food processing park dedicated to the recruitment and marketing of artisan food processors. The building was constructed to LEED silver certification standards and included a solar array in the design. The array will reduce operating costs for the government-owned Blue Mountain Station, saving taxpayer dollars and allowing the station to continue supporting local artisan food processors.
Perry Technical Institute - Plath Hall
Yakima, Wash.
Solar, 24.9 kilowatt
$73,977
Perry Technical Institute is a non-profit technical school that trains students for work in a rapidly evolving technological world. The solar array will be installed by the school's instructors, who are licensed and bonded electricians, together with students. The project will provide students with hands-on experience in the solar installation and will assist in building skills to directly grow the solar industry in the region.
Bend Habitat Restore
Bend, Ore.
Solar, 56.2 kilowatt
$59, 814
Bend Area Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing services for low-income families, will install a solar array that will reduce operating costs and allow the organization to expand its services. Utility bill savings will be applied directly to the organization's low-income home construction and repair projects and more solar installations for these homes.
Pacific Crest Affordable Housing - Ironhorse Lodge
Prineville, Ore.
Solar, 67.2 kilowatt
$55,080
The solar project will be installed on two newly-constructed carport structures designed specifically to host the solar panels. The Lodge is located close to an elementary school and students will be able to become familiar with the facility. Energy production data will be available online for students and the general public to monitor.
Greenleaf Industries
Grants Pass, Ore.
Solar, 17 kilowatt
$45,964
Greenleaf Industries is a private non-profit organization established in 1981 that provides long-term employment for the developmentally disabled in a horticultural setting. Greenleaf has become the largest grower of bedding plants and vegetables and largest horticultural training center in the region. The project will reduce Greenleaf's operating costs and allow the organization to more cost-effectively provide employment and training opportunities for the developmentally disabled in the community.
Bend First United Methodist Church
Bend, Ore.
Solar, 13.8 kilowatt
$22,300
Bend First United Methodist Church opens up its doors to nearly 20 community groups throughout the year. The goal of their solar project is to reduce operating costs while inspiring those who visit the church to see solar energy in action, learn about installing panels at their homes and become ambassadors for renewable energy.
Most projects are on schedule to be completed in 2015. The upcoming application period for the 2015 round of Blue Sky community project awards will be announced in the spring.

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About Blue Sky
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has ranked Blue Sky fifth or better in the nation for the 11th consecutive year in the number of customers buying renewable power. The Blue Sky Block, Usage and Habitat products are Green-e Energy certified; About 55,000 Pacific Power customers currently participate in the Blue Sky program across Oregon, Washington and California. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/bluesky.

About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with almost 1.8 million customers in six western states Information about Pacific Power is available on the company's website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed via pacificpower.net.

Fire District 3 has announced the retirement of Assistant Fire Chief Donavon Mattern, who has served for 38years in the Fire Service in Clark County.

In 1977, Donavon began his fire service career at Fire District 3 as a summer youth employee. In addition to serving the District, he volunteered five years for Fire District 13/NCEMS and worked 18 months as a part-time employee for American Ambulance. He has started many programs, associations, committees, and groups that provide service affecting fire prevention & education, training, EMS, and fire service certifications both locally and abroad.

Planning operations and safety for the Fire District are among Donavon's primary responsibilities. He is active with the State Accreditation and Certification program, and the Clark County Operations Division. Specific activities include interagency coordination of emergency resources, communications, and emergency response plans.

Donavon holds an Associate of Science Degree in Fire Protection Technology (Portland Community College), is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (Warner Pacific College). Donavon serves on the Clark Regional Communications Agency (9-1-1 dispatch, emergency services, and EMS) administrative board.

Donavon lives in Hockinson with his wife. He has three grown children and two grandchildren.

In a message sent out to all Fire District 3 personnel announcing his February 1st retirement, Donavon said: "My first order of business is to spend some quality time with my wife, kids and grandkids."

Fire Chief Steve Wrightson said " Donavon has contributed so much to the success of Fire District 3. His dedication, commitment to excellence, unique skills and experience have been invaluable. He has been a true public servant. We will miss him greatly."


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1566/81199/Copy_of_Donavon_Mattern.jpg

(Salem) -- Employers across Oregon are invited to promote workplace safety and health with training, award recognition events, or other creative activities during Safety Break for Oregon on Wednesday, May 13, 2015.

Oregon OSHA coordinates the one-day event, designed to raise awareness and promote the value of safety and health in preventing on-the-job injuries and illnesses. The event is voluntary for employers and businesses can determine what activities are beneficial to their workforce.

"Like any safety stand down, Safety Break by itself cannot promise to magically make an employer's health and safety program real or more effective," said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA administrator. "But as part of a genuine effort to address workplace hazards, this event provides an opportunity to sharpen the focus, and to remind both workers and their employers that it requires continued focus and diligence to create a workplace free from the hazards that can cause serious injury, illness, or even death."

Safety Break encourages employees and management to work together on identifying safety and health concerns. The result of this cooperation can lead to fewer injuries and reduced workers' compensation costs for employers.

Companies planning to participate will be entered to win one of three $100 pizza luncheons when they sign up online by Friday, May 8. The prizes will be given to participating companies as part of a random drawing. The Oregon SHARP Alliance is sponsoring the contest.

For more information, ideas on how to host an event, or to download graphics, go the Safety Break for Oregon website at http://www.orosha.org/subjects/safetybreak.html.

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Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to www.orosha.org or find us at www.facebook.com/oregonosha.

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. Follow DCBS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/OregonDCBS. Receive consumer help and information on insurance, mortgages, investments, workplace safety, and more.


Attached Media Files: Safety Break logo

FOREST GROVE -- Pacific University is proud to welcome Paul Monteiro, director of AmeriCorps VISTA and a former White House assistant to President Barack Obama, to the Forest Grove campus on Monday, February 2. Monteiro will make remarks about the importance of national service at 7 p.m. in Marsh Hall's Taylor Auditorium (2043 College Way). Monteiro's talk is open to the public and a reception will follow.

Before accepting the appointment to direct AmeriCorps VISTA, Monteiro served President Obama in the Office of Public Engagement at the White House. He was a liaison to many constituencies, including social safety net groups and faith communities across the United States. Monteiro worked for then-Senator Obama before joining Obama for America in 2007 as the deputy director for faith outreach. He is a graduate of Howard University School of Law and the University of Maryland.

"Paul Monteiro has served the United States with distinction and is today putting his passions to work promoting national service in the cause of alleviating poverty through the work of AmeriCorps VISTA," says Rev. Chuck Currie, director of Pacific's Center for Peace and Spirituality and University Chaplain. "We share a common desire to promote civic engagement and policies that help people move out of poverty."

Monteiro is also scheduled to speak at Pacific classes during the day, as well as meet with student members of the university's Center for Civic Engagement and have dinner with members of the Black Student Union. His visit is co-sponsored Pacific University's centers for Civic Engagement and Peace & Spirituality, and the Tom McCall Center for Policy Innovation.

For more information, please contact Chuck Currie at 503-352-2032 or chuck.currie@pacificu.edu.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/888/81193/Paul_Monteiro.jpg

Brain Health Important to 93% of Americans, But Few Know the 5 Ways to Help Maintain or Improve It
New AARP Survey Highlights Need for Holistic Approach to Staying Sharp

WASHINGTON DC--AARP Staying Sharp, an AARP membership option that focuses on a holistic approach to brain health, announced today new survey results indicating adults know the importance of brain health but are not as aware of the recommended holistic approach to improve it. All respondents believe it is important to improve or maintain brain health - with 93% noting it is very or extremely important. When asked how specifically to maintain a healthy brain, a startling low 18% cited socializing with friends or family, 34% cited low stress, 44% cited physical exercise and only half (50%) of survey respondents cited brain games, which is one way to have fun while exercising your brain. AARP Staying Sharp is working to educate members about how a well-rounded healthy living approach can help improve overall brain health.

"We have found that brain health is not just a key concern for our members, but a concern for all Americans," said AARP Vice President of Membership Lynn Mento. "AARP Staying Sharp isn't just about brain exercises, but about promoting healthier living as a holistic way to support brain health, by keeping physically fit, learning more by challenging your brain, managing your stress, eating right, and connecting with others."

The Five Ways to Support Brain Health

AARP Staying Sharp recognizes that many people are proactively working to keep their minds sharp so that they can continue to live active, fulfilling and independent lives. AARP's analysis of current research suggests that people interested in maintaining and improving their brain health should focus on five areas:

* Keeping Fit: Studies show that even small amounts of regular exercise like walking can positively impact brain health.

* Learning More: Everything from learning a new language or skill to participating in online exercises designed to challenge and test the brain.

* Managing Stress: Several studies indicate sleep and stress management improve brain health.

* Eating Right: Scientific research shows that certain elements in food - from omega-3 fatty acids to vitamin E - can positively impact brain health.

* Being Social: Research shows that staying socially connected to other people supports a healthy brain.

Survey Shows Opportunity for Brain Health Education

The survey conducted by AARP and W5 asked 1,200 Americans (age 34 to 75) about healthy living and brain health. While respondents showed some awareness of the five ways to support brain health, there was room to educate many on how to help improve or maintain brain health.

* Keeping Fit: Only 44% noted physical exercise as a key factor to help maintain a healthy brain.

* Learning More: While 50% noted brain games can help maintain brain health, only 9% reported taking classes, 6% said watching educational programs and 5% indicated watching the news.

* Managing Stress: While 68% chose getting adequate sleep or rest to help maintain brain health, only 38% identified low stress as a factor (34%).

* Eating Right: For just 58% a healthy diet is considered key to maintaining brain health.

* Being Social: Only 18% noted being social as a key factor to help maintain or improve brain health, the least likely to be noted as a way to help your brain.

AARP understands that people 50+ are active, engaged, and focused on living life to the fullest. AARP is committed to helping members discover "Real Possibilities" in life, by delivering membership options that have evolved to reflect where members are in life today. The AARP Staying Sharp membership costs $21 a year and provides people with information, tools and resources, and tangible steps to take every day to foster a healthy, holistic lifestyle in support of brain health. Along with all the benefits of traditional membership, Staying Sharp provides access to experts, tools, and resources, focused on maintaining brain health, including:

* Staying Sharp Challenge from Brain HQ: Access to online brain training exercises selected for Staying Sharp members designed to improve cognitive ability, navigation skills, people skills, memory and more.

* Staying Sharp eNewsletter Subscription: Access to up-to-date research and insights around brain health.

* Video Insights Series: Short, web-based video series with science-based tips and suggestions on physical exercise, online and offline activities, food and approaches to support brain health in a holistic way.

To learn more about the brain health Staying Sharp research, visit http://www.aarp.org/StayingSharpStudy. For more information about the AARP Staying Sharp membership, visit http://www.aarp.org/NewStaySharp.
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About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/4847/81191/Staying_Sharp.jpg

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Jan. 20, 2015 -- Whether you're treating yourself to a new beauty product or pampering yourself with a facial, you'll leave the Pearl District's new beauty space feeling beautiful and balanced. Now open at the corner of NW 9th & NW Everett, Echo Natural Beauty is housed in a fresh modern space featuring natural and organic beauty products and treatments from around the globe.

Echo unites accomplished local estheticians and holistic skincare experts Jami Sherman and Shannon Milligan, who bring a collective 15 years of experience to their new undertaking. Their Echo treatment menu features facials, massage, makeup application and sugaring, a safe, all-natural alternative to waxing that is one of the oldest methods of hair removal.

Echo co-founder Jami Sherman introduced Portland to sugaring ten years ago and honed her skills at Treatment, the Pearl District skin and body care studio she launched prior to opening Echo with her partner Shannon Milligan. An accomplished esthetician, Milligan brings a background of nutrition, high-end esthetics and makeup artistry to Echo via her skincare studio Fraiche.

"Our focus at Echo is natural and organic beauty achieved with cutting edge ingredients and no artificial colors or fragrances," said Sherman. "The products we stock in the shop and use in our treatment rooms are sustainable and non-toxic - plus they're beautifully packaged and smell incredible!"

"Echo is the perfect anecdote for the harsh effects of wind and cold on the skin," added Milligan. "You'll be treated with products that are fresh, natural and therapeutic for mind and body."

Echo Natural Beauty officially opens its doors January 20. Find them online at www.echonaturalbeauty.com or in their shop at 909 NW Everett. Reservations can be made online or by calling 503-805-4074.

Jami and Shannon are hosting a free, open to the public grand opening party on February 13 from 5pm to 8pm.


Attached Media Files: Echo Natural Beauty Founders Shannon Milligan and Jami Sherman , Echo Natural Beauty logo

Marion County Fire District #1 Board of Directors seeks to fill one vacancy through temporary appointment. Per Board Policy, interested parties must submit letters of interest which include the interested party's full name, address of residence, length of time residing in district, and statement of interest for serving on District Board. Applicants must also be a registered voter in district. Letters of interest must be received by 10:00 a.m. on February 18, 2015. Letters of interest should be addressed to Board President Bernie Otjen, 300 Cordon Rd NE, Salem, OR 97317, or via email to info@mcfd1.com.

Be advised that this vacancy is due to voluntary resignation and as such, any appointment to these positions will be temporary until the election on May 2015. Individuals appointed to a vacancy will need to register and run in the May 2015 election in order to continue serving on the Board of Directors.

Following a review of all applicants' credentials and statement of interest, interviews for the qualified applicants will be scheduled before the Board of Directors on February 19, 2015.

(January 20, 2015 - Vancouver, WA) Pearson Field Education Center (PFEC) will be hosting Jessica Cox at their weekly Open Saturday program this Saturday, January 24th from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at 210A East Reserve Street, Vancouver, WA 98661. The public is invited to come meet Jessica and learn about her extraordinary achievements.

Born without arms, Jessica Cox could have succumbed to the low expectations that ushered her into this world. In spite of them all, she earned two black belts in Taekwondo, graduated from college, and learned to swim, drive a car, fly an airplane, surf, scuba dive, and live independently using her feet in ways others who take their hands for granted can only imagine. She holds the title of the first person without arms to get a black belt in ATA Martial Arts and the Guinness World Record for the first pilot to fly with her feet. Yet, her greatest triumph in life stands far above any physical feat. It is her unrepentant regard for herself as a whole person, her high degree of self-acceptance that gives her the freedom and power to insist that society accept her, too, just as she is. To learn more about Jessica Cox, visit her website at www.rightfooted.com.

The Pearson Field Education Center is an educational program of the Fort Vancouver National Trust. PFEC is open to the public every Saturday from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. with free activities such as glider building, a flight simulator lab, vertical wind tunnel, open cockpits and more. To learn more about PFEC, visit www.fortvan.org/AviationEducation or call Deborah Bessette at (360) 992-1815.

About Fort Vancouver National Trust
The Fort Vancouver National Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community that preserves and celebrates its rich history while shaping its legacy for the future. The mission of the Trust is to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community's history. For more information, visit www.fortvan.org or call 360-992-1800.


Attached Media Files: Press release PDF , Open Saturday w/ Jessica Cox Flyer

The Marion County Fire District Board of Directors accepted the resignation last week of long time board member and former volunteer, Orville Downer. Director Downer joined the Board of Directors in 1995 after 32 years of service as an active volunteer, serving as Deputy Chief of the North Battalion. More than a volunteer, Orville Downer is considered one of the founders of MCFD1 as we know it today, having served the Brooks RFPD before it merged with Four Corners RFPD in 1968 to become the Marion County Fire District #1 we know today.

"His leadership, history, and experience will be sorely missed by this organization, and we wish to extend our deepest appreciation for the decades of service he provided to this community", said Board President Bernie Otjen.

Orville Downer was honored in 2000 with the Hall of Fame Award for his outstanding service to the district, and just last year was awarded for a lifetime achievement of 50 years of dedication to Marion County Fire District #1.

The Beaverton Police Department will be conducting a Pedestrian Safety Detail on Thursday, January 22, 2015 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and it will be conducted at the intersection of SW Broadway St. and SW Hall Blvd.

This detail will focus on vehicles failing to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Motorists are reminded it's your lane plus six feet. Stop for the pedestrian, who must clear the lane you're turning into and at least 6 feet of the next lane, before you proceed.

Please see the link for full text of the law at. http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/811.028
The primary focus of this detail is to raise pedestrian safety awareness. Through the use of a decoy pedestrian, the Beaverton Police Department hopes to raise the awareness of drivers and pedestrians through education and enforcement of pedestrian right of way laws.

Pedestrians are also reminded to wear bright colors and pay attention to the traffic flow when preparing to cross the road. Pedestrians are also required to obey any traffic control device that directs the pedestrian's movement.

In our continued effort to provide options other than the standard citation, drivers receiving citations are given the option of taking a crosswalk diversion program hosted by the Beaverton Police Department.

Please see the YouTube link below to watch an informational video on crosswalk safety.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzexhlX73W8&feature=share&list=PLxrQ2N-yvFxjXHl2qDcTALpZZ2dq8H548
##BPD##


Attached Media Files: Press Release

This past summer, after 25 years of service, the Marine Board's titling and registration system reached the end of its useful life and was retired. The Marine Board made the transition to a web based titling and registration system that has more functionality, more security and brings more online options for boaters. The new registration system combines the old mainframe data with boater education, AIS permits and the Outfitter/Guide/Charter databases into one, integrated system. The customer interface, "RegLine," allows boaters to login and manage their contact information, as well as apply for boat title and registration and renew or order replacement documents, 24/7. The new system allows boaters to order replacement boater education cards, purchase AIS permit(s) for paddlecraft, and coming next year, Outfitters, Guides and charters will be able to apply online.

The transition to the new system last summer created backlogs for boaters who were transferring titles and registering during the already busy summer months. As a result of extensive transactions sent through the mail, particularly boats that have not been registered recently or those coming from out-of-state, staff are entering the data into the new system manually. Staff and boaters have also had to work through the technical difficulties of a new system. This led to an increased backlog of boat transactions, which most boaters are not accustomed to experiencing from the agency, which has the reputation of having a fast turn-around time. The patience and understanding of boaters has been very much appreciated.

For quick turn-around on boat registration renewals, boaters are encouraged to renew online. Online boat registration renewals are immediately processed when payment is approved and printed the same or next day for mailing. Boaters should be aware that the new online interface has additional safety measures built in that can be confusing, so it is important to read and follow the directions closely.

"The new system is up and running, but we are still working with our contractor to improve functionality while our staff are becoming more proficient with the user interfaces," says Janess Eilers, Title and Registration Manager for the Marine Board. "Over the past few months we have brought on temporary staff and had registration specialists work overtime to catch up the on the backlog, so while we are happy with the progress, we will continue to have some inconvenience for those who are accustomed to faster service," Eilers adds.

The Marine Board, working with marine law enforcement, will honor any temporary permits that expired until the agency is caught up with transaction backlog.
###


Attached Media Files: RegLine Registration Decal Graphic

Portland, OR - The Oregon Black Pioneers have partnered with the Oregon Historical Society to present A Community on the Move, a new exhibition opening Saturday, February 1 at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland (1200 SW Park Avenue, 97205).

This groundbreaking exhibition explains how the WWII shipyards, migration from the South, the Vanport flood, and urban renewal projects impacted Portland's black families and businesses. Interactive displays, associated public programs, and educational tours have been designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds and reveal the courage and persistence of black families who lived during this tumultuous era.

Designed in partnership with Alchemy of Design, this original exhibition draws on personal photographs, historic artifacts, and hands on experiences to illuminate Portland's vibrant black community, which thrived despite a larger cultural and legal context of discrimination and displacement. As present-day gentrification in Portland impacts historically black neighborhoods, the importance of acknowledging and understanding this little-known history is critical to our collective future. With this in mind, A Community on the Move has been designed so that visitors can connect and compare past conditions to our modern realities.

Throughout the exhibition's run, community members will be invited to participate in special conversations with leaders and elders from Portland's African American community. These community conversations will take place throughout Portland, and a full list of these programs as well as other associated events can be found at www.oregonblackpioneers.org and www.ohs.org.

A Community on the Move will be on display from February 1 through June 28, 2015. Oregon Historical Society museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $11, and discounts are available for students, seniors, and youth. Admission is free every day to residents of Multnomah County and members of the Oregon Historical Society.

This exhibition made possible by the generous support of numerous local grantors, sponsors, and friends.


Attached Media Files: Vanport Floating Housing, courtesy Thomas Robinson , 10th Annual Les Femmes Debutante Ball, courtesy The Oregonian , Ninie Mae Locke, courtesy City of Portland Archives , 1949 Bethel AME Easter Sunday, courtesy Portland State University

On Tuesday January 20, 2015, at 2:50 p.m., the Portland Police Bureau G.R.E.A.T. Program will be honoring students at Hosford Middle School, located at 2303 Southeast 28th Place.

Officers Tracy Ballew, Jessica Brainard and Mike Paresa will be celebrating the graduation and honoring the students hard work and achievement in the G.R.E.A.T. Program.

Media is invited to attend this special event and is asked to check in with the office before attending the graduation.

To learn more about the G.R.E.A.T. Program, visit http://www.greatpdx.org or contact Officer Mike Paresa at (503) 823-2186; Mike.Paresa@PortlandOregon.gov.

###PPB###

#CEO


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/80992/GREAT_Logo.jpg

Officers assigned to the East Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) are investigating a series of car prowls in Southeast Portland's Richmond Neighborhood.

Many of these car prowls are clustered along Southeast Division Street, from 32nd to 45th Avenues and appear to be occurring between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Surveillance photos of two possible suspect vehicles are being released to aid in this investigation.

One of the vehicles is described as a 1998 - 2000 aqua blue Ford Ranger pick-up with damage to the passenger side bed rail. This vehicle was occupied by two white males in their 30s or 40s, with average builds.

The other vehicle is described as a 1998 - 2003 gray or silver Dodge Durango, with a white circular sticker in the lower left rear window. This vehicle was occupied by a white male, 30 to 40 years old, 5'10" tall, and 180 pounds. A second occupant is described as an African American male, 30-40 years old, 6'2" tall, and 250 pounds.

NRT officers are working closely with Crime Prevention Coordinators to share information with the community on how to reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

If someone is a witness to a car prowl in progress, they are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately and provide as much information as possible, including the suspect(s) description.

Anyone with non-emergency information about these suspects and/or vehicles is encouraged to contact Officers Ryan Mele and Andrew Hearst at (503) 823-9704. Officers Mele and Hearst can also be contacted by email: ryan.mele@portlandoregon.gov or andrew.hearst@portlandoregon.gov

Theft from vehicles (car prowls) is the unlawful taking of motor vehicle contents or parts, and is a crime that can be completed in less than a minute. Despite being under reported, it consistently ranks as one of the top three crimes reported to the Portland Police Bureau each year. Most thieves target items stored in vehicles including purses, wallets, mobile phones, laptops, electronic devices, loose change, and personal information. Car prowls are crimes of opportunity where offenders make split-second decisions to break into vehicles when they see valuables in plain view.

To reduce the likelihood of your vehicle being targeted, the Portland Police Bureau reminds community members to remove valuables from their cars. This includes items that may appear valuable, such as a gym bag that a thief believes might contain an electronic device, or chargers and accessories that indicate a GPS or mobile phone may be stashed in your vehicle. Car prowlers are known to visit parking lots and observe activity. If you must store anything in your car, keep it out of sight and secure, and transfer it to the trunk before you arrive at your destination. Lock your doors and close your windows. Park in busy, well-lit areas, and store your vehicle in your garage at night where possible.

If you are the victim of a car prowl, the Police Bureau encourages victims to file a police report online by visiting http://www.PortlandPolice.com

Additional car prowl prevention tips can be found by visiting the City of Portland's Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention webpage, http://www.portlandoregon.gov/oni/article/320547

The Portland Police Bureau released a video in 2009 titled "Confessions of a Car Prowler", which can be viewed at http://youtu.be/De5IHBoGz6A

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81174/Suspect_Truck_1.jpg , 2015-01/3056/81174/Suspect_Suv.jpg

For the first time in its 50-year history, the Ford Mustang will be available to customers around the world in more than 100 markets. First shipments of the highly anticipated Mustang are headed for Asia, with vehicles arriving in Europe midyear.

The all-new Mustang - assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan - now joins other Ford and Lincoln vehicles exported to countries abroad. In 2013, Ford Motor Company shipped more than 380,000 vehicles from the United States, making the automaker a top U.S. exporter of vehicles.

"Henry Ford exported the sixth Model A assembled in 1903 and we continue this legacy today," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. "The success of our One Ford plan presents opportunities for growth in global markets. Exporting Ford and Lincoln vehicles to Asia Pacific and beyond is an important part of Ford's global growth story. Mustang is just one more example of the international demand for Ford cars and trucks."

Going global means jobs

Making Ford vehicles available to global consumers supports thousands of jobs across the United States. The all-new 2015 Mustang is supported by U.S. suppliers in 25 states. In 2013, Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, the car's production home, celebrated the 1 millionth Mustang built there. The facility has approximately 3,000 employees working two shifts at full capacity to produce Mustang and Fusion. In addition, 100 jobs at the Port of Portland have now been added to support Ford exports bound for Asia Pacific and other markets.

"Serving as a gateway for exports of new Ford vehicles to China and Korea has helped boost employment and bolster our local economy," said Bill Wyatt, executive director for the Port of Portland. "Auto exports and imports support more than 500 jobs at our marine terminals, and they have been an important part of our diverse cargo portfolio since 1953."

Preparing Mustang for export

Mustangs exported from the United States undergo a series of steps to ensure compliance with vehicle standards in the destination countries. At each port's homologation center, Ford and Lincoln vehicles receive finishing touches that follow specific engineering work completed in production at the plant. Vehicles undergo proper customs documentation and tracking so Ford can ensure their progress and delivery. Certain vehicles receive an underbody coating and documents in the destination country language.

"Preparing these vehicles for shipment to their final destination is critical to satisfying both customer and regulatory requirements for our markets around the world," said Gerald Schoenle, director, Ford Trading Company. "We want our customers globally to know that their Ford vehicles will meet emissions, safety and road-worthiness requirements."
The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to Ford's global vehicle lineup will allow the iconic pony car to be exported to more than 25 of these markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.
American-made Ford vehicles travel the world

Mustang joins a lineup of Ford Motor Company vehicles produced in the United States and exported around the world.

Ford Explorer is largely produced at Chicago Assembly Plant in Illinois and exported to a number of markets, including China. In 2012, Ford exported just 200 Explorers to China; in 2014, that number increased to more than 9,000.
In September 2014, Ford Motor Company began shipping Lincoln vehicles from the Port of Portland to China, marking a significant milestone for the brand globally. The shipment, which included Lincoln MKC vehicles made in Kentucky, is part of Ford's commitment to offer a unique experience designed to revolutionize the way premium cars are sold in China. By the end of 2014, there were a total of eight Lincoln dealers throughout China.

January 19, 2015--Washington County Sheriff's Deputies serving the City of Cornelius were assisted by additional Sheriff's Deputies with a loose 800 pound bull in the city. One man was injured before the bull could be dispatched.

On January 19, 2015 at about 11:30 a.m., Sheriff's Deputies responded to a recall of a loose Charolais bull (photos attached) in the area of North 29th and Highway 8 in the City of Cornelius. It was reported that seven bulls broke out of a damaged fence from a ranch at the 33000 block of Highway 8 last night. The seven bulls reportedly caused damage at a business at the west end of Hillsboro before disappearing into the night. This morning, six bulls found their way home and the reported sighting was the missing bull.

The bull moved its way into several Cornelius neighborhoods crashing through yards as Sheriff's Deputies attempted to guide the animal back to the ranch. The bull was disoriented and was continuing to elude Sheriff's Deputies in a path covering about a mile radius through the city and surrounding farm land.

At about 2:00 p.m., the bull fixated on and began to charge Augustine (Morgan) White, 23, outside of Mr. White's residence at the 2700 block of North Davis Court. When the bull began charging, Mr. White first attempted to intimidate the bull by raising his arms and standing as tall as possible. Realizing this was not working, Mr. White started to run away as the bull continued to charge. The bull knocked Mr. White down to the asphalt driveway then ran a different direction. Morgan White was treated and released at a local hospital. Fortunately, he only received bruising of the ribs and extensive abrasions.

The bull was once again cornered by Sheriff's Deputies in the 300 block of North 29th Avenue. The bull's owner had called a local butcher company to dispatch and process the bull but they were unsuccessful after two attempts. The bull ran south on North 29th Avenue towards Tualatin Valley Highway. Sheriff's Deputies were able to quickly stop traffic as the bull ran across the highway and into a large farm field. A third attempt to dispatch the bull by the butcher was again unsuccessful. A Sheriff's Patrol Sergeant used his patrol rifle to quickly and effectively dispatch the bull to avoid further danger to the public and property damage.

It appears the fence containing the bulls was damaged by the recent heavy rains causing it to fail. No citations for loose animals are anticipated.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1128/81180/Bull_Photo_2.PNG , Loose Bull

Potential Robbery/Coercion Update:

At about 12:30 pm Renee Barnard and David Farnsworth came into the police department and gave statements to our detectives. Based on the interviews we have obtained, we are not making any immediate arrests and are conducting further investigative steps before any action is taken.

We are no longer looking for any assistance in locating the individuals or vehicle involved in this incident.

Anyone with further information in this case is asked to call Sergeant Fessler at 503-435-5616

1/19/2015 2:42 PM-This afternoon Portland Firefighters were called to an apartment on fire at 430 NE 16th. When firefighters arrived they found a kitchen fire that had been extinguished by the building's fire sprinkler system. The resident of the affected unit suffered burn injuries that don't appear to be life threatening.

Firefighters treated the injured person and made sure that the fire was completely out. The injured person was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. The fire was contained to one apartment unit.

A Portland Fire Investigator was called to the scene to determine the cause of the fire. This release will be updated with damage estimates when they are available.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.

-Keep dishtowels, paper towels, pot holders, and combustible items away from stove burners.

-When cooking, stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the stove.

-Don't wear loose sleeves over hot stove burners - they can melt, ignite, or catch on handles of pots and pans

-If a cooking fire starts, smother it with a pot lid. Never throw water on a grease fire, and do NOT try to pick up the pan.

At around 9:20am on Monday January 19th, Gaston Fire District was dispatched to an accident involving logging equipment off of SW Herr Road. This is near Hagg Lake or about 5 road miles Northwest of Gaston, the location of the site was a logging road on Weyerhaeuser Property. When the first unit arrived, they found a log yarder partially on its side resting on top of a log loader/processor. The operator of the yarder was entrapped in the cab of the machinery. Through the teamwork of multiple fire agencies, it took firefighters approximately 40 minutes to rescue the patient from the complicated location. The operator was transported by ambulance to OHSU with potentially serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Due to extremely foggy conditions, a Lifeflight Network helicopter was not able to land in the area.

A log yarder is piece of logging equipment which uses a system of cables to pull or fly logs from the area it is cut to the landing where it is processed and loaded onto log trucks. This can be in very steep terrain and in difficult locations. It is unknown at this time what occurred to cause the equipment to fall over. At this time we do not have the name of the logging company.

The Gaston Fire District was assisted on scene by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Cornelius Fire Department, Metro West Ambulance and Washington County Sheriffs Office.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1797/81176/IMG_1284.JPG , 2015-01/1797/81176/IMG_1254.JPG , 2015-01/1797/81176/IMG_1255.JPG , 2015-01/1797/81176/IMG_1262.JPG , 2015-01/1797/81176/IMG_1264.JPG , 2015-01/1797/81176/IMG_1272.JPG

At about 2:40 a.m., the McMinnville Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Office began an investigation into an alleged kidnapping that occurred in Marion County and ended in McMinnville. The victim has made claims that she was taken against her will and transported to McMinnville where she was made to hand over an undisclosed amount of cash.

After hours of interviews with the victim and a review of the case, the Marion County Sheriff's Office has not been able to substantiate the claims made by the victim. The investigation is ongoing but as of this point the Sheriff's Office is not seeking the public or media's help in locating the additional people involved in last night's incident.

Because of the doubts brought forth by the investigators no suspect information is being released by the Sheriff's Office, at this time. If information comes forward to substantiate this investigation the Sheriff's Office will release any remaining details regarding this investigation.

1/19/2015 8:43 AM-This morning Portland Firefighters were called to a traffic accident at the intersection of SE 82nd and Yamhill. It appears that two vehicles collided resulting in one of the vehicles crashing into a building. When the car hit the building it severed the buildings gas service, creating a natural gas leak. NW Natural was called to stop the leak.

Firefighters had several jobs that needed to be accomplished at the same time. Those included: Stabilizing the patients, cutting the patients free, protecting the patients with hose lines until they could be removed from the vehicle and checking nearby buildings for the presence of gas.

The male occupant (driver) had to be cut from the vehicle as he was trapped. He was transported to OHSU and was entered into the trauma system. Patients are entered into the trauma system when serious trauma is either present or very likely. The female occupant (passenger) was transported to a hospital with injuries that don't appear life threatening. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured and no other injuries were associated with this incident.

The presence of gas was not detected in nearby buildings, however those nearest the incident were evacuated as a precaution. Representatives of NW Natural arrived on scene just after the patients were transported and they were able to stop the leak at the point of damage. Any information on this accident's cause will be provided by PPB.


Attached Media Files: Crash 82/Yamhill , Crash 82/Yamhill , Crash 82/Yamhill

On Monday January 19, 2015, at 8:43 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to the report of a two vehicle crash at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Yamhill Street.

Officers, firefighters and medical personnel arrived and began treating two injured parties in one of the vehicles, which veered after the collision and hit a building, severing a gas line. The driver and passenger were both transported to a Portland hospital for treatment. Upon arrival at the hospital, medical personnel determined that the passenger's injuries may be life-threatening.

The other driver remained at the scene and has cooperated with investigators. At this point there is no indication of impaired driving by either party.

The Traffic Division's Major Crash Team is responding to conduct an investigation into the crash.

The gas line has been shut off and there does not appear to be any danger to the surrounding neighborhood.

The intersection and streets surrounding 82nd and Yamhill are closed to allow for the crash investigation and for Northwest Natural Gas to repair the broken gas line.

Drivers are encouraged to use 92nd Avenue as an alternate route.

Updates will be provided when they become available.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81170/MCT_Stock_Photo.jpg

Oregon State Police Troopers are continuing the investigation into this morning's serious injury crash on highway 99E near milepost 18.5, northeast of Canby.

Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 7:00 A.M., a two-vehicle, side impact (T-bone) crash occurred when a white, 2002 Ford Focus, driven by SERGIO D. PEREZ-PLEUGER, age 19, from Canby, pulled onto highway 99E from Haines Road. Shortly after pulling onto the roadway the Focus was struck in the driver's side door by a northbound, gold, Cadillac CTS, driven by 57 year-old BRENDA K. GRAHAM, of Canby. Perez-Pleuger was seriously injured and transported via air-ambulance to Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU). Graham was transported via ground ambulance to Willamette Falls Medical Center for treatment.

OSP was assisted at the scene by the Canby Police Department, Canby Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1002/81166/99e_MP_18_2.jpg , 2015-01/1002/81166/99e_MP_18_1.jpg

A house fire was reported at 4:20am at 510 39Th St. Springfield, OR. Eugene Springfield fire department crews arrived 5 minutes later to find smoke and fire coming from the back of a single family residence. The two adult occupants were both out of the structure upon firefighters arrival. One adult male was evaluated on scene by medics and transported to McKenzie/Willamette hospital for smoke inhalation. Firefighters had the fire under control in 21 minutes. There was extensive smoke and fire damage throughout the house. Preliminary damages are estimated to be $45,000. The fire cause appears to be accidental, fire investigators are still on scene. A total of 19 firefighters were on scene.

American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to a single-family fire at 4:03 p.m. on the 42000 block of Fir Grove Lane in Lebanon.
The fire affected one adult. Red Cross provided food, clothing, seasonal garments, a comfort kit and information about health services.

This afternoon, robbery detectives booked the three robbery suspects arrested today on a variety of charges.

18-year-old Patrick Dynell Jenkins was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Robbery in the First Degree (three counts) and Robbery in the Second Degree (three counts).

16-year-old Augugua Ukpabi and 15-year-old Tommy Lee Waters were lodged at the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Home on the same Measure 11 charges.

All three suspects will be arraigned on Tuesday.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Sunday January 18, 2015, at 7:20 a.m., North Precinct officers responded to Northeast 19th Avenue and Killingsworth Street on the report of an armed robbery.

Officers contacted the victim who told police that he was robbed at gunpoint by three African American males who left the scene in a black 1990s Ford Crown Victoria.

At 8:09 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to the report of an armed robbery at Southeast 135th Avenue and Division Street.

Officers contacted the victim who told police that he was robbed at gunpoint by two African American males who left the area in a dark blue Ford Crown Victoria.

While officers were checking the surrounding neighborhood for the suspects, a third reported armed robbery occurred at Southeast 139th Avenue and Mill Street.

Officers checking the area spotted the suspect vehicle, a black 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, driving eastbound on Main Street from 162nd Avenue. The suspect vehicle attempted to elude police, but an East Precinct sergeant used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) to spin the suspect vehicle out. The suspect vehicle spun but the driver regained control and the pursuit continued until a Gresham Police officer was able to deploy Spike Strips to deflate the suspect vehicle tires and the car stopped on Southeast Powell Boulevard and NW Wallula Avenue.

Three suspects were taken into custody. Additional investigation by police led to the discovery of two handguns.

Robbery detectives are continuing to investigate and suspect names and charges will be released after they are booked into jail.

Nobody was injured in any of the robberies or during the pursuit.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81161/Patrick_Dynell_Jenkins_18.jpg

Two vehicles collided head-on with each other at about 2:30 pm this afternoon on Liberty Rd S near Bunker Hill Rd S.

Marion County Sheriff's Deputies and Salem Fire Department responded to the scene. They arrived to find the two vehicles involved, one of which is a Green 1993 Ford Explorer, driven by Michael Lowe, 39, of South Salem and a Black 2013 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Randy Harrison, 58, also of South Salem.

Lowe was extricated from his vehicle by fire personnel. Both Lowe and Harrison were injured in the crash and transported by ambulance to Salem hospital where they are in critical condition. The extent of their injuries is not known. Consistent with HIPAA regulations, we will not release further information about their medical condition without their approval.

No other occupants were believed to be involved in either vehicle.

Deputies Mark Ferron and Casey Burhnam with the Sheriff's Office CRASH team also assisted. The cause of the crash remains under investigation at this time. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this incident. Liberty Rd S at Bunker Hill Rd S is open to traffic at this time.

We are asking anyone with information about this crash or moments prior to the crash to please call in and ask to speak with Deputies Mark Ferron and or Casey Burhnam. Please call the Marion County Sheriff's Office at (503) 588-5032.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1294/81163/Bunker_Hill_CRASH

At 1:12 PM NE Portland fire crews were dispatched to the report of an overturned car on Airport way at about 128th Ave. Battalion 2 Chief was with Engine and Truck 2 when they arrived and took command of the incident. The car had struck the median and overturned on to its roof. Crews made contact with the patient, who was unable to self extricate. The call was upgraded to a Pin-in response which added an additional engine company to assist with safety and manpower.

Struts were installed to stabilize the vehicle while crews extracted the patient. This is to eliminate the risk of the vehicle collapsing or shifting dangerously. The extrication took approximately 20 minutes.

The patient, a man in his 30's was transported with non-life threatening injuries.

Photos courtesy PF&R Photographer Dick Harris

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to report of a rollover accident on NE Airport Way, at around 128th Ave. Upon arrival they found an occupant pinned-in, which prompted incident company to upgrade to the response to get needed resources to the scene to perform extrication and support functions.

Expect some traffic and travel delays in the area.

Updates will be posted as they become available.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/549/81162/DSCF7141.jpg , 2015-01/549/81162/DSCF7145.jpg , 2015-01/549/81162/DSCF7168.jpg , 2015-01/549/81162/DSCF7180.jpg , 2015-01/549/81162/DSCF7195.JPG , 2015-01/549/81162/DSCF7205.JPG

The residents of 109 Southeast 76th Avenue reported a bullet through the bedroom window of their one-year-old daughter. The child was not harmed and officers collected the evidence from the scene.

This home is more than a mile away from the shooting scene at Southeast 54th Avenue and Belmont Street.

No arrests have been made and people contacted inside and outside the party were not cooperative with police.

In the main church, there was an unrelated celebration of life and no injuries were reported.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Saturday January 17, 2015, at 9:55 p.m., East Precinct and Gang Enforcement Team officers responded to Southeast 54th Avenue and Belmont Street on the report of multiple gunshots and people running all over.

Officers arrived in the area and located evidence of a shooting outside the Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, located at 5441 Southeast Belmont Street.

No victims were located and preliminary information indicates that in the basement of the church there was a party attended by several gang associates.

Due to this information, the shooting appears to be gang-related and the Gang Enforcement Team is investigating.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 823-3333.

The Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and Gun Task Force are continuing to actively investigate gang and gun crimes in the City of Portland.

Anyone with information about gang and/or gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau's Tactical Operations Division at (503) 823-4106.

Tips on gun crimes can be emailed to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov.

If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81158/GET_Logo.jpg

On Saturday January 17, 2015, at 5:41 p.m., North Precinct officers responded to the report of an armed robbery at the Portland Market and Deli, located at 5411 Northeast Cully Boulevard.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted employees who told police that the suspect entered the market, armed with a handgun, and demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect left the market in an unknown direction.

Several officers checked the neighborhood but did not find anyone matching the suspect's description.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s, wearing a dark-colored mask, all dark clothing, armed with a handgun.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Robbery Detail at (503) 823-0405.

###PPB###

On Saturday January 17, 2015, at 3:37 p.m., a handcuffed suspect ran police after being arrested in connection with a domestic violence investigation at a residence in the 15600 block of Southeast Stark Street.

The handcuffed suspect, 44-year-old Andrew Phillip McMichael, was being walked to a police car when he broke free of officers and ran across Stark Street southbound on 157th Avenue. McMichael was last seen near Harold Oliver Elementary School, located at 15840 Southeast Taylor Street.

Several officers, including a Multnomah County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, searched the neighborhood but did not locate McMichael.

McMichael does not appear to represent a threat to the greater community.

Anyone seeing McMichael or having information on his whereabouts should call 9-1-1.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81156/Andrew_Phillip_McMichael.jpg

Update 2:

Oregon State Troopers are continuing their investigation into Saturday's early morning crash. Further consolidation of information among Troopers reveals that approximately 26 vehicles or vehicle combinations were directly involved in a crash. The estimate of total vehicles at the scene either involved in a crash or blocked between crashes is between 50 to 70 vehicles.

12 patients were treated for injuries at the St. Alphonsus Hospital in Baker City - 6 arrived by ambulance and 6 arrived by third party.

After their arrival to St. Alphonsus in Baker city, 1 patient was transferred to OHSU in Portland with serious injuries, 1 patient was transferred to St. Alphonsus in Boise, ID with serious injuries and 2 patients were transferred to the Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande for treatment.

Update 1:

The Hazmat Team declared no leaks in loads and ODOT and OSP continue to clear scene. The Interstate 84 eastbound road closures are still in effect until the remaining vehicles are removed and westbound lanes are currently open.

The highway surface was covered with ice at the time of the collision and driving conditions were very slick. OSP is reminding all drivers that winter driving conditions can be very treacherous and drivers should slow down and use extreme caution when traveling on the highways.


PRELIMINARY INFORMATION:

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a multi vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near Baker City. All eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 are blocked with several crashed vehicles. ODOT and emergency responders are on scene.

Early information indicates that on January 17, at approximately 4:54 A.M., estimated 20 vehicles, traveling eastbound onto black ice, collided and resulted in blocking all eastbound traffic with approximately 50 vehicles blocked within the crash scene. Two vehicles were transporting hazardous materials and an assessment is being conducted at this time. 4 occupants were transported with minor to serious injuries.

Traffic updates are on ODOT's website TripCheck.com.


Attached Media Files: Crash Photo 1 , Crash Photo 4 , Crash Photo 3 , Crash Photo 2

In cooperation with Central Coast Cease Fire, the Newport Police Department hosted a 'no questions asked' gun turn in today, January 17, from 10am to 2pm. Citizens brought in unwanted firearms and turned them into the Police Department. Central Coast Cease Fire provided gift cards to those turning in firearms. A total of 138 firearms were turned in. The number included 18 shotguns, 18 rifles, 35 semi-auto pistols, and 67 revolvers.

Of note, of the total number of firearms turned in, one was an assault rifle and two were sawed-off shotguns. Turned in were 95 high capacity magazines and ammunition was also accepted. Serial numbers on the firearms will be checked against state and federal data bases. Any stolen firearms will be sent to the police agency that reported the weapon stolen. There maybe two or three firearms that are of museum quality and a solicitation will go out to accredited museums to see if they may be interested in the firearm.

Once a serial number check is completed, all firearms, ammunition and magazines will be boxed and sent to the burn plant in Brooks, Oregon for destruction.

Chief Mark Miranda stated: "I am impressed with the amount of firearms turned into the Police Department, and consider this project a success. We will look at doing another project such as this next year."

During the year, any unwanted firearm, or ammunition may still be turned into the Police Department. The front office is open from 8am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays, or any Newport Police officer may be contacted.


Attached Media Files: Turned in firearms

2:45 p.m. Update - New photos attached to this release. Message is same one sent at 2:13 p.m.
I-84 remains closed Westbound in Ontario at Exit 371 and Eastbound at Exit 304 in Baker City, Exit 265 in La Grande, and Exit 216 east of Pendleton due to multi-vehicle crash on Eastbound Freeway near MP 318, east of Baker City that occurred early this morning. Hazmat response crews have now given the OK to begin moving backed up Westbound traffic past the area. Once backed up Westbound traffic is cleared, the Westbound freeway will remain closed for 1-2 hours to facilitate clearing non-disabled trucks from the Eastbound freeway. Once all non-disabled vehicles are cleared from Eastbound lanes, the Westbound freeway will be open for through traffic. Clearing disabled trucks from Eastbound freeway is expected to continue for several hours. The Eastbound freeway is not expected to open to through traffic until later tonight. Safety is the primary concern and ODOT, OSP and emergency response crews are working to open the freeway as soon as possible. Watch for fog, spots of ice and winter conditions on eastern Oregon highways. For up to minute road conditions, always check TripCheck.com or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside of Oregon, call 503-588-2941.


Attached Media Files: I84 truck crash, MP 318, eastbound, 1/17/2015 , I84 truck crash, MP 318 Eastbound,1/17/2015 , 2015-01/1204/81150/I84_MP_318_EB_Truck_crash_05__011715.jpg , 2015-01/1204/81150/I84_MP_318_EB_Truck_crash_04__011715.jpg , 2015-01/1204/81150/I84_MP_318_EB_Truck_crash_03__OSP_011715.jpg

PF&R has responded to a four car accident in the area of NE 185th and Marine Dr. Lanes are shut down between 158th and 185th.

Upon arrival firefighters found three cars on marine drive with one car over the embankment. Two of the cars had trapped patients that were extricated by firefighters. No patient information is available at this time.

On Saturday January 17, 2015, at 3:10 a.m., Central Precinct officers responded to a complaint of drug dealing under the Burnside Bridge near Naito Parkway.

An officer arrived and contacted a woman possibly related to the reported drug dealing. The woman ran from the officer, through Waterfront Park, and jumped over the seawall into the Willamette River.

The officer called for assistance from Portland Fire & Rescue boats and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office River Patrol.

Portland Fire & Rescue boats arrived within 10 minutes and rescued the woman, who was able to swim over the base of the seawall and get out of the water.

The woman, 35-year-old Takeshia Nicole Cruz, was transported to a Portland hospital for a precautionary exam. Upon release from the hospital, Cruz was transported to the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, Interfering with a Peace Officer, and three unrelated arrest warrants.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81152/Takeshia_Nicole_Cruz_35.png

The driver arrested on Friday night after leading police on a pursuit and ramming squad cars was booked into the Multnomah County Jail.

26-year-old Brandon Boik was charged with two counts of Assault in the Second Degree. Additional charges may be added at a later time.

The passenger, a 20-year-old female, was interviewed and released without charges.

Officers from the Traffic Division's Major Crash Team worked closely with Assault Detail detectives on this investigation.

Boik will be arraigned on Tuesday in Multnomah County Court.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Friday January 16, 2015, at 5:18 p.m., East Precinct officers responded to the report of a suspicious person rummaging through then stealing a car in the 15000 block of Northeast Pacific Street.

As officers were en route to the location, one officer spotted the vehicle westbound on Northeast Glisan Street. Several other officers responded to the area and attempted to stop the vehicle on a dead end on Irving Street, just East of 128th Avenue.

The driver of the stolen car turned the car around and began ramming police cars, ultimately getting through them and speeding out of the dead end. Officers were able to get cars turned around and pursue the suspect vehicle until it stopped in the 1600 block of Northeast 120th Avenue.

The driver ran from the vehicle but was quickly caught by officers pursuing on foot. The passenger in the vehicle was taken into custody by other officers.

Officers located and seized two handguns as part of this investigation.

Two officers suffered minor injuries as a result of the ramming and foot pursuit.

There are no outstanding suspects and no risk to the community.

Names and charges of the arrested persons will be released upon their booking into the Multnomah County Jail.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81145/Brandon_Boik_26.png

On Saturday January 17, 2015, at 12:10 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to Portland Adventist Medical Center on the report that a sexual assault victim was in the Emergency Room.

Officers and a victim advocate arrived and spoke with the 31-year-old female victim who was receiving medical treatment. The victim told police that the suspect was known to her through mutual friends.

The victim provided information to police that helped them locate the crime scene in a room at the Montavilla Motel, located at 320 Southeast 99th Avenue. Later officers were able to track down the suspect, 26-year-old Rashid Kambarov, and take him into custody. Additional evidence was located inside the suspect's vehicle.

Kambarov was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Rape in the First Degree and Sodomy in the First Degree.

The Portland Police Bureau collaborates with government agencies and community organizations that provide access to advocacy services to victims of sexual assaults.

A victim may be accompanied by a sexual assault advocate or other appropriate support person during the reporting process and/or criminal investigation.

* Multnomah County Victims' Assistance Program: Provides support during the reporting of sexual assaults and referrals to victim services and resources: (503) 988-3270.

* Portland Women's Crisis Line (PWCL): Provides access to advocacy services, including confidential peer support, information and referrals to community resources: 24 hour crisis line: (503) 235-5333, or 1-888-235-5333.

* Project UNICA - (Proyecto UNICA): Provides access to advocacy services for Spanish-speaking survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 24 hour crisis line: (503) 232-4448, or 1-888-232-4448.

Additionally, the Portland Police Bureau Strength programs provide free self-defense classes and personal safety workshops to people around the Portland area.

To learn more information about these programs, call (503) 823-0260 or visit http://www.portlandonline.com/police/womenstrength

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81151/Rashid_Kambarov_26.png

The Oregon State Police located the suspect and the stolen vehicle on I-205 in West Linn and took her into custody.

The suspect, 38-year-old Brooke Kristin Defrees, will be booked into the Multnomah County Jail on multiple charges including Robbery in the Third Degree, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Assault in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver (Hit & Run).

Defrees' booking photo will be available later at http://www.mcso.us

The victim, 69-year-old Kevin McGovern, had his vehicle returned home by police.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Friday January 16, 2015, at 4:26 p.m., Central Precinct officers responded to Northwest 25th Avenue and Thurman Street on the report of a carjacking.

Officers arrived in the area and located the male adult victim who told police that a female jumped into the passenger seat of his car and threw a full beer can at him. The victim got out of the car and the suspect climbed into the driver's seat and drove the car away, last seen eastbound on Thurman.

The victim was not seriously injured during the robbery.

The suspect is described as a white female in her late 20s, 5'8" tall, heavy build, red hair, wearing a black hoodie. The suspect appeared to be under the influence of narcotics.

The vehicle is a green 2007 Ford Explorer, Oregon license plate 346DKB.

Anyone with information about this suspect or seeing this vehicle should immediately call 9-1-1.

###PPB###

Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley reports that today at noon his Deputies, along with the Lebanon Police Department, responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on Rock Hill Road near Stoltz Hill Road, south of Lebanon.

The involved vehicle, a 2004 white Chevy Malibu, was westbound on Rock Hill Road when it failed to negotiate a corner. The vehicle left the road, collided with a road sign and came to rest on its side. Witnesses reported that the single male occupant, who was reported to be bleeding from the head, fled on foot. Several large knives were found inside the vehicle.

LCSO Deputies, with assistance from a US Forest Service Law Enforcement K9, set up a perimeter and began searching for the injured driver. After an exhaustive search, the driver was located in a wooded area near the southeast corner of Rock Hill Road. The driver had burrowed into berry briars in an effort to evade law enforcement officers.

When approached by a Deputy Sheriff, the driver, later identified as 32-year-old Jack Eldon Thompson of Lebanon, refused to obey numerous commands to show his hands and was subsequently tazed.

Thompson was taken into custody and transported to Lebanon Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries resulting from the crash. Thompson was later transported and lodged at the Linn County Jail on charges of Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver (Hit and Run), Criminal Trespass and an unrelated Probation Violation.

There were no injuries suffered by law enforcement personnel.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.
??NLG


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/2993/81146/Thompson.PNG , 2015-01/2993/81146/061.JPG

On Friday January 16, 2015, at 4:27 p.m., East Precinct officers responded to the NW Priority Credit Union, located at 12630 Southeast Division Street, on the report of a robbery.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted employees who told police that the suspect presented a demand note for money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect left and was last seen eastbound on Division in a white vehicle.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, 5'08" tall, medium build, clean shaven, wearing a dark hoodie, dark jacket, and dark jeans.

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact Detective Brett Hawkinson at (503) 823-1080, brett.hawkinson@portlandoregon.gov; or, the Portland office of the F.B.I. at (503) 224-4181.

###PPB###

Clackamas County Community Corrections is conducting a Sex Offender Community Notification in unincorporated Milwaukie today (Friday January 16, 2015) regarding Michael W. Miller, the offender listed in this notification flyer (PDF format).

This offender will be released from jail and living at the address in the flyer on Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

Full details are in the notification flyer attached to this release and also linked here:

http://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/documents/sexoffendernotificationmiller.pdf

[END]


Attached Media Files: MILLER SON

Portland Trial Ends With $2 Million Verdict For Condo Owners

Jan. 16, 2015

Accountability and responsibility were themes in a two week defective products jury trial that ended yesterday in U.S. District Court in Portland. After one and a half days of deliberation, eight jurors returned a verdict of $2,045,288 in compensatory damages against plumbing products manufacturer Victaulic Company, a Pennsylvania-based corporation. The company was brought to trial by the Benson Tower Homeowners Association. The jury unanimously awarded the entire amount asked for by the association to repair and replace the defective plumbing parts.

"This is a great victory for homeowners," said Portland attorney Michelle McClure, who represented the homeowners along with her partner Stuart Cohen of Landye Bennett Blumstein, Portland, and Richard Sieving of the Sieving Law Firm, Sacramento. "Jurors delivered a strong message that companies will be held accountable for their defective products. This all would have gone away months ago, if Victaulic had simply stepped up to the plate and accepted responsibility for its mistakes and its defective products."

Owners of condos in the Benson Tower claimed the company installed defective plumbing parts during the building's construction. The Benson Tower, at the intersection of Clay Street and 11th Avenue in Southwest Portland, was completed in 2007. It is 26 stories tall and contains 143 residential units. The individual units average about 810 square feet.

Plumbing problems appeared after the building was occupied. Valves would not shut off and black particles showed up in the drinking water. The valves and couplings manufactured by Victaulic were found to be dissolving and disintegrating.

Thursday's verdict brings an end to a four year battle against Victaulic by the homeowners association. Victaulic has had three other lawsuits filed against it by Portland homeowners associations. Of those three cases, two have been resolved, with one case still pending. Victaulic is facing identical claims of defective products in numerous other buildings in Portland.

On its web site, Victaulic describes itself as "the world leader in grooved mechanical pipe joining solutions." It traces its history to the development of fuel and water lines during World War I. The company was originally named Victory Pipe Joint Company and shortened the name to Victaulic by combing the words "victory" and "hydraulics." In this case, the victory went to the homeowners left to deal with the mess created by the company's faulty parts.

On Friday January 16, 2015, Portland Police Youth Services Division officers arrested 17-year-old Connor Janssen for Criminal Mischief in the First Degree in connection with this investigation. Janssen is a student at Central Catholic High School.

No additional arrests are expected in this case.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Wednesday January 14, 2015, officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's Youth Services Division arrested three 17-year-old boys in connection with spray paint vandalism that occurred on Friday January 9th at Grant High School and in the surrounding neighborhood.

17-year-old Will Torresan, 17-year-old Liam Keaney and 17-year-old Quincy Brown were arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, a felony. Torresan is a Grant High School student; Keaney and Brown are students at Central Catholic High School.

Officers learned that the teens were involved in using spray paint to vandalize the Grant High School football field facilities, goal post and bathroom; cars in the Grant Neighborhood; and, bathrooms at Irvington Park.

The investigation is continuing and additional arrests are possible.

###PPB###

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 immediately following the Executive Session which starts at 5:00 p.m. at the main headquarters, 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, Oregon 97220 in the Board Room.

Update - There were two cats and one dog in the house that did not survive.

01/16/2015 2:40 PM-This afternoon Portland Firefighters were called to a house at 5022 NE 28th Ave. When firefighters arrived they found smoke and fire coming from the front of the house. Crews did find a pet during search operations. The condition of the pet is unknown at this time.

The fire was extinguished and firefighters are working to determine the cause. The homeowner wasn't at home when the fire started.

Damage estimates aren't yet available. A Portland Fire Investigator is responding to determine the cause of the fire.

The MESD Board of Directors will meet in Executive Session at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20 in the Board Room at the main headquarters, 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, Oregon 97220. This Executive Session is called under: ORS 192.660(2)(b): To consider the dismissal or discipline of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent who does not request an open hearing; ORS 192.660(2)(d): To conduct deliberations with person designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations.

The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) honored past Director Michael Francke today with the dedication of a conference room at DOC headquarters - the Dome Building in Salem.

In May 1987, Francke was appointed to the position of DOC Director by Oregon's Governor. He was tasked with addressing issues within Oregon's prison system, much as he had done as Director of the New Mexico DOC before coming to Oregon.

Francke was a visionary who cared deeply about improving the system and making Oregon a better place. He did not get to finish his work, as he was murdered outside DOC headquarters on January 17, 1989.

Mr. Francke has been honored with the newly dedicated Michael Francke Conference Room, which has been renovated with fresh paint, new fixtures, and improved infrastructure. There is a shadow box frame in the northeast corner of the room encasing memorabilia related to Francke's time with Oregon DOC. A bench and memorial monument have been placed outside the entrance to the Dome Building. Oregon Corrections Enterprises - the prison industries arm of DOC - designed and manufactured the beautiful memorial pieces, including the bronze plaque recognizing Francke's end of watch. Each piece of stainless steel and copper was hand formed and heated to create the varying colors. Downtown at the state Capitol, a Japanese umbrella pine tree has been planted along with a commemorative plaque in Francke's memory.

DOC employs 4,600 staff members at 14 institutions, two community corrections offices, and several centralized support facilities throughout the state. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of over 14,500 adults sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration, and direct or indirect supervision of 31,000 offenders on felony supervision in the community. DOC is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing adults in custody with the cognitive, education, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they transition back to their communities.

###


Attached Media Files: Patrick Francke Remarks , Memorabilia hanging inside the Michael Francke Conference Room , Memorial monument outside DOC's Dome Building

Sherwood Mayor to Deliver at City Council Meeting

Mayor Krisanna Clark is planning to present the State of the City on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the regular City Council meeting. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm and will take place in the Council Chambers in Sherwood City Hall. This is a community event and all are welcome to attend.

Mayor Clark's address will share highlights from the past year in addition to highlighting what is on the horizon for 2015. "I am excited to provide a glimpse into an exciting and productive year ahead in my first State of the City address," stated the new Mayor.

For further information about this address, please contact the City Recorders office at 503.625.4246.

Prairie and Battle Ground high schools' AFJROTC won numerous team and individual medals in a variety of events on Jan. 10 at Bethel High School in the Columbia River Division Competition.

The Prairie High School Color Guard placed first and third in the rankings.

The Physical Fitness team took fourth. Also in physical fitness, Nikki Willson won the "Iron Woman" title with second place and Josh Hauxhurst won the title of "Iron Man" with his sixth place success.

The Armed Team won second place overall. The PHS Armed Team's Commander, Taylor Harper, took first place, as did the Armed Single, Andrew Friason. Armed Duals Kenny Wilson and JM Smithline also earned first place rankings, and Kenny Wilson of the Individual Armed Regulation Drill won second place.

PHS' Unarmed Team Commander, Adriana Roncarati, won fourth place. In the Unarmed Duals category, Adriana Roncarati and Tara Guinn both ranked in first place while Kymberlee and Logan Gibert achieved third place. The team had an overall third place achievement.

The PHS Marksmanship Team's top individual sporter was Chloe Nielson, who came in first, and the top Individual Precision member, Connor Moore, won a second place ranking. The Marksmanship Team Sporter category won an overall third place and the Precision category came in with an overall second.

The Battle Ground High School Armed Drill Team won third place. Armed Drill Team Commander, Ryan Williamson, won second place.

The Unarmed Drill Team won first place overall, and Unarmed Commander Sidney Bodin took first place.

The BGHS Unarmed Individual Tap Out medal for third place went to Luke Terry.

The BGHS first and second Color Guards both earned fourth place rankings.

The BGHS Precision Air Rifle Team won first place overall. Individual Precision Air Rifle member Caspar Schadler won first place. Team members Nolan Alvarino and Lindsay Owens won third and fourth place respectively. Battle Ground High School's Air Rifle Team is undefeated and will be going to the Air Rifle National Championships in Phoenix, Ariz. Feb. 18-22.


Attached Media Files: Prairie High School AFJROTC , Battle Ground High School AFJROTC

On January 16, 2015 Cowlitz County Sheriff Deputies assisted by Lower Columbia SWAT served a search warrant at 134 Oxbow Road, Woodland, WA. The search warrant was for suspects and evidence involved in a First Degree Robbery that occurred at a residence January 11th on Lewis River Road, Woodland, WA. Arrested at the home was a resident and robbery suspect Jason C. Neal, 47 years of age who was booked at the Cowlitz County Jail for Robbery 1st degree and 1st degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Also arrested but unrelated to the robbery was Jeremy W. Henry, 36 years of age of Woodland who was booked at the Cowlitz County Jail for possession of drugs. Henry was also wanted on a Department of Corrections warrant. The investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.

No further information will be released pending further investigation.

The Government Information and Library Services Advisory Council will meet on January 22, 2015 at the Oregon State Library in Room 103 at 10:00 p.m.

The Government Information and Library Services Advisory Council is established in the bylaws of the Oregon State Library Board of Trustees to advise the staff of the Government Information and Library Services Program of the Oregon State Library. The Council will provide insight, consultation, and advice on strategies for better serving the information and research needs of Oregon state government agencies. The Council will also assist Government Information and Library Services staff in creating effective strategies and programs to inform state employees about services and to train state employees in the use of these services.

The following topics will be discussed at the meeting:

Update from the State Librarian
Advisory Council membership status

New online catalog

Database trials

Aligning outreach activities to Oregon's 10-Year Plan

Questions to the Council

At 7:12 a.m. this morning, firefighters were called to the Wilsonville Public Library when the first-arriving employee called 9-1-1 to report the smell of smoke and a light haze inside the library.

Within five minutes, firefighters from TVF&R's South Wilsonville Station arrived to find the contents of a metal container smoldering directly underneath the after-hours book drop. Crews quickly extinguished the fire with a pressurized water can and cleared the building of smoke.

A TVF&R fire investigator has determined that the fire was intentionally set when someone dropped burning materials into the after-hours bin. Wilsonville Police and Clackamas County Sheriff's office will be continuing the investigation.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1214/81129/bin.jpg , 2015-01/1214/81129/book_deposit.jpg

Here is a statement from the City of Woodburn on the bank bombing appeal pending before the Oregon Supreme Court.

"The Woodburn Police Department is aware of the media interest in the appeal by one of the criminal defendants of his conviction for the December 12, 2008 bank bombing that was recently argued before the Oregon Supreme Court. Chief Scott Russell and the men and women of the WPD are confident that the Oregon Attorney General's Office will continue to pursue justice in this case for the Tennant and Hakim families and await the ruling of the Court."

The City will have no further comment on this matter.

Marion County Fire District #1 Board of Directors took action at their meeting last night to appoint a fire chief to lead the District. At their meeting, the board of directors unanimously supported the appointment of Terry Riley to the position of Fire Chief. The appointment of Fire Chief Riley is effective immediately.

Chief Riley had been the Assistant Fire Chief since July 2013, and was appointed as the interim fire chief on October 30, 2014.

Chief Riley's firefighting career began with Oregon Department of Forestry in 1989 and he has served in an officer capacity since 1991. He has served as a Battalion Chief at Applegate Fire District in Jacksonville, and as a Division Chief for Aumsville Fire District. His career with Marion County Fire District #1 began in 2008 as the Training Captain after serving at DPSST for 8 years; 2 years as the Fire Program Manager and 6 years as a Regional Fire Training Coordinator.

The Board is pleased that Chief Riley has accepted the appointment, as are the career and volunteer personnel. Director Tom Marks stated at the board meeting that, "board members have met with all three groups of personnel - career, volunteer, and management staff - and the feedback was overwhelming that Chief Riley was the person supported for this position." He added that some of the feedback received from personnel was especially convincing. When soliciting input from personnel, Chief Riley was often described as being respected "because of who he is and how he acts, and not just because of the brass on his collar."

Board President Bernie Otjen stated that he was "pleased that we could promote our next fire Chief from within the organization. Chief Riley has proven himself as a leader during the last several months. I look forward to Chief Riley guiding MCFD#1 into the future."

An official swearing in ceremony for Chief Terry Riley will be held on January 30, 2015, 3:00 pm, at Station 1.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1767/81127/AC_Terry_Riley.JPG

Update: The deceased has been identified as Steven Wayne Gustafson, Age 61, of Portland, OR. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner ruled the Cause of Death as drowning and the Manner of Death as Accidental. There were no signs of foul play.

--------------------Original Message----------------------

On Wednesday January 14, 2015 at approximately 10:20 a.m. MCSO deputies and Sauvie Island Fire responded to 19400 NW St. Helens Rd. after a duck hunter called in and reported finding his hunting partner in the water near where they were duck hunting unconscious and not breathing. He pulled his friend from the water to the shore and began administering CPR until emergency responders arrived. Emergency personnel were unable to revive the person and he was declared deceased at the scene.

The duck hunters had been out hunting in the area that morning and had been hunting from different duck blinds located in the area around the waterway they were hunting at. He found his hunting partner in the water when he returned to check in with him.

MCSO detectives are handling the death investigation and the body has been turned over to the Multnomah County Medical Examiner's Office. Preliminary investigation indicates there are no obvious signs of foul play. Identification of the deceased is being withheld pending family notifications.

GRESHAM, Ore. - The City of Gresham and the Centennial School District are working together to ensure student safety in the wake of pedestrian accidents this week in front of Centennial High School on 182nd Avenue.

Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis and Centennial School District Superintendent Sam Breyer met this morning to discuss pedestrian accidents involving four Centennial High students in two days in the crosswalk near the school's main entrance at 3505 S.E. 182nd Ave.

After the second accident occurred at 5 p.m. yesterday, Jan. 15, the City and the District took immediate steps to ensure safety when school started today. The City this morning assigned two traffic officers on motorcycle to the crosswalk to check speeds and monitor safety. The Centennial School District this morning posted a crossing guard at the crosswalk.

In addition, the City today is:
* Extending hours for existing school flashing lights at the crosswalk so there is an additional one and a half hours of alerts in the morning and two additional hours in the evening.
* Posting a flashing message board at the crosswalk that urges driver caution.
* Checking streetlights and working to quickly get any non-working lights replaced.
* Expediting the installation of rapid-flashing beacons, which were scheduled to be installed this summer due to high pedestrian traffic and high traffic volumes. The City is reassigning crews to install the new system, which will be completed by mid-March.

"Ensuring the safety of our children is the most important work we do," Mayor Bemis said. "We at the City of Gresham are working urgently, in partnership with Centennial staff, to keep students safe."

According to City records, there have been no pedestrian accidents at that crosswalk since 2003. Police records show that in 2014, 300 traffic citations were issued on that stretch of 182nd Avenue, between Powell Boulevard and Division Street for a variety of violations, from cellphone use to speed. Of those 300 citations, seven were issued for violations in the crosswalk.

-30-

On Friday January 16, 2015, at 6:52 a.m., North Precinct officers responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at Northeast 57th Avenue and Prescott Street.

Officers and medical personnel arrived and located the pedestrian, 56-year-old Clarice Charging, suffering from serious injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening.

The vehicle that struck Charging fled the scene and was last seen traveling eastbound on Prescott.

The suspect vehicle is described as a 2005-2006 Ford Escape, possibly gray in color. The vehicle will have damage on the front plastic bumper, and the driver's side fog light, headlight, and mirror.

A photo of a similar vehicle is being released to aid in this investigation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Police Non-Emergency Line at (503) 823-3333, or provide tips to Officer Peter Kurronen by email, peter.kurronen@portlandoregon.gov.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81124/Ford_Escape.jpg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SALEM,Ore., (1/16/2015) - A new trend has started in Oregon. Conservation groups are buying up private lands and turning them over to the state to become public lands. Recently, Western Rivers Conservancy bought the Rattray Ranch in Gilliam County and announced its plans to sell a good portion of the land to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Keith Nantz, incoming chair of the Young Cattlemen's Committee, is concerned about the high amount of private lands turnover. He said he fears the lands won't be properly taken care of as "public agencies are already over extended and can't take care of what they already have." He believes that Western Rivers and others haven't considered all the factors. "I don't have any doubts the conservancy has good intentions, but I think there needs to be more of a team effort," Nantz said.

Others have also voiced a concern that the general Oregon population might not understand the impact of private lands turnover. Frank O'Leary, Executive Director for Oregon Rangeland Trust, said, "Unfortunately many members of our urban communities cannot delineate between the benefit provided by private ownership and how it stimulates the economy versus the land that is held in public use that can be a strain to the public entity that maintains those properties."

Nantz also voiced a concern for tax revenue, as public lands are not taxed while private lands are. Ken Brooks, an Oregon Cattlemen's Association member from Grant County, has noticed this alarming trend in his own area. In counties like Gilliam and Grant, taxes are an important source of funding for schools and public safety services. "Losing 10,000 acres doesn't change the state budget, but it raises the property tax land owners have to pay to meet that budget," Brooks said.

If this trend continues, it could be detrimental to Oregon's agricultural production. Ken Brooks said, "sooner or later if we continue with the mindset of purchasing private land and protecting it as public land, the reality of the situation is that eventually we will be relying on foreign countries for our beef."

The Oregon Cattlemen's Association was founded in 1913 and works to promote environmentally and socially sound industry practices, improve and strengthen the economics of the industry, and protect its industry communities and private property rights.

###

When students in Battle Ground Public Schools sit down to take state assessments this spring, some of the tests will be different. The paper booklets and their multiple-choice circles that students fill in with a No. 2 pencil are being replaced by digital buttons that students click with a mouse or touch pad.

This year, with the introduction of tests that are aligned with new Washington State Learning Standards, students will sit and use keyboards and touch pads to enter their answers into computers. The state tests, called Smarter Balanced Assessments, are based on Washington State Learning Standards and measure student progress in third through eighth and eleventh grades in the subjects of English language arts and math. Tenth graders also take the English language arts test.

The tests are administered online, following the trend of changes in education that are focusing curricula on preparing students for tech-laden careers and education beyond high school.

In Battle Ground Public Schools, teachers across the district want to give students every opportunity to do their best, and that means helping students become oriented to the computers they'll be using to take the tests and familiarizing them with the tests' new online format. BGPS teachers are working to increase students' comfort level with the technology by increasing the time they integrate Chromebooks into classroom learning activities. BGPS purchased 2,400 Chromebooks at the beginning of the year for collaborative learning projects in schools across the district, and as the platform on which students will take these state tests.

"We live in a world that's changing, and what we teach kids needs to reflect these changes. We need to allow this to help improve our instruction," said David Cresap, BGPS director of assessment.

Earlier this week at Laurin Middle School, Principal Nick Krause collaborated with teachers to invite parents to an informational night on the new tests. Parents learned about the new tests' format and what they could do at home to help their children prepare.

"We want to get students used to being on a computer," Krause said. He recommends that parents help their children learn basic computer skills such as keyboarding, using a mouse, and navigating a web page. Students don't have to take the state tests until third grade, but computer skills are increasingly becoming important in classrooms. Libraries and the Parent Educational Resource Center at Yacolt Primary School have computers available with educational games on which students can build their experience.

Some parents believe that having students take the tests online is a good way to expose students to what is happening in the real world. "With everything going to computers, the computerized tests are going to advance children beyond where their parents are,"
said Dave Newhouse, the parent of a Laurin Middle School fifth grader who attended the school's parent night.

Teachers at the parent night shared some of the things they do to help prepare students for the tests. Ginger Martin, a sixth grade language arts teacher at Laurin, said she familiarizes students with the online format and the way questions are presented. "We are exposing students to the types of questions that are on the test so the format doesn't become an obstacle," Martin said.

The online testing format also offers benefits to educators in that test results will be available much sooner than in the past, and teachers will find out which topics students excel at and which ones students might benefit from additional practice on.

The Smarter Balanced Assessments also adapt to how a student answers questions on the test. Students might get easier or more difficult questions about a particular topic as they progress through the test, depending on whether they are choosing the correct answers for that topic.

"That is an advantage of this online world over paper and pencil," Cresap said. "The computer adaptive nature can measure not only progress, but students' depth of knowledge on a topic."


Attached Media Files: Laurin Middle School parents learn about new state assessments during a parent information night held at the school. , Battle Ground Public Schools students work on Chromebooks to increase computer skills.

The Northwest and Southwest Oregon Regional Forest Practice Committees will meet Thursday, January 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Weyerhaeuser office, 785 North 42nd St., in Springfield. The meeting is open to the public and a public comment period has been scheduled.

Agenda items include:
- A discussion on prescription development: How to meet the Protecting Cold Water criterion to the maximum extent practicable.
- Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) staff will review data requests submitted by the committees' members.
- Members will discuss field trip recommendations.
- ODF staff will provide an update on bald eagle rulemaking.

Regional Forest Practice Committees are panels of citizens - mandated under Oregon law - that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Three Regional Forest Practice Committees, serving the Northwest, Southwest and Eastern regions of the state, were created by the 1971 Oregon Forest Practices Act. Under Oregon law, a majority of Regional Forest Practice Committees members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Anyone may attend the meeting. The meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For questions about accessibility or special accommodations please call 503-945-7427.

Oregon's forests are among one of the state's most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits.

Additional information about ODF's Regional Forest Practice Committees is available on the Oregon Department of Forestry's web site: www.oregon.gov/ODF/pages/board/rfpc/rfpc.aspx

VANCOUVER, Wash. (January 16, 2015) - At its annual investor meeting on January 13, 2015, the investors of the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) elected their 2015 Board of Directors. At the CREDC Board of Directors meeting on January 15, 2014, the new Board elected their 2015 CREDC officers.

"As an organization, we strive to maintain a diverse Board representing multiple industries and perspectives," said Tim Schauer, President, MacKay Sposito and CREDC Board Chair. "We are very fortunate to have such a talented group of community and industry leaders collaborating on economic development efforts."

"I am confident and thankful to have a strong and resourceful Board to address an aggressive plan for economic development in 2015," said Mike Bomar, President, CREDC.

The following individuals were elected to serve as 2015 officers:
1. Chair: Tim Schauer, President, MacKay Sposito
2. Vice Chair: Greg Seifert, President/CEO, Biggs Insurance Services
3. Immediate Past Chair: Bill Dudley, Attorney at Law, Landerholm, P.S.
4. Secretary: Joe Storm, Vice President Commercial Banking, Umpqua Bank
5. Treasurer: Lance Barrett, Managing Member, Barrett & Company

Four individuals were voted in for first term positions as CREDC Board of Directors for years 2015-2017:
1. Amy Davis, VP Relationship Officer, Columbia Bank
2. Helen Devery, Vice President, BergerABAM
3. Lisa Lowe, Shareholder, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
4. Tracy Wilson, CEO, DeWils Industries

Seven individuals were voted in for second term positions as CREDC Board of Directors for years 2015-2017:
1. Dave Bennett, CEO, Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery
2. Joe Foggia, President, Christensen Shipyards Ltd.
3. Bryce Helgerson, CAO, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center (second term for Legacy)
4. Steve Horenstein, Attorney at Law, Horenstein Law Group
5. Andrew Jones, Vice President, PacTrust
6. Jim Proulx, Business Development, Harder Mechanical
7. Kathy Sego, Owner, Sego's Herb Farm

Four Directors Emeritus were voted in for one year terms:
1. Colleen Boccia, SVP Marketing & Chief Deposit Officer, Columbia Credit Union
2. Eric Fuller, President, Eric Fuller & Associates
3. Lisa Goecke, Shareholder, Perkins & Co
4. John Marck, President/CEO, Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas

The full 2015 CREDC Board of Directors list is attached.

About CREDC

The Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) is a private-public partnership of 140 investors working together to advance the economic vitality of Clark County through business growth and innovation. Through collaborative leadership, the CREDC promotes job quality and capital investment while maintaining the County's exceptionally high quality of life. Since 1982, the CREDC has created 28,800 jobs, representing a cumulative payroll of $1.2 billion for Southwest Washington.

###


Attached Media Files: CREDC 2015 Board List , CREDC Announces 2015 Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Billy Henry, Founder/Executive Director
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
311 West Evergreen Blvd, Suite 200
Vancouver, Washington 98660
Local Phone: 1-360-448-7254
Toll Free: 1-800-880-9837
http://www.nwaba.org
bhenry@nwaba.org

Joe Yoder Appointed to Northwest Association for Blind Athletes Board of Directors

Vancouver, Washington--January 16th, 2015--The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) announced today Joe Yoder has been appointed to the organization's Board of Directors. Yoder is Director of Clinical and Support Services at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, WA.

"I'm excited and privileged for this opportunity. The commitment of NWABA is demonstrated throughout our region and the impact is truly life-changing." said Yoder.

Yoder will join other community leaders throughout the region in helping Northwest Association for Blind Athletes achieving its mission of providing life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

About NWABA:
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides programming to more than 1,000 individuals of all ages and ability levels with visual impairments. The mission of NWABA is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. The Association was formed by a group of visually impaired students in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity.

For information: http://www.nwaba.org or
Contact: bhenry@nwaba.org
Phone: 1-360-448-7254

###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3964/81119/Joe_Yoder_Headshot.jpg

On January 13, 2015, Crisis Negotiators from across the United States and Canada met in Austin, Texas for the 25th Annual Crisis Negotiator Competition, hosted by Texas State University's School of Criminal Justice.

The Portland Police Bureau Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) took First Place in Texas, after taking First Place in the Pacific Northwest Regional Negotiation Competition in 2014. The head judge told the team that the Portland Police Bureau represented the first out-of-state team to win this competition.

The three-day training and crisis negotiation competition involved 31 teams from across North America. Teams competed in highly complicated, day-long scenarios, involving multiple hostages and hostage-takers, as well as persons-in-crisis. The training and competition was an opportunity for negotiators to hone their skills of resolving critical incidents through negotiations and the use of intelligence.

CNT is comprised of 26 members of the Bureau: Two (2) Lieutenants, three (3) Sergeants, 16 negotiators (Sergeants, Detectives and Officers), two (2) mental health professionals, and three technical officers.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81117/CNT_(2).jpg , 2015-01/3056/81117/CNT_(1).jpg

During the recent December holiday season, the Gladstone Police Department conducted a number of patrols with the specific goal of deterring impaired and distracted driving. These specialized patrols were conducted in conjunction with Oregon Impact, whose efforts are focused on increasing safe driving by reducing driving under the influence.

As we approach the Super Bowl, please remember to make smart choices about your party activities and don't drive if you've been drinking. It's really that simple. Be smart, be careful and be safe.

OREGON CITY - Dave Hunt, executive director of the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition, has been appointed to the Clackamas Community College Board of Education. He will fill the position vacated by the retirement of Judith Ervin in December, representing the Gladstone area.
Hunt has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He began his career as a congressional staffer and went on to serve five terms in the Oregon Legislature, serving as both speaker of the House and majority leader. He has worked as executive director for three nonprofit business associations. Hunt has been with the PNDC since 2013, leading the organization that represents 195 defense and security industry businesses in the Northwest.
He also served on the Oregon City School Board from 1999-2003.
"I am excited to be a part of Clackamas Community College," Hunt told the board at Wednesday's meeting. "With the passage of the bond in November, I see an opportunity to make CCC the premier community college in the Pacific Northwest by more effectively serving our students, staff, businesses and community."
CCC is governed by an elected board of directors representing zones within the college district. Hunt will represent zone 3, which includes the city of Gladstone, Jennings Lodge and Oak Grove.
His appointment will continue through June 30. In May, Hunt may run for election for the position to fulfill the remainder of Ervin's unexpired term, which ends in 2017.
For more information, contact Denice Bailey, board secretary, at 503-594-3002 or email denice.bailey@clackamas.edu.


Attached Media Files: Dave Hunt sworn in to CCC Board of Education

PORTLAND Ore. - Kevin Carroll, noted author, speaker and agent for social change who inspires businesses, organizations and individuals to maximize their potential and sustain more meaningful business and personal growth will deliver the keynote address at the 2015 Alliance Scholarship Luncheon.

The 2015 Alliance Scholarship Luncheon will be held Friday, March 13, at 12:00 p.m. at NW Natural.

Carroll is the founder of Kevin Carroll Katalyst/LLC and the author of three highly successful books, Rules of the Ted Rubber Ball, What's Your Rubber Ball? and The Rubber Ball at Work. As a consultant, he has helped turn creative ideas into reality for organizations such as the National Hockey League, ESPN, Nike, Starbucks (his words appeared on 17 million Grande cups), The National Basketball Association, Walt Disney Company, Mattel, Hasbro, Procter & Gamble, Discovery Channel, Capital One and many others.

After serving in the Air Force for ten years and earning his college degree, Carroll became an athletic trainer at the high school and collegiate levels in Philadelphia. His expertise in sport performance recognized by the 76ers organization and led to his job as the head athletic trainer for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1995. While at the 76ers, Nike tapped Carroll to bring his unique experiences to the sneaker giant in 1997. Although no job "officially" existed at the time, Carroll was directed to create a position at the company that would add value to the overall mission of the brand. Carroll accepted the challenge and stayed for seven years as "Katalyst" (the 'K' is for Kevin)--a creative change agent. At Nike he was instrumental in helping the company develop a deeper understanding of athletic product performance, team dynamics and interpersonal communication. Carroll left Nike in 2004 to create his own company, Kevin Carroll Katalyst/LLC, committed to elevating the power of sport and play around the world.

Carroll has dedicated his life to advancing sports and play as a vehicle for social change and success. He partners with non-governmental organizations and businesses around the world that share his vision and goals. He was honored to address the United Nations as part of the UN Year of Sports for Development and Peace in 2005. He has been an advisor for Beyond Sport, a global gathering of social innovation leaders and sports organizations, from 2009-2012 (Archbishop Desmond Tutu is the Patron of Beyond Sport). In 2013, Kevin was named by SUCCESS magazine as one of 19 "SEERS - changing the world!"

The Alliance represents 18 of Oregon's regionally accredited, nonprofit private higher education institutions. Together, Alliance colleges and universities enroll more than 35,000 students and deliver approximately 30% of all baccalaureate degrees and higher awarded in Oregon. The Alliance intersects the needs of business and industry, private nonprofit colleges and universities and the public good to create real solutions that build a more educated and skilled workforce for Oregon. For more information visit www.oaicu.org.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/4829/81113/Carroll_Kevin_PROMOPIC.TIF

CCSO CASE # S15-059
Suspicious Death Investigation
Deceased: NEWTON, Jessica Danielle - female - DOB 02/27/1974 - listed as transient- Portland, Oregon
The afternoon of Friday, January 2nd, 2015, sheriff's deputies received a report from a passing Columbia River boater of a deceased person lying on the western shoreline of Bachelor's Island near Ridgefield, WA. Detectives with CCSO Major Crimes Unit responded to conduct an investigation. Detectives have identified the deceased as Jessica Newton, 40 YOA transient from Portland, Oregon. Newton may have been the victim of homicidal violence occurring sometime during the later weeks of December 2014. Detectives are asking the public's help from anyone that may have had contact with Newton or is able to provide information on her activity during the last two weeks of December 2014.

Anyone with information concerning this investigation is asked to call Clark County Major Crimes Detective Fred Neiman (Jr) at 360-397-2120.

This case is an active investigation, no further information will be released at this time.


Attached Media Files: Jessica Newton

OREGON CITY - Clackamas Repertory Theatre begins its sixth annual semi-staged contemporary play series, "Breakaway," on Saturday, Jan. 24. The series, formerly called Sundays at Three, now includes a Saturday evening performance as well as a Sunday matinee. The featured plays are by American playwrights, and all are area premieres.
"Time Stands Still," by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies, directed by Cecily Overman, opens the season on Jan. 24 and 25. This play centers on a photo-journalist who has returned home to recover from a bomb blast in Iraq that nearly killed her. But she is having trouble adjusting to the domestic lifestyle sought by her reporter partner. Sharp, intelligent and timely, this play asks, "What happens when 'normal life' is refracted through the lens of a camera?"
"The Call," by Tanya Barfield, directed by Damaris Webb, is featured March 22 and 23. A white American couple decides to adopt a baby from Africa, and their African American friends promise to help. This gesture initially seems compassionate, but as the idea comes closer to reality, the questions and concerns it raises stir a mixture of domestic and racial tensions as the two worlds collide.
The series concludes May 2 and 3 with "Too Much, Too Much, Too Many," by Meghan Kennedy. A grieving widow locks herself in her bedroom after her husband dies to write her own obituary, but her daughter enlists the local pastor to lure her out. Bittersweet, poignant and touchingly funny, this play is about the walls we build to protect our hearts. Jayne Stevens directs.
The Breakaway series shows are Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. in the Osterman Theatre, followed by discussion with the actors and director.
Tickets are $15 each or three for $40 and are available online at www.clackamasrep.org or by calling 503-594-6047. For more information, call 503-594-3915.

GRESHAM, Ore. - Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis will meet with Centennial School District Superintendent Sam Breyer at 10:30 a.m. at the high school, which is located at 3505 Southeast 182nd Ave.

Bemis and Breyer will discuss immediate steps to improve safety after four Centennial High School students in two days were hit in the 182 Street cross walk in front of the school.

"Ensuring the safety of our children is the most important work we do," Mayor Bemis said. "We at the City of Gresham are working urgently, in partnership with Centennial staff, to keep students safe."

Due to heavy traffic, the 182nd street crosswalk in front of Centennial High was slated this spring to get flashing safety lights installed. The City is expediting this upgrade.

Yesterday, just after 6:30 am, firefighters were called to 938 SE Mall St on reports of chicken coop fire burning against a house. When Engine 20 arrived on scene, they extinguished the fire and made sure there were no injuries to humans or their fine feathered friends.

The two chickens flew their coop and gathered at the far end of their pen to escape the flames.

The chickens were able to escape without harm because, as PF&R recommends for all Portlanders, they had a family escape plan and once they were out, they stayed out.

This fire started when a heating lamp short circuited in the coop.

PF&R reminds Portlanders to check their electrical equipment for signs of damage. Additionally, like these birds, you should have an escape plan in place with your family so you can quickly find a way out in case of fire and know where to gather when there's an emergency.

Portland, Ore. (January 16, 2015) - Fore Property Company (FORE) is hosting an open house at Waterline Apartments, a 243-unit luxury apartment community on the Portland waterfront, from February 2 to February 8, 2015.

Fore is currently leasing the high-end, LEED Gold Designed apartments. The units are located where the Pearl meets the River District, with open skies and grand vistas in close proximity to shopping, restaurants and downtown, Pearl District and Northwest Portland amenities.

"At Waterline, we are creating a true urban experience in a vibrant neighborhood," said Fore Vice President Lee Novak "The property combines welcoming amenities and elegant finishes with access to the waterfront and wide open views of the West Hills, the Willamette River and Mt. Hood. We are also excited to add public art with sculptures by Rhiza A+D that celebrate the history of the area."

Waterline encompasses 243 studio, one and two bedroom eco-friendly apartments. The spacious apartments feature contemporary flooring, modern quartz kitchen countertops, stainless appliances, air-conditioning and ample parking.

On-site community amenities include a full-body fitness center, Yoga and Pilates room, and clubhouse featuring high definition entertainment area, roof deck and conference room. One of the best features is that Waterline sits on the Willamette Greenway Trail, where residents can bike, run, or walk their dogs.


For more information on living at Waterline, please visit www.waterlineapts.com or call 503-282-2787. Leasing has already begun, and residents will start moving in this month.

Directions: Waterline is located in the northwest end of Pearl, near the Waterfront at 2080 Northwest Front Avenue.

Fore Property Company (FORE) is a full service, national real estate company with over 35 years of experience in developing, constructing and managing communities. FORE has built 19,000 apartment units in 78 communities in over 35 states.

For additional information about Fore Property Company and all of their communities, please visit www.foreproperty.com.

###


Attached Media Files: First of two new buildings at Waterline Apartments , Second of two new buildings at Waterline Apartments

Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to a single-family fire at 12:53 a.m. Friday on the 400 block of East Eighth Street in The Dalles.
The fire affected one adult. Red Cross provided food, clothing, comfort kits and information about health and mental health services.

Gresham, Ore. - The Gresham Police Department will be working with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and other local agencies for this year's first safety belt blitz campaign. The safety belt blitz campaign begins on February 9 and ends on the 22. The enhanced enforcement is funded by the USDOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. During this blitz, there will be an emphasis on child safety restraints, texting while driving and speeding.

According to ODOT crash data, 938 child passengers under the age of eight were killed or injured in a one year time period. Nearly one third of those children were either riding unrestrained or in the wrong type of safety restraint for their size.

Oregon law requires children less than one year of age or weighing less than twenty pounds to be restrained in a rear-facing car seat. It also requires children weighing less than forty pounds to be restrained in either a child seat or booster seat until they are eight years old or 4'9" tall AND the adult belt system fits them correctly. In order to ensure that child safety seats are being used correctly, refer to the manufacturer's instructions, your vehicle owner's manual or local child seat fitting station. You can find more information about fitting stations at the following websites: http://www.nhtsa.gov/apps/cps/index.htm or at http://oregonimpact.org/car-seat-resources/

Distracted driving is also a major contributor to traffic collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2012 there were 3,328 fatalities and 421,000 injuries as a result of distraction-affected crashes nationwide. Also, it is estimated that at any given moment during the daytime across the US, 660,000 people are using cell phones or electronic devices while driving. This behavior can increase by three times a driver's risk of getting into a crash.


Remember, "Click it or Ticket!"

Oregon State Police and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office have taken the male subject involved in this event into custody. The suspect, identified as CHARLES P. ULMER III, age 56, of Rogue River, was arrested at approximately 4:16 P.M., and charged with Assault 4- domestic violence, Strangulation, Resisting Arrest, and Criminal Mischief (x2) for damaging police equipment during his arrest.

Preliminary information indicates that last night at approximately 9:00 P.M., ULMER assaulted his girlfriend at the Valley of the Rogue State Park. This morning, the victim, name intentionally withheld, sought help from Rangers at the park who contacted OSP.

OSP responded and was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office SWAT team who was able to take ULMER into custody after he barricaded himself for several hours. At some point during the incident ULMER damaged some police equipment which resulted in the additional charges of criminal mischief.

This investigation is ongoing and any further release of information will be coordinated through the Jackson County District Attorney's office.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and the Oregon State Parks Department. No photographs are available for this release.

Original Release:
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and Jackson County Sheriff's Office personnel are on the scene of a barricaded subject in the Valley of the Rogue State Park, in Jackson County.

Preliminary information from the on-scene commander, Lieutenant Kelly Collins of the Oregon State Police Central Point Area Command, indicates that at approximately 10:04 A.M., OSP personnel were called to the park by rangers reporting a potential domestic violence incident. While troopers were in route the man reportedly entered into his travel trailer in the campground area of the park and barricaded himself alone. The woman involved in the investigation is not in danger.

Upon arrival OSP troopers made contact with the subject who remains barricaded at this moment. Troopers requested the assistance of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and its tactical team and have secured the area and evacuated nearby occupants. According to Lieutenant Collins, the area has been isolated and secured so no public threat is present. Currently, only D, E and F loops within the parks campground area have been evacuated and the remainder of the park is open - including the rest area.

Negotiators from the Sheriff's Office tactical team are working to resolve this incident safely and appropriately. Interstate 5, which is adjacent to the area, has not been impacted by this event.

Additional information and updates will be provided when it becomes available.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice

**Update-This fire was caused by improperly discarded fireplace ashes. The homeowner cleaned out the fireplace and placed the ashes in a paper bag for disposal. Residents are reminded to dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid and store the container away from combustibles.

01/15/2015 1:06 PM-This afternoon Portland Firefighters were called to a house at 4905 NE Pacific. When firefighters arrived they found fire behind the walls, near a fire place in the homes finished attic. Initial reports indicated that the homeowner might still be inside, however a search by firefighters ruled out this possibility.

The fire was extinguished and firefighters worked to determine the cause. The homeowner wasn't at home when the fire started and returned as firefighters were putting the fire out.

Damage estimates aren't yet available. A Portland Fire Investigator is on scene working to determine what caused the fire.

Portland, OR - To celebrate the start of Oregon's birthday weekend the Oregon Historical Society, in conjunction with the Clatsop County Historical Society and the Liberty Theater, is pleased to present a pictorial history of the great state of Oregon - from James Cook's early coastal forays in 1778 to the construction of the St. Johns Bridge in Portland in 1931.

This slideshow presentation will take place on Friday, February 13 at 7 p.m. at the Liberty Theater in Astoria (1203 Commercial Street). Admission is free.

Comprised of approximately 100 glass lantern slides, this show was originally put together as a public educational program by the Colonial Dames of America in approximately 1935. With the assistance of Doug Kenck-Crispin (Kick Ass Oregon History) on the microphone, we will project the images using a Victor Stereopticon projector (circa 1915) and use the original notes to narrate the slides.

This program was most recently put on at the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art in July 2014 but prior to that it has likely been shelved for the past 60 years. Press images available upon request.



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.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/2861/81100/Image_1.jpg

Healing opportunity for Veterans who are Military Sexual Trauma Survivors.

This document is being resent to you because of a broken link in the previous one. Thank you for your patience!


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/4888/81099/RVP.Well_Arts.Military._Sexual.Trauma.Pressrelease.docx

On Wednesday January 14, 2015, at 8:24 p.m., a Traffic Division Motor Officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation at Southeast 6th Avenue and Division Street in Central Precinct.

The officer contacted the driver, later identified as 33-year-old Felix Lee Santos, who was acting suspicious and had no ID. The officer asked Santos to turn off the ignition and remove the keys but instead Santos drove away from the stop.

The officer lost sight of the vehicle then relocated it stopped on Southeast Stephens Street. The officer rode towards the vehicle, which was facing the officer. The driver sped forward, directly towards the office, causing the officer to make a quick turn to avoid being run over by the suspect.

Central Precinct officers responded to the area and entered into a pursuit of the vehicle until Santos pulled over at Southeast 16th Avenue and Belmont Street, where he and a passenger were taken into custody without incident.

Santos was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Attempt to Elude by Vehicle, Reckless Endangerment (two counts) and Reckless Driving. Santos also had an outstanding warrant for parole violation.

The passenger, 22-year-old Alicia Williams, was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charge of Delivery and Possession of Heroin, and Delivery and Possession of Methamphetamine.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81098/Alicia_Williams_and_Felix_Santos.jpg

A Healing Opportunity for Local Veterans who are Military Sexual Trauma Survivors


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/4888/81097/RVP.Well_Arts.Military._Sexual.Trauma.Pressrelease.docx

At 14:21, Lebanon Fire District responded to 2744 S 12 St for a house fire. The first arriving unit discovered a fire in the oven. The fire was promptly extinguished and there was no damage to the building or property. There were no injuries. Smoke detectors alerted residents and they safely evacuated. Cause of the fire was determined to be a build up of food debris in the oven. The Lebanon Fire District reminds everyone to ensure appliances are clean and in working order prior to use.

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1/15/2015 1:26 PM-This afternoon Portland Firefighters were called to a house on fire at 2856 SE 103rd. Fire crews arrived and found the fire burning in a front room of the single story home. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and search for occupants.

While fighting the fire a firefighter's leg was lacerated by a large piece of broken glass. The firefighter was transported to Emanuel with the non-life threatening injury. The fire was extinguished and firefighters worked to locate any hotspots. Cause and damage estimates aren't yet available.

Two out of 10 businesses visited in Tigard on January 14, 2015 failed to pass an OLCC check for alcohol sales to minors. The Tigard Police Department assisted the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) with this effort. This grant-funded effort consists of a team of two Tigard Police officers and an OLCC inspector accompanying an eighteen year-old male volunteer. The group visited the selected establishments in Tigard which either sell or serve alcohol. Oregon Administrative Rules strictly set guidelines for the OLCC regarding such random and unannounced checks at businesses selling alcohol. Random checks are conducted periodically to ascertain compliance regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. Compliance checks may also be initiated based on complaints lodged with the OLCC or local law enforcement. This recent alcohol sales check in Tigard yielded 80 percent compliance which is aligned with the statewide average.

Prior to the most recent check, compliance rates in Tigard have peaked as high as 97 percent (2010) and also drew dismal compliance figures as low as 30 percent (2009). One way police are working to combat the problem of underage drinking is to partner with coalitions that help educate and support our community's youth in efforts to promote healthy and substance-free lifestyles. Tigard Turns the Tide is one example. You can learn more about this community coalition at www.tigardturnsthetide.org In addition, Tigard Police plan on continued enforcement and additional compliance checks to reaffirm the importance to affected businesses that the sale of alcohol to minors will not be tolerated.

Late last night the Marion County Sheriff's Office received information regarding a possible school threat involving two juveniles, in the threat no specific targets, schools or time frames were mentioned.

As a precaution one of the participants in the conversation, a Houck Middle School student has been removed from school while investigators determine the validity of the threat. The second juvenile and instigator of the threat does not reside in Oregon and we are working with additional law enforcement officials to locate the juvenile and determine the credibility of the threats.

In addition to the removal of the student the school district added extra security personnel and the School Resource Deputy was on campus periodically throughout the day. The Sheriff's Office wants to reiterate that no direct threat against any school has been made and these steps are only being taken as a precaution.

Unless specific evidence is located and criminal charges are brought forth against any of the actors the Sheriff's Office does not anticipate any further releases of information regarding this incident.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1294/81093/Houck.jpg

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, which helps keep Oregon the leading state for reproductive freedom, offers a unique twist on Valentine's Day at "It's Not Me, It's You: Stories from the Dark Side of Dating," on Tuesday, February 3rd in Portland.

Local variety show stars Bri Pruett ("Late Night Action") and Leo Daedalus ("The Late Now") will host a festive evening in which some of Portland's sharpest storytellers have agreed to share hilarious memories about their worst dates ever. Storytellers include:

* Amy Miller, Portland's Funniest Comedian 2013, writer, Midnight Mass PDX
* Melanie Coffee, freelance journalist and founder of ShesWrite.net
* Lesley Harper, storyteller and facilitator of creativity and empathy workshops
* David Walker, filmmaker and writer ("BadAzz MoFo," "Reflections on Blaxploitation")
* JoAnn Schinderle, standup comic and host of Control Yourself: A Showcase of Funny
* Curtis Cook, standup comic
* Reba Sparrow, actor, producer and story coach (The Mystery Box Show)
* Brenna Monahan, Planned Parenthood health center manager

The 6th annual "It's Not Me, It's You: Stories from the Dark Side of Dating" will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St. Tickets are $20 at the door or $18 in advance from AlbertaRoseTheatre.com and at the Alberta Rose Theatre box office.


Attached Media Files: Clockwise from top left: Lesley Harper, Leo Daedalus, Reba Sparrow, Curtis Cook, JoAnn Schinderle, Bri Pruett, David Walker and Amy Miller

On Thursday January 15, 2015, at 12:26 p.m., North Precinct officers responded to the report of a bank robbery at the Key Bank, located at 3839 Northeast Broadway.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted employees who told police the suspect implied a weapon as he demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect ran out of the bank and was last seen running through the parking lot.

Several officers checked the neighborhood but did not locate anyone matching the suspect's description.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, 5'10" tall, medium build, wearing a black jacket with a hood (or possible hoodie underneath), black jeans, and a black and white scarf.

A surveillance photo from the bank is being released to the public to aid in this investigation.

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact Detective Brett Hawkinson at (503) 823-1080, brett.hawkinson@portlandoregon.gov; or, the Portland office of the F.B.I. at (503) 224-4181.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81091/Key_Bank_Robbery_Suspect.jpg

Reynolds High School was on a brief lock in this afternoon, due to reports of cracking (fireworks or gunshots). Police located the source of noise, which was a nailgun used in a nearby roofing project. Support for students who need it is being provided onsite by TIP Northwest and counselors.

The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects involved in an assault and robbery that occurred in Northeast Portland's Vernon Neighborhood.

On Saturday January 10, 2015, at 2:15 a.m., North Precinct officers responded to a residence in the 5100 block of Northeast 14th Place on the report of an assault and robbery where one of the victims was hit in the head with a hammer.

Officers and medical personnel arrived and located 29-year-old Nicholas Gordon suffering from head trauma. He spent several days in the hospital for treatment to serious injuries but has been released and is home recovering.

Police spoke with a second victim, 34-year-old Patrick Guerra, who told officers that he and Gordon were walking back from the 7-11 at Northeast 15th Avenue and Killingsworth Street when they were approached by two men.

Guerra told police that one of the men was armed with a handgun and the other was armed with a hammer. The suspects demanded property from Guerra and Gordon and when they attempted to run away, the suspects chased them down. The man armed with the hammer attacked Gordon, striking him in the head several times, and taking his iPhone.

Guerra was not injured during the robbery.

Guerra described the suspect armed with the gun as an African American or Hispanic male in his 30s wearing dark clothing. Guerra described the suspect armed with the hammer as a male Hispanic in his 30s, heavy build, wearing all dark clothing.

Several officers, including a Police K-9, searched the neighborhood but did not locate anyone matching the suspects descriptions.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and tipsters can remain anonymous.

Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by the tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357) and leave the tip information.

Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Droid.

###PPB###

#CS


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81089/Crime_Stoppers.jpg

The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Marine Division will be hosting another free Adventures in Boating certification course. Classes are open to any individual who needs to obtain a Washington State Boaters Education Card. The next class will be on Saturday, Feb 21st. This is the final class being offered until after the boating season ends in Sept. The class will run from 8am-3:30pm at the Cowlitz County Search and Rescue Building, 1800 Western Lane in Kelso. There is no cost to attend the class.

To Register: Contact Deputy Jordan Spencer at 360-577-3092 or email at spencerj@co.cowlitz.wa.us . This one day class will certify you to operate a vessel in the state of Washington.

Reminder: All vessel operators age 59 and younger must have a Washington Boaters Education Card to operate a vessel in Washington State. For additional information and resources, check out www.boatered.org.

ALBANY, Ore. - The Technical Review Team Water Resources Subcommittee for the Calico Resources proposed gold mine in Malheur County is scheduled to meet by teleconference Jan. 20 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST.

Meeting details and agenda are available here: http://bit.ly/calicojanuary

The public and media may listen to the meeting in person at the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Portland offices, 800 NE Oregon St., Ste. 965, or listen by phone. For call-in instructions, contact the DOGAMI offices in Albany at 541-967-2040.

The Technical Review Team (TRT) is an interdisciplinary team of state agencies that reviews the application and develops consolidated permit conditions that conform to Oregon regulations. The federal Bureau of Land Management serves on the team in an ex-officio role. The Water Resources Subcommittee focuses on water quality and water quantity issues related to the proposed project.

Salem Police are investigating an early morning fatal vehicle/pedestrian crash on Center St NE near 18th St NE.

Salem Police officers were dispatched to the intersection at approximately 5:45 this morning and found that 64-year old Stephen Buchanan of Keizer had been driving eastbound on Center St when he struck 77-year old David McGregor of Salem. Mr McGregor was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Mr McGregor was in an unmarked crosswalk attempting to cross Center St from the south side of the roadway to the north side when he was struck by the 2005 full-sized van that was being operated by Mr. Buchanan. He was wearing dark clothing and was walking very slowly with a cane at the time of the incident. Mr Buchanan stopped immediately and was cooperative with the investigation.

Center St was closed for approximately 3 1/2 hours while the Salem Police Department Traffic Control Unit reconstructed the scene.

No arrests have been made or citations issued at this time as the investigation is continuing.

The Salem Police Department would like to provide these safety tips for pedestrians:

-Especially in poor weather conditions, it is very important to be visible and vigilant while walking on and around roadways.
-Make sure to cross roadways at intersections and in either marked or unmarked crosswalks. -Look both ways before crossing any roadway and make eye contact with approaching drivers to make sure they see you.
-Don't assume that because you are in a crosswalk or are crossing with a signal that drivers actually see you.
-Regardless of walking during the daylight or night time hours, always wear bright and reflective clothing and carry a light with you.
-It is also a good idea to have some type of flashing light with you just to improve the chances that you will be seen by motorists.

Remember: Put your best foot forward before crossing the street!

The Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors will interview six candidates on Wednesday, Jan. 28, beginning at 3 p.m., for the position recently vacated by retiring Board member Mari Greves.

Board members will interview all six applicants on Jan. 28 and select one candidate to serve the remainder of Greves' term until the next general election in November 2015.

Candidates are Katy Belokonny, Peter John Harrison, Heather Lindberg, Jill Nelson, Heidi Rosenberg and Nada Wheelock. Each applicant submitted a letter of interest responding to two questions. A synopsis of their professional and volunteer experience is included with this release.

Candidate bios

Katy Belokonny
* Member of CTRAN's Development and Public affairs team
* Serves on the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Committee, Camas/Washougal Chamber of Commerce, Vancouver's Downtown Association, Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, American Public Transportation Association and Washington State Transit Association
* Holds a degree in communication from Washington State University

Peter John Harrison
* Computer scientist, biologist, chemist and professional writer
* Volunteer for congressional candidate Bob Dingethal's 2014 campaign and for Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
* Prior volunteer experience includes working as a CPR and first aid instructor and as a Red Cross disaster action team member
* Holds degrees in biology from Washington State University and computer science from Coleman College

Heather Lindberg
* Current president of the Vancouver PTA Council
* Region 3 legislative chair for the Washington state PTA
* Active volunteer in schools and independently
* Holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Pacific Lutheran University and a master's degree in teaching from City University

Jill Nelson
* Founder/CEO of INUS Group
* Served on boards of nonprofits including the Broward County LGBT Youth Group, A. Austin Amerine Retreat Center, Salem Rainbow Youth and Portland Area Businesses Association
* Chair of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Pacific region of the LGBT Chambers of Commerce and Business and Organizations
* Holds bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from the University of South Dakota and Drake University and a master's degree in divinity from the Saint Paul School of Theology

Heidi Rosenberg
* Clark County public sector career includes positions focused on capital facility planning, community development and capital project design and construction for the Port of Vancouver, C-TRAN, Vancouver Public Schools and Camas School District
* Current capital program manager at Clark Regional Wastewater District.
* Former volunteer board member for the city of Camas Sister Cities Organization, Affordable Community Environments and YWCA of Clark County
* Volunteered for Vancouver Public Schools and the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools

Nada Wheelock
* Works with the SPOON Foundation to provide board development and volunteer program strategy
* Serves on the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools' board of directors and marketing and development and mentoring committees
* Volunteering includes participating in district PTA and Booster Clubs, serving as a Lunch Buddy, co-funding the Tuck Nonprofit Fund, serving on the CampFire board of directors, consulting for Mother Caroline Academy & Education Center and serving as an adult literacy tutor and Big Sister mentor

A new feature video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo2tfioq5T4) featuring Pulitzer-prize winning New York Times columnist and author Nicholas Kristof debuted today on "The Promise of Oregon" website, www.promiseoregon.org.

Kristof, an Oregon native and graduate of Yamhill Carlton High School, often refers to education as "an escalator to opportunity." He expounds on that theme in the video, discussing poverty worldwide and close to home, and how an investment in education pays dividends for everyone.

"If we care about the health of our communities, there's no better way of preserving that than by investing in our schools and in our kids," he says.

He also explores his Oregon roots. Kristof took up journalism as a teenager in the Willamette
Valley, then went on to study at Harvard and Oxford.

His studies propelled him to a career that has been nothing less than stellar. He has won two Pulitzer Prizes (one shared with his wife, Cheryl WuDunn), traveled to more than 150 countries and written best-selling books. He has advocated for the poor and forgotten around the globe, and shined a light on the slavery and abuse of women.

In a recent column (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/opinion/sunday/nicholas-kristof-the-american-dream-is-leaving-america.html?_r=0) and in a similar one in 2011 (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/opinion/sunday/17kristof.html), Kristof argues that the education escalator has broken down in the United States.

Through his involvement with the "Promise" campaign, however, Kristof is helping celebrate the accomplishments of Oregon students and demonstrating the need to invest in education so that their escalator will carry them to a brighter future.

OSBA is a member services organization for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges. It also provides services to charter schools and their boards.

PORTLAND, OREGON -- A new AARP survey of Oregon registered voters age 45 and older, found that 85 percent of Oregonians want to live independently at home for as long as possible with the help of family caregivers.

When the basic tasks of life become more difficult due to aging or illness, the vast majority of Oregonians (90%) said it is important to have services that allow people to stay in their own home as they age; but the family caregiver wants more resources and training (76%) in order to properly care for their loved one.

"Caregivers take care of family and loved ones because that's what they do," said Jon Bartholomew, Government Relations Director for AARP Oregon. "They don't think of themselves as caregivers. But the meals fixed for Mom and Dad, the visits to the doctor--that help and other long-term care assistance would cost $450 billion nationwide if someone had to be hired to do it."

A whopping 50% of those surveyed are currently providing or have provided unpaid care to an adult loved one who is ill, frail, elderly or has a physical or mental disability. In fact, there are over 460,000 family caregivers in Oregon who help care for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones so they can remain at home - as opposed to costly institutions. These family caregivers provide unpaid care valued at a staggering $5.5 BILLION annually.

The care provided by family caregivers continues to increase in complexity. The impact of shorter hospital stays and advances in home-based medical technologies plays out in the health tasks that family caregivers often carry out, including bandaging and wound care, tube feedings, managing catheters, giving injections or operating medical equipment. And, almost two-thirds of Oregon registered voter caregivers age 45+ have had to use their own money (64%) and nearly half has had to modify their work schedules (49%) in order to provide care for an adult loved one.

Family caregivers are increasingly required to undertake tasks that were once in the domain of only doctors and nurses: complex medication management, wound care, injections. Yet, many receive little or no training for these duties.

Caring for a loved one can be expensive, too. Thirty-two percent (32%) of family caregivers have either gone from working full-time to part-time or given up working entirely and two in ten has had to take a leave of absence from their job. Of those who have had to go into work early or late, or take time off from their job in order to care for an adult loved one, more than a quarter (26%) report that they had to do this once a week or more in order to provide care, while nearly half have had to do this once a month to several times a month. While caregiving has traditionally fallen to females, men 52% of males surveyed, note they are extremely or very likely to be a caregiver in the future.
The demands on the family caregiver are taking an increasing toll on them. The report found that those who take on this unpaid role to help loved ones remain in their own homes and communities risk stress, depression, physical health problems, social isolation, competing demands and financial hardship and thus, are vulnerable themselves. Another AARP study, Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard, rated Oregon 41st out of 50 states that rate poorly on Oregon Caregiver stress.

"Many caregivers may be 'hidden patients' themselves," said Bartholomew. "They often need support and care to address the negative impact their loved one's illness or disability is having on them."

"Family caregivers are an essential part of the workforce to maintain the health care and LTSS systems for the growing number of people with complex chronic care needs. Family caregiving has been shown to help delay or prevent the use of nursing home care. There is also growing recognition of the value of family members to the delivery of health care, and the ways in which families influence health care decisions, treatments and outcomes."

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This AARP telephone survey on caregiving was conducted among Oregon residents age 45 and older. The survey was fielded from July 14th to 17th, 2014. A total of 800 interviews were completed and the sample was weighted to reflect the age and gender of the registered voter population age 45 and older in Oregon. The margin of sampling error for this random sample is +/- 3.5 percent. A complete copy of the survey can be found at http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-2014/oregon-caregiving-independent-living.html

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.


Attached Media Files: Voice of a caregiver

January 15, 2015--Sheriff's Deputies capture a wanted man after he crashes his car. He attempted to run after the crash but was quickly tracked down and arrested.

On January 14, 2015, at 9:36 p.m., a Washington County Sheriff's Deputy saw a 1994 Acura Legend Fail to stop at a red light at NW Barnes Road and NW Baltic Avenue. When the Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop the car, it sped off down Highway 217 and into a Raleigh Hills neighborhood. The Acura continued to ignore the Sheriff's Deputy's lights and siren refusing to stop.

Sheriff's Deputies converged on the Acura and the driver failed to negotiate a curve and drove onto landscape boulders in the front yard of a house on SW Woodward Way, rendering the Acura inoperable. A man, later identified as Michael Peterson 36, from Beaverton, fled the Acura and ran behind a house. Sheriff's Deputies saw Mr. Peterson throw something away as he ran. Sheriff's Deputies caught up to Mr. Peterson as he attempted to jump a fence and he was arrested without further incident.

Sheriff's Deputies located a stolen loaded handgun in the Acura and second loaded handgun that Mr. Peterson threw as he was running. The Acura was filled with dozens of items that were possibly stolen. Sheriff's Deputies found GPS's, car stereo systems and other valuable items. These items were seized and will be checked against reports of stolen property as investigators attempt to locate the owners.

Michael Gene Peterson was lodged in the Washington County Jail. He was charged with Felony and Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, First Degree Aggravated Theft (Firearm), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Reckless Endangering, Felony Driving While Suspended, Possession of Methamphetamine, Reckless Driving, Hit and Run, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Trespassing and a Felony Parole Board Warrant. He is held without the possibility of bail. He will likely face additional charges as the investigation continues.


Attached Media Files: Crashed Acura , Arrested

1/14/15 10:41 PM-Tonight Portland Firefighters were called to a house on fire at 6435 N Atlantic Ave. When fire crews arrived they found fire in a bedroom on the second floor of the two story house. Firefighters searched the house for occupants and worked to extinguish the fire.

The occupants were located outside the home. The homes owner made an attempt to extinguish the fire, but was unsuccessful. She was treated on scene for issues related to smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported in association with this fire. The fire was extinguished and a Portland Fire Investigator was called to determine the cause.

The fire investigator determined that a heater plugged into a chain of cords caused this fire. The occupants had the heater plugged into an extension cord, which was plugged into a power strip and the power strip was plugged into a wall outlet.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds residents:

Power strips, with circuit breakers are the safe method to plug something in if a wall outlet isn't readily available. You should never "daisy chain" or plug an extension cord or another power strip into a power strip.

In case of a fire, get out and stay out. Going back into a burning home can be deadly.

On Wednesday, January 14, 2015, FBI Agents arrested T. Jeremy Ossana, age 41, on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography. The arrest took place after agents served a search warrant at Ossana's Eugene home. The arrest was without incident.

Ossana is charged via a criminal complaint and made his initial appearance today before a federal magistrate in Eugene.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy Potter is prosecuting the case. Defendants should be considered innocent until proven guilty.

This investigation and arrest is a result of the FBI's partnerships with the Eugene Police Department, Linn County Sheriff's Office, and the Lane County Internet Crimes against Children Task Force.

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Note to Media: Under U.S. Department of Justice regulations, we are not permitted to release a booking photo.

The Executive Committee of the Oregon State Library Board of Trustees will meet by phone on Thursday January 22, 2015. Aletha Bonebrake of Baker City will chair the meeting, which will begin at 4:00 p.m.

Members of the public who wish to attend the meeting may come to Room 205 at the Oregon State Library.

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested prior to 48 hours before the meeting; notice prior to 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats prior to 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Jessica Rondema at 503-378-2464.

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OREGON STATE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
January 22, 2015
4:00 p.m.
Oregon State Library Room 205
Aletha Bonebrake, Chair

Agenda

4:00 p.m. Report of the State Librarian Dahlgreen

4:30 Discussion of the Board Meeting for February 13, 2015 Bonebrake

4:45 Other business Bonebrake

5:00 Adjournment Bonebrake


NOTE: The times of all agenda items are approximate and subject to change.

Update 01/14/15 4:25pm

Detectives with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office were back out at the robbery scene on SW Grahams Ferry Rd today. They canvassed the area for evidence and witnesses of the crime. At this point in the investigation there is no other information to be released.

TIPS SOUGHT

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is seeking tips and information regarding this home-invasion robbery.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office's confidential Tip Line -- by telephone at 503-723-4949

Reference CCSO case number 15-1264

***Prior Release***

On Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 7:48 pm the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office responded to the 26900 block of SW Grahams Ferry Rd on a report of a home invasion robbery. The address is just outside the city of Wilsonville, Wilsonville Police officers also responded to assist.

Initial reports came in that a female had been tied up and robbed by three males all wearing ski masks. At least one of the males was reported to be armed with a handgun. The only other suspect description is they all spoke with a Hispanic accent. The female did not report being injured during the incident.

The female reported she was alone at the time of the robbery and called her husband just after the males left the residence. He responded to the house and a 911 call was made to report the robbery.

Deputies, Officers, and 2 K-9's searched the house as well as the 20 acre property. No suspects were located on the property.

Detectives from the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office are currently on scene investigating.

On Wednesday January 14, 2015, investigators from the Gang Enforcement Team arrested three people in connection with a Christmas Day 2014 shooting in the Montavilla Neighborhood. A fourth person was arrested in connection with an unrelated case.

The arrests were made at a residence in the 12500 block of Southeast Taggart Street after a search warrant was served by the Portland Police Bureau's Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT).

30-year-old Mona Lisa Claudene Bain was arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing in connection with the Christmas Day shooting. Bain was also charged with Theft in the First Degree (three counts) and Conspiracy to Commit Theft in the First Degree (three counts) for an unrelated investigation.

23-year-old Edward Earl Jones was arrested and charged with Menacing and Discharging a Firearm in the City in connection with the Christmas Day shooting. Jones was also charged with Theft in the First Degree (three counts) and Conspiracy to Commit Theft in the First Degree (three counts) for an unrelated investigation.

23-year-old Natia Nicole Clark was arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing in connection with the Christmas Day shooting. Clark was also charged with Theft in the First Degree (three counts) and Conspiracy to Commit Theft in the First Degree (three counts) for an unrelated investigation.

40-year-old Dante Lamont Porter was arrested and charged with Theft in the First Degree (three counts) and Conspiracy to Commit Theft in the First Degree (three counts) for an unrelated investigation.

This investigation started on Thursday December 25, 2014, at 1:10 p.m., when East Precinct officers responded to the 2300 block of Southeast 89th Avenue on the report of a disturbance with a weapon.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted witnesses who told police that someone fired a gun multiple times, striking a parked car. Officers located a crime scene and evidence of a shooting.

There were no reported injuries and investigators determined that the shooting was gang-related.

Gang Enforcement Team detectives conducted follow-up on the shooting and developed information leading to the arrests of Bain, Jones and Clark.

The Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and Gun Task Force are continuing to actively investigate gang and gun crimes in the City of Portland.

Anyone with information about gang and/or gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau's Tactical Operations Division at (503) 823-4106.

Tips on gun crimes can be emailed to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov.

If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

###PPB###


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/3056/81071/Dante_Lamont_Porter_40.jpg , 2015-01/3056/81071/Natia_Nicole_Clark_23.jpg , 2015-01/3056/81071/Edward_Earl_Jones_23.jpg , 2015-01/3056/81071/Mona_Lisa_Claudene_Bain_30.jpg

The Oregon State Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy this morning on 19-year-old Zacharee Stanford, last known to be living in Battle Ground, Washington. The cause of death is pending toxicology results which are expected to be back in few weeks. There is no indication of foul play.

###PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Wednesday January 14, 2015, at 1:32 a.m., Central Precinct officers responded to the Waterfront Pearl, located at 1310 Northwest Naito Parkway, on the report of an unconscious male lying in the water feature outside the building.

Officers and medical personnel arrived and pulled the man from the water and determined that he was deceased.

The man has preliminarily been identified as a 19-year-old male and he was dressed as though he was living outdoors.

There is no evidence of foul play at this time and the Oregon State Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and to confirm the man's identity.

Updates will be provided after the autopsy, which may occur later today or on Thursday.

###PPB###

The Portland Metro Chapter of Women in Insurance & Financial Industries (WIFS) is a peer-support and mentoring organization. For over 75 years, the national WIFS has grown into 18 local chapters from New Jersey to Portland Oregon dedicated to peer support and professional development. The mission of the organization is to provide members the knowledge, the inspiration, the support, the connections, and the innovative ideas professional women need to succeed. WIFS members work together to create brighter financial futures for our communities. The Portland chapter is open to all women with an interest in financial and insurance services, from attorneys to marketers to accountants to all aspects of the banking and insurance industries.
The 2015 board members, who will serve a one-year term, are:

President, Marissa Sainz
Real Estate Broker
Pearl District Properties

Vice President, Christy Aleckson
Owner and Financial Advisor
Single Point Financial Advisors

Immediate Past President, Stefanie Cao
Medicare Marketing Manager
CareOregon Advantage

Secretary, Liliya Jones
Financial Planning Support
Rosenbaum Financial Inc.

Treasurer, Finance Committee, Marie E. Selby, CPA
Senior Accountant
Geffen Mesher

Marketing Co-Chair, Mara Woloshin
Principal
Woloshin Communications Inc.

Marketing Co-Chair, Lucy Kairalla
Principal
In-Nova Creative

Membership Co-Chair, Stefanie Cao
Medicare Marketing Manager
CareOregon Advantage

Membership Co-Chair, Rachel FK Novak
Financial Representative Broad River

Programs Co-Chair, Christy Aleckson
Financial Advisor
Single Point Financial Advisors

Programs Co-Chair, Lisa Parks
Agent
State Farm Insurance

Sponsorship Co-Chair & Chapter Founder,
Alice Tang, Vice President
The Business Planning Group

Sponsorship Co-Chair, Marcie David
Business Analyst
The Standard

At-Large, Tiffany Helleson, CFP
Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Liaison Woman at Morgan Stanley

WIFS lunch and learn meetings and other professional development events are open to the public. Information on membership, program information and sponsorship: wifsportlandmetro.org.

Just before 10:30 a.m. today, emergency responders were informed of a residential home fully engulfed in flames by a helicopter pilot flying over rural Washington County.

A 9-1-1 dispatcher from Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA) used latitude and longitude coordinates to determine the address of the fire. Firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Hillsboro Fire Department responded to the 21000 block of Southwest Vintage Drive near Hillsboro. Additional calls came in from neighbors to confirm the fire and report the sound of explosions as crews were enroute.

Due to the location of the fire and access challenges, it took firefighters approximately 14 minutes to arrive after the first call to 9-1-1. Firefighters first on scene began a defensive fire attack and established a water supply since there wasn't a nearby hydrant.

Crews had to shuttle water into the area, extending hose lines nearly 1,500 feet to the large two-story home. Fire commanders called for a second alarm at 10:54 a.m. to bring in additional water and resources. As crews attacked the fire from the exterior, others moved inside to conduct a search. The homeowner arrived as crews were working to extinguish the blaze and confirmed that no people were inside. Sadly, the fire claimed the life of a cat.

Firefighters worked for nearly an hour to control the fire and continue mopping up hot spots and salvaging belongings. In addition to Hillsboro Fire Department, TVF&R was assisted by Washington County Fire District 2 and Washington County Sheriff's Office. Metro West Ambulance provided a standby ambulance. No emergency responders were injured.

A fire investigator remains on scene at this hour and will conduct interviews and examine material evidence to determine where and how this fire started.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1214/81067/Vintage.jpg

In the late evening hours on January 9, 2015, Beaverton Police Detectives were informed about a counterfeit credit card crew that was active in the Metro. This crew had been targeting multiple Home Depot stores purchasing MasterCard gift cards with counterfeit credit cards. The detectives were updated throughout the weekend that the crew was still active and still in the area. Attempts were made over the weekend to locate these subjects, but were unsuccessful.
On January 13, 2015 detectives received information that the suspects were staying at a motel 6 in Portland. Detectives from Beaverton and Tigard Police with the assistant of the Portland Police Bureau and a member of the US Marshall's task force successfully located and arrested five subjects involved in these crimes.

The subjects all from the Las Vegas area and are identified as Angel Rodriguez-Hidalgo 21 years old, Pedro Cedeno-Hernandez 20 years old, Noel Vazquez 47 years old, Eliades Rosales-Gonzalez 22 years old, and Dayron Melgares-Gonzalez 23 years old were taken into custody and lodged at the Washington County Jail for Aggravated Identity Theft. Additional charges will be added in the next upcoming days.

There were over 50 counterfeit credit cards and approximately $10,000 in gift cards that were seized during this investigation.
##BPD##


Attached Media Files: Press Release , Melgares-Gonzalez , Rosales-Gonzalez , Vazquez , Cedeno-Hernandez , Rodriguez-Hidalgo

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Port of Vancouver USA commissioners approved a 10-year lease extension with Northwest Packing Co. on Jan. 13 that could keep the longtime Clark County business in Vancouver through 2024.

"I'm pleased," said Commission President Nancy Baker. "Keeping Northwest Pack here in this community is valuable to our community and valuable to the port, and I'm just delighted that this has come to a successful conclusion."

The lease extension includes three five-year options for Northwest Packing to renew beyond the initial 10-year term. The company also has the option to end its lease in 2019 if business needs require relocation outside Clark County.

The port's most recent lease with Northwest Packing dated back to 1987 and was up for renewal in 2011. One of the renewal terms was a rent adjustment to fair market value. The port extended the lease to December 31, 2014, to give Northwest Packing a chance to evaluate its needs and both parties time to discuss options.

The port and company came to agreement last November and worked out remaining details as 2014 drew to a close.

At the Jan. 13 meeting, representatives with Northwest Packing thanked port staff for their hard work and collaborative efforts. President and CEO Matt Jones spoke of his company's long history and his expectation for the future.

"We're proud to be a significant anchor to Clark County's economy, providing stable employment for local residents over the last 43 years," Jones said. "It is our hope that this agreement ensures that Neil Jones Food Company - Northwest Packing - can continue to play a vital role in the Clark County economy."

"This is a great note to begin 2015 on," said port CEO Todd Coleman. "Today's approval is the culmination of three years of hard work for both us and Northwest Packing. We're happy we could come to agreement, and we look forward to another decade of partnership."

Northwest Packing is the only fruit processing operation at the Port of Vancouver and one of only three similar companies in the Pacific Northwest. The business, which is owned by Neil Jones Food Co., employs the equivalent of 500 full-time workers annually.

- 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.


Attached Media Files: 2015-01/1489/81065/011415_Board_approves_NW_Pack_lease.pdf