UPDATE (12:30 p.m.) -- The B-roll reel has been updated with additional sound bites, from Undersheriff Brandenburg and CCSO Chaplain Mike Vermace, who is helping spearhead the Community Care Initiative.

B-ROLL VIDEO/SOUND BITE:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/u0zo7qg1po6o77j/20200406-CCSOCommunityCareInitiativeFoodBankBroll.mp4?dl=0

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office just launched a new program to reach seniors impacted the COVID-19 pandemic: the Community Care Initiative.

The Community Care Initiative (CCI) is a collaborative effort between the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Clackamas County Health, Housing & Human Services, and the Oregon Food Bank. Under CCI, based out of the Public Safety Training Center in Clackamas, a team of Sheriff's Office and County employees and volunteers will contact seniors in Clackamas County and ask if they need food, medicine, or household supplies. Volunteers will pack care boxes and make home deliveries with any needed items.

"I'm thankful for our partnerships and the ability to make a difference in our local community during this difficult time," said Undersheriff Angela Brandenburg. "I want every Clackamas County resident, especially our seniors, to know they are not alone, we care, and we are here for you."

The Public Safety Training Center in Clackamas will serve as a center for assembling care boxes for seniors and other vulnerable populations, as identified by Clackamas County Social Services. Beginning Monday, April 6, CCI team members started assembling packages of food and supplies from the Oregon Food Bank to deliver throughout the community to those with active needs.

COVID-19 has been a challenge for everyone, but seniors in our community are especially vulnerable. Many are unable to go to the grocery store to buy food and medical supplies, and others are suffering from increased feelings of loneliness as they self-isolate to protect themselves from the virus.

HOW TO CONTACT THE COMMUNITY CARE INITIATIVE:
If you're in need, contact the Community Care Initiative at equests@clackamas.us">CCIrequests@clackamas.us , or call the resource-team phone line Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 503-794-8008. (If you have an emergency need, call 911.)

The Community Care Initiative will begin with this senior-citizen outreach, with plans to expand to meet other emerging needs in the community -- including individuals in need of assistance referred to Clackamas County by local faith and nonprofit organizations.

DONATIONS ACCEPTED:
Donations to support the Community Care Initiative can be made through the non-profit Clackamas County Peace Officers' Benevolent Foundation: Go to the CCPOBF's website at https://ccpobf.org , select the "Send Gift to Community Care Initiative (COVID-19)" tab, and follow instructions.

BEWARE OF SCAM CALLS:
An important note for seniors: At no point will anyone calling from the Community Care Initiative ask for your credit card information or ask you to make any payments over the phone. Anyone who wants to donate to the Initiative can visit https://ccpobf.org.

B-ROLL VIDEO AVAILABLE: Photos are attached, and B-roll video of donated food boxes arriving at the Sheriff's Office Public Safety Training Center and a sound bite from Undersheriff Brandenburg can be downloaded from this link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/u0zo7qg1po6o77j/20200406-CCSOCommunityCareInitiativeFoodBankBroll.mp4?dl=0

Learn more about the Community Care Initiative at https://www.clackamas.us/pstc/cci

[END]

Please reference CCSO Case # 20-007212

SILVER ALERT -- The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in the search for 78-year-old WAYNE R. THOMPSON, missing from the Welches, Oregon area.

He left his residence on Tuesday, March 31 in a silver 2013 Honda Civic with Oregon license plate 763GLQ. He may be heading to Illinois to visit a family member. He may also need medical attention and evaluation.

Bulletin and photo attached.

Wayne Thompson is 78 years old. He is a white male standing 5'6" and weighing 200 lbs. He has grey hair and blue eyes.

Call 911 if seen.

If you have information about his whereabouts, you can also leave a tip at 503-723-4949 or https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip -- please reference CCSO Case # 20-007212.

[END]

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking tips in a cold-case murder dating back to Spring 1998.

Gregory David White, 34 (photo attached), went camping by himself in May 1998, in the area of Timothy Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

His burned-out vehicle was found days later, in June 1998.

In September 1999, Mr. White’s remains were located in the area of Timothy Lake. There was evidence of homicidal violence.

Mr. White lived in his vehicle and was known as a loner, but had family ties to Gresham. At the time of his disappearance and death he worked at Benchmade.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information that could aid this cold-case murder investigation to call the Tip Line at 503-723-4949 or use the online Tip Sheet at https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip . Please reference CCSO Case # 99-35789.

A bulletin is attached.

[END]

At 0922 hours units from Clark County Fire & Rescue were dispatched to a report of an aircraft crash in the East Fork-Lewis River Greenway, approximately 2 miles northwest of Daybreak Park in Clark County. 

Crews arrived to find an ultra-light type small aircraft that had crashed. Firefighters located one occupant of the aircraft inside the wreckage. The occupant did not survive the crash. 

Crews remained on scene to ensure there was no fire hazard and that there were no fuel leaks creating an environmental hazard.

CCFR units cleared the scene. Clark County Sheriff's Office is conducting the preliminary investigation.

Dear Editor,

We want to reach out and reassure our community members during this difficult time. All our agencies are coordinating with each other to provide you and your family with the highest level of care.

We are here for you if you need us. We are ready. We have trained for this, and have experience responding to infectious diseases and all other emergencies. Your financial support for emergency services makes this possible. And, for that, we are extremely grateful.

We must continue to do the business of a fire district in addition to responding to emergency calls. These meeting protocols have changed. Please visit our websites or social media accounts to learn how you can participate in our public meetings where we conduct business in the future.

Clark County Fire District 3 – www.fire3.org

Clark County Fire District 6 – www.ccfd6.org

Clark County Fire District 10 – www.facebook.com/ClarkCoFD10/

Clark County Fire District 13 – www.clarkfire13.org/

Clark County Fire & Rescue – www.clarkfr.org/

East County Fire and Rescue – www.ecfr.us

North Country EMS – www.northcountryems.org/

Life is changing as we know it, but we will get through this crisis and emerge stronger for it. In the meantime, please stay home and reach out using modern technology to tell someone you are thinking about them.

Sincerely,

Chief Scott Sorensen, Clark County Fire District 3

Chief Kristan Maurer, Clark County Fire District 6

Chief Gordon Brooks, Clark County Fire District 10

Chief Shaun Ford, Clark County Fire District 13 & North Country EMS

Chief John Nohr, Clark County Fire & Rescue

Chief Mike Carnes, East County Fire and Rescue

Salmon Creek (WA): We all know how tirelessly our medical professional have been working during the past couple of weeks. Well, tonight Firefighters and Paramedics with Clark County Fire District 6 want to say thank you.

Following national and international trends, District 6 personnel plan to park our fire engines outside of Legacy Medical Center Salmon Creek and turn on the lights to applaud medical professionals as they leave their shift. 

That happens, barring emergency calls, tonight at 7 p.m. at Legacy Salmon Creek, located at 2211 N.E. 139th St. Vancouver WA 98686. At the time of this release we're not sure of the exact location within the hospital grounds, but just look for a bunch of fire engines.

Clark County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a shooting at the 7400 block of NE 159th street.  A suspect shot two individuals during a carjacking with an AR-15 style weapon.  The victims were transported to an area hospital.  The suspect is still outstanding and considered armed and dangerous, still armed with a rifle.  The suspect fled the area in a vehicle.  NE 159th street is blocked from NE 72nd avenue to NE 82nd avenue due to the investigation and people are asked to avoid the area.   

More information will be released as it is developed. 

Today (04/07/20), Clark County Sheriff’s Office learned we have had a positive COVID 19 test result for an inmate who was incarcerated in the jail.  The inmate had been released prior (04/06/20) to their test results returning positive.  The inmate was housed in our negative airflow cells the entire time they were in-custody. This information has been sent to the Clark County Health Department for follow up as indicated in previous updates.  

The Health Department, after review of the contact log, will determine individual guidance for each deputy and supervisor based on individual interactions. 

PPE’s are worn by Corrections staff as required by procedure.  The Health Department, if needed, will provide guidance through their review of the contact investigation. 

Due to HIPPA requirements, no inmate information, inmates medical status at this time, where they were released, possible Corrections Officer exposure or pending charges will be released.

No further information at this time.   

### UPDATED INFO, 4/7/2020, DECEASED PILOT IDENTIFIED###

The deceased pilot from yesterday's ultralight airplane crash is identified as Quin T. Banta, age 58.  Banta was listed as a resident of Clark County.  Banta possessed an FAA Student Pilot Certificate and was operating a Kolb Firestar 2 ultralight aircraft powered by a single 2-stroke 52 horsepower engine.  The Firestar 2 appears to be a kit-built aircraft, manufactured in 2013 by Kolb Aircraft, Inc.  Banta appears to have owned it since October, 2018.

Based on information gathered by CCSO deputies, Banta took off from Grove Field in Camas earlier in the day.  At this point in the investigation, it is not known why Banta's aircraft crashed near Daybreak Airport.  According to witnesses, it did not appear that Banta's airplane was in the process of landing or taking off.

NOTE: in an earlier press release, Michael Banta was listed as a deceased subject in a collision from the evening of 4/6.  According to their immediate families, Quin Banta and Michael Banta are not related, and the two events are not related.

###

PHOTOS ADDED 4/6/2020 1729 hours

Two photos of the crash site have been added to this press release, taken by deputies investigating the incident.  As of this notification, next of kin for the deceased have not been located.
###

On 4/6/2020 at 0920 hours EMS and CCSO personnel were dispatched to a possible aircraft crash near Daybreak Airport, near the 4100 block of NE JA Moore Road in the Battle Ground/La Center area of north Clark County.  A resident on a hillside to the west of the Airport reported seeing an ultralight airplane possibly crash near the runway.  Daybreak Airport is a private grass airstrip.

Upon arrival, EMS personnel and deputies located the small aircraft, which had crashed several hundred yards from the runway in some brush alongside the East Fork of the Lewis River.  The pilot and lone occupant of the airplane was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Deputies are currently at the crash site, and NTSB personnel have been notified.  The incident is under investigation.  Notification of next of kin is pending, and the name of the pilot is not being officially released at this time.

###

On 4/6/2020 at 2122 hours CCSO deputies and EMS personnel responded to a collision in the 18200 block of NE 72nd Avenue involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.  Upon arrival, EMS personnel contacted and evaluated male pedestrian lying in the roadway with obvious injuries.  The driver and a passenger in the involved vehicle were contacted and were physically uninjured.  They remained on-scene until CCSO traffic detectives arrived.  Scene evidence and statements made by the driver and passenger indicated that the pedestrian was in the southbound travel lane of NE 72nd Avenue when he was struck.

The pedestrian was transported to the hospital with critical injuries and later died at the hospital as a result of the collision.  The pedestrian is identified as Michael D. Banta, age 51.  Banta was a resident of the Battle Ground area.   The driver of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV was identified as Cheng H. Lee, age 56 of Vancouver.  Lee was cooperative with the investigators on scene. 

No signs of impairment on the part of Cheng were detected, and the collision remains under investigation by the CCSO Traffic Unit.  The roadway in the area of the collision is a 50mph two-lane roadway with paved shoulders.  At this time, it is not known why Banta was in the roadway.

###

With increased risk of exposure to COVID-19, CRESA 911 is temporarily changing protocols for calling 9-1-1 in Clark County.  Whether it be for a medical emergency or to report an in-progress law emergency, the caller should expect that 9-1-1 Dispatchers and Call Takers will ask questions around potential exposure to COVID-19.  These protocols follow new CDC guidelines as well as  local and state medical direction.

The questions will not delay response, and are part of an effort to provide responders with safety information.  Callers will be asked if they or individuals at the scene are experiencing fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing.  They will also be asked if they have been around anyone they know who has a confirmed COVID-19.  If safe to do so, the patient will be asked to meet in front or outside their location to meet responders.  Callers’ answers will help responders be prepared on arrival. 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as CRESA 911 adapts to changing conditions, and as a community, we work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Clark County, and across our region.

Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Press Release: Jail Death 4/7/2020

Clatsop County Sheriff Matt Phillips reports an inmate has died of an apparent suicide. While delivering breakfast, at approximately 6:10 a.m. this morning, corrections deputies found Mr. Nathan Varnadoe hanging in a shower and unresponsive. Deputies immediately entered the shower, began life saving measures and notified fire and EMS.  Astoria Fire Department and Medix ambulance arrived on scene at approximately 6:15 a.m. and transported Mr. Varnadoe to Columbia Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

There were no signs of violence and he had not been ill.

Mr. Varnadoe had been in the Clatsop County jail since February 2, 2020, on an out of state warrant related to alleged sexual assault of a child in the State of Colorado. The Clatsop County major crimes team, led by detectives from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Clatsop County Medical Examiner are investigating. There will be no further release of information or comment until the investigation is complete.

Please see attached documents

Joining a creative initiative with other mid-valley law enforcement agencies, members of the Corvallis Police Department’s Community Livability Unit will help reduce the impact of COVID-19 by delivering prescriptions to City of Corvallis residents who are age 65 or older or have a life-threatening pre-existing medical condition.  This program will remain in place for the duration of the Governor’s Stay at Home, Save Lives order to promote the safety of Corvallis residents who may be at greater risk.  Officer Trevor Anderson, a member of the Community Livability Unit, said, “This program enables at-risk community members to receive essential medications in a timely manner from a trusted delivery resource.” 

The steps to participate are simple:

1. Call the pharmacy to order and pay for the prescription (the pharmacy must be in Corvallis to participate)
2. While on the phone, let the pharmacy know you would like to participate in the CPD prescription delivery program; make sure your pharmacy will allow this.
3. Visit http://bentoncounty.recovers.org or call 541-766-6120 to request/coordinate the delivery, to include providing the following information:
   1. Name
   2. Address
   3. Phone Number
   4. Pharmacy name
   5. Requested prescription(s)
   6. The date and time your prescriptions will be ready
4. Have a photo ID ready so the officer can verify they’re delivering to the right person.

Deliveries can be made between 8am and 4pm on weekdays.

Although this is a departure from traditional law enforcement services, the Corvallis Police Department remains committed to the safety of our community!

PR-024

New Guidance on Cloth Face Coverings

April 6, 2020 at 1700 hrs.

The CDC and Washington State Department of Health now recommend wearing cloth face coverings, such as homemade fabric masks, in public settings where individuals cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others. This would include locations such as grocery stores and pharmacies, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

Staying home except for essential trips and ensuring you remain at least 6 feet away from others when in public remain the best ways to protect yourself from COVID-19. But non-medical masks may be used to supplement those efforts.

Here are two things to consider before deciding whether to wear a mask:

1. Medical masks should be reserved for health care workers. There has been a shortage of medical masks and it’s important health care workers have the equipment they need to safely do their jobs.
2. Homemade fabric masks, and other non-medical masks, are not a replacement for staying home and limiting contact with others. Masks also do not replace the need to frequently wash hands with soap and water, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and stay away from people who are sick. These remain the best ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

When a person infected with the virus wears a fabric mask, even if they aren’t displaying symptoms, it may help prevent the spread of infection to others. The mask can block droplets from spreading when the person coughs, sneezes or, to a lesser degree, speaks.

It’s unknown how much protection homemade fabric masks provide to the person wearing the mask. The amount of protection may depend on the quality of the mask and how well it fits. This is why fabric masks should not be considered reliable protection, but they may provide some benefit.

To be effective, masks should be worn consistently. Be sure to wash hands before putting on a fabric mask and after taking it off. Be careful not to touch your face with unwashed hands if adjusting the mask. Fabric masks should be changed when moist and washed after use. Masks that are worn may be contaminated.

For more information on how to make your own no-sew fabric mask visit www.cowlitzcovid19.com and remember....... we're all in this together.

Nueva guía sobre revestimientos faciales de tela

6 de abril de 2020 a las 1700 hrs.

El CDC y el Departamento de Salud del Estado de Washington ahora recomiendan usar cubiertas faciales de tela, como máscaras de tela caseras, en lugares públicos donde las personas no pueden mantenerse a 6 pies de distancia de los demás. Esto incluiría ubicaciones como supermercados y farmacias, especialmente en áreas de transmisión comunitaria significativa.

Quedarse en casa a excepción de los viajes esenciales y asegurarse de permanecer al menos a 6 pies de distancia de los demás cuando en público siguen siendo las mejores formas de protegerse del COVID-19. Pero se pueden usar máscaras no médicas para complementar esos esfuerzos.

Aquí hay dos cosas a considerar antes de decidir si usar una máscara:

1. Las máscaras médicas deben reservarse para los trabajadores de la salud. Ha habido una escasez de máscaras médicas y es importante que los trabajadores de la salud tengan el equipo que necesitan para hacer su trabajo de manera segura.
2. Las máscaras de tela caseras y otras máscaras no médicas no son un reemplazo para quedarse en casa y limitar el contacto con otros. Las máscaras tampoco reemplazan la necesidad de lavarse las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón, evitar tocarse la cara con las manos sin lavar y mantenerse alejado de las personas enfermas. Estas siguen siendo las mejores formas de mantenerse saludable y prevenir la propagación de COVID-19.

Cuando una persona infectada con el virus usa una máscara de tela, incluso si no muestra síntomas, puede ayudar a prevenir la propagación de la infección a otros. La máscara puede bloquear la propagación de las gotas cuando la persona tose, estornuda o, en menor grado, habla.

No se sabe cuánta protección proporcionan las máscaras de tela caseras a la persona que usa la máscara. La cantidad de protección puede depender de la calidad de la máscara y de qué tan bien se ajuste. Es por eso que las máscaras de tela no deben considerarse una protección confiable, pero pueden proporcionar algún beneficio.

Para ser efectivos, las máscaras deben usarse de manera consistente. Asegúrese de lavarse las manos antes de ponerse una máscara de tela y después de quitársela. Tenga cuidado de no tocarse la cara con las manos sin lavar si se ajusta la máscara. Las máscaras de tela deben cambiarse cuando estén húmedas y lavadas después de su uso. Las máscaras que se usan pueden estar contaminadas.

Para obtener más información sobre cómo hacer su propia máscara de tela sin costura, visite www.cowlitzcovid19.com  y recuerde ... todos estamos juntos en esto.

Press Release 023

PPE Donations for First Responders Appreciated—More Sought

April 6, 2020 at 1430 hrs.

The Cowlitz County COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT) and Peace Health St. Johns Medical Center (PHSJMC) wishes to recognize the generosity shown by our community for donated personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment needs for our first responders and health care workers. Donations were received from businesses and individuals which demonstrates the resiliency and generosity found in Cowlitz County to come together in order to help one another.

A special thank you to the following businesses and individuals who have already provided supplies:

More PPE and supplies are needed to help keep our dedicated first responders and health care workers safe as they serve our community. People wishing to donate can contact the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) at 360-577-3171. DEM personnel will coordinate drop off instructions with donors.

The Cowlitz County COVID-19 Incident Management Team is accepting donations, including the following new and unopened items:

• Masks (N95, Surgical, Homemade)
• Other respirators P100, PAPR & PAPR supplies/parts
• Face shields
• Splash shields
• Boxes of exam gloves
• Exam gowns
• Tyvek Coveralls
• Hand sanitizer
• Cleaning wipes
• Lysol spray
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Kleenex
• Bottled water

Gracias por las donaciones de PPE para nuestros primeros respondedores

6 de abril de 2020 a las 1430 hrs.

El Equipo de Manejo de Incidentes (IMT) COVID-19 del Condado de Cowlitz y el Centro Médico St. Johns de Peace Health (PHSJMC) desean reconocer la generosidad mostrada por nuestra comunidad para el equipo de protección personal (PPE) donado y otras necesidades de equipo para nuestros primeros respondedores y salud trabajadores de cuidado. Se recibieron donaciones de empresas e individuos que demuestran la capacidad de recuperación y la generosidad que se encuentran en el condado de Cowlitz para unirse y ayudarse mutuamente.

Un agradecimiento especial a los siguientes negocios y personas que ya han proporcionado suministros:

Se necesitan más PPE y suministros para ayudar a mantener seguros a nuestros socorristas y trabajadores de salud dedicados mientras prestan servicios a nuestra comunidad. Las personas que deseen donar pueden

comunicarse con el Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias (DEM) al 360-577-3171. El personal del DEM coordinará las instrucciones de entrega con los donantes.

El equipo de gestión de incidentes COVID-19 del condado de Cowlitz está aceptando donaciones, incluidos los siguientes artículos nuevos y sin abrir:

• Máscaras (N95, Quirúrgicas, Caseras)
• Otros respiradores P100, PAPR & PAPR suministros/piezas
• Escudos faciales
• Escudos de salpicaduras
• Cajas de guantes de examen
• Vestidos de examen
• Tyvek Coveralls
• Desinfectante de manos
• Toallitas de limpieza
• Spray Lysol
• Papel higiénico
• Toallas de papel
• Kleenex
• Agua embotellada

###

PR-022

New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Cowlitz County

April 6, 2020 at 1200 hrs.

Cowlitz County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has reported (3) three additional confirmed positive test results for novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in Cowlitz County. These cases bring the total number of cases in Cowlitz County to (21) twenty-one.

The latest confirmed cases of Cowlitz County residents are:

CCHHS is working as quickly as possible to identify close contacts of the confirmed cases. Close contacts, which could include family members and coworkers, will be instructed to stay home for 14 days after their last contact with the confirmed cases. CCHHS will continue to provide local updates on the Cowlitz COVID- 19 coronavirus webpage at www.CowlitzCOVID19.com. Additional information for people who are at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and The Washington State Department of Health website.

An updated number of negative test results will be provided once it is sent by the State. Minor discrepancies in negative result numbers may occur due to missing address information for patients. In those cases, the negative test results may not be assigned an accountable county.

Follow us at:

Twitter - @CowlitzDEM Instagram - cowlitzcountydem

Facebook - Cowlitz Covid-19 Incident Management Team

Previous Press Releases: www.cowlitzcovid19.com

Nuevos Casos Confirmados de COVID-19 en el Condado de Cowlitz

6 de Abril de 2020 a las 1200 hrs.

El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos del Condado de Cowlitz (CCHHS) ha informado tres (3) resultados positivos confirmados adicionales para el nuevo coronavirus, COVID-19, en el Condado de Cowlitz. Estos casos elevan el número total de casos en el Condado de Cowlitz a veintiuno (21).

Los últimos casos confirmados de residentes del Condado de Cowlitz son:

CCHHS está trabajando lo más rápido posible para identificar contactos cercanos de los casos confirmados. Los contactos cercanos, que podrían incluir miembros de la familia y compañeros de trabajo, recibirán instrucciones de quedarse en casa durante 14 días después de su último contacto con los casos confirmados. CCHHS continuará proporcionando actualizaciones locales en la nueva página web de coronavirus del Condado de Cowlitz en www.CowlitzCOVID19.com. La información adicional para personas con riesgo de enfermedad grave de COVID-19 está disponible en el sitio web de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades y en el sitio web del Departamento de Salud del Estado de Washington.

Se proporcionará una cantidad actualizada de resultados negativos de la prueba una vez que el Estado lo envíe. Pueden producirse discrepancias menores en los resultados negativos debido a la falta de información de la dirección de los pacientes. En esos casos, los resultados negativos de las pruebas pueden no tener asignado un condado responsable.

Press Release 021

No New COVID-19 Cases in Cowlitz County

April 3, 2020 at 1445 hrs.

Cowlitz County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has reported no new cases for novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in Cowlitz County. Our total number of cases in Cowlitz County remains at (18) eighteen.

Updated statistics for the cases of Cowlitz County residents are:

Governor Jay Inslee announced April 2, 2020, that he has extended the order to Stay Home – Stay Healthy through May 4, 2020. Social distancing is essential to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

All essential businesses will remain open during this time, such as medical facilities, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and gas stations. All businesses that remain open must ensure occupancy and lines formed for entry must follow the guidelines for group size and social distancing. Six feet of space between individuals is critically important. Essential businesses must establish and implement social distancing and sanitation measures established by the United States Department of Labor’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. Restaurants will also remain open for drive-thru, curbside pickup, or delivery options. As long as people are maintaining a six feet distance from others, they are still able to go outside for walks, ride their bike, or walk their dogs.

The primary goal of the Cowlitz COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT) continues to be to provide for the safety and health of citizens and response personnel in Cowlitz County.  The public is encouraged to visit the IMT’s website at www.CowlitzCOVID19.com for links to recent press releases, frequently asked questions, and other credible sources for COVID-19 information. The web page contains an online non-essential business/individual inquiry form that citizens can use to communicate concerns and is intended to alleviate the burden on the local Cowlitz 911 system.

General questions or concerns can be directed to the Cowlitz County COVID-19 Incident Management Team at imt.pio@co.cowlitz.wa.us or call 360-577-3107.

###

No Hay Nuevos Casos COVID-19 en el Condado de Cowlitz

 3 de Abril de 2020 a las 1445 hrs.

El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos del Condado de Cowlitz (CCHHS) no ha informado de nuevos casos de coronavirus, COVID-19, en el Condado de Cowlitz. Nuestro número total de casos en el condado de Cowlitz permanece en dieciocho (18).

Las estadísticas actualizadas para los casos de los residentes del condado de Cowlitz son:

El Gobernador Jay Inslee anunció el 2 de Abril de 2020 que extendió la orden de “Quedarse en Casa, Mantenerse Saludable” hasta el 4 de Mayo de 2020. El distanciamiento social es esencial para ayudar a detener la propagación de COVID-19.

Todos los negocios esenciales permanecerán abiertos durante este tiempo, como instalaciones médicas, supermercados, farmacias, bancos y estaciones de servicio . Todas las empresas que permanecen abiertas deben garantizar la ocupación y las líneas formadas para la entrada deben seguir las pautas para el tamaño del grupo y el distanciamiento social. Seis pies de espacio entre individuos es críticamente importante. Las empresas esenciales deben establecer e implementar medidas de distanciamiento social y saneamiento establecidas por la Guía del Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos sobre la preparación de lugares de trabajo para COVID-19. Los restaurantes también permanecerán abiertos para el transporte directo, la recogida en la acera o las opciones de entrega. Mientras las personas mantengan una distancia de 6 pies de los demás, todavía pueden salir a caminar, andar en bicicleta o pasear a sus perros.

El objetivo principal del Equipo de Manejo de Incidentes (IMT) Cowlitz COVID-19 continúa siendo brindar seguridad y salud a los ciudadanos y al personal de respuesta en el Condado de Cowlitz. Se alienta al público a visitar el sitio web de IMT en www.CowlitzCOVID19.com para obtener enlaces a comunicados de prensa recientes, preguntas frecuentes y otras fuentes confiables de información sobre COVID-19. La página web contiene un formulario de consulta comercial / individual no esencial en línea que los ciudadanos pueden usar para comunicar inquietudes y está destinado a aliviar la carga del sistema local Cowlitz 911.

Las preguntas o inquietudes generales pueden dirigirse al Cowlitz COVID-19 Incident Management Team del Condado de Cowlitz a imt.pio@co.cowlitz.wa.us o llamar al 360-577-3107.

PR-020

New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Cowlitz County

April 1, 2020 at 1245 hrs.

Cowlitz County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has reported (2) two additional confirmed positive test results for novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in Cowlitz County. These cases bring the total number of cases in Cowlitz County to (18) eighteen.

The latest confirmed cases of Cowlitz County residents are:

CCHHS is working as quickly as possible to identify close contacts of the confirmed cases. Close contacts, which could include family members and coworkers, will be instructed to stay home for 14 days after their last contact with the confirmed cases. CCHHS will continue to provide local updates on the Cowlitz COVID-19 coronavirus webpage at www.CowlitzCOVID19.com. Additional information for people who are at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and The Washington State Department of Health website.

An updated number of negative test results will be provided once it is sent by the State.  Minor discrepancies in negative result numbers may occur due to missing address information for patients. In those cases, the negative test results may not be assigned an accountable county. 

Nuevos Casos Confirmados de COVID-19 en el Condado de Cowlitz

 1 de Abril de 2020 a las 1245 hrs.

 El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos del Condado de Cowlitz (CCHHS) ha informado dos (2) resultados positivos confirmados adicionales para el nuevo coronavirus, COVID-19, en el Condado de Cowlitz. Estos casos elevan el número total de casos en el Condado de Cowlitz a dieciocho (18).

 Los últimos casos confirmados de residentes del Condado de Cowlitz son:

CCHHS está trabajando lo más rápido posible para identificar contactos cercanos de los casos confirmados. Los contactos cercanos, que podrían incluir miembros de la familia y compañeros de trabajo, recibirán instrucciones de quedarse en casa durante 14 días después de su último contacto con los casos confirmados. CCHHS continuará proporcionando actualizaciones locales en la nueva página web de coronavirus del Condado de Cowlitz en www.CowlitzCOVID19.com. La información adicional para personas con riesgo de enfermedad grave de COVID-19 está disponible en el sitio web de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades y en el sitio web del Departamento de Salud del Estado de Washington.

 Se proporcionará una cantidad actualizada de resultados negativos de la prueba una vez que el Estado lo envíe. Pueden producirse discrepancias menores en los resultados negativos debido a la falta de información de la dirección de los pacientes. En esos casos, los resultados negativos de las pruebas pueden no tener asignado un condado responsable. 

Update:

On 4-5-2020 a citizen contacted the Cowlitz County Dive Team with information that he had noted on his sonar while on Silver Lake. The Cowlitz County Dive Team along with a Sheriff's Office boat were deployed. A body was recovered and is believed to be that of Robert Chick 28-yoa of Castle Rock. The Coroner's Office responded and will be confirming the identity of the subject as well as the cause and manner of death.   Please note the prior release was in error in regard to the Fire District involved. It was Cowlitz Fire District 3 from Toutle, Washington.

Sheriff Brad Thurman

On the evening of 4-3-2020 Stephanie Green 47-yoa of Kelso and Robert Chick 28-yoa of Castle Rock launched their kayaks from the Kerr Road boat ramp on Silver Lake located approx. 8 miles east of Castle Rock, Washington. They were accompanied by 2 dogs and paddled to the tip of Treehouse Island where they tried to land unsuccessfully. They decided to paddle back to the boat ramp and were doing so, now after dark, when Green capsized. Chick began to tow Green but possibly due to wind, were unable to make headway back to the Kerr Road boat ramp. They saw lights from a private dock on the north shore which they re-directed to. While in route, Chick capsized as well. Green reported that Chick attempted to use a kayak for floatation before he disappeared from sight. Green was able to make the 911 call for help while clinging to a kayak. 

Cowlitz Fire District 6 from Toutle launched a boat and rescued Green. She was transported to St. John Hospital in Longview, where she was treated and released.  Cowlitz County Sheriff Deputies along with Cowlitz Dive Rescue responded and commenced a search. Searchers found the kayaks and marked a debris field in the area. Chick was not located during the search. The dogs were recovered from the island and they were turned over to the Humane Society.

On 4-4-2020 Deputies, Cowlitz Fire District 6 and Cowlitz Dive Rescue returned to the lake to resume the search. Using several boats and sonar they again searched the area. Several anomalies were observed and checked by divers, but Chick was not located. Green and several family members were present and Green assisted searchers in directing them to where they had been kayaking the previous evening. A local helicopter pilot, Tim Brown, assisted by flying over the lake. The water is about 51 degrees and visibility very poor, eliminating the possibility of a visual underwater search.

Deputies will make periodic checks of the area in an attempt to locate Chick. We appreciate the local community for their assistance and support of the searchers.

Sheriff Brad Thurman

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense with education technology as Oregon students start heading back to school in an online environment. Today we are talking about how cyber actors are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit increased use of virtual environments.  

School districts across the United States are working to address a dynamically changing learning environment. The FBI acknowledges everyone is adjusting to these demands, but the FBI encourages parents and families to: 

Do: 

• Closely monitor children's use of edtech and online services. 

• Research edtech service user agreements about data breach notifications, marketing, and/or selling of user data, data retention practices, and whether users and/or parents can elect to have student data deleted by request. 

• Conduct regular internet searches of children's information to monitor the exposure and spread of their information on the internet. 

• Consider credit or identity theft monitoring to check for any fraudulent use of their child's identity. 

• Research parent coalition and information-sharing organizations available online for those looking for support and additional resources. 

• Research school-related, edtech, and other related vendor cyber breaches, which can further inform families of student data and security vulnerabilities. 

Don't: 

• Provide exact information on children when creating user profiles (e.g., use initials instead of full names, avoid using exact dates of birth, avoid including photos, etc.) 

If you have evidence your child's data may have been compromised, if you are the victim of an internet scam or cyber crime, or if you want to report suspicious activity, please visit the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at?www.ic3.gov. 

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Note to Oregon Media: The FBI is offering interviews by phone or Skype between 1:30 - 2:30 PM. You must pre-register for a time slot by emailing media.portland@fbi.gov.

Due to school closings as a result of COVID-19, children will potentially have an increased online presence and/or be in a position that puts them at an inadvertent risk. Due to this newly developing environment, the FBI is seeking to warn parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and signs of child abuse.

Background

Online sexual exploitation comes in many forms. Individuals may coerce victims into providing sexually explicit images or videos of themselves, often in compliance with offenders’ threats to post the images publicly or send the images to victims’ friends and family.

Other offenders may make casual contact with children online, gain their trust, and introduce sexual conversation that increases in egregiousness over time. Ultimately this activity may result in maintaining an online relationship that includes sexual conversation and the exchange of illicit images, to eventually physically meeting the child in-person.

In order for the victimization to stop, children typically have to come forward to someone they trust—typically a parent, teacher, caregiver, or law enforcement. The embarrassment of being enticed and/or coerced to engage in unwanted behavior is what often prevents children from coming forward. Offenders may have hundreds of victims around the world, so coming forward to help law enforcement identify offenders may prevent countless other incidents of sexual exploitation.

Abuse can occur offline through direct contact with another individual. During these uncertain conditions, where time with other adults and caregivers has increased immensely, parents/guardians should communicate with their children about appropriate contact with adults and watch for any changes in behavior, including an increase in nightmares, withdrawn behavior, angry outbursts, anxiety, depression, not wanting to be left alone with an individual, and sexual knowledge.

Recommendations

Parents and guardians can take the following measures to help educate and prevent children from becoming victims of child predators and sexual exploitation during this time of national emergency:

Online Child Exploitation

• Discuss Internet safety with children of all ages when they engage in online activity.
• Review and approve games and apps before they are downloaded.
• Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices.
• Monitor your children’s use of the Internet; keep electronic devices in an open, common room of the house.
• Check your children’s profiles and what they post online.
• Explain to your children that images posted online will be permanently on the Internet.
• Make sure children know that anyone who asks a child to engage in sexually explicit activity online should be reported to a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult and law enforcement.
• Remember that victims should not be afraid to tell law enforcement if they are being sexually exploited. It is not a crime for a child to send sexually explicit images to someone if they are compelled or coerced to do so.

Child Abuse Awareness

• Teach your children about body safety and boundaries.
• Encourage your children to have open communication with you.
• Be mindful of who is watching your child for childcare/babysitting, playdates and overnight visits.
• If your child discloses abuse, immediately contact local law enforcement for assistance.
• Children experiencing hands-on abuse may exhibit withdrawn behavior, angry outbursts, anxiety, depression, not wanting to be left alone with a specific individual, non-age appropriate sexual knowledge, and an increase in nightmares.

Victim Reporting

Reporting suspected sexual exploitation can help minimize or stop further victimization, as well as lead to the identification and rescue of other possible victims. If you believe you are—or someone you know is—the victim of child sexual exploitation:

• Contact your local law enforcement agency.
• Contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
• File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.org.

When reporting, be as descriptive as possible in the complaint form by providing as much of the following as possible:

• Name and/or user name of the subject.
• Email addresses and phone numbers used by the subject.
• Websites used by the subject.
• Description of all interaction with the subject.
• Try to keep all original documentation, emails, text messages, and logs of communication with the subject. Do not delete anything before law enforcement is able to review it.
• Tell law enforcement everything about the online encounters—we understand it may be embarrassing for the parent or child, but providing all relevant information is necessary to find the offender, stop the abuse, and bring him/her to justice.

More information about the FBI’s guidance on child sexual exploitation and protecting your kids.

For up-to-date information and accurate information about COVID-19, visit coronavirus.gov, cdc.gov/coronavirus, and usa.gov/coronavirus.

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When a crisis strikes a community or a nation the first instinct of most people is to rally around their neighbors and local community to defeat the threat. Unfortunately, times like these also present opportunities for scammers to take advantage of a community’s generosity and willingness to help. So how can you defend yourself against fraud in the middle of a pandemic? How do you know what websites and phone calls are legitimate requests for help versus those who are attempting to commit fraud? The Lebanon Fire District is providing these tips to help our community separate fact from fiction as you look for ways to help our community recover.

Several emergency service agencies have launched special webpages to protect the public from potential scams. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has information on their website (www.fema.gov/Coronavirus-Rumor-Control) to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The page covers news on vaccines, financial help, and text message/phone call solicitations.

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Information page (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing) provides tips on avoiding scams and updates on what the FTC is doing to keep Americans protected during the crisis.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has a webpage dedicated to information regarding fraudulent products with claims to prevent, treat, mitigate, diagnose or cure coronavirus disease. Visit the page (https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/fraudulent-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-products) for more information.

The U.S. Department of Justice website (https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus) provides additional fraud information as well as methods to combat hoarding and price gouging by businesses and individuals.

Locally, the City of Lebanon has established a partnership webpage to facilitate community preparedness and recovery. You can visit https://lebanon.recovers.org/ to request assistance, donate supplies, or sign up to volunteer where needed. The page also features community updates from page organizers like Lebanon Mayor Paul Aziz, Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, and the Lebanon Fire District.

The Lebanon Fire District strives to protect and provide safety to all of our residents. We hope that these useful links will provide you with valuable information and peace of mind during this stressful time. If you suspect that you’re being targeted in a fraudulent activity, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately to report your concerns. The Lebanon Fire District remains fully staffed and prepared for any call we may receive. Our vigilance and commitment to our community has never been stronger, and we are proud to serve you during this global pandemic. Together, we will remain #LebanonStrong.

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Members of the Lebanon Fire District responded early Thursday evening to a reported house fire in the 1200 block of S. Williams Street. Early dispatch reports stated, multiple callers describing a house with lots of dark smoke coming from front. The Incident Commander arrived to find heavy dark smoke coming from the eves and front door of residence. After preforming a walk around of building the IC declared the blaze a working, offensive fire and ordered the first arriving engine to pull an attack line through front door and begin suppression efforts. Due to the location and proximity of the blaze the IC asked for the railroad to be notified and to inform them of their train tracks being blocked by a fire hose stretched from a nearby fire hydrant to supply water to our fire truck. A second chief officer arrived and contacted the resident to confirm everyone was out of the house. The resident also informed the chief officer that the fire may have started from candles left burning on a TV stand. The firefighters were able to quickly get fire under control with no casualties or injury reported.

At this time fire officials do not believe the fire is suspicious in nature. The Lebanon Fire District responded with 31 personnel on 5 Engines, 2 ALS medic units, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1 Rehab unit for Firefighters, as well as 3 Chief officers. The District was assisted by 2 patrol officers by Lebanon Police Department.

The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind and caution its community on the dangers of open flame candles and how quickly fire can spread to the contents of your home if candles are placed close to flammable objects. Please remember to have working smoke detectors.

Lincoln City Police arrest wanted felon, 27-year-old Jacob Leeland Lunstedt of Salem, Oregon after he led them on a short vehicle pursuit.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at about 11:30 AM, Lincoln City Police received information from another law enforcement agency that a wanted subject may be in route to Lincoln City in a black Nissan Altima sedan. LCPD Officers obtained additional information regarding the vehicle and the driver, who was identified to be Jacob Leeland Lunstedt. It was determined that Lunstedt had three active felony warrants issued for his arrest. One warrant was for Probation Violation on Burglary II and Criminal Mischief II charges, one warrant was Probation Violation on a DUII charge and one warrant was for a number of new charges including Robbery I, unlawful use of a weapon x 3, felon in possession of a firearm, pointing a firearm at another x3, menacing x3, theft I, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Lincoln City Police officers and detectives as well as Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies began actively attempting to locate the subject and vehicle. At about 1:20 PM, LCPD Detectives in unmarked vehicles located the suspect and vehicle as it traveled west on Hwy 18 before turning south onto Hwy 101. Detectives followed the vehicle as it turned south onto East Devils Lake Road and began coordinating with marked patrol units to attempt to stop the vehicle. Before a stop could take place the suspect turned his vehicle off of East Devils Lake Road onto the 1726 Forest Service Road and began fleeing from the detectives following him. LCPD Detectives initiated a pursuit of the vehicle as it traveled on the gravel forest service road at speeds of 30 to 40 miles-per-hour. LCPD Detectives began coordinating with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies, who set up vehicle spike strips at the junction of the forest service road and Bear Creek Road. The Sheriff Deputies were able to successfully deploy the spike strip tire deflation system, resulting in three of the four tires on the suspect vehicle hitting the sticks. After hitting the spike stripes, the pursuit continued onto Bear Creek Road as the tires on the suspect vehicle where deflating. With three flat tires on the suspect vehicle the driver finely stopped his vehicle on Bear Creek Road, ending the pursuit. A felony car stop was conducted and Lunstedt was taking into custody without further incident.

In addition to the above mentioned charges, Jacob Leeland Lunstedt was charged with felony Eluding, Misdemeanor Driving While Suspended, and Reckless Driving. Lunstedt was transported from the scene to the Lincoln County Jail by a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy. The vehicle was towed from the location by Car Care Tow Pro.

The Lincoln City Police would like to thank the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this incident and we are thankful there were no injuries or other property damage sustained as a result of the pursuit.   

Submitted by:              Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

On Thursday, April 02, 2020, at about 10:40 PM, Lincoln City Police Officers were involved in an officer-involved-shooting in the parking lot of the Rite Aid Store located at 4041 NW Logan Road in Lincoln City. The involved officers were uninjured and the suspect was transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital where lifesaving efforts took place, however the suspect was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  Per Lincoln County Deadly Force Protocols, the Oregon State Police (OSP) was called in and is leading the investigation in cooperation with the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office. The involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard practice for these events. This incident is under investigation and all future media releases on this incident will be from the Oregon State Police and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

Submitted By:  Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

On March 30, 2020 at approximately 7:40 PM the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office received a report of a fight in progress near the 1400 block of North Bank Rd in Otis. The caller who was not involved in the fight reported 4-6 subjects fighting on the side of the road. The caller reported that there appeared to be two silver colored vehicles associated with the fight. The caller heard someone yelling "call the cops".

Sgt. Karl Vertner was on patrol less than a mile from the location at the time of the reported incident. Upon his arrival, he determined both silver vehicles had left the scene. Sgt. Vertner contacted a group of three young adults. The group reported they had been robbed of their silver Toyota Camry at gunpoint. The group reported the suspects fled the scene eastbound on North Bank Rd. The victims reported that there were four suspects in total however only two of the suspects forced them out of their vehicle at gunpoint.

Sgt. Vertner broadcasted an Attempt To Locate for the silver Toyota Camry and a silver Dodge Challenger.

During the course of this investigation law enforcement officers learned both parties were acquainted, and this was not a random act. 

At approximately 8:02 PM Officers with the Lincoln City Police Department located the stolen Toyota Camry traveling on SW Bard Road in Lincoln City. Officers conducted a high risk traffic stop of the vehicle and apprehended Nicholas Allen Wright age 30 of Otis. Inside the vehicle officers located a loaded .22 caliber rifle. This rifle matched the description of the gun used in the crime.

On March 31, at approximately 3:41 PM Deputy Dowty with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office located the outstanding suspect vehicle traveling southbound on Hwy 101 near Cape Foulweather. Deputy Dowty conducted a high risk traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver, Ruben Zamudio Jr. age 30 of Newport was taken into custody for his role in the robbery.

On April 1, 2020, at approximately 9:30 PM Deputies with the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, assisted by Polk County Sheriff's Office and Grand Ronde Tribal Police, located and apprehended the third outstanding suspect, Kimmia Kay Whittlinger, age 26 of Lincoln City. She will be transported to Lincoln County Jail and lodged on Robbery charges. 

Nicholas Allen Wright is currently lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on Robbery and related Weapon charges.

Ruben Zamudio Jr. is currently lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on Robbery charges. 

The fourth outstanding suspect, Jacob Leeland Lunstedt, age 27, should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information regarding Jacob Lunstedt's whereabouts, please call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 541-265-4277.  

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Lincoln City Police Department, Oregon State Police, Grand Ronde Tribal Police, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Yamhill County Sheriff's Office and the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office.

Update

On April 7th, 2020 at approximately 10:00 AM law enforcement agencies in Salem were notified the wanted subject, Jacob Lunstedt, was seen driving a 2020 Nissan Altima possibly heading to Lincoln County.

At approximately 1:22 PM Lincoln City police officers located the vehicle traveling west on Hwy 18. Officers followed the vehicle onto East Devils Lake Rd where Lunstedt became suspicious, fleeing at a high rate of speed on the US Forest Service Rd 1726. The officers engaged in a pursuit of the vehicle traveling approximately 10 miles of forest roads leading to the intersection with N. Bear Creek Rd in Otis.

Deputy Zachary Dowty was positioned at N. Bear Creek Rd and the USFS 1726 with spike strips deployed covering the entire width of the single lane road. The spikes were successful, deflating the vehicle tires as designed.

Lunstedt traveled for approximately a quarter of a mile with three flat tires before he came to a complete stop, he was subsequently taken into custody.

Lunstedt was transported to the Lincoln County Jail on charges related to the armed robbery, a prior unrelated felony warrant, and additional charges related to the pursuit.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizens who provided numerous tips to law enforcement agencies regarding Jacob Lunstedt.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the City of Salem Police Department, and the City of Lincoln City Police Department. 

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On March 31, 2020 at approximately 6:40 PM The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a single vehicle traffic crash near mile post three on Yaquina Bay Rd. Upon arrival EMS personnel along with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office found a light green Ford Focus had left the roadway eastbound and struck a dirt embankment at a high rate of speed causing significant damage to the vehicle.

Deputy Siscilee Gouge assisted in providing medical care to the injured driver and his K9 companion.

The driver, Andrew Gullet, age 50 of Newport was transported to SPCH in Newport for injuries related to the traffic crash. During this time, no family or friends could be located and his K9 companion was taken to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter for observation and care.

While at the hospital Deputies gained probable cause Mr. Gullet was driving impaired prior to the crash. Deputy Zachary Akin applied for and was granted a search warrant for further analysis of Mr. Gullet's blood.

Mr. Gullet was cited and released for DUII, Reckless Driving, Criminal Mischief and Aggravated Harassment. Mr. Gullet was still receiving medical care for injuries from the traffic crash and could not be taken to the Lincoln County Jail.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has instituted measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure to our employees and citizens.  On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, we started limiting public counter contacts for our Support Services Division and had temporarily suspended the acceptance of all concealed handgun license applications.

As of April 6, 2020, our Office will be accepting renewal applications for concealed handgun licenses through the mail.  You will need to mail a completed application and a check or money order in the amount of $50.00 (payable to LCSO) to the following address:

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
Attn:  CHL Division
225 W. Olive Street
Newport, OR  97365

Applications are available on our website at:  https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/sheriff/page/obtain-concealed-handgun-license.  If you are unable to obtain an application from our website, please call the Support Services Division at 541-265-4912, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - Noon or 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm and we will mail you an application.

If you have an address change or need a replacement license, please contact our office at 541-265-4912 for instructions.

At this time, the acceptance of new concealed handgun licensing applications is still being suspended due to the requirement that the applicant be photographed and fingerprinted.  The requirement for some physical contact does not allow us to maintain safe social distancing or ensure a safe environment for our employees and citizens.  Please continue to check our website for updates on the acceptance of new applications and thank you for your continued patience during this unprecedented time.

### 

Submitted by: 
Lisa Combs, Support Services Director 
s@co.lincoln.or.us" target="_blank">ecombs@co.lincoln.or.us 
Ph: 541-265-4912

                                      HOW TO KEEP KIDS BUSY AND CONNECTED

During these uncertain times, we have the added stress of keeping our children busy and connected with friends, family, and learning. At the same time trying to keep up with social distancing and staying home to slow the spread of coronavirus. Here are just a few suggestions that might help with some entertainment.

For Younger Children

• Make a painter’s tape maze on the carpet, for use with toy cars and trucks.
• Fill plastic bins with seasonal/themed sensory items to explore.
• Download templates for a nature scavenger hunt (or make your own) and get outside!
• Make homemade crafting dough or slime.
• “Draw” pictures on the walls with flashlights and see if others can guess what they are.
• Using a whiteboard or pad of paper, let your child teach you; this is a great way for them to practice their own skills and retain knowledge.
• Plant seeds in cups and set in a sunny spot to get an early start on the summer vegetable garden.
• Practice writing skills by becoming pen pals with current friends.
• Check out Storyline Online’s YouTube channel, which features celebrities reading books.

For Older Children

• Bake cookies and other treats.
• Assign older kids the task of cooking dinner one night each week.
• Take this opportunity to check in with older kids on how they’re doing in general, making sure to listen fully. Being stuck at home can be especially difficult for teenagers.
• Create a journal during this extended period at home for a keepsake that will prove to be very special later.
• Use YouTube to learn skills: origami, music lessons, dance tutorials, and much more.

For All Ages

• Build puzzles together.
• Color in coloring books or on downloaded coloring sheets.
• Use FaceTime and other apps to virtually connect with friends for socializing or studying.
• Build a fort and use it for play or as a reading nook.
• Play board games.
• Mail hand-drawn pictures and letters to residents of local nursing homes.
• Watch the Lunch Doodles video series every weekday at 1 p.m. Eastern, in which Mo Willems, Artist-in-Residence at The Kennedy Center, gives quick drawing lessons.

A quick search of the internet will reveal lots of virtual experiences that families can enjoy from the comfort of home. Zoo and aquarium web cams, museum tours, concerts, and much more are at our fingertips now more than ever. Keeping everyone engaged can make this time at home much more enjoyable as we all do our part to help flatten the curve.

Information received at nationwidechildrens.org

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports his Office received a call on Friday April 3, 2020, at 1:37 p.m., regarding possible found human remains on US Forest Service road 417.  This area is approximately five miles up Gordon Road and is 13 miles east of Sweet Home. 

Linn County Deputies were taken to the area by the caller and they secured the scene.  The investigation confirmed the remains were human.  Investigators and members of Linn County Search and Rescue worked the scene through Sunday evening. 

At this time, we have limited information on the deceased individual and will be working with the State Medical Examiner’s Office to discover cause of death and the identity of the individual. 

If you have any possible information on this investigation, please contact Detective Colin Pyle at (541)967-3950. 

Update - Booking photo added

On April 6th, 2020, at shortly before 6:00 pm, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to the Cedar Court Apartments in the 3400 block of Silvercedar Place NE in unincorporated Salem.  The victim reported they were walking toward their apartment when a neighbor ran down the stairs toward them while holding a knife.  The victim was able to get inside, uninjured, and called for deputies to respond.

When deputies arrived on scene they attempted contact with the suspect who had gone back to his apartment and barricaded inside.  After initial efforts to get the man to surrender were unsuccessful, SWAT was called to the scene along with trained negotiators.  At just after 9:20 pm, the suspect exited the apartment and was safely taken into custody.

Eduardo Espinoza Lopez, 34, of Salem has been lodged at the Marion County Jail for charges including Attempted Assault 2, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing.

Espinoza Lopez is scheduled for arraignment at 1:30 pm on April 7th, 2020, at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.

On April 2nd, 2020, at approximately 8:19 pm deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 21000 block of River Road N to a roll over crash in a farm field involving a utility terrain vehicle.  When personnel from the St. Paul Fire District arrived on scene they discovered the UTV had two occupants at the time of the crash.  Given the serious nature of the crash, Woodburn Ambulance and Life Flight were called to the scene. 

The passenger in the UTV was transported to an area hospital by Life Flight.  It has been determined their injuries are not life threatening.  The driver of the UTV was pronounced as deceased at the scene as a result of injuries they sustained during the crash. 

The deceased driver in the crash has been identified as Thomas Kelly, 56, of St. Paul.

Deputies investigating the crash learned the UTV had been traveling at a high rate of speed across the field prior to losing control, rolling the UTV.  No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the crash.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the St. Paul Fire District, Woodburn Ambulance, and Life Flight for their assistance during this response.

On March 30, 2020, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was notified that two staff members at the Marion County Jail tested positive for COVID-19. We are working closely with Marion County Health and Human Services as they conduct their case investigation.   

We have a duty to protect private health information and cannot share details about the affected employees.

After learning of the positive tests at the facility, Sheriff Kast made notification to local law enforcement agencies in Marion County on March 31st.  Courts operating in Marion County were notified the following day. We are continuing to encourage local law enforcement agencies to cite and release in the field and to only lodge adults at the Marion County Jail for offenses which pose a significant risk to our community.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our team began taking proactive measures to prepare for a situation such as this. We have acquired personal protective equipment for all staff, increased cleaning protocols, and enhanced medical screening prior to adults being brought into the facility.

We are utilizing an unused housing unit to transition adults in custody to individual cells within the next few days. 

As a community, we have all been impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. We will continue to follow the guidance given by public health officials to protect our staff, adults in our custody, and our community.

On March 28th, 2020, deputies quickly went into action after an adult in custody collapsed after exercising in an outdoor recreation area at the Marion County Jail.  When deputies reached the male he appeared to be having a seizure, after which he stopped breathing.  Deputies and on duty medical staff utilized an AED and initiated CPR on the male.  After several minutes, they were able to successfully resuscitate the male who was taken to a local hospital for treatment. 

When told about the life saving actions taken by staff at the Marion County Jail, Sheriff Joe Kast stated, “Every member of our team at Marion County Jail is dedicated to keeping each and every person in our custody safe.  At a time when we are emphasizing social distancing, these deputies and nurses acted quickly and selflessly to safe this man’s life.  I’m proud to have each of them as a part of our team here at the Sheriff’s Office.”

Jesus Sanchez, 40, was released from custody yesterday afternoon and is continuing to receive treatment at a local hospital.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires registration with the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, this person’s criminal history places them in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

NAME: Alvarez, Alejandro Jose
SID#: 7842313
DOB: 03/02/1971
CURRENT AGE: 49
RACE: H SEX: M
HEIGHT: 5' 06''         WEIGHT: 206lbs
HAIR: BLK                 EYES: BRO
RESIDENCE: 3765 CLEARVIEW CT NE
KEIZER, OR 97303

Alejandro Jose Alvarez is on Post Prison Supervision for the crimes of: KIDNAPPING II, BURGLARY I, COERCION, AND ASSAULT IV

This person was granted supervision on: 03/11/2020

Supervision expiration date is: 03/10/2023

Special restrictions include:

• NO CONTACT WITH MINORS (MALE/FEMALE)
• NO INTOXICATING BEVERAGES
• SUBMIT TO POLYGRAPHS/SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT

Other: Alvarez’s victim pool includes adult females and minor females known to him.

On April 6 2020, at about 1100 hours, Newport Police Officers responded to Hwy 101 and NE Olive St in Newport on a report of a stalled semi. Upon arriving, Officers saw a semi with a fully loaded chip trailer blocking the East bound lane of E olive. The rear axle was partially detached from the trailer.

Newport Officers contacted the driver, Cesar Andrade-Espina, who said he came around the corner and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. A truck inspection was conducted by a Toledo Officer. The Toledo Officer found a number of violations and placed the trailer out of service.

A commercial tow truck came from Corvallis to assist in removing the truck and trailer. Crews spent several hours repairing the trailer so it could be removed from the intersection. The road was closed for over 3 hours.

Andrade-Espina was issued citations for failing to register the trailer, having a cracked or broken trailer, and improper tire tread depth. 

The Oregon State Police is seeking the public’s assistance regarding the unlawful take and waste of a cow elk in Washington County outside of Banks.

The cow elk was located on Thursday, April 2, 2020, on private timber property, near NW Sellers Road and NW Davidson Road.

The property owner reports hearing gunshots in the area around April 1, 2020.

The Oregon State Police is requesting that any person with information about this waste contact Trooper Ben Turner by calling the TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677)  or TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Bighorn Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

Or the Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward fund also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, Furbearers, Game Fish and Shellfish.  Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags and for the unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags.

CASH REWARDS:

$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose

$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope

$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf

$300 Habitat Destruction

$200 Illegally Obtaining License/Tag(s)

$200 Unlawful Lend/Borrow Big Game Tags(s)

$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl

$100 Furbearers

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish

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

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

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F s://11">8:00AM - 5:00PM)

The deceased male - Preston Sweaney (29) of Grants Pass.

On Thursday, April 2, 2020 at approximately 11:00 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and Josephine County Deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Speaker Road in Josephine County.

Responding officers located a deceased male in a vehicle on the property. 

OSP Major Crimes Detectives responded to conduct an investigation and were assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives learned that the property owner had called 911 to report he had confronted a man in a vehicle that was shooting on his property.  The man in the vehicle shot at the property owner who then returned fire. 

OSP, working with the Josephine County DA, has determined this to be self-defense and no criminal charges are expected.

The Oregon State Police is seeking the public’s assistance regarding the waste of a cow elk in Yamhill County outside of Sheridan.

The elk was located on Thursday, March 25, 2020 near the intersection of Thomson Mill Road and Rock Creek Road several days after it was killed.  No meat was taken from the elk.  

The Oregon State Police is requesting that any person with information about this waste contact 1-800-442-0776 and leave information for  Trooper Tayler Jerome.

Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may also contact the Oregon State Police through the Turn in Poachers line at;

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

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

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

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

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

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

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

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

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

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

Fire crews were dispatched shortly after 1:00 am to a fire in the area of Highway 26 and the Vista Bridge tunnel.  Initial callers were drivers on Highway 26 and were unable to give the 911 dispatcher an accurate address.  First alarm fire apparatus, including two Battalion Chiefs and one Deputy Chief, converged in the general area unable to locate the fire.  A third caller called 911 and was able to give an accurate address on SW Montgomery Place. 

Fire crews were delayed due to the narrow streets, steep terrain, and fire apparatus having to redirect to the correct address. Upon arrival, the large residential home was fully involved and crews defensively (from the outside) attacked the fire with large volume hose lines and a mounted water turret device, capable of flowing a minimum of 350 gallons of water per minute.  Water supply was an additional challenge due to the limited availability and access to fire hydrants.   

Given all the challenges, fire crews were successful in containing the large fire to only the involved residential structure due to effective firefighting tactics and a well communicated strategy.  Red Cross is assisting one displaced resident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank the residents of SW Portland for parking personal vehicles legally along the extremely narrow streets.  Often the streets in SW Portland can be challenging due to the width and length of the fire engines and trucks.

Stay Home. Save Lives.

UPDATED PPE DONATION INFORMATION APRIL 6, 2020

Thank you to everyone who has joined in to donate PPEs to support our healthcare system.

These donations have come in both large (thank you to Powell’s Books for 20,000 masks and 8,800 masks from a Singapore Corporation that does business in the US through BinocularLink) and small. All are appreciated!

There are currently two donation sites operational:

Donation drop sites

Portland Fire & Rescue

Fire Marshal Office, 1300 SE Gideon St., Portland

Noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Multnomah Building 

501 SE Hawthorne, Portland (loading dock on 6th St.)

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

These are the updated items requested:

• Procedural masks            
• Surgical masks            
• N95 respirators and N95 filters            
• Other respirators (P100's, PAPR's, and PAPR supplies or parts)            
• Face shields            
• Splash shields            
• Gowns            
• Hand sanitizer            
• Disinfecting wipes

Donate other goods and services

The Joint response is also seeking donations of:

• Toilet paper
• Facial tissue
• Thermometers
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectant

No longer accepting

• Gloves
• Hand-made masks
• Pet food

Multnomah County and the City of Portland have launched the Joint Volunteer Information Center (JVIC) to coordinate volunteers and donations to support the COVID-19 emergency response. 

Organizations and individuals across the region are invited to help by volunteering, and donating essential supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE). Learn more online or call 503-406-3696 to volunteer, and donate supplies or services.

See Attached Bulletin

Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond.  Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:

•Traffic Stops

•Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

In a Special Joint Board Meeting on Monday March 30, 2020 the Boards of Directors for Sheridan, SW Polk and West Valley Fire Districts each passed resolutions that resulted in declaring a state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. This declaration allows for the administrative team for the three districts to revise of suspend normal decision-making processed in response to the pandemic. Sheridan, SW Polk and West Valley Fire Districts reached out to their resources at the beginning of this pandemic to figure out how the districts could declare a state of emergency along with the cities, counties, and states around them. While it has been common practice for declarations to be made by cities, counties, states, and federally, individual special districts have rarely found the need to declare a state of emergency. The three districts felt it was an important step in being able to continue to provide the best service possible to their communities, especially amid the pressures of the pandemic. Copies of the resolutions can be found on the three websites (sheridanfd.org, swpolkfd.org and westvalleyfd.org) in the Fire District Board tab under Special Meetings.

The declaration of a state of emergency is one component of the response to COVID-19. The three districts have been ramping up their operations in many ways to continue to provide excellent service to their communities. This includes limiting public access to the facilities, establishing electronic meeting systems, adapting to new personal protection and sanitizing practices, revising trainings to include social distancing, participating with regional, state and federal response systems, participating in pandemic response webinars and conference calls, deployment of Deputy Chief Damon Schulze to Oregon Health Authority, and partnering with local hospitals on safe patient practices. The three districts have made these changes to ensure the safety of their personnel and the communities they serve.

The Tigard Police Department is pleased to announce that our new Public Information Officer, Kelsey Anderson, started on April 1, 2020.

Her role will include timely reporting on police incidents, fielding media inquiries, and sharing behind-the-scenes stories of our officers and department.

Kelsey (Watts) Anderson comes to Tigard Police with 13 years of experience as a television news reporter. She worked as a field reporter for the KPTV Fox 12 newsroom in Portland for the last six years. Prior to that, she worked in newsrooms at KHQ in Spokane and KTVZ in Bend. Kelsey grew up in Northeast Portland, graduated from Parkrose High School, and earned her degree from Chapman University in Orange, California.

Kelsey was selected after a competitive recruitment process. She replaces our long-time Public Information Officer, Jim Wolf, who retired in January 2020.

Her contact information is as follows:

Kelsey Anderson, Public Information Officer

Tigard Police Department

Desk Phone: 503-718-2561

Mobile Phone: 971-708-2921.

Email: kelsey.anderson@tigard-or.gov

At 4:10 a.m. on Friday, April 3rd, 2020, Tigard Police officers were dispatched to the Office Depot at 15060 SW Sequoia Parkway. An employee reported getting a call from the alarm company after an interior motion alarm was triggered. Responding officers found shattered glass at an exterior side entrance to the building. To protect officer safety, additional officers and a K-9 were called, but a sweep of the building showed the suspect had already left the scene.

Upon further investigation, officers determined the suspect used a hatchet to shatter not only the exterior glass, but an interior glass wall and stole 6 laptops. The hatchet was used to cut the security cables to those laptops.

This appears to be a well-orchestrated burglary. The suspect was in and out of the building in 29 seconds and had a getaway car with a driver waiting outside. A suspect description is not available at this time, but the car is described as an early-1990’s light silver Subaru Forester.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone who saw anything suspicious in that area this morning or may have information that can help is asked to call 503-718-COPS (2677) or email tips@tigard-or.gov.

Update--Some media outlets stated they didn't receive the booking photo

On Wednesday, April 1st, 2020, with the assistance of the Seattle Police Department, US Marshals Service and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Tigard Police detectives arrested 46-year-old Danielle Ann Morin for the murder of Brian Patrick Lowes.  Brian Lowes was discovered deceased in a hotel room at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Tigard on Friday, March 6th, 2020.  An autopsy later determined that Lowes died of multiple gunshot wounds and his death was classified as a homicide.

Danielle Morin was taken into custody in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, in Snohomish County before being transported to the Seattle Police Department for questioning.  Morin is currently in custody in the King County Jail in Seattle, Washington, and is awaiting extradition to Oregon.

This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation. The Tigard Police Department asks anyone with information regarding this incident to please contact the Tigard Police Department by calling the tip line at 503-718-COPS (2677) or by emailing to tips@tigard-or.gov.

Lowes’ family does not wish to speak to the media and is asking for privacy. Morin’s initial booking photo is attached. No further information can be released at this time.

As part of the Fire District’s continued efforts to protect first responders and patients from exposure and spread of COVID-19, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will begin using more sustainable personal protective equipment (PPE) on the majority of our medical calls, which will help reduce the consumption of PPE supplies that have been challenging to replenish. 

When responding to most medical calls, community members may see our firefighter medics and paramedics wearing PPE that includes a ventilator mask, safety goggles, a face shield, gloves, and a Tyvek suit (see attached photo). 

We understand that firefighters arriving in this protective equipment may come as a surprise to some, and we appreciate the community’s understanding as we make this transition with sustainability in mind. If you see one of our responders wearing this PPE, rest assure that the person under the gear is still the same caring and professional firefighter medic or paramedic who wants to help you or your loved one get the necessary medical attention they require. 

The decision to shift to this PPE comes in response to the uncertainty of medical supply chains and the need to preserve the PPE we wear for the unknown amount of time that this pandemic will continue.

Request for PPE Donations

Due to continued national medical supply shortages, TVF&R is encouraging residents and local businesses to consider donating new, unused PPE. 

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout our communities, our firefighter medics and paramedics need to wear specific gear on medical calls to help prevent exposure and spread of the highly contagious virus. Replenishing this gear has proven to be challenging, while vendors work as quickly as possible to fill orders but are unable to keep up with the unprecedented high demand. 

We are asking the public to please consider donating new, unused PPE that you do not currently need. Items we are looking for include:

   •  Surgical masks
   •  N95 respirators and filters
   •  Other respirators (P100s, PAPRs)
   •  Face shields
   •  Splash shields
   •  Disposable medical gowns
   •  Tyvek suits
   •  Shoe booties/covers
   •  EMS gloves

If you have any of these items that you are able to donate, please email supply@tvfr.com and include a description of what items you have and quantity. Our Supply staff will then work with you to either schedule a pickup or arrange a delivery.

All donations are tax deductible; receipts can be provided upon request.

In order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, please continue to follow the direction of health officials and Governor Kate Brown’s executive order. Detailed COVID-19 information can be found at the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 website. 

A Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) firefighter has tested positive for COVID-19. The firefighter started feeling ill while off duty and immediately began self-isolating at home for more than a week. The firefighter did everything right by not coming into work. They had not experienced any symptoms while working, and it is believed the risk of exposure to others was low. The firefighter remains at home and is feeling considerably better at the time of this release. They will be tested again and evaluated by the District’s medical provider prior to returning to work.

In early March, TVF&R established a COVID-19 Task Force to contend with the pandemic. The task force anticipated the possibility of personnel being affected by the illness and established staffing plans and a COVID-19 leave policy in case employees become sick or need to care for family. TVF&R’s first responders have been monitoring their temperature, even when they’re not on shift. Prior to beginning their shift or workday, all TVF&R personnel are required to take their temperature.

TVF&R’s firefighters and paramedics are using personal protective equipment and cleaning procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. TVF&R’s facilities remain closed to the public to limit exposure, and many non-response personnel are working from home. For employees working on site, we are following Governor Kate Brown’s directive and CDC-recommended social distancing and cleaning procedures.

TVF&R does not currently plan to quarantine fire stations or firefighters based on the prospect of exposure to COVID-19 due to the virus’ prevalence in all communities.

Fire Chief Deric Weiss will conduct scheduled video conference interviews on Wednesday, April 1, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.. Please contact Cassandra Ulven if you are a reporter interested in talking with Chief Weiss.

Vancouver Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 0843 am on Monday morning. Witnesses called 911 after noticing that the house at 14317 NE 99th street was on fire. The first fire engine arrived within 5 minutes and found a single story house with heavy smoke and flames coming from the front and the back of the house. Firefighters stretched hoselines to attack the fire from the outside before heading inside the house to finish extinguishing the fire, which took 24 minutes. There were no injuries and everyone escaped safely. 5 residents and a dog were displaced. They are receiving assistance from the Red Cross. Ceiling heat inside the house made it difficult for firefighters to access the fire in the attic and posed an extra threat to the safety of firefighters.  Firefighters from Fire District 3 assisted the Vancouver Fire Department. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshall Office. 

Vancouver, Wash. –On April 7, 2020, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a Vancouver Police officer is driving in the area of E Fourth Plain Blvd. /Grand Blvd. when he sees two vehicles at the intersection, one driven by a male, and the other driven by a female, and what he believes to be shots fired from one vehicle to the other. The vehicles proceed through the intersection and shortly thereafter, the male begins driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Fourth Plain. He continues driving in the wrong lane of travel before realizing the police were behind him. The female driver also continues to follow. The Vancouver Police officer following the male believes the driver fires a shot at him and the officer returns fire.  The suspect proceeds toward I-5, driving southbound in the northbound lanes of I-5 crossing into Oregon. The officer stops in the area of Janzen Beach to be treated for minor injuries from flying glass. The female driver also pulls into Janzen Beach and speaks with police there. It is determined that the male and the female are in a domestic relationship and are known to one another. The suspect vehicle is spotted again on I-5 north at the Fourth Plain exit and was located unoccupied near I-5 and the VA campus. 

The SW Washington Regional SWAT team responded to the area near where the vehicle was located to conduct a search of the area, to include a K9 track. The suspect has not yet been located but has been identified. There is not believed to be any threat to the general public.

The involved officer was not seriously injured and there have been no reports of injuries as a result of the shooting or the pursuit.

The Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Team is investigating. The involved officer is currently on critical incident leave, per standard protocol.

Additional information will be released once it’s available. Nothing further is releasable at this time.

###

Vancouver, Wash. –The Regional Major Crimes Team has completed their investigation into the March 12, 2020 officer involved shooting. The case has been forwarded to the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  This concludes the involvement of the Regional Major Crimes Team.

###

On Friday, April 3, 2020, at 5:52 a.m., Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies serving the City of Cornelius found out 38-year-old, Gilberto Miranda, of Cornelius, Oregon, was at a residence located at 469 S 19th Avenue. Deputies are familiar with Mr. Miranda and knew he had an active warrant for rape in the first degree.

When the first deputy arrived, he saw Mr. Miranda get into the driver seat of a red 2006 Acura TSX and begin to drive away. As Mr. Miranda drove off, he hit the deputy's patrol car disabling the deputy's vehicle. The deputy was uninjured.

Additional deputies converged on the location and spotted the Acura. A pursuit ensued north of the city of Cornelius. A short time later, a deputy was able to successfully use spike strips on the Acura on NW Glencoe Road, north of NW Evergreen Road.

A Hillsboro Police Officer was able to successfully use spike strips again on the Acura near the intersection of N 1st Avenue and NE Grant Street.

A pursuit intervention technique (PIT) was effectively utilized less than a mile later at the intersection of SE 10th Avenue and SE Oak Street in Hillsboro. With the assistance of Hillsboro Police, Deputies took Mr. Miranda into custody without further incident.

Mr. Miranda was lodged in the Washington County Jail on the following charges:

• Rape in the first-degree warrant
• Fleeing or attempting to elude police officer
• Failure to perform duties of driver when property is damaged (hit and run)
• Unlawful possession of methamphetamine

On April 1, 2020, the Washington County Sheriff's Office was notified by a staff member in the Patrol Division that they tested positive for COVID-19. Others who worked closely with the staff member were advised of the potential exposure and are taking the necessary precautions. The risk of exposure to the general public is very low. 

The staff member who tested positive for COVID-19 is currently in self-quarantine and will not return to work until cleared by a physician. Federal and state laws protecting health and medical privacy prevent us from providing specific details about individuals who are or may be impacted by COVID-19.

At the onset of this pandemic, the Washington County Sheriff's Office took proactive measures to prepare for the possible spread COVID-19. A detailed list of the steps taken to protect deputies, staff, and adults in custody is available on the Sheriff's Office website.

Sheriff Pat Garrett remarked, "As is our community, we are impacted in significant ways by this pandemic. We continue to work closely with Washington County Public Health and the Oregon Health Authority to protect staff, our community, and the adults in custody. I wish a speedy recovery for our staff member.  I send my thanks and admiration to all first responders and healthcare professionals who are working heroically against this pandemic, and pray for their safety as they work to protect us."

West Linn – With Oregonians now under Governor Brown’s executive order to stay home, the West Linn Police Department is following the lead of the Forest Grove Police Department in piloting a prescription medication delivery program for West Linn Residents.

Starting Monday, April 6, 2020, and continuing through the end of the emergency order, West Linn Police Department employees will be providing a free prescription delivery service for West Linn residents. Anyone who is 65-years-old or older, or who has any serious underlying medical condition that would put them at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19, can call the West Linn Police Department at (503) 655-6214 to arrange for prescription delivery from a local West Linn pharmacy. We will have two available delivery times each day, 10:00am and 3:00pm, Monday through Friday, for the duration of the emergency order.  Participants will need to indicate to the West Linn Police Department which delivery time will work best for them.

Participants will also need to contact their pharmacy themselves to order and pay for the prescription(s), and to let them know that a West Linn Police employee will be picking them up. At this point, the pharmacies that are participating in this program are the Hi-School (Market of Choice), Safeway and Wal-Mart Pharmacies, located at 5639 Hood St., 2200 Salamo Rd., and 19133 Willamette Dr., respectively, in West Linn. The participant will need to present valid identification to the Police employee when the prescription is delivered.

During deliveries, the Police employees will wear personal protective equipment and will follow social distancing guidelines to avoid spreading the virus. The employees will always be in official attire and will carry identification.

This is a pilot project, so we will monitor this program daily to ensure that it is still helpful and appropriate. If, at any point, it is decided that the program is no longer needed or workable, we will end this service.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Vicki Guinn

Office Phone: 503-415-5143

Media pager: 503-938-7788

Email: vguinn@lhs.org

Locally-owned Legacy Health buys locally-produced PPE

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 6, 2020) Legacy Health is a locally-owned health system that is pleased to purchase needed personal protection equipment (PPE) from local businesses and enterprises. “Our supply chain can respond to local requests from businesses or other enterprises that want to help and can quickly create and manufacture needed equipment,” said Ginger Henry, Legacy Health vice president, Supply Chain.

“We use products like facial shields and masks to keep our staff and patients safe, and during this pandemic, we need to replenish our supplies quickly, so having local options is a great help to us.”

Portland State University Center for Entrepreneurship

Juan Barraza is the Director of Student Innovation at the Portland State University Center for Entrepreneurship. Barraza answered a call from Portland 3D Printing Lab to partner in producing facial shields for local hospitals. Legacy Health approved the prototype and placed a large order. Barraza organized volunteers, which included PSU engineering students, to produce the shields.

“Given my previous working relationship with Legacy as a medical interpreter, I reached out to some nurse friends, showed them the prototype, and the Legacy supply chain leaders approved,” says Barraza. “We’re working around the clock and using 136 3D printers spread out across the metro area. It is a logistics miracle given that all of this came together in less than a week.” Barraza will deliver 1,000 face shields to Legacy Health today at 3 p.m.

Portland Garment Factory

Britt Howard owns Portland Garment Factory, a local woman-owned business that produces garments and soft goods. “I heard about a potential shortage of PPE in the Portland area, so we began producing medical-grade barrier masks for healthcare workers.” Legacy Health approved PGF’s prototype and placed an order of 3,500 general use masks (non-COVID-19) a week to replenish stock at all Legacy hospitals. Howard made her first delivery to Legacy Health on Friday, April 3.

“When I started Portland Garment Factory in 2008, I had no idea that our most impactful project would be making PPE for healthcare professionals and their patients during a global pandemic,” said Howard. “PGF is honored to be able to use our expertise and capacity to provide a steady supply of high-quality barrier masks to Legacy Health during this critical time.” Howard made her first delivery to Legacy Health on Friday, April 3.

Henry added, “We hope our supply chain purchases are helping local businesses and partnerships stay viable during this challenging time. We are incredibly fortunate to get quality products produced and purchased in our community.” 

Photo credits:

Juan Barraza, PSU

Britt Howard, PGF

Video credit

Juan Barraza, PSU

###

About Legacy Health

Legacy Health is a locally owned, nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley –- from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children’s services and advanced medical centers –- to care for patients of all ages when and where they need us. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region. To learn more, visit www.legacyhealth.org.  

PORTLAND, ORE. – April 1, 2020 - A-dec and Legacy Health today announced an agreement for A-dec to manufacture and provide much needed supply of personal protection equipment (PPE) for Legacy hospitals and health care facilities.

“For more than 55 years, A-dec has lived by the principle of prioritizing concern for people above all else.” said Scott Parrish, A-dec President and CEO. “As a family-owned, Newberg manufacturer, A-dec is proud to partner with Legacy Health to bring much-needed PPE to Oregon’s health care workers. This is what we should be doing during this unprecedented time: working together to solve problems and take care of communities.”

A-dec has been working to develop PPE that are in critical demand by health care workers who continue to prepare to meet demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Legacy has a significant need for headband face shields and plastic shield coverings for their Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) helmets worn during procedures that provide protection against airborne illnesses.

"The safety and well-being of our patients, their families and our staff is Legacy’s top priority. We continue, along with other area hospitals, to pursue aggressive measures to secure PPE and are increasing our PPE stores, including partnering with local companies such as A-dec to replenish critically needed supplies,” said Lewis Low, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer for Legacy Health. “We are incredibly fortunate to have exceptional local manufacturers, like A-dec, aggressively pivoting business operations and innovating to help us support the health needs of our community during this pandemic.”

A-dec is a family-owned, privately held dental equipment manufacturing company with headquarters in Newberg, Oregon. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company launched programs and infection control resources to support healthcare professionals practicing dentistry during the crisis.  The collaboration started when a Legacy Health nurse and an A-dec employee began discussing hospitals’ needs for PPE and A-dec’s manufacturing expertise. Following that conversation, A-dec employees worked around the clock over a weekend to develop prototypes of needed supplies. Over the course of just over a week, the company has converted several of their manufacturing areas to produce PPE for other health and emergency responder systems in the local area.

In their ongoing response to the COVID-19 health crisis, Legacy Health has a critical need for other personal protective equipment, as well as monetary contributions for a COVID-19 Response Fund. For information on how you can help, visit www.legacyhealthgiving.org/covid-19. 

A-dec reports considerable challenges with obtaining the quantities of raw materials needed to manufacture these products. The company is actively looking for partners in both the public and private sector to support their efforts during this global emergency.

About Legacy Health
Legacy Health is a locally owned, nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services – from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children’s care and advanced medical centers – to care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.

About A-dec, Inc.
A-dec is one of the largest privately-owned dental equipment manufacturers in the United States. We are recognized as a global leader in the dental space and are committed to our mission of providing a quality environment where people work together for the betterment of dentistry worldwide. A-dec has over 1,300 employees globally, with manufacturing facilities in Newberg, Oregon, Fenton, Missouri, and HangZhou, China. A-dec markets its manufactured dental products, including dental chairs, delivery systems, dental lights, dental furniture, and mechanical room air compressors, vacuums, and water control valves. For more information, visit www.a-dec.com.

Below is an open letter to the community from PeaceHealth Columbia Network Chief Executive, Sean Gregory.

Dear friends and neighbors,

On behalf of our team at PeaceHealth, please know how inspiring and helpful your generosity has been over the last month. Donations of PPE have helped our team stay safe, assisted in the safety of people we are caring for, and allowed us to provide PPE for other organizations with whom we share patients.  Over the last month, most days at the hospital included experiencing a surprise of food being provided by generous people in our community. While we all enjoy good food, more importantly, the food is a visible example of just how much support we feel from those around us. Thank you very much.

Inspired by the “Be the Light” event last week, we thought it would be helpful to provide another way for people to express their support to our health care team. Today, we are kicking off what we are calling “Blessing the Front Line.” At PeaceHealth, one of the traditions we carry on from our founding sisters is to start our meetings with a reflection or blessing. During this time, we slow down, share a reflective message, focus on what is most important (or more important than the task at hand), and then carry on with our work.   

We are encouraging friends and neighbors and anyone who would like to participate to share a simple note of encouragement to our team.  We are calling these notes “Blessing the Front Line.” We will collect the notes daily and distribute them to colleagues who need encouragement, teams to use as their reflection, and in other ways share your “light” which is so visible to us in our community.

The mailing address is: PeaceHealth Southwest, c/o “Blessing the Front Line;” P.O. Box 1600, Vancouver, WA 98668; additionally, you may send an email to: lessingthefrontlines@peacehealth.org">blessingthefrontlines@peacehealth.org.

We will be saving each note we receive and using them to memorialize this chapter of our shared story. Thank you for the tremendous expressions of support and encouragement to our team. Your impact is felt and greatly appreciated.

Sean Gregory, Chief Executive
PeaceHealth Columbia Network

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. It has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 900 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

The PeaceHealth Family Medicine Clinic at 505 NE 87th Avenue, Vancouver, will temporarily close starting today, April 1, 2020.

The clinic’s caregivers, physicians and supplies will be redirected temporarily to PeaceHealth Family Medicine Fisher’s Landing and PeaceHealth Union Station Clinic.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and thank our communities for their patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times,” says Robyn Taylor, Clinic Manager for 87th, Fisher’s and Union Station Clinics.

PeaceHealth will update our communities when the clinic is scheduled to reopen. In the meantime, the following PeaceHealth primary care, walk-in and urgent care clinics remain open:

• PeaceHealth Family Medicine -16811 SE McGillivray Blvd Suite 101 Vancouver, WA 98683; 360-735-8100
• PeaceHealth Union Station Clinic (walk-in and same-day) - 315 NE 192nd Ave Building 3, Suite 310 Camas, WA 98607; 360-729-8200
• PeaceHealth Family Medicine of Southwest Washington - 100 E. 33rd Street, Ste. 10 Vancouver, WA 98663; 360-514-7550
• PeaceHealth Urgent Care Memorial - 3400 Main St Vancouver, WA 98663; 360-696-5223

Community members with questions about COVID-19 are encouraged to call the Washington State Department of Health, 800-525-0127, or go online to www.peacehealth.org/coronavirus

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. It has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 900 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

Salem Health has received a limited supply of a few hundred COVID-19 test collection kits. As a result, outpatient testing for COVID-19 has resumed at Salem Health’s three respiratory clinics. Because the supply is so limited, testing for COVID-19 remains on hold in the Salem Hospital emergency department.

We are following the same criteria as when testing was available earlier this month:

• Patients experiencing respiratory symptoms should call 503-814-0099 and be screened by phone (they do not need to be a Salem Health Medical Clinics’ patient). A provider will determine whether the patient needs to be tested and will schedule an appointment.
• People should not come to the respiratory clinics for COVID-19 testing unless they have an appointment.
• Patients needing care for non-respiratory symptoms are encouraged to schedule a virtual visit by calling 503-814-4400.

As we’ve seen recently locally and around the country, the situation surrounding future shipments of COVID-19 test kits is unknown and varies week to week. Looking ahead, Salem Health will continue to offer outpatient testing whenever they become available. We will also continue to provide updates whenever more test kits come in.

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

Salem Health appreciates everyone who is taking part in the mask-making project to provide more than 10,000 hand-sewn masks for our health care providers. Last week, we handed out nearly 300 mask-making kits. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community!

We want to make this as convenient for people as possible to return the masks this week, so we’ve added several hours to each collection day. The last day to drop off completed mask kits (or leftover materials if they are not complete) is this Friday, April 3.

New extended drop-off hours

Salem — Town Park security booth (former Kmart parking lot off Mission St. SE and 25th St. SE)

• Wednesday, April 1, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, April 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, April 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dallas — West Valley Hospital parking lot (look for the tent)

• Thursday, April 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, April 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Note: Salem Health is not accepting home-sewn fabric masks at this time. We are closely monitoring our supplies of all kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) and will notify the community if further donations are needed.

Reminder: the single most important thing people can do to avoid COVID-19 is to continue staying home and maintaining social distance when not at home. We are anticipating more COVID-19 patients every day, but everyone who stays home and stays healthy helps keep the number of patients manageable — which also helps us conserve PPE.

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

PORTLAND, Ore. –VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) is committed to providing high-quality care while keeping Veterans safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures and out of concern for our Veterans, we are honoring current social isolation and distancing guidelines,” said Darwin Goodspeed, VAPORHCS director. “Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to make sure that our patients and staff are as safe as possible during this time.”

To help us address our Veterans’ most-urgent needs first, the VAPORHCS asks that Veterans use our online tools for routine or non-urgent questions.

Here are some examples:

Telephone or Video Appointments – Veterans can receive care at home — either over the phone or via video using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. Veterans may also call VA Portland at 503-220-8262, option 2 to relay a message to their Primary or Specialty Care team or to make change or cancel an appointment. To learn more about VA Video Connect, visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect. For more details about accessing VAPORHCS Mental Health services, click HERE.

Prescription Refills – Veterans can request prescription refills and order and ship medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app. Download the app at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill. Learn more details are on the VAPORHCS Pharmacy web page.

Text Message Reminders – Veterans can use Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol to send automated text messages with information about COVID-19. This application helps Veterans monitor for symptoms and can assist if they need to contact their VA facility for care. Enroll at mobile.va.gov/annie.

Secure Messaging – With My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal, Veterans can send online secure messages to your VA health care team to ask them nonurgent health questions. Register at www.myhealth.va.gov.

For more information about VA’s Connected Care technologies, visit connectedcare.va.gov. 

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VA Portland Health Care System invites our Veterans and family members to participate in an April 8th, 12 noon telephone town hall to hear about care options and ask questions of VA Portland staff and leaders as we all deal with the new age of COVID-19.

Veterans can register by clicking on this link below and simply provide their city, state, zip code and phone number they want to be called on to participate.

https://dashboard.teletownhall.us/registration/C3YDTQREHN7M

All registrants have to do is answer their phone when called on April 8 at about noon to participate.

Participants will be given instructions during the call to talk to operators who will take their questions for the VA Portland leaders and subject matter experts to address. 

If Veterans have questions about this event, please contact us at
-PublicAffairs@med.va.gov">VHAPOR-PublicAffairs@med.va.gov
or 503-402-2975

Please share this event via Facebook or the VAPORHCS website.

VANCOUVER, WA— Caring for people is our first priority. Vancouver Clinic remains dedicated to providing expert medical help and keeping our community healthy. To better support our patients, we are now offering video visits with many of our providers.

To schedule a video visit, patients must have:

• A Vancouver Clinic MyChart Account
• Access to a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with a camera and mic.
• An existing relationship with the provider (except for Urgent Care)
  New patients can call (360) 882-2778 to schedule.

Information on how to make an appointment is available here: https://tvc.org/wp-content/uploads/mychart-video-visit.pdf

Our providers have rescheduled most routine and elective procedures to keep patients home and avoid any potential COVID-19 exposure. We know that many of our patients need help managing chronic conditions and may have other concerns that need treatment. Video visits are a great way for patients to meet face-to-face virtually with their primary or specialty care team.

 “Enabling patients to talk with a doctor or provider from the comfort of their home provides peace of mind, reduces exposure risk, and ensures that they get the high-quality health care they need during this tumultuous time,” said Alfred Seekamp, chief medical officer.

During a video visit, providers can:

• Answer questions about medications and refills
• Discuss health concerns and determine if a patient needs to be seen in the office
• Create a care plan for a change in a patient’s condition
• Follow up after a recent surgery or procedure
• Discuss care options, including if a patient needs or may need surgery or a procedure
• Offer a routine follow-up to make sure a condition is stable
• Discuss recent test results a patient has received and may have questions about

“Ensuring patients get the care they need while limiting the spread of this new virus is critical to protecting our community,” said Mark Mantei, chief executive officer. “Our doors remain open for urgent care and those services that require more immediate care. We also have a dedicated COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Center established to care for symptomatic patients.”

Patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not come directly to our Urgent Care locations and must call 360-882-2778 or message their provider through MyChart BEFORE coming to the clinic. This ensures we can create a care plan that limits exposure to other patients and our care team. For more information about COVID-19, and to view updated clinic visitor policies, please see our COVID-19 Information page at tvc.org/coronavirus.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Drew Hanson: 971-940-4596

April 7, 2020

Kids and parents are invited to watch and learn with Ollie and Olga – resident osprey – for a unique distance-learning event   

The City of Independence, Pacific Power and The Independence Hotel team up for live, weekly Q&A events with avian and wildlife experts answering questions during a streaming video feed of the nesting osprey pair

INDEPENDENCE, Ore. — As families across Oregon continue to stay at home, high atop a 95-foot tall pole just off the Willamette River a different kind of family is also hunkering down. A pair of osprey – affectionately known as Ollie and Olga – only leave their nest for essential supplies (mainly sticks and fish) and are expecting eggs any day now. A bird’s eye view in stunning hi-definition of their humble habitat and daily activities is now available from the comfort of your home.

The City of Independence and Pacific Power invite children and parents to participate in a unique distance-learning event through weekly, live question and answer sessions with avian and wildlife experts each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon, beginning April 9. Although the webcam is streaming 24-7, the live events will give participants a chance to maintain social distancing while engaging in a robust conversation and learning experience. The weekly learning sessions and live stream can be accessed at http://ospreycam.online.

“We’re all in the same situation right now with schools closed and stay-at-home orders in place,” said Courtney Williams, Downtown Manager for the City of Independence. “This is a great way for us engage with each other and to experience these fascinating osprey while learning about their habitat, their important place in the food web and why year-after-year they make their home and raise their family in Independence’s Riverview Park.”

Osprey, never too far from a body of water, build their nests high off the ground away from predators. Sometimes confused for bald eagles, osprey are also considered skilled hunters often diving from heights of 30 to 100 feet to catch fish, which is their primary food. Osprey populations were once threatened due to the use of a then common pesticide, DDT. In the 1970s use of this chemical was banned and osprey populations made a recovery. Manmade structures similar to Ollie and Olgas’ nesting pole have also helped by providing a safe place for the birds to make a home.  

Ollie and Olga’s current nesting pole was installed by Pacific Power with help from the City of Independence and The Independence Hotel as a safe place for the osprey to build a nest and raise their chicks during their seasonal stay, according to Eric Kasprzak, senior environmental analyst with Pacific Power.

“We worked closely with the city of Independence to identify a suitable location for the Osprey” said Kasprzak. “This osprey nest platform is a great example of partnership in action and seeing these birds return year after year has given us a direct way to learn a lot about their species in the Willamette Valley.”

Event Details

Who: City of Independence, Pacific Power, The Independence Hotel and avian and wildlife experts

What: Osprey watch and learn event

When: Weekly beginning Thursday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Where: http://ospreycam.online

Why: For kids and parents to engage with subject matter experts about a unique bird species and its habitat and nesting habits  

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media hotline: (800) 570-5838

April 6, 2020

Call 8-1-1 and stay safe during home digging projects

April is National Safe Digging Month. Call 8-1-1 before you dig to find any underground utilities that could endanger you

PORTLAND, Ore. — Homebound residents may be tempted to get their exercise with yard work and long put-off projects. Pacific Power urges customers to call 8-1-1 two days before doing any digging in their yards, even for something as simple as planting a tree.

Even during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, the nationwide 8-1-1 hotline is working. With a simple call, utility location professionals will come and identify any underground utilities that could prove hazardous to your work.

A national survey recently found that 45 percent of residents planning a digging project fail to call 8-1-1. That means thousands will put themselves and their communities at risk by not calling 8-1-1 a few days beforehand to learn the approximate location of underground utilities.

The national public opinion survey of homeowners conducted in March by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines and the people who dig near them, also revealed the most popular planned projects cited among surveyed homeowners who plan to dig include:

• Planting a tree or shrub (47 percent)
• Building a patio or deck (24 percent)
• Building a fence (21 percent)
• Installing a mailbox (8 percent)

Pacific Power and its sister utility in the mountain states have approximately 20,000 miles of underground cable in the West. There are nearly 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States. These buried facilities, including gas, water, sewer, cable TV, high-speed Internet, landline telephone, provide the services Americans depend on for their basic everyday needs. But if you don’t know where they are buried before you dig, you are in danger. Even if you are lucky enough to not be harmed, you could be responsible for causing a service outage in your neighborhood—and potentially be responsible for the substantial repair costs.

If you are planning a job that requires digging, even if hiring a professional, a call to 8-1-1 is required before work begins. The 8-1-1 service is free and couldn’t be easier. It’s a Federal Communications Commission-designated national one-call number that connects a caller from anywhere in the country to the appropriate local one-call center. The one-call center then alerts local underground facility owners so they can mark the approximate location of their lines with paint or flags.

To learn more about electrical safety or to order free electrical safety materials, call Pacific Power’s public safety department at 800-375-7085 or visit pacificpower.net/safety.

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About Pacific Power

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 800-570-5838

April 2, 2020

Pacific Power Foundation offers support for community organizations responding to COVID-19

The utility is encouraging businesses and individuals to support community organizations, now facing extraordinary demands for services, to ensure those in need continue to receive support

PORTLAND, Ore. — Community organizations are facing unprecedented challenges and demand for vital services. Pacific Power’s charitable arm, the Pacific Power Foundation, has committed $250,000 for immediate support to critical community-serving organizations in Oregon, Washington and California.

From providing free meals for children during school closures to deploying resources and support to small businesses and care for seniors, community-based groups throughout the West have put out a call for assistance to support local COVID-19 initiatives.

“Food banks and other critical organizations serve the most vulnerable populations in our communities and are under tremendous strain,” said Stefan Bird, president and CEO. “The Pacific Power Foundation is committed to supporting vital community organizations that depend and survive on contributions like this.” 

Agencies include the Oregon Food Bank, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, Oregon Community Foundation, Portland Rescue Mission, Oregon Energy Fund, Salvation Army divisions in California and Washington and the Northwest Community Action Center.

Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan underscored the importance of community partnerships, especially in times of crisis. “With the strong support of allies like Pacific Power, Oregon Food Bank can ensure nutritious food reaches hard-hit communities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. By working collectively, our network of more than 1,400 partners across Oregon and SW Washington stands ready to meet this crisis head-on. Together, we can ensure hunger is not a symptom of COVID-19 — and help us all emerge stronger.”  

"Oregon families are facing the triple crisis of public health, closed schools and lost wages during this pandemic,” said Annie Kirschner, executive director for Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. “Though many of us have to stay home, we are still coming together to make sure everyone has enough food to eat. We're grateful to partners like Pacific Power for responding quickly to help make sure our neighbors, especially those most vulnerable across the state, are connected to resources."                                                                                                                                      

Looking for ways to help? Follow the links to support these organizations’ vital work.

Oregon Food Bank

Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon

Oregon Community Foundation

Portland Rescue Mission

Salvation Army

Northwest Community Action Center

# # #

About the Pacific Power Foundation

The Pacific Power Foundation is a subsidiary of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created in 1988 by PacifiCorp, an electric utility serving 1.9 million customers in six Western states as Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California) and Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Pacific Power. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/foundation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: (800) 570-5838

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 2, 2020) — As an essential service provider, Pacific Power employees are practicing social distancing while continuing to provide reliable power to all customers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Although our field employees always appreciate a friendly wave, the company reminds the public of the importance of keeping a safe and social distance while they work to maintain critical electrical networks.

During this unprecedented time, our business plans may be modified to meet compliance obligations, customer requests and power restoration. We are taking steps to minimize any interruptions of service. However, at infrequent times, planned interruptions may be required to improve network performance. In these situations, the company will make every effort to provide advance notification in an effort to keep the community safe and to practice social distancing. The company will also continue to suspend disconnections for non-payment, as previously announced.

While our field personnel are the most visible employees, they are not alone in serving you during this time of crisis. They are backed up by thousands of employees who are working in the six western states served by Pacific Power and its sister utility, Rocky Mountain Power, based in Utah. 

If you have questions about your electric service or your account, call us 24/7 at 888-221-7070.

As part of PacifiCorp, Pacific Power is part of a broad geographic footprint that serves nearly 2 million customers in six states, operates the largest grid in the West that crosses ten states and coordinates with neighboring utilities and grid operators to plan for, prepare, and respond to all hazards that could potentially impact the energy grid—including a pandemic—with our partners in government at the local, state and federal levels. The company is following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and coordinating with state and local emergency management leaders.

We are dedicated to serving you in this crisis and know that working together we will get through this uncertain time.

# # #

The April Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board work session will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. 

Location: This will be a Microsoft Teams-based web/phone meeting. To obtain instructions on how to attend the meeting, please use the contact information found below. 

The Board work session agenda and packet and additional information regarding TVWD are available here.

About TVWD

TVWD serves about 215,500 customers in parts of Washington County, Oregon. Our service area covers more than 44 square miles including portions of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard and unincorporated Washington County.

TVWD is the managing agency for the Willamette Water Supply System (WWSS), an additional water supply for the region which is being constructed in partnership with the City of Hillsboro and the City of Beaverton. The WWSS includes intake facilities, over 30 miles of pipes, a water treatment plant and two storage reservoirs. The system will deliver fresh, high-quality, treated water from the Willamette River to 400,000 Washington County residents and businesses, and is being built to the highest seismic safety standard to recover quickly after a major earthquake. The investments in the system will provide reliable, quality drinking water for generations to come.

Salem Area Mass Transit District will provide a temporary reduced level of service for essential trips beginning Tuesday. All route schedules are now available at Cherriots.org/temporaryservice.

The level of service the District can provide this week will be reduced significantly and seating on the buses will be limited to allow for social distancing. Cherriots is asking people to please stay home and stay off the bus except for essential trips:

• Medical appointments
• Picking up prescriptions
• Getting to and from work
• Critical grocery shopping

"Essential workers -- in the community and here at Cherriots -- keep the community going right now," said Ian Davidson, president of the Cherriots board of directors. "Please save them a seat so that they can get to work."

With limited seating, the buses may fill quickly. Cherriots advises riders to plan ahead, allow extra time for their trip, and frequently check for service alerts at Cherriots.org/alerts.

The rear door boarding and exiting policy on Cherriots Local buses will continue, as will fare free rides for all services. In addition, the District is marking in six-foot increments where riders can stand while waiting for their bus at the transit centers. Signage on the buses and at the transit centers will remind riders to practice social distancing.

Today, the District’s buildings are being deep cleaned. Buses were deep cleaned this past week and will be cleaned again Monday.

“As a public service provider, I want to assure the community that Cherriots is doing everything it can to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said General Manager Allan Pollock. “Please help us protect the health of our drivers and those who must travel during this time by only accessing our buses for essential trips.”

Salem Area Mass Transit District will begin providing a reduced level of service for essential trips on Tuesday. A service schedule will be published Sunday.

Essential trips include:

• Medical appointments
• Picking up prescriptions
• Getting to and from work
• Critical grocery shopping

The ramp from from northbound Interstate 205 to westbound Interstate 84 is once again open after a Friday morning crash.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing has redesignated to the 142nd Wing effective March 6, 2020.

Colonel Adam Sitler, 142nd Wing Commander, said the redesignation highlights the prestige of becoming a Wing. “The Wing redesignation is an important step to recognize the diverse mission sets within the 142nd Wing.  The governing Air Force Instruction specifies that the nomenclature of a Wing reflect what it is designed to do.  In our case, we are fortunate to have a Special Warfare Mission, and a Fighter Aircraft Mission.  When a Wing has multiple mission areas, the proper designation is “Wing” which reflects both the Special Operations, and the Fighter mission.”

Sitler went on to clarify that the name change does not change the unit’s mission.

“We are still fully committed to flying fighters, and we’ll continue to excel in that mission area.  We are fortunate to have one the two Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadrons. The 125th Special Tactics Squadron will continue to thrive, now, and into the future.”

A ceremony planned for April 5, 2020 was canceled due to considerations with Oregonians practicing health and safety standards regarding the ongoing COVID-19 response.

In commemoration with the 142nd Wing redesignation, the unit has produced a retrospective video to celebrate our history and current mission.

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/746052/142nd-fighter-wing-re-designates-142nd-wing 

The 142nd Wing has redesignated numerous times since the unit was founded. Our past designations are posted below.

- July 1943 - 371st Fighter Group

- May 1946 - 142nd Fighter Group

- April 1951 - 142nd Fighter-Interceptor Group

- August 1961 - 142nd Fighter Group

- October 1972 - 142nd Fighter-Interceptor Group

- March 1992 - 142nd Fighter Group

- October 1995 - 142nd Fighter Wing

- March 2020 - 142nd Wing

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About the 142nd 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 Wing defends our homeland with Special Warfare Airmen and F-15 Eagle fighter jets. They guard the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border, 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 superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

Photo Caption:

Oregon Air National Guard members of the 142nd Fighter Wing are assembled prior to the start of the unit's Change of Command ceremony held Nov. 6, 2016, Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. (U.S. Air National Guard photograph by Senior Master Sgt. Shelly Davison, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

Contact Info:

Steven Conklin

Email: Steven.l.conklin2.mil@mail.mil

Phone: 503-440-4434

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington sold a total of 48.8 million board feet of timber at auctions last month. The timber, located on Oregon and California Railroad Revested (O&C) Lands across western Oregon, sold for nearly $13.8 million.

“Timber sales continue to support Oregon’s economy and well-paying jobs in local communities,” said BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director Jose Linares. “These sales are also an important tool to accomplish our forest management objectives.”

For every million board feet of timber harvested on BLM-administered lands in western Oregon, an estimated 13 local jobs are created or maintained and $647,000 of non-Federal employment income is invested into local economies. One million board feet of timber is enough to build approximately 63 family homes.

The BLM’s forest management objectives include producing a sustained yield of timber, enhancing fish and wildlife habitat, restoring dry forest ecosystems, reducing wildfire hazard, maintaining road networks, and protecting water quality.

These sustainable timber sales and others like them support the overall forest and rangeland health goals set forth in the President’s Executive Order 13855, Promoting Active Management of America’s Rangelands, Forests and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk, and Secretary’s Order 3372, Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Lands Through Active Management.

Murphy Company was the high bidder for the “Boot Up” timber sale on Wednesday, March 25. The sale of 18,117 thousand board feet (MBF) sold for more than $1,000,000 above the appraised value of $4,387,100.90. There were three qualified bidders.

Freres Lumber Company was the high bidder for the “Head Over Teals” timber sale on Wednesday, March 25. The sale of 7,973 MBF sold for more than $1,000,000 above the appraised value of $1,959,358.60. There were four qualified bidders.

Cook’s Timber Falling LLC was the high bidder for the “Ward Salvage” timber sale on Wednesday, March 25. The sale of 402 MBF sold for 100 percent of the appraised value of $14,720.00. There was one qualified bidder.

Seneca Sawmill Company was the high bidder for the “Cash and Quarry” timber sale on Thursday, March 26. The sale of 9,324 MBF sold for 100 percent of the appraised value of $2,703,408.10. There was one qualified bidder.

Rosboro Company LLC was the high bidder for the “McCauley” timber sale on Thursday, March 26. The sale of 7,028 MBF sold for 20% above the appraised value of $1,401,347.80. There was one qualified bidder.

Seneca Sawmill Company was the high bidder for the “Goin to Seed” timber sale on Thursday, March 26. The sale of 2,134 MBF sold for 16 percent above the appraised value of $322,120.40. There were three qualified bidders.

B&G Logging was the high bidder for the “Tucker South” timber sale on Thursday, March 26. The sale of 1,509 MBF sold for approximately 100 percent of the appraised value of $236,835.80. There was one qualified bidder.

Seneca Sawmill Company was the high bidder for the “Ridge Dragon” timber sale on Friday, March 27. The sale of 2,335 MBF sold for 100 percent of the appraised value of $186,587.50. There was one qualified bidder.

For additional information on the Bureau of Land Management’s timber program, please visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/timber-sales

-BLM–

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

The Bureau of Land Management has extended the public comment period on six draft supplemental environmental impact statements for the resource management plans that guide management of greater sage-grouse habitat on public lands in seven Western states. 

The comment period is being extended until May 21, 2020. The documents remain available online, with information on methods for submitting comments, including “no-touch” online submission, alongside the documents in the BLM’s ePlanning system.

“The current draft SEISs draw on environmental analysis of the range of alternatives in both the 2019 and 2015 plans, to illustrate how best available science was used and to clarify the BLM’s approach to compensatory mitigation,” said Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management Casey Hammond. “We anticipate robust comments to result from these multiple tiers of analysis, which demonstrate the broad scope and thoroughness we’ve brought to this effort.”

“Completing the SEISs is one of Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt’s highest resource management priorities,” Hammond added. “The BLM has worked with our neighbors at the state and local levels of government since 2017 to ensure long-term greater sage-grouse conservation and to ensure the viability of local communities across the West. This collaborative approach has continued during development of the SEISs.” 

The BLM will use comments received on the draft SEISs to help determine whether there is a need to amend the 2019 plans, which were adopted to better align BLM plans for managing habitat with state plans for conserving the species, acknowledging the circumstances and needs of each individual state. The 2019 plans received bipartisan support from the governors who sought changes to the 2015 plans for their respective states.

States primarily manage wildlife species, and federal agencies like the BLM manage wildlife habitat. The BLM manages tens of millions of acres of sage-steppe landscapes on which some 350 species of plants and wildlife depend and where many people find livelihood and recreation. 

The BLM continues to prioritize efforts to conserve greater sage-grouse by restoring sagebrush habitat, and the agency has increased the number of acres treated in every Fiscal Year. Since 2013, nearly $294 million has been spent on habitat treatments across 2.7 million acres of BLM-managed lands. For FY2020, treatment of another 316,000 acres is planned, at a cost of $38.6 million.

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

Draft plan builds on fuel breaks construction in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington

BOISE, Idaho – Today, the Bureau of Land Management released the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for Fuels Reduction and Rangeland Restoration in the Great Basin. This Draft PEIS is intended to further efforts to conserve and restore sagebrush communities within a 223 million-acre area that includes portions of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada and Utah. This plan works in tandem with the BLM’s efforts to construct up to 11,000 miles of fuel breaks in the Great Basin that was finalized by the publication of a Notice of Availability of a Record of Decision on Thursday, April 2.

“Conserving and restoring sagebrush communities in the Great Basin that people rely on for their livelihoods and recreation, and that wildlife depend on for habitat, is a top priority of the BLM,” said Deputy Director, Policy and Programs, Bureau of Land Management William Perry Pendley. “Constructing fuel breaks and reducing fuels to decrease the risk of large and severe wildfires, and implementing rangeland restoration treatments, is critical to maintain the remaining sagebrush communities in the region.”  

The Trump Administration has prioritized active management of the nation’s public lands as provided in Executive Order 13855 and Secretary's Order 3372, which establish a meaningful and coordinated framework for ensuring the protection of people, communities, and natural resources. Implementation of both Orders is a priority for reducing the risks of deadly and destructive wildfires.

Sagebrush communities in the Great Basin are a vital part of Western working landscapes and are home to over 350 species of plants and wildlife. Intact sagebrush communities are disappearing within the Great Basin due to increased large and severe wildfires, the spread of invasive annual grasses, and the encroachment of pinyon-juniper. The Great Basin region is losing sagebrush communities faster than they can reestablish naturally. Approximately 45% of the historical range of sagebrush has been lost. Fuels reduction and rangeland restoration treatments can reduce fire severity, increase sagebrush communities’ resistance to invasive annual grasses and improve their ability to recover after wildfires.

The Preferred Alternative outlined in the Draft Fuels Reduction and Rangeland Restoration PEIS analyzes a full suite of manual, chemical and mechanical tools, including prescribed fire, seeding, and targeted grazing to reduce fuels and conserve and restore sagebrush communities. When finalized, the PEIS will not authorize any specific fuels reduction or rangeland restoration projects. Instead, it will analyze common elements of fuels reduction and rangeland restoration projects. Local offices can use this information to comply with National Environmental Policy Act requirements when planning and analyzing specific projects, allowing for more rapid implementation.

An electronic copy of the Draft PEIS and associated documents is available for public comment for 60 days on the BLM Land Use Planning and NEPA register at https://go.usa.gov/xdfgV

If you are unable to access the documents online and would like a paper copy, please contact the project staff by email at LM_PEIS_Questions@blm.gov">BLM_PEIS_Questions@blm.gov or phone at (208) 373-3824.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the BLM will provide opportunities for the public to gain additional information, and ask questions, about the Draft PEIS virtually instead of through in-person public meetings. Links to virtual public meeting materials will be available on the BLM Land Use Planning and NEPA register by April 18 at https://go.usa.gov/xdfgV

Members of the public will be able to access the material at their convenience and can email questions to the project staff at LM_PEIS_Questions@blm.gov">BLM_PEIS_Questions@blm.gov

-BLM-

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

Vale, Ore. and Boise, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management is announcing the availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Tri-state Fuel Breaks Project, an effort to reduce flammable vegetation adjacent to roadways. Fuel breaks provide safe anchor points for firefighters and strategic opportunities to more effectively limit the spread of wildfires.

This project is part of a larger national wildfire reduction strategy guided by President Trump’s Executive Order 13855 – Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk, as well as Secretary’s Order 3372 – Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land through Active Management.

The project area consists of about 3.6 million acres of land within Malheur County, Oregon, and Owyhee County, Idaho. Wildfires are the primary threat to this region’s sagebrush-steppe habitat, one of the largest strongholds for Greater sage-grouse. This landscape-level project supports both sagebrush-dependent wildlife and traditional land uses, such as ranching and recreation. This strategic system of fuel breaks will integrate with existing fuel breaks in northeastern Nevada to improve firefighting efficiency. 

“The Tri-state Fuel Breaks Project will provide wildland firefighters with additional opportunities to contain wildfires and reduce impacts to working landscapes and wildlife habitat,” said BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs William Perry Pendley. “These fuel breaks will also improve safety for first responders, including Rangeland Fire Protection Associations and others in the firefighting community.”

The Final EIS outlines five alternatives, including a No Action Alternative (no fuel breaks). Under the four action alternatives, fuel breaks would only be implemented alongside existing roads and would extend up to 200 feet on both sides of roadways on BLM-administered lands.  Fire suppression experts identified roads based on their strategic importance for accessing and responding to wildland fires.

The Final EIS introduces the preferred alternative, Alternative 5, which proposes a strategic fuel break network that addresses impacts to wildlife and cultural resources based on the analysis in the Draft EIS and comments received during the comment period. This alternative modifies the fuel break network from routes analyzed in the Draft EIS under Alternatives 2, 3, and 4. The preferred alternative would result in a fuel break network of 47,213 acres along 987 miles of existing roads.

The 30-day availability period in which the public can review the Final EIS begins April 3, 2020, with the EPA’s publication of a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. The Final EIS and supporting information is available online at https://go.usa.gov/xPruu (case sensitive). If you are unable to access the documents online and would like a paper copy, please contact the BLM Boise District Office at 208-384-3300.

-BLM–

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs. 

BLM to strategically implement 11,000 miles of fuel breaks across a 223-million acre area in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt signed a final decision to construct and maintain a system of up to 11,000 miles of strategically placed fuel breaks to control wildfires within a 223 million- acre area in portions of California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Local Bureau of Land Management district and field offices will use manual, chemical and mechanical treatments, including prescribed fire, seeding and targeted grazing, to construct fuel breaks along roads and rights-of-way on BLM-administered lands. The fuel breaks will minimize new disturbance and wildlife habitat fragmentation and maximize accessibility for wildland firefighters.

“This is a major step in fulfilling the President’s commitment to western communities by implementing more effective wildfire treatments that will better protect Americans, their property and their lands,” said Secretary Bernhardt.

The BLM has extensively documented that fuel breaks and other types of fuel treatments are effective. Since 2002, the agency has assessed more than 1,400 fuel breaks and other types of fuels treatments that intersect with wildfires and determined that 79% of fuel breaks are effective in helping to control wildfires and that 84% are effective in helping to change fire behavior.

Intact sagebrush communities are disappearing within the Great Basin due to increased large and severe wildfires, the spread of invasive annual grasses and the encroachment of pinyon-juniper. The sagebrush communities in the Great Basin are home to over 350 species of plants and wildlife and are a vital part of western working landscapes. Approximately 45% of the historical range of sagebrush has been lost.

“Constructing a system of fuel breaks is a critical first step to reduce the risk of more catastrophic wildfires in the remaining intact sagebrush communities, but we can’t stop there,” said Deputy Director of Policy William Perry Pendley. “Fuel breaks will be most effective when combined with fuels reduction and rangeland restoration treatments and we’ll soon release a draft plan to provide for those in the Great Basin as well.”

Fuels reduction and rangeland restoration treatments can reduce fire severity, increase sagebrush communities’ resistance to invasive annual grasses and improve their ability to recover after wildfires. Today’s Record of Decision for the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Fuel Breaks in the Great Basin was based on public input through an open comment period.

The PEIS does not authorize any specific projects. Local BLM district and field offices within the Great Basin will use the PEISs to comply with National Environmental Policy Act requirements when planning and analyzing specific fuel break, fuels reduction and rangeland restoration projects to allow for more rapid implementation.

An electronic copy of the ROD, the Final PEIS for Fuel Breaks in the Great Basin and associated documents are available at https://go.usa.gov/xnQcG.

Attachment: Information on Great Basin fuel breaks and how they are effective for combating wildfires in the region. Prepared by the Bureau of Land Management. Can also be found on BLM's website.

About the U.S. Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

PORTLAND—This week, the Department of Justice announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. State, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in Oregon are eligible to receive nearly $10 million in supplemental funding.

The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation passed by the Congress and signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately to receive these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available within days.

“In a matter of weeks, I have seen countless examples from across our state and country of law enforcement officers and other public safety professionals going far above and beyond their regular duties to serve our communities in this time of great need,” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams. “I’m pleased to join the department in announcing this much needed funding and will do everything in my power to expedite its distribution to eligible law enforcement agencies here in Oregon.”

“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”

The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund applicants on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, purchase protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.

2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program recipient agencies are candidates for direct emergency funding. A complete list of jurisdictions eligible for direct funding and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.

Jurisdictions not eligible for direct funding are advised to contact the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to determine how they can receive funding through the state distribution.

For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Gresham, Oregon man has been indicted for stealing financial and identification documents from dozens of people throughout the Portland Metropolitan Area.

Robert Loren Finanders, 39, is charged in a nine-count indictment unsealed today with aggravated identity theft, counterfeit access device fraud, illegal possession of device-making equipment, and felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, for at least the last year, Finanders is alleged to have stolen financial and identification documents for approximately 100 people in order to steal money from them and from local businesses. Investigators believe Finanders spent tens of thousands of dollars using stolen credit cards and other personal information. Some of the stolen identities appear to have been obtained by breaking into cars to steal wallets and purses.

The Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) East Precinct Street Crimes Unit began investigating Finanders in late September 2019 after a fraudulent Oregon driver’s license in the name of an adult victim was found during an arrest. The license had Finanders’ photo on it in place of the named victim. Investigators learned that around the same time, police officers in Bend, Oregon had arrested Finanders and a co-conspirator after receiving a report of a person ordering food at restaurant using a stolen credit card.

Bend police searched a vehicle being driven by Finanders’ co-conspirator and found a passport, W2s, and a retail credit card matching the name of the victim whose stolen driver’s license was recovered by PPB. While searching a Bend hotel room shared by Finander and his co-conspirator, officers recovered W2s in the name of another victim and a victim profile notebook.

As the investigation continued, PPB officers linked Finanders to additional identity theft crimes in Portland, Gresham, and Lake Oswego, Oregon. On January 22, 2020, a search warrant was executed at a residence shared by Finanders and his co-conspirator. Officers seized stolen profiles for more than 80 individuals; dozens of stolen and fraudulent identification and personal documents including passports, government-issued identification cards, and driver’s licenses; an embosser; a card reader; stolen mail; additional victim profile notebooks; three handguns; a dismantled AR-15; body armor; evidence of drug trafficking; and other items.

On March 12, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland indicted Finanders in a sealed nine-count indictment. On April 1, 2020, he was arrested by PPB. Finanders made his first appearance in federal court today. A three-day jury trial scheduled to begin on June 2, 2020. The magistrate court took under advisement the issue of whether to detain Finanders pending trial.

This case was investigated by the PPB East Precinct Street Crimes Unit with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—Jonathan David Murphy, 42, of The Dalles, Oregon, was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for transporting and possessing child pornography.

According to court documents, in 2017, local and federal law enforcement conducted undercover investigations of online peer-to-peer file sharing programs being used to exchange images of child pornography. Three separate investigations led investigators to an internet protocol (IP) address registered to a home Murphy shared with his fiancée in The Dalles.

In June 2018, investigators executed a federal search warrant at the residence and Murphy consented to an interview. Murphy admitted to using uTorrent, a peer-to-peer file sharing network, to download and share child pornography.

On February 27, 2020, Murphy pleaded guilty to one count each of transportation and possession of child pornography. After his release from prison, Murphy will be required to register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Natalie Wight, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, child victims suffer re-victimization each time the image of their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

# # #

PORTLAND—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that the Department of Justice is requesting local nominations for the fourth annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing. The nomination period is open now and will close on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 5pm PDT.

The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing recognizes state, local, or tribal sworn, rank-and-file police officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts and innovations in community policing, criminal investigations, and field operations.

“Law enforcement is the toughest job in America. The challenges our officers face on a daily basis are more complex, more difficult, and more extensive than ever before,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We are grateful for every man and woman in blue for their dedication and sacrifice. Among those who have answered the call of public service, several individuals in the past year performed in ways that surpassed even the highest expectations of the profession. I look forward to recognizing these individuals with the fourth annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.”

“Serving alongside state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, deputies, and troopers in Oregon has been the highest honor of my career,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “It is entirely fitting that we should recognize the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to keep our communities safe and protect the rights we hold dear as Americans. I look forward to joining Attorney General Barr in recognizing the recipients of this distinguished award.”

Nominations may be submitted by the potential recipient’s supervisors, coworkers, or members of their local community. Nominations may include references and URL links to news sources and promotional or other materials that describe or substantiate the activity, program, or initiative for which the nominee is being nominated. Please note: nominees must have been in a non-supervisory position at the time the nominated event, activity, and/or program occurred to be an eligible candidate for this award.

Nominations must be submitted through an online form. The online application will direct the nominating individuals to complete the following fields:

1. Name and rank of nominee(s) (must be rank-and-file officers, deputies, or troopers in a nonsupervisory position), the lead agency name, and the size of population served by the agency
2. Name and affiliation of the nominating individual
3. Nomination category for the action(s), program(s), or initiative(s) for which the nominee(s) is being nominated (Criminal Investigations, Field Operations, or Innovations in Policing)
4. A detailed description of the specific action(s), program(s), or initiative(s) of the nominee(s) for which s/he is being nominated
5. Agency point of contact information

Nominations must be submitted by 5pm PDT on Friday, April 24, 2020. In the event that agencies or other nominating parties are unable to access the online nomination form, nomination letters may be sent via email. The nomination letter should be no longer than three pages and should include all of the fields listed above. Nominations submitted in letter format must be sent via email to ds@usdoj.gov">dojpolicingawards@usdoj.gov by 5pm PDT on Friday, April 24, 2020.

Detailed information regarding the nomination process for this award is available at www.justice.gov/ag/policing-award.

Please direct all general inquiries to ds@usdoj.gov">dojpolicingawards@usdoj.gov.

# # #

Beware of scammers trying to get your personal information or your COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment!

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin to distribute COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments in a matter of weeks. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, elderly or other groups that have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payments in this manner as well.

With any good news story from the IRS, comes an opportunity for criminals and scammers to take advantage of the American public.

• Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them.
• Scammers may use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, using your personal information to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme.

Between these two schemes, everyone receiving an economic impact payment is at risk.

The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is working tirelessly alongside our civil counterparts and law enforcement partners to identify scams and halt wrongdoers from taking advantage of the American people. “Taxpayers should be extra vigilant for unsolicited phone calls or emails concerning their economic impact payments,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office for IRS-CI. “The IRS will not call or email you about your payment. IRS-Criminal Investigation is stepping up our efforts in coordination with the Department of Justice to aggressively investigate anyone that seeks to defraud our community members during this crisis.”

“We are aware of instances of consumer fraud stemming from the COVID-19 public health emergency. While Americans work to protect themselves and their loved ones from the threat of COVID-19, some individuals are actively trying to profit off of this emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams. “If you or someone you know believe you’ve been the target or victim of an outbreak-related fraud scheme, please contact law enforcement immediately.”

Top Line Message from the Internal Revenue Service

The IRS will deposit your economic impact payment into the direct deposit account your previously provide on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check). The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information – even if someone claims it is necessary to get your economic impact payment. Beware of this scam.

If you receive a call, do not engage with scammers or thieves. Just hang up. If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Do not click on any links in those emails.

Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a “check” in the mail now, it’s fraud – it will take the Treasury Department a few weeks to distribute the payments. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s fraud.

Beware of Scams and Schemes

IRS-Impersonation Telephone Scams

An aggressive and sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, have been making the rounds throughout the country. Callers claim to be employees of the IRS, but are not. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. Or, victims may be told they have a refund due to try to trick them into sharing private information.

With COVID-19 scams, they may urge you to pay this fake “debt” with your economic impact check. For those who receive an actual check, they may ask you to endorse it and forward to them for “payment of past debts.”

Remember:  Scammer Change Tactics – Variations of the IRS impersonation scam continue year-round and they tend to peak when scammers find prime opportunities to strike – like the new economic impact check being sent.

Surge in Email, Phishing and Malware Schemes

Scam emails are designed to trick taxpayers into thinking these are official communications from the IRS, tax industry professionals or tax software companies. These phishing emails ask taxpayers about a wide range of topics – related to refunds, filing status, ordering transcripts, and verifying PIN information – in order to steal your personal information or file tax returns.

When people click on links from these phishing emails, they are taken to sites designed to imitate an official-looking website, such as IRS.gov. The sites may also carry malware, which can infect people’s computers to steal their files or record their keystrokes.

Also be aware of email phishing scams that appear to be from the IRS and include a link to a bogus web site intended to mirror the official IRS web site. These emails contain the direction “you are to update your IRS e-file immediately.” The emails mention USA.gov and IRSgov (without a dot between “IRS” and “gov”). Don’t get scammed. These emails are not from the IRS.

Don’t be a victim! Visit www.irs.gov or www.irs.gov/coronavirus

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To the families, co-workers, and friends of Oregon’s fallen law enforcement officers,

Each year at the beginning of May, Oregon pauses to honor and remember 187 fallen law enforcement officers, and the families and co-workers they left behind.  The Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is proud to host each year in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and Oregon's various statewide law enforcement associations.  The memorial honors 187 fallen Oregon law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1880s. This includes officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies who have served as law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and parole and probation officers.

The current COVID-19 crisis that our state, nation and the world is facing has resulted in the cancelation of public gatherings. The Oregon law enforcement community wants you to know that this crisis will not deter us from honoring Oregon’s fallen.  On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, we plan to honor our fallen as planned, but through a modified ceremony that will be closed to the public.  During the closed ceremony we will have a live reading of names of the 187 fallen Oregon officers and honor guard members will place flowers at the memorial.

While this year’s ceremony may be closed to the public, you have our commitment that Oregon’s fallen will not be forgotten. Oregon’s Law Enforcement Memorial Wall will be available for visitation as soon as the Oregon Public Safety Academy Campus is re-opened to the public.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your understanding and to each of our active law enforcement officers who continue to risk their own health and wellbeing for the safety and wellness of others.

With respect,

Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)

Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund

Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation

Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police

Oregon State Sheriff’s Association

Oregon Peace Officers Association

Oregon State Police

Oregon Department of Corrections

Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

For Immediate Release                                        

April 23, 2020

Contact:                Theresa Janda
                                503-373-1553

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training will hold a regular meeting at 9 a.m. on April 23, 2020.  The meeting will be held by Video/Teleconference.  The meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Please call the number above to request teleconferencing information.

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

1.  Introductions

2.  Minutes

       Approve minutes from the January 23, 2020 Meeting.

3.  Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – James Oeder, Chair

A. Wyatt Bruckner DPSST#F37318 (Lowell RFPD) - Revoke

        Recommended to the Board by a vote of 8/3 by the FPC on October 24, 2019.

B. Damon H. Faust DPSST#F35483 (Estacada RFPD #69) – Revoke and Deny Certifications

Recommended to the Board in a vote of 9/2 by the FPC on October 24, 2019.    

C. Andrew Flood DPSST#F38423 (Jefferson County Fire District #1) – Deny

     Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the FPC on October 24, 2019.

D. David Lloyd DPSST#F16832 (Portland Fire & Rescue) – Revoke

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the FPC on October 24, 2019.

E. Trenton McGahan DPSST#F38189 (Charleston RFPD) – Not Deny

Recommended to the Board in a vote of 7 to 4 by the FPC on October 24, 2019.

F. Bjorn Petersen DPSST#36309 (Hines Fire Department) – Deny

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the FPC on October 24, 2019.

G. James T. Poore DPSST#F16053 (No Agency affiliation) – Revoke

 Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the FPC on October 24, 2019.

H. Nickolus V. Stanger DPSST#F36220 (Netarts-Oceanside RFPD) – Deny

 Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the FPC on October 24, 2019

I. Jesse K. West DPSST#F18744 (Lane Fire Authority) – Revoke

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the FPC on October 24, 2019

4.  Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – John Teague, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Kelly Dutra, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Nadine Purington, Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Geremy Shull DPSST#43985 (Sherman County Sheriff’s Office) – Revoke

Recommended to the Board in a vote of 10/2 by the PPC on February 20, 2020.

B. Dixon Andrews DPSST#14829 (Gold Beach Police Department) – No Action

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the PPC on February 20, 2020.

C. Dezi Meza DPSST#41232 (Albany Police Department) – Revoke

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the PPC on February 20, 2020.

D. Matthew Morberg DPSST#40597 (Eugene Police Department) – Revoke

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the PPC on February 20, 2020

E. Caleb Saulo DPSST#59701 (Warm Springs Police Department) – No Action

Recommended to the Board in a vote of 10/2 by the PPC on February 20, 2020.

F. Dustin Watson DPSST#34225 (Newport Police Department) – No Action

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the PPC on February 20, 2020.

G. Andrew Jackson DPSST#54783 (Polk County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the CPC on February 12, 2020.

H. Devon Lindsey DPSST#56903 (Douglas County Sheriff’s Office) - Revoke

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the CPC on February 11, 2020.

I. Lucas Randleas DPSST#60182 (Grant County Sheriff’s Office) – Deny

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the CPC on February 11, 2020.

J. Timathy Thomason DPSST#54396 (Department of Corrections – TRCI) – Revoke

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the CPC on February 11, 2020

K. Trent Ingram DPSST#60342 (Department of Corrections – EOCI) – No Action

Recommended to the Board in a vote of 11/2 by the CPC on February 11, 2020

L. Christopher Matson DPSST#60104 (Department of Corrections – TRCI) – No Action

Recommended to the Board in a vote of 11/3 by the CPC on February 11, 2020

M. Juan Ruiz DPSST#60370 (Department of Corrections – OSP) – No Action

Recommended to the Board in a vote of 11/1, plus one recusal by the CPC on February     11, 2020

N. Christopher Vines DPSST#60273 (Department of Corrections – SRCI) – No Action

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the CPC on February 11, 2020

O. Andrea Parker DPSST#38688 (Prineville Police Department) – Revoke

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the TPC on February 5, 2020

P. Kinsey Coyne DPSST#55676 (Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency) – Suspend

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote minus one recusal by the TPC on February 5, 2020

Q. Michael Downing DPSST#49155 (Baker County Sheriff’s Office) – Revoke

 Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote minus one recusal by the TPC on February 5, 2020

R. Heidi Elliott DPSST#59214 (American Medical Response) – Deny

Recommended to the Board in a 7/1 vote minus two recusals by the TPC on February 5, 2020

S. Angela Haltom DPSST#53236 (Harney County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the TPC on February 5, 2020

T. OAR 259-008-0064 – Proposed Rule change – Approve

Adds First Aid & CPR Certification Requirements to DPSST Telecommunicator and EMD Maintenance.

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the TPC on February 5, 2020

U. OAR 259-008-0064 – Proposed Rule Change – Approve 

Housekeeping Amendments for Telecommunicator and EMD Maintenance

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the TPC on February 5, 2020

V. OAR 259-008-0005, 259-008-0020, 259-008-0025 and 259-008-0085 – Proposed Rule Changes – Approve

Establishes a firearms training requirement for armed parole & probation officers.

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the CPC on February 18, 2020

W. Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Wall Nomination, Hansford “Harry” Greenfield – Approve

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the PPC on February 20, 2020.

X. Committee Appointments

• Lee Eby, Appointment to the CPC to replace Matthew Frohnert representing the OSJCC; 1st term effective 4/28/20.

5.  Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

1.  Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Thomas Thomas, Chair

A. OAR 259-060-0135 – Proposed Rule Change - Approve

Clarifying law enforcement experience applicable to the qualifications for certification as a Private Security instructor.

Recommended to the Board in a unanimous vote by the PSIPC on February 18, 2020.        

6. Annual Director’s Evaluation – Chair Patrick-Joling

7.  Director's Report - Director Gabliks

8.  Next Meeting Date:  July 23, 2020

Administrative Announcement

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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

Salem, Oregon – Liora Sponko, the executive director of the Lane Arts Council, is the new Community Arts Coordinator for the Oregon Arts Commission. Sponko rose above a highly competitive field of candidates to succeed Brian Wagner in the position, responsible for supporting the statewide arts community in ensuring access to the arts for Oregonians.

“We are extremely proud to have Liora join our team,” said Brian Rogers, executive director of the Arts Commission. “Over the past nine years she has transformed the Lane Arts Council from a small arts services shop into a vibrant and flourishing force for the arts in Lane County. We are excited about the potential she brings to our statewide efforts to build capacity and support for arts organizations, especially during these times as communities plan to reconnect, hopefully in the near future.”

During her tenure at Lane Arts Council, Sponko has tripled the organizational budget, developed inclusive programming (Fiesta Cultural) and increased partnerships with the public and private sectors. Her responsibilities include major donor development and corporate sponsorships, grant oversight, budget management, partnership development, board development and community leadership. Lane Arts Council currently serves thousands of youth and community members through arts education, the First Friday ArtWalk, services for artists and building the arts and creative sector.

“As an arts administrator and grassroots community-builder for over two decades,” said Sponko, “I know the arts are essential to building thriving communities. I am eager to connect with communities throughout Oregon and support your work. The Community Arts Coordinator position is the exact combination of all of my passions and the perfect way for me to make a difference across the state.”

Sponko’s previous experience includes serving as a programs coordinator for the University of Oregon and development work for the nonprofits Community Center for the Performing Arts/WOW Hall and Womenspace. She has a master’s in International Peace and Development from Universitat Jaume I (Castellón, Spain) and a bachelor’s in sociology and Spanish from the University of California at Santa Barbara. She has received multiple certifications and awards, including a 2015 20 under 40 Blue Chip Award from the Eugene Register Guard recognizing young rising stars in the Lane County business community.

As Community Arts Coordinator, Sponko will manage the Arts Build Communities and Small Operating Support grant programs, in addition to providing counsel and technical assistance to arts organizations.

Sponko will join the Arts Commission team on Monday, April 20.

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 Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community 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 grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at:  www.oregonartscommission.org.

Industry leaders and regulators champion workplace safety guidelines to protect public health

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Home Builders Association (OHBA) has partnered with the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) and the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) to develop a comprehensive list of COVID-19 jobsite safety recommendations.

The recommendations, which incorporate and build on the workplace safety recommendations issued by Gov. Kate Brown, include on-site checklists for construction workers, social distancing guidelines, and information about the importance of identifying site-specific safety captains.

“Every industry has a responsibility during this time of crisis to abide by the governor’s ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ order and deploy their own enhanced workplace safety procedures,” said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “We appreciate the active role the construction industry has taken in educating its workforce regarding jobsite best practices and in striving for 100 percent compliance with social distancing requirements. These efforts are critical to protecting public health and the safety of construction workers.”

In addition to developing a common set of jobsite safety recommendations, OHBA has developed a COVID-19 safety class available to contractors through Home Builders University. The class can be taken by contractors to earn continuing education credits in accordance with licensing requirements.

“The construction industry has been an active partner in sharing COVID-19 safety information and providing opportunities for construction workers to stay up to date on mitigation strategies,” said Chris Huntington, CCB’s administrator. “The construction industry’s responsiveness will go a long way toward making sure jobsites in Oregon remain safe.”

Earlier this year, OHBA and AGC partnered together to share best practices and discuss the latest COVID safety information while working proactively with CCB and OSHA. AGC has a well-established safety program and newly developed COVID-19 safety protocols and information specific to commercial construction.

Mike Salsgiver, executive director for Associated General Contractors (AGC), said his organization appreciates the partnerships.

“We have had a long-standing and positive working relationship with these agencies and OHBA,” he said, “and we recommit to making them even stronger going forward – especially during this time of sudden and substantial challenge in our industry.”

Both Oregon OSHA and CCB have published construction-specific COVID-19 response information on their websites to keep contractors up to date and ensure all workers on the jobsite follow COVID-19 safety procedures.

“I cannot imagine trying to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak without the support of these partnerships,” said Justin Wood, VP Fish Construction NW. “As president of OHBA, I appreciate the resources this partnership brings to the construction industry. The safety materials OHBA has developed helps my business continue to support affordable housing and provides a single place to get information that is unique for our residential builders.”

The OHBA has made all of its COVID-19 response resources available online at www.oregonhba.com. The resources are free to members and non-members. OHBA’s COVID-19 safety class is also available online at the Home Builders University website.

For more information about construction industry COVID-19 response measures, visit:

• Oregon Home Builders Association webpage: www.oregonhba.com
• Associated General Contractors webpage: http://www.agc-oregon.org
• Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division webpage: www.osha.oregon.gov
• Oregon Construction Contractors Board webpage: www.oregon.gov/ccb/

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About the CCB

The CCB is the state agency licensing over 40,000 contractors. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more at www.oregon.gov/ccb.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, has become a major topic of conversation on the local, state and national levels as the global coronavirus pandemic continues to develop.

PPE is simply the gloves, masks, gowns and other equipment that nurses, doctors and care providers use to protect their patients and themselves from the spread of an infectious illness.

At 2 p.m. today, April 2, Infection Preventionist Monica Claflin will offer a live-streamed demonstration and explanation of the PPE used by care staff at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon, which has seen 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases since March 11.

This demonstration will be staged at the Home, but attendance by the public and media will be virtual only due to the social distancing guidelines and lock-down protocols currently in place. It will be streamed live on the Lebanon Veterans’ Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lebanonveteranshome.

Media questions may be sent in advance to Tyler Francke at .francke@state.or.us">tyler.francke@state.or.us. Media questions during the live event, which is expected to last only 15 minutes, may be texted to 971-239-6640.

(Salem) – As Oregon OSHA evaluates and inspects complaints about potential workplace hazards related to the coronavirus outbreak, the division wants employers and workers to keep an important message in mind: Do not be fooled by scammers.

The division has received multiple reports of fraudulent activity. The activity includes people showing up at job sites and pretending to be division compliance officers. The fraudsters attempt to issue thousands of dollars in fines and demand immediate cash payments.

That is not how Oregon OSHA operates.

“It is deeply troubling and unfortunate that scammers see such challenging times as opportunities to take advantage, and hurt people and businesses,” said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “We strongly urge employers and workers to take all precautions. When something seems off, it likely is.”

Here are some things to keep in mind about how Oregon OSHA operates:

• At the beginning of an inspection – when compliance officers introduce themselves to owner representatives, operators, or agents in charge at workplaces – they present their credentials. 
• If the division conducts an inspection and identifies violations, its normal citation processing takes at least two weeks following the closing of an inspection. The actual penalties for any particular violation involves a number of factors. There is never a demand for immediate cash payment of a proposed fine.

If you are unsure if someone showing up at your job site is an Oregon OSHA employee, call 503-378-3272 or 800-922-2689 (toll-free) (inside Oregon only).

For more information, contact Oregon OSHA: https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/contactus.aspx

For more information about Oregon OSHA workplace guidance and resources related to the coronavirus outbreak, visit https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/re/covid-19.aspx

If you believe you have been a victim of a COVID-19 scam, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus to report it to the U.S. Department of Justice.

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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 osha.oregon.gov.

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

The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) today announced the first adult in custody (AIC) within the Oregon state prison system to test positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The patient is in stable condition and is being treated on-site.

The patient is at Santiam Correctional Institution in Salem, Oregon, and will soon move to an institution with 24-hour nursing care.  The positive test result was received April 2. Additional details cannot be shared about his protected health information.

If an AIC is showing signs and symptoms of influenza or COVID-19, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, they will be tested. DOC uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidance on appropriate criteria for testing. Those being tested and/or awaiting results are on respiratory isolation. 

“We have been preparing for the spread of COVID-19 into our institutions, worksites and Community Corrections offices since the beginning of March,” said Director Colette S. Peters. “Even with all of our preventative measures, like restricting visiting, social distancing, and suspending any programs, we knew the first case was inevitable because our institutions are microcosm of our communities. Our agency has focused on this virus and how best to reduce the impact inside our institutions. The necessary protocols are in place to protect our employees and the adults in our custody as best we can. This is a difficult time for all Oregonians, including those in our care. I know the family and friends of the adults in custody are extremely concerned for their loved ones. I can assure you, we are taking all necessary measures to operate safe and secure institutions where people can work and live and stay healthy.”

SCI has taken several steps to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. These actions include: suspension of visiting and volunteer services, canceled group activities, house vulnerable AICs together, slowed down meal line in order to social distance. 

DOC is now contacting all people who entered the institution in the last seven days. All AIC’s will be screened and any presenting with symptoms will be tested for COVID-19. 

As people are tested and test results are returned, DOC will provide updated numbers on the DOC website. DOC is collaborating with our local public health officials, coordinating with the OHA, and following the CDC recommendations to prevent the spread COVID-19. DOC is following OHA’s guidance on long-term care facilities and law enforcement recommendations and CDC’s interim guidance on management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in correctional and detention facilities.   

SCI is a minimum-security prison in Salem that houses approximately 480 AICs who are within four years of release. The facility concentrates on work opportunities, most of which are in the form of work crews contracting with state agencies, local organizations, and private industries within a 60-mile radius of Salem.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Steven Paul Merry, died the evening of April 1, 2020. Merry was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary, where he’d been on hospice since January. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified. 

Merry entered DOC custody on January 19, 2017, from Douglas County with an earliest release date of February 3, 2027. Merry was 73 years old. Next of kin has been notified.  

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,500 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

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Committee for Family Forestlands meets April 14 via Zoom

(Salem, Ore.) - The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually Tuesday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. To join the call or provide public comment at this virtual meeting please contact Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.

The committee’s agenda includes: 

• Private Forest Division update
• CFF fact sheet for woodland owners
• Forest Health overview
• Vacancies/ Committee merger/ Future meeting topics

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting after approval of the minutes. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by calling Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. You can find more information at 

https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/CFF.aspx

# # #

Public invited to comment on draft rules governing wildlife food plots in Oregon forestland

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry is inviting the public to comment on rules the agency has drafted to regulate wildlife food plots on private forestlands in Oregon. A virtual public hearing on the rules will also be conducted online on the Zoom platform on Thursday, April 30. For instructions on attending, please go to https://www.oregon.gov/odf/AboutODF/Pages/ProposedLawsRules.aspx

Comments may also be submitted until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1 by email to ivateforests.publiccomment@oregon.gov">privateforests.publiccomment@oregon.gov or by mail to:

Attention: Nate Agalzoff, Building D

Oregon Department of Forestry

2600 State Street

Salem, OR 97310

The Oregon Legislature in 2015 passed a bill directing the Board of Forestry to write rules to allow owners of up to 5,000 acres of private forestland to designate a small portion of those lands as wildlife food plots. Depending on the amount of land owned, plots could range from a maximum of 12.5 acres to 50 acres.

Landowners wishing to manage those plots specifically for wildlife nutrition would need to maintain appropriate vegetation to nourish the wildlife species desired.

After receiving input from advisory committees, a tribal cultural resource group and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, ODF has drafted those rules. They are posted at oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/FPA.aspx

Once all public comments have been received, they will be reviewed and any changes to the rules made before they are presented to the Board of Forestry for adoption this summer. If adopted, the rules would go into effect this fall.

                                                                                          # # #

The Oregon Department of Revenue is warning taxpayers of calls and email phishing attempts related to the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic and federal government relief payments. These scams can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.

Taxpayers should watch not only for emails but text messages, websites, and social media attempts that request money or personal information.

“Oregon taxpayers should take extra precaution to guard their personal information from these unscrupulous scam attempts,” said Oregon Department of Revenue Director Nia Ray. “Most people who qualify to receive a stimulus check do not need to sign up, apply, or verify any personal information, online or else where.”

The Oregon Department of Revenue and the IRS remind taxpayers that scammers may:

• Emphasize the words “stimulus check” or “stimulus payment.” The official term is economic impact payment.
• Ask the taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check to them.
• Ask by phone, email, text, or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information saying that the information is needed to receive or speed up their economic impact payment.
• Suggest they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer’s behalf. This scam could be conducted by social media or even in person.
• Mail the taxpayer a bogus check, perhaps in an odd amount, then tell the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.

Taxpayers should look out for phishing emails asking them to verify their personal information in order to receive an economic stimulus check from the government. While talk of economic stimulus checks has been in the news cycle, government agencies are not sending unsolicited emails seeking taxpayers’ private information in order to send them money. Phishing emails may also claim to be related to:

• Charitable contributions.
• General financial relief.
• Airline carrier refunds.
• Fake cures and vaccines.
• Fake testing kits.

The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. People should be alert to scammers posing as the IRS to steal personal information. The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service.

Reporting coronavirus-related or other phishing attempts
Those who receive unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone. Learn more about reporting suspected scams by going to the Report Phishing and Online Scams page on IRS.gov.

Official IRS information about the COVID-19 pandemic and economic impact payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page on IRS.gov. The page is updated quickly when new information is available.

For more information on taxpayers protecting themselves, or what to do if they’re a victim of identity theft, taxpayers can visit:

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

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

During the week starting March 22, the Oregon Employment Department received 92,700 initial claims for Unemployment Insurance benefits. That represented a 21 percent increase from the previous record during the week starting March 15. By comparison, the agency received 4,900 initial claim filings during the week starting March 8. The Employment Department continues to take proactive steps to meet the unprecedented need for unemployment benefits, which is largely due to reduced hours and layoffs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initial Claims

The Employment Department has detailed information for 45,800 of the claims processed during the week starting March 22. The leisure and hospitality sector, which includes hotels and restaurants, saw the greatest number of initial claims for unemployment benefits (15,500). This reflects impacts of additional public health and safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many initial claims also came from workers in health care and social assistance (7,600) and retail trade (4,600).

Multnomah (10,900), Washington (5,300), and Lane (4,200) were the counties with the largest number of claims. The largest percentage increases in initial claims over the week occurred in Harney and Tillamook counties. More initial claims data by industry and area can be found on the QualityInfo.org COVID-19 page (also see tables on next page).

Helping Oregonians

Over the past two weeks the Employment Department doubled the number of staff dedicated to taking claims, and is in the process of tripling it. The agency employees processing claims are doing so at a record rate. We also continue adding secure phone lines to take more calls while also protecting the personal information of those filing claims. Still, the truly unprecedented and sudden level of initial claims has caused delays and frustration for Oregonians who need our help, especially by phone.

The Employment Department encourages anyone who can file an online claim to do so. The agency’s website includes a video with step-by-step instructions for filing online claims specific to COVID-19 situations. Filing an initial or weekly claim online helps those who must file their claim by phone. Calls to follow up on the status of successfully filed claims also allows fewer new initial claims, which require the most time and work, to be received by phone. The Employment Department has started sending automatic confirmations for successfully filed claims with an e-mail address provided. Other automatic fixes and guidance, discussed in this video conversation, have been implemented to address common online claim errors and reduce the need for follow-up.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

To file an online claim for unemployment benefits, go to Oregon.gov/employ or call 1-877-FILE-4-UI. For help finding jobs and training resources, contact your local WorkSource Oregon center or go to WorkSourceOregon.org.

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

April 7, 2020

Media contacts: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) Staff, 503-373-7872, media.COVID-19@state.or.us

Oregon reports 4 new COVID-19 deaths, 49 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore.— COVID-19 has claimed 4 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 33, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 49 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 1,181. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (7), Clatsop (1), Deschutes (4), Klamath (1), Lane (1), Linn (1), Marion (6), Multnomah (15), Polk (2), Washington (11). To see more case and county-level data, Oregon Health Authority updates its website once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s 30th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old female in Marion County, who tested positive on March 28 and died on April 5 at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 31st COVID-19 death is a 98-year-old female in Marion County, who tested positive on April 1 and died April 5 in her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 32nd COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old female in Marion County, who tested positive on March 30 and died April 2 in her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 33rd COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old female in Washington County, who tested positive on March 27 and died April 6 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

New weekly report on COVID-19 cases in Oregon

Starting today, OHA will begin posting a weekly report that represents a snapshot of COVID-19 risk factors, clinical and demographic characteristics, and includes data on cases with pending investigations. You can review the report here.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

April 6, 2020

Media contacts: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) Staff, 503-373-7872, media.COVID-19@state.or.us

Oregon reports 2 new COVID-19 deaths, 64 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 29, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 64 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (6), Columbia (2), Curry (2), Deschutes (1), Douglas (1), Jackson (6), Josephine (3), Klamath (3), Lane (2), Linn (1), Marion (11), Multnomah (10), Polk (2), Umatilla (1), Washington (12). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s 28th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old male in Washington County, who tested positive on March 30 and died April 4, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 29th COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old female in Marion county, who tested positive on April 1 and died April 2, in her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Update: The COVID-19 case data OHA publishes once a day on its website and shares once a day with the media are provisional and subject to change. A case reported yesterday as a Yamhill County case was later determined to be a Washington County case. The total number of new cases in Washington County is 12 to reflect this change. However, the case that moved from Yamhill County to Washington County is not reflected in the total of new cases statewide for today.

New dashboard to help visualize COVID-19 data in Oregon

OHA today unveiled a new dashboard to help visualize COVID-19 data and trends in Oregon. The two graphs show Oregon’s epidemiological curve and the number of Oregonians who have been tested for COVID-19.

These data are provisional. Our team of epidemiologists continues to review and verify data, so our reported numbers will change. As we get more information, we update the data from previous days.

You can find a link to our data dashboard on OHA’s main COVID-19 web page at http://healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Watch this video for an overview of the dashboard.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll from 26 to 27, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 69 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (6), Columbia (3), Klamath (1), Lane (3), Linn (2), Marion (10), Multnomah (24), Polk (2), Sherman (1), Umatilla (2), Washington (12), Yamhill (3). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s 27th COVID-19 death is a 62-year-old female in Multnomah County, who tested positive on April 2, 2020, and died on April 2, 2020, in her residence. It is unknown at this time if she had underlying medical conditions.

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed four more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll from 22 to 26, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 100 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today, bringing the statewide total to 999. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (12), Columbia (2), Deschutes (3), Douglas (2), Jackson (6), Josephine (1), Klamath (1), Lane (3), Linn (3), Marion (10), Multnomah (34), Polk (2), and Washington (19). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s 23rd COVID-19 death is a 65-year-old man in Marion County, who tested positive on March 26, 2020, and died on April 2, 2020, at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 24th COVID-19 death is a 59-year-old man in Multnomah County, who tested positive on March 24, 2020, and died on April 3, 2020, at his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 25th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old woman in Multnomah County, who tested positive on March 30, 2020, and died on April 2, 2020, at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 26th COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old woman in Multnomah County, who tested positive on March 23, 2020, and died on April 1, 2020, at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

April 3, 2020

Media contacts: Oregon COVID-19 Joint Information Center (JIC) staff, 503-373-7872, media.COVID-19@state.or.us

Oregon reports 1 new COVID-19 death, 73 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 22, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 73 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (5), Clatsop (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (4), Klamath (5), Malheur (1), Marion (14), Morrow (1), Multnomah (15), Polk (2), Washington (17), Yamhill (5). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s 22nd COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man in Polk County, who tested positive on March 19 and died April 2 at Salem Hospital. He had underlying medical conditions.

OHA: Non-medical masks can supplement but not replace Stay Home, Save Lives.

With recent news that federal authorities may recommend wearing masks in public, Oregon Health Authority is reminding Oregonians that staying home and avoiding all non-essential contact with others continues to be the most important thing all of us can do to stay healthy and keep others healthy. And during moments where people must go out of the house, they should stay at least 6 feet apart from others at all times.

Before deciding whether to wear a mask, Oregon Health Authority recommends people keep two considerations central:

• Medical masks should be reserved for health care providers who are on the front lines working with patients most likely to have COVID-19. We have had shortages of those masks – and it's critically important that our health care workers have the equipment they need to do their jobs.
• Non-medical mask use (e.g., homemade fabric masks) does not replace the need to follow guidance to stay home and limit our contact with others. It does not replace frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, and staying away from people who are ill. These are the most important steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 illness.

“We continue to stress that medical masks are essential for health care workers who are in close contact with someone who has COVID-19," said Paul Cieslak, MD, medical director for communicable diseases, OHA Public Health Division. "We need to preserve supplies of medical masks for our health care workers so they can stay safe as they work to keep all of us healthy. For the general public, homemade fabric masks, especially if well-made and well-fitting, may provide some benefit."

Wearing a fabric mask can help prevent the spread of infection to others when the mask is worn by someone who already is infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, particularly if the person is coughing. The mask may block some infectious droplets from spreading when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes and, to a lesser degree, speaks.

"The data do not tell us how much protection homemade cloth masks provide to the person wearing a homemade mask. For this reason, homemade and fabric masks should not be considered reliable protection; but they may provide some benefit," said Cieslak. “Above all, we continue to stress that the reliable tool we have right now to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is strict social distancing – as outlined in Governor Brown’s ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ orders.”

Everyone, even people who are young and healthy, must stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read more here about Governor Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” orders. Read more here about OHA’s social distancing guidelines.

Changes in hospital reporting

COVID-19 hospital capacity data on today’s Daily Update, formerly labeled the Situation Status Report, or Sit Stat, is listed as “pending” due to data quality issues. OHA is working with its partner hospitals to improve the COVID-19 data reporting process so we can ensure the accuracy, consistency and timeliness of the underlying data. The state has paused our public reporting so OHA can provide additional technical assistance to hospital staff. OHA will resume public reporting of COVID-19 hospital capacity data as soon as we have achieved full compliance and consistency in data reporting across all sources.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

April 3, 2020

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

Medical marijuana program Rules Advisory Committee cancels April 13 meeting

What: A rules advisory committee meeting to discuss changes to the cannabis testing rules in Division 7 and 64 scheduled for April 13 is canceled. It will be rescheduled on a date to be determined.

Background: The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is responsible for cannabis testing rules that apply to both medical and retail markets. All marijuana items intended to be sold at a dispensary or retail shop must have been sampled and tested according to the testing rules set by the Oregon Health Authority.

# # #

April 2, 2020

Media contacts: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) Staff, 503-373-7872, media.COVID-19@state.or.us

Oregon reports 2 new COVID-19 deaths, 90 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore.— COVID-19 has claimed 2 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll from 19 to 21, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 90 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today bringing the statewide total to 826. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (5), Deschutes (5), Hood River (1), Jackson (5), Josephine (2), Klamath (3), Lane (3), Lincoln (1), Marion (13), Union (2), Multnomah (26), Washington (22), and Yamhill (1). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s twentieth COVID-19 death is a 61-year-old man in Washington County, who tested positive on March 21, 2020, and died on April 1, 2020 at Tuality Healthcare. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s twenty-first COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old woman in Marion County, who tested positive on March 31, 2020, and died on April 1, 2020 at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Update: The COVID-19 case data OHA publishes once a day on its website and shares once a day with the media are provisional and subject to change. A case reported yesterday as a Douglas County case was later determined to be a Lane County case. The total number of new cases in Lane County is 3 to reflect this change. However, the case moved from Douglas County to Lane County is not reflected in the total of new cases statewide for today.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

April 1, 2020

Media Contact: Oregon COVID-19 Joint Information Center (JIC) staff, 503-373-7872, media.COVID-19@state.or.us

Oregon reports 1 new COVID-19 death, 47 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 19, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 47 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (6), Deschutes (3), Douglas (1), Jackson (1), Lane (2), Lincoln (1), Marion (10), Multnomah (18), Washington (3), and Yamhill (1). One case previously reported in Hood River County was identified as a resident of another state; thus, today’s statewide case count is 736. Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s nineteenth COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old woman in Multnomah County, who tested positive on March 27, 2020, and died on March 29, 2020 at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Update: The COVID-19 case data OHA publishes once a day on its website and shares once a day with the media are provisional and subject to change. A case reported yesterday as a Hood River County case was later determined to be a Washington State case. The total number of new cases reported as of yesterday has changed from 690 to 689.

Latest COVID-19 projections show social distancing can cut coronavirus infections if Oregonians keep current measures in place into May

Updated projections from health researchers show that there is “strong evidence that measures currently in place in Oregon are reducing transmission,” according to the latest models.  The most recent data suggest that current social distancing measures could cut transmission rates between 50%-70% if Oregonians maintain these limitations on virus-spreading interactions into early May.

If Oregonians can maintain current social distancing efforts and the current projections hold true, the state could meet the likely demand for hospital beds under current strategies. 

According to the latest report, researchers estimate that Oregon has slightly higher numbers of current infections than previously assessed, based on an increase in reported cases from earlier time points.

• COVID-19 infections: Under current social distancing conditions with the cooperation of most Oregonians to Stay Home, Save Lives, it is estimated that in early May Oregon would have over 4,000 cumulative infections and 200-1,200 active infections. However, if the state were to reopen non-essential businesses (while keeping schools closed), the number of new infections would spike to as many as 3,500 active infections by early May
• Hospital beds needed: Researchers found “expected demand for hospital beds is predicted to remain relatively constant before decreasing, assuming current or strengthened interventions and continued high compliance
• Uncertainty: Researchers highlighted that the projections remain uncertain. In coming weeks, state public health officials and researchers will get a better picture of current actual infections and how they affect the projections, as well as more data on the public’s continued adherence to social distancing measures.

The models state health officials released today were prepared by the Institute for Disease Modeling, based in Washington.

Oregon’s emergency response continues to focus on strengthening the health care system’s ability to meet the coming surge. State health officials are working with hospitals and other health care partners to mobilize the health care workforce and keep workers safe, expand bed capacity and secure more ventilators. However, the public’s ability to maintain social distancing will be the most important factor in determining whether Oregon prevents local hospitals from becoming overwhelmed by COVID-19 admissions.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state health officer at OHA, said: “We know coronavirus has brought painful disruption and distress for Oregonians. However, these numbers tell us that what we’re doing can work. We know social distancing is tough and comes with incredible sacrifices. But steps we’re all taking to maintain social distancing could save the lives of people we know and people who are important to us. As Oregonians, we all must continue to put Stay Home, Save Lives into practice.”

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

Today the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) in Salem, distributed the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update. This attached report provides a summary of combined information from the State ECC and Oregon Health Authority Agency Operations Center. The document details COVID-19 cases in Oregon, hospital capacity and PPE supply inventory. It also offers a summary from each of the state’s 18 emergency support functions.

This report was previously distributed by OHA.

Today the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) in Salem, distributed the Oregon COVID-19 Daily Update. This attached report provides a summary of combined information from the State ECC and Oregon Health Authority Agency Operations Center. The document details COVID-19 cases in Oregon, hospital capacity and PPE supply inventory. It also offers a summary from each of the state’s 18 emergency support functions.

This report was previously distributed by OHA.

(SALEM, Ore.) — In response to the "Stay Home, Save Lives" Executive Order to reduce the effects of the COVID-19 virus, a coalition of Oregon state agencies are asking Oregonians to voluntarily refrain from conducting outdoor burning. 

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM), Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recognize that many Oregonians use fire as a necessary tool to manage their lands, including industrial forest landowners, farmers, small woodland owners, and rural residents. However, it’s important to weigh possible effects on the wider community before choosing to burn. Please be a good neighbor. Smoke from fires during the current pandemic may result in the following negative consequences for the public and first responders:

• Smoke inhalation can cause upper respiratory symptoms, which could be incorrectly attributed to COVID-19, leading to unnecessary testing or self-isolation.
• Exposure to smoke and other forms of air pollution can increase the risk of contracting infectious respiratory disease such as COVID-19, increase the severity of existing respiratory infections, and worsen underlying chronic respiratory conditions.
• There is a severe shortage of personal protective equipment to reduce smoke exposure at this time.
• First responders and other emergency services are operating at a reduced capacity and have limited resources to respond to out-of-control burns.

COVID-19 affects the respiratory system. Fever, cough and difficulty breathing are the most common symptoms. While some people with COVID-19 are hospitalized, most patients recover at home, where smoke from a nearby outdoor burn could worsen their condition. To avoid additional health impacts, all people in Oregon are asked to voluntarily refrain from conducting outdoor burning activities until further notice.

Burning that can be delayed includes:

• Debris burning around one’s property
• Burn barrels
• Industrial burning
• Slash and forest burning
• Agricultural burning that would impact neighbors and can be delayed

Local officials may already have prohibited outdoor burning in your area. If you must conduct outdoor burning, please first check with your local fire agency to see if outdoor burning is still allowed. If it is, please follow best burn practices, which can be found on the website of the Office of the State Fire Marshall.

DEQ, ODF, OSFM, and ODA encourage the public to use the following alternatives to burning when available:

• Recycle paper products when possible
• Compost or chip yard debris on site
• Haul to a yard debris composting or recycling site
• Reuse old lumber

For more information, visit:

ODF - https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Fire/pages/Burn.aspx

DEQ - https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/Pages/Burning.aspx

ODA - https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/NaturalResources/Pages/Burning.aspx

OHA COVID-19 website - https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19

This is a rapidly evolving situation. The latest COVID-19 response and protocols information is available at the Oregon Health Authority | COVID 19 Updates webpage. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. — New projections from health researchers show there is “strong evidence that measures currently in place in Oregon are reducing transmission,” but these measures need to be maintained to reduce the number of COVID-19 infections in Oregon.

During a virtual press briefing this afternoon, Oregon Office of Emergency Management director Andrew Phelps, along with Dr. Dean Sidelinger of Oregon Health Authority, discussed projections of the disease’s spread in the state. Go to https://oregon-coronavirus-geo.hub.arcgis.com/ to view video from the briefing. Dr. Sidelinger is a specialist in epidemiology and immunization.

“By staying home, Oregonians are doing their part to flatten the curve,” said Andrew Phelps. “When Oregonians stay home, we limit contact with sick people, protect first responders and frontline workers, preserving hospital space, and extend the life of the state’s supply of personal protection equipment, such as masks and gloves.”

Phelps clarified that the briefings will be occurring regularly and that media advisories will be sent out on the days there are webinars. The Oregon Joint Information Center (JIC) may be reached at media.COVID-19@state.or.us or 503-373-7872 with any immediate questions.

Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

MEDIA ADVISORY: Andrew Phelps does a deep dive into flatten the curve & case projections with state public health officer and epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger

The City of West Linn received a grant through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, administered by Oregon State Historic Preservation Office to fund the following local preservation project.

1822 5th Avenue

$1,600.00 grant funds

Restore one window to its original orientation and make required siding repairs due to this change.

This notice serves to make the public aware of the projects and solicit comments pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The comment period is open for 30 days from the date of this announcement. To provide comments or learn more information about this project visit www.oregonheritage.org and follow the federal grant public comment page link or contact Tracy Schwartz at acy.Schwartz@oregon.gov">Tracy.Schwartz@oregon.gov or 503-986-0661.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund, to assist the various states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and in Oregon, is administered through the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Five Portland properties are among Oregon’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places, including the railroad that runs through the Portland Zoo, a former school, residential homes, and an apartment complex. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) recommended these property nominations at their June 2019 meeting. The National Park Service — which maintains the National Register of Historic Places — accepted these nominations in March 2020.

The nominations are as follows: Portland Zoo Railway Historic District, Multnomah School, Elmer and Linnie Miller House, John A. and Hattie Mae Keating Residence, and Wheeldon Annex.

Portland Zoo Railway Historic District – Engineered, designed and built by professional railroad engineers and train designers in 1958, the Portland Zoo Railway, which transported people between the Oregon Zoo and Washington Park, is a significant example of railroad and train engineering on a small scale. Notable features include the 30” gauge track, six original train cars, the Washington Park Station, and the railway roundhouse for servicing and storing the locomotives. Parts of the railroad were developed to provide recreational rides through the zoo at Oregon’s centennial celebration. 

Multnomah School – Constructed in 1923 in Multnomah Village, the Spanish Colonial Revival school served as the community’s only school until its closure in 1979, representing the community’s commitment to public education. In 1982, the Portland Parks Bureau took over the school and with community support and involvement adapted it into the Multnomah Arts Center and Senior Center, thereby continuing and expanding its critical role as a community resource.

Elmer and Linnie Miller House – Located in the Eliot neighborhood, this Queen Anne style house was constructed in 1896. It showcases the asymmetry and decorative millwork that characterized the architecture of the era.

John A. and Hattie Mae Keating Residence – The Keating Residence is a Shingle Style and Arts & Crafts residence in Portland’s West Hills designed by architect Ellis F. Lawrence in 1913. Lawrence was the founder and first dean of the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts. The home reflects a change in architecture trends to more open floor plans. It also stands out for its innovative centralized vacuum system.

Wheeldon Annex – This downtown apartment complex was built in 1911 and is one of the earliest surviving examples of the “U shape” apartment building that became ubiquitous in Portland and cities nationwide. Built by architects MacNaughton and Raymond in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, the five-story brick structure is associated with a period of explosive growth in Portland during the first half of the 20th century. The Wheeldon Annex was considered highly modern and respectable, notable for its built-in, fold-away furniture, single bathrooms for every apartment, dumbwaiters and tenant services. 

The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. More information about the National Register is online at oregonheritage.org (listed under “Designate”).

Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects;
• Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
• Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.

National Register listing does not place any restrictions on a property at the state or federal level, unless property owners choose to participate in tax benefit or grant programs.

SALEM, Ore. – The Supreme Court and Library Building — the oldest government building in Salem — is among Oregon’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) recommended the building’s nomination at their June 2019 meeting. The National Park Service – which maintains the National Register of Historic Places – accepted the nomination on March 4, 2020.

Constructed in 1914, the building was spared from the devastating capitol fire of 1935. This was the first building constructed solely for state Supreme Court matters in Oregon. Prior, the judicial department operated out of the 1876 State House, along with all branches of government. The building embodies the Supreme Court’s role in the development of Oregon's provisional government, statehood and establishment of its capital.

William C. Knighton, Oregon’s first and only State Architect, designed the building in the Beaux Arts style, characterized by the classical architectural detailing such as the Ionic columns, symmetry, and marble floors. It is considered Knighton’s finest representation of the Beaux Arts and is one of his most recognizable works. In addition, the building garnered recognition beyond Oregon’s borders. In 1915, the governing body of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition presented a bronze placard to the State of Oregon to commemorate the dedication of the building. 

The Supreme Court and Library Building is the 67th listed property in the City of Salem and the first listing since the Lord and Schryver House and Garden in December 2014. 

The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. More information about the National Register is online at oregonheritage.org (listed under “Designate”).

Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects;
• Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
• Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.

National Register listing does not place any restrictions on a property at the state or federal level, unless property owners choose to participate in tax benefit or grant programs.

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – The Britt Gardens Site, a well-preserved archaeological site of a homestead occupied by the Britt family for over a century, is among Oregon’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) recommended the sites nomination at their June 2019 meeting. The National Park Service – which maintains the National Register of Historic Places – accepted the nomination on March 6, 2020.

The Britt Gardens is the former homestead of photographer, agricultural innovator and renowned capitalist Peter Britt. Britt arrived in Oregon in 1852 and lived and worked at this property until his death in 1905. Britt’s photographs documenting prominent people, places and events in the second half of the 19th century were known throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

Additionally, Britt helped pioneer the pear and grape agricultural industries that helped define the region’s economy. Pear orchards became a powerful economic driver in the 20th century, and grape cultivation for wineries lead part of the region’s 21st century economy. Britt is also known for creating a formal garden on his property that was a cherished community space and popular tourist destination.

While homestead sites are commonly found around the state, the historical context, condition, and archaeological deposits of the Britt Gardens Site make it a remarkable site for providing information. Two generations lived on the property for over a century, and well-preserved photographs, diaries, letters and family heirlooms provide important data about the settlement of Oregon. 

The Britt Gardens Site is the 10th individual property in Jacksonville to be listed in the National Register, and the first listing since March 2000. 

The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. More information about the National Register is online at oregonheritage.org (listed under “Designate”).

Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects;
• Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
• Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.

National Register listing does not place any restrictions on a property at the state or federal level, unless property owners choose to participate in tax benefit or grant programs.

The Recreational Trails Program is now accepting grant applications for the 2020 grant cycle. The federally funded reimbursement grant program provides matching grants to construct, expand, or improve public trails for motorized and non-motorized use.

Grant funds are available for construction, heavy restoration, trailhead facilities, land or easement acquisitions, safety and education, trail assessment for accessibility or maintenance, and water trails.

Eligible applicants: local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, Tribal governments, other public land managers, and nonprofits. Nonprofits must demonstrate partnership with a land manager and be registered as a nonprofit in Oregon for at least three years prior to the application date.

Eligible applicants should apply online via the Oregon Parks and Recreation grant application website: oprdgrants.org. Returning applicants should use their existing account to log in and complete the application. New applicants will need to request an account via the grants website.

Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent via the online system by April 30. The deadline for completed applications is June 15.

Contact the RTP grant coordinator (see contact info below) if circumstances related to COVID-19 might impact your ability to meet these deadlines.

An elective webinar will be held April 8 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Register here: register.gotowebinar.com/register/8839060142165623052

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Approximately $1.5 million in matching grants is available for 2020. Since 1993, the program has funded over 500 projects across Oregon.

More information about the program, including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule, is on the OPRD website: oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx.

Questions can be directed to Jodi Bellefeuille, Recreational Trails Program coordinator, at ellefeuille@oregon.gov">jodi.bellefeuille@oregon.gov or 503-986-0716.

Board of Health meeting added to next week’s agenda

Vancouver, Wash. – In keeping with the social distancing protocols in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Clark County Council is providing several options for residents to remotely participate in its public meetings. As announced earlier, county council public meetings are currently physically closed to the public.

Next week the council will hold its regular public meeting at 10 am Tuesday, April 7. Councilors and staff will have the option to call into the meeting.

The council will meet in its capacity as the Clark County Board of Health in a special meeting at 9 am Wednesday, April 8 to receive an update on COVID-19.

The council encourages participation in these public meetings in the following ways:

• Watch live on CVTV, Comcast channel 23
• Stream live at www.cvtv.org
• Listen to audio only by calling: 1 (408) 418-9388
  • Each meeting has a unique access code that can be found at: www.clark.wa.gov/council-meetings

Anyone wishing to submit comments for the public meetings can do so online at www.clark.wa.gov/councilors/public-comment.

Due to the evolving nature of the current situation, please check the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/council-meetings as meeting dates and times may be updated.

Vancouver, Wash. – With the support of Clark County Public Health and the Clark County Council, restrooms in all county parks will be closed effective immediately. The closure helps support Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.

“We appreciate the support of the council and Public Health in continuing to prioritize the safety of the public and our Public Works staff,” said Public Works Director Ahmad Qayoumi. “We know these aren’t easy decisions to make, but we are thankful to the council for allowing us to implement these safety standards so we can keep parks open for the community.”

On March 24, the Clark County Council supported closing playgrounds and play structures at all parks in Clark County.  Clark County joins a growing list of local jurisdictions that are closing playgrounds, restrooms and other park facilities to protect public health and safety.

Park users are expected to follow social-distancing and safety protocols including:

• Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails.
• Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass.
• Observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of six feet from other persons not from your household at all times.
• If you are not able to maintain social-distancing guidelines while visiting a county park, please go home and try to come again at another time.

“While visitors will still be able to use parks, we are asking all Clark County residents to do their part in stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Parks and Lands Division Manager Galina Burley. “The county’s parks staff does not have the capacity to actively enforce closures and social-distancing guidelines, so we rely on members of the public to follow the guidelines for the health and safety of our community.”

                                                                                                ###

Salem, OR – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our community, Marion County Health & Human Services has established a warmline for community members to call for support and find out about available resources that may be helpful.

The line will be in operation starting Wednesday, April 8, and will be open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 503-576-4602.

Marion County staff answering calls to the warmline will be able to help community members address the challenges they are facing due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Resources they will be able to assist with include:

• Available financial supports for utilities and rent;
• Resources for mental health care;
• Information about food pantries and food boxes; and
• Entertainment resources and ideas to beat cabin fever.

The resources available through the warmline will be updated frequently as the needs of the community continue to change.

The warmline is not intended to replace a crisis hotline. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, such as suicidal thoughts, should call a crisis hotline such as the Marion County Psychiatric Crisis Center at 503-585-4949 or the Northwest Human Services Crisis Hotline 503-581-5535 or 800-560-5535, both of which operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Additional information about the novel coronavirus is available online at COVID-19.MCHealth.net.

Salem, OR—Marion County Public Works is postponing the Silverton Road Bridge Replacement Project to the spring of 2021. Marion County has received federal funds to replace the Silverton Road Bridge over the Little Pudding River. The project is located on Silverton Road between 60th Avenue and 64th Place. Construction was scheduled to begin this spring; however, due to additional impact studies that were necessary to complete the right-of-way process the project has been postponed.

Postponing the work will ensure that all of the work can be completed in one construction season and within environmental limitations for work within the river. Postponing construction a year will also limit the inconvenience to the travelling public, as well as allow the successful contractor additional planning time for the project.

During construction, Silverton Road will be closed to through traffic between 60th Avenue and 64th Place. The closure will start in the spring 2021 and end by Thanksgiving 2021. While Silverton Road is closed there will be two detour routes with signs.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice or the project in general, please contact Tina Powell, Office Specialist, at (503) 588-5036 or by email at tmpowell@co.marion.or.us.   

Update: Willamette Workforce Partnership link updated. 

Salem, OR — Are you a small Marion County business that needs support? Funding is available to help businesses during these difficult times.

If businesses or sole proprietors with five or fewer employees are experiencing negative economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, help is now available thanks to Marion County. The Board of Commissioners has dedicated $200,000 from the Marion County Economic Stimulus Funding Program to distribute grants of up to $5,000 to eligible businesses throughout the county.

The county has partnered with Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP) to manage the application process and complete information is available on the WWP website at www.willwp.org  

Applications for funding support will be available on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. Completed applications for these grants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis beginning on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. Applications will not be accepted after 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2020.

Marion County is committed to supporting the small businesses that are the foundation of our local economy. “This program throws a lifeline to those family owned businesses that were shut through no fault of their own,” said Commissioner Colm Willis, Chair, Marion County Board of Commissioners.

“We are poised and ready to quickly get funding support into the hands of businesses that need it most, that perhaps don’t have other options during these unprecedented times. I appreciate the commitment of the Marion County’s commissioners and am glad we can serve our community in this way,” said Kim Parker-Llerenas, Executive Director, Willamette Workforce Partnership.

For more information, visit www.willwp.org or contact Marion County at (503) 373-4300 or usinessRecovery@co.marion.or.us">BusinessRecovery@co.marion.or.us.

GRESHAM, Ore. – A colon cancer survivor running low on supplies and medication. A husband and wife, both with heart conditions, who need toilet paper. A blind and deaf man struggling with what food he can eat. These are just a few examples from more than 3,000 of Gresham’s most vulnerable residents that City staff are calling through Operation Gresham Connected.

“During this time of isolation, it’s more important than ever to stay connected and keep our community strong,” said Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis. “Our incredible team of public servants is ready and willing to go beyond to help our elderly and our immunecompromised residents get through this challenging time.”

A team of 40 City staff, whose normal work has been disrupted due to the spread of COVID-19, make calls to check in with longtime utility account holders. Through the program, staff connect residents with resources, and in some instances, employees act as couriers for critical deliveries of medication and food.

Staff are also reaching out to senior citizens and vulnerable community members referred to City Hall by local faith and nonprofit organizations.

In just one week, City staff called 2,500 residents to offer information, resources and supplies. Examples of collaboration include:

• Coordinated delivery of supplies and medication to an elderly colon cancer survivor.
• Delivered hand sanitizer and toilet paper to a couple with heart conditions, one of whom relies on an oxygen tank. The staff person left their phone number and email if the couple needs anything else.
• Connected with a resident who is blind, deaf and has diabetes and lives on his own. After talking with the resident and his caretaker, staff delivered toilet paper and food to him.
• Arranged for an 80-year-old Holocaust survivor to have her furnace repaired and get her electricity working.

“In this unprecedented time, it’s nice to know the City cares,” noted one resident.

“I don’t know of any other city showing this kind of concern for their people,” said another resident.

City employees were quick to volunteer for Operation Gresham Connected, answering the call to serve within the first 48 hours after the program was announced.

“This is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Tina Osterink, Natural Resources Planner, who volunteers for the program. “I feel like we are making a real difference.”

Community-based organizations, churches or neighborhood groups with directories of vulnerable residents can reach out to Operation Gresham Connected at eshamConnected@GreshamOregon.gov">GreshamConnected@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2111.

The City’s Emergency Operations Center remains activated while City Hall is closed to the public. City leadership continues to conduct core business and ensure that essential services are operational for the safety of the public. Regular updates to the community will be available on www.GreshamOregon.gov/COVID19 as well as the City’s social media channels.

The City of Hillsboro is launching the “Food 2 You” food pantry delivery program on Tuesday, April 7, in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army of Hillsboro.

The Food 2 You program will deliver essential food to Hillsboro community members who need it most during the COVID-19 pandemic, when getting to a food pantry may be difficult or dangerous to their health.

The program will accept requests and deliver food two (2) days each week, hence the name: Food 2 You.

“People need to eat, and if there’s no way for people to get to the food, then we have to get the food to the people,” said Mayor Steve Callaway. “How our community has traditionally provided food to those in need works for some, but during this COVID-19 public health crisis, it doesn’t work for everyone. We are bringing creative solutions to an unprecedented situation. We want people to stay home and stay healthy, to not risk their lives.”
 

How it works

Requests are accepted by phone at 503-681-5090 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only, from noon to 4 pm. Orders are filled and delivered the following day (Wednesdays and Thursdays). Community members will also have the option to leave a voicemail message to request a call back to take their food request.

Food is left at the door in order to maintain social distancing, but with perishable food items, the person must be there to receive the food. Due to high demand, dietary needs or special needs cannot be accommodated.

Based on what’s available at the time of the request, food deliveries may be enough to feed a small  family for several days. If there is extra food that will not be eaten, the food can be shared with others — while maintaining social distancing of at least six feet.

Recipients must live in Hillsboro, and the only questions they are asked is their name, address, and phone number.

Although Hillsboro residents can still pick up food boxes from food pantries on their own, the Food 2 You program will assist those who are unable to get to a food pantry due to COVID-19 concerns.

Food 2 You complements other food pantry delivery services, including Meals on Wheels, and can assist Hillsboro community members who may not be served through other programs.
 

City of Hillsboro support

City of Hillsboro employees will have a hands-on role in supporting the Food 2 You program, including staff from the Parks & Recreation, Information Services, City Manager’s Office, and Police departments, as well as members of the HiLight broadband team. Among their support roles:

• Getting word out to community members
• Taking the orders on the phone
• Relaying the orders to St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army of Hillsboro
• Helping to fill the orders at the food pantries
• Delivering food boxes to addresses in Hillsboro
   

Helpful reminders

• Refrigerate and freeze food items as needed
• Pantries cannot take any food items back
• All produce should be washed prior to use
• Share items that you will not use — while maintaining social distancing of at least six feet

(NEWBERG, OREGON) – The City of Newberg has dedicated $100,000 from the General Fund to create a Business Emergency Relief Grant (BERG) Program. The purpose of the grant is to help businesses adversely affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019. The City is offering grants up to $2,500 per business for small local businesses to cover rent and mortgage costs.

Eligible businesses are ones that are located in the Newberg City Limits, employee 15 people or fewer, have a current Newberg business license that is in good standing, have operated for more than one year, and are locally-owned and not a franchise. Additionally, grant funds cannot be used to pay for mortgages of home occupations. Grants will be awarded based on eligibility with a portion of funds set aside specifically for minority and women owned businesses.

The program will launch April 7, 2020. The City is working with the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Newberg Downtown Coalition, and Unidos Bridging Communities to try and ensure a wide reach before the launch. The City wants qualifying businesses to have equal opportunity to apply and receive funds.

The City of Newberg values businesses and the local workforce and wants to help connect businesses to resources and information during the COVID-19 crisis. Along with the BERG Program, the City is also launching a program modeled after a similar one in Dayton, Oregon where residents can receive rebates on their utility bills by shopping at a local restaurant or business called “The Newberg Support Local Challenge.” The City will give residents a $15 credit on their utility bill for each $25 residents spend at a local restaurant or business. More information can be found at the City’s website: www.NewbergOregon.gov/SLC.

The City has also launched a website with resources for businesses which can be found at https://www.newbergoregon.gov/citymanager/page/covid-19-resources-businesses-and-employees. The webpage has information on local, state, and national resources businesses and employees can access or apply for including loans, grants, and federal funds.

According to Newberg Mayor Rick Rogers, “Small businesses are the life blood of our community. The Business Emergency Relief Grant program is a means to help support local businesses as they face extremely challenging times. Program parameters were developed in collaboration with the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Newberg Downtown Coalition, the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) and the City of Newberg. The program is but one example of the power of collaboration in our community. We wish our businesses and all of our residents quick and lasting relief from the pain brought by COVID-19.”

The City will be releasing more information about the grant program and the other business resources available on its website and social media accounts.

The annual Citywide Easter Egg Hunt in Rainier, Oregon is canceled for this year due to the COVID-19 situation.

Sponsored by the Rainier Eagles Aerie #4022, the event had been scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m. in the city park.

A new dropbox, mounted near the 1st Street doors of the Rainier City Hall will securely accept payments for City of Rainier utility bills as well as payments for Clatskanie and Columbia River PUD.

It is asked that no Rainier Municipal Court related payments be made via the new box and depositing cash is discouraged.

"This is a great step for our community," said Mayor Jerry Cole. "Not just in this time of 'social distancing,' but going forward by allowing for payments to be made anytime that fits the schedule of our customers."

The box is secure and monitored around the clock.
It is a cooperative project of the City of Rainier and the two power providers.

Salem, Ore. — While we cannot disclose personal medical information about any of our staff, we can confirm that members of our staff have tested positive for the Coronavirus.  We are working diligently to keep our community and our employees as safe as possible.  As we’ve heard from our public health agencies, the best way to reduce the spread of the virus is to stay home, and to practice social distancing when we must go out.    

Our City will continue to provide emergency response, public safety and other essential services, including water service to all customers. To do our part in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce opportunities for continued transmission of the virus, we’ve made changes to some of our programs and services.  Keep up to date on the latest changes on our website.  

We've also made provisions for employees to provide service to our community by working remotely where possible, and if needed, in offices with appropriate social distancing and separation. To help keep our community safe and continue sharing critical information to our community, we are re-purposing our staff and resources to essential services.

Because of the work we do, you will still see City workers in our community, providing much-needed City services. You can help keep yourself and City workers safe from COVID-19.  As a reminder, if you want to express your appreciation, please maintain the 6-foot required social distance when you do. Try a wave from a distance or a shouted "Thanks' from across the way. They'll appreciate your concern for their safety and that of their families. And you'll all be safer, too.

We are all in this together.  Please stay home, save lives.

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The Mid-Valley Angel Fund to fund up to four local startups. Applications due May 8.

Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem has partnered with local community organizations to broaden the resources available for startups in Salem. Seed funding is now available for local for-profit, early-stage growth businesses with the ambition and potential to scale in a national or international market. Applications are due by Fri., May 8, 2020.

Semifinalists will be invited to pitch their ventures to the Mid-Valley Angel Fund group. Up to four local startups will be selected to receive up to $25,000. Awarded funding can be used for working capital expenses including contract services, equipment, inventory, business and technical services, business moving expenses, and memberships in business organizations.

To apply, applicants will need to create a profile on gust.com and upload the required documents including a business plan, pitch deck, videos, financial projections and/or profit and loss statements, and IP documents.

A selection committee will determine the winning startups based on criteria including: a compelling company story, founder experience, growth potential, and ability to leverage the prize package.

LAUNCH Mid-Valley is a collaborative of regional partners working together to support and promote entrepreneurial activity in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Partners include SEDCOR, the Oregon Technology and Business Center, MERIT, Business Oregon, City of Dallas, City of Independence, Marion County, Polk County, Yamhill County, McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, City of Salem, and the Chemeketa SBDC. For more information, contact Annie Gorski, Economic Development Manager, at 503-540-2480 or ski@cityofsalem.net">agorski@cityofsalem.net. Additional information can be obtained by calling 503-588-6178. Si necesita ayuda para comprender esta información, por favor llame 503-588-6178.

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Seaside, Ore. – April 6, 2020 – The Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (OFCA) notified Seaside Fire Chief Joey Daniels and Division Chief David Rankin earlier this week that Rankin has been selected to receive a Medal of Honor from the OFCA for his contributions to Oregon Fire Service at a special ceremony later this year. 

Rankin, a full-time firefighter and the Division Chief of Operations with Seaside Fire & Rescue since October 2012, will be recognized and honored specifically for his heroic water rescue on the afternoon of December 30, 2019. At approximately 4:24 p.m. that day, Seaside Fire was dispatched to a report of a person pulled out into the ocean from the Necanicum Estuary and beach area. 

Prepping for a late Christmas dinner with his family due to other work obligations for his wife on Christmas Day, Rankin heard the call from home and dispatched immediately to assist with the rescue. Upon arrival on scene he consulted with the incident commander as they searched the ocean for the victim. Seeing the individual several times in the breaking surf and realizing there wasn’t time to wait for the Coast Guard to arrive Rankin donned his wetsuit, PFD and other water gear, armed himself with a rescue can and swam out to the approximate location of the victim - estimated to be approximately 300 yards through rough extremely rough waters from the river current and the tide.

The heavy surf initially made it difficult to locate the victim, but Rankin was able to spot the individual near what was later described as a sandbar. Typically, the situation would have called for Rankin to get the rescue can to the victim so that the victim could be stabilized and simply hold on until the U.S. Coast Guard (already in route to the scene) or a jet ski could aid in the rescue. However, recognizing that the victim was beginning to look hypothermic and likely unable to hold onto the rescue can for much longer, Rankin realized he didn’t have much time. He instead instructed the victim to hold onto the rescue can while Rankin swam towards shore, paddling against a heavy rip current and breaking waves. Swimming to the Gearhart side of the estuary (the estuary separates the Cities of Seaside and Gearhart), Gearhart Fire was there to meet Rankin and the victim so that paramedics could transport the victim.    

Speaking to Rankin’s fitness and ability in the water, he opted to swim back to the Seaside side rather than be transported himself following the successful rescue.

As leader of the special operations teams – which includes water, ropes, trench and confined space rescue – and Seasonal Lifeguard program for Seaside Fire, Rankin holds many certifications and has also served as a helicopter rescue swimmer in the U.S. Navy during his career. Rankin is married with two young boys.   

end of release

The City of Sherwood Utility Billing Department has created a new assistance program to help those affected directly by COVID-19. The program is only available for residential accounts. In order to apply, residents will need to complete a COVID-19 assistance application which is available on the City website. The application asks residents a few questions to demonstrate they have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Qualifying residents will receive a one-time credit of $58.99 on their bill.
“City staff continue to develop new programs to help our residents weather this unprecedented economic storm,” stated Joseph Gall, City Manager. “I hope this new relief program can help those utility customers that are directly impacted by this emergency.”
If customers do not have internet access, they may directly contact the Utility Billing Department at 503.925.2315 to be mailed a form, or to receive other assistance with their application.
Visit the City of Sherwood website here or copy and paste the link below for more information.

https://www.sherwoodoregon.gov/utilitybilling/page/utility-billing-relief-program
Media Contacts:
Kristen Switzer, Community Service Director, 971.979.2988, k@sherwoodoregon.gov">switzerk@sherwoodoregon.gov

On March 23, the Tualatin City Council issued Resolution 5488-20, declaring a Local State of Emergency throughout the City of Tualatin because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Resolution stated that COVID-19 has created a threat to public health and safety, and that the necessary public health response has caused significant economic impacts. This declaration authorizes the City Manager and Mayor to issue additional public safety and health orders related to this emergency.

On April 2, Mayor Frank Bubenik issued Emergency Order 2020-01, placing a temporary moratorium on residential and commercial evictions for nonpayment in light of the public health emergency caused by the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Oregon.

“Our community is suffering right now. Twenty percent of our workforce is employed in the hospitality and retail industries and we have over 1,600 businesses that call Tualatin home,” said Mayor Bubenik. “In addition, about 45% of our community rents. We, as a City, are doing everything we can to help.” In late March, Tualatin announced an Economic Stabilization Fund for businesses impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Emergency Order takes effect on April 2 and will remain in effect for the duration of the City’s State of Emergency.

Vancouver, Washington – The City of Vancouver is seeking two volunteers interested in representing the city on the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 13.

The Clark County Historic Preservation Commission is a joint city/county commission with five members appointed by Clark County Board of Councilors and two members appointed by Vancouver City Council.  The seven-member citizen advisory body is responsible for:

• reviewing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places
• reviewing nominations and designating properties to the Clark County Heritage Register
• conducting design review for changes to buildings and sites on the local register
• deciding on applications for the Special Valuation Tax Incentive for historic properties
• overseeing education and outreach efforts

Historic Preservation Commission members serve three-year terms. The commission typically meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Clark Couty Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. 

The commission is specifically seeking applications from individuals with an interest or professional background in archeology or architecture, but others are welcome to apply.  Applicants should be city residents although the city council may opt to waive this residency requirement. All applicants must also be available for an interview with Vancouver City Councilmembers on Wednesday, June 3.

Applications may be submitted online at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. To request a printed application or for further information, contact Shannon Ripp at Vancouver City Hall, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, by email at c_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us">bc_coordinator@cityofvancouver.us or by calling 360-487-8607.

Visit www.clark.wa.gov/planning/historic to learn more about the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission, including links to past meeting minutes and agendas.

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Vancouver, Washington – Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes today issued two new sets of emergency orders designed to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents and businesses within the city.

The orders will be reviewed by Vancouver City Council at their meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 6.

Unless modified, extended or terminated by Vancouver City Council or the city manager, these emergency orders are effective immediately and will remain in effect through April 30, 2020.

Emergency Order No. 2020-07:

• Suspends collection of city business license fees and business license fee surcharges.
• Allows the Vancouver Farmers Market to resume operations with required safety measures in place to mitigate the risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19.
• Puts measures in place that will ensure city water and sewer utility customers don’t have their service disconnected due to lack of payment, waives late payment fees, and allows use of payment plans for outstanding balances.
• Provides city funding for its Help to Other (H20) program, which helps qualifying low income water and sewer utility customers pay their bills. This program is typically funded by private community donations.

Emergency Order No. 2020-08:

• Makes private residential foreclosures illegal, except in situations where there are proven threats to the safety of others or protection of the property.
• Makes it illegal for landlords to evict small businesses for lack of payment. Small businesses are defined as those holding a valid Vancouver Business License with fewer than 50 employees.
• Requires all residential property owners, property managers or their agents wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to social distancing requirements whenever they enter the interior of a tenant’s home.

To learn more about the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including links to the full text of all city emergency orders, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/coronavirus.

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Vancouver, Washington – The City of Vancouver’s Citizen’s Commission on Mayor/City Council Salaries (a.k.a. Salary Review Commission) will hold two meetings next week, at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 7 and at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 9. In compliance with statewide social distancing requirements, both meetings will take place online via the free Cisco WebEx application.

The April 7 meeting is a work session with no public comment period. The public can listen to this meeting live by calling 1-408-418-9388 and using access code 969 592 937.

The April 9 meeting is a formal meeting with a public comment period. The public can listen and participate in the public comment period during this meeting by calling 1-408-418-9388 and using access code 966 413 003.

The commission's purpose is to study the relationship of salaries to the duties of the mayor and city council members and to set their salaries. The commission must file the schedule of salaries for the mayor and council members with the City Clerk by May 1, 2020, for inclusion in the 2021-2022 City budget.

The Salary Review Commission was established by a City charter section approved by voters in 1994. Salary reviews are performed every other year to coincide with the City’s budget cycle. The commission is comprised of seven community members who were appointed by the mayor and approved by Vancouver City Council.

For more information about the Salary Review Commission, including links to meeting agendas and minutes, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/src.                                                                          

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Vancouver, Washington – The City of Vancouver, in partnership with Centennial Real Estate and the Vancouver Mall, has opened a temporary Safe Parking Zone in the southwest portion of the Vancouver Mall parking lot (8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive). Available April 2-30, the Safe Parking Zone is designed to allow people who are sheltering in their vehicles to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Spaces are available for free on a first come, first served basis. Participants must register in person for the Safe Parking Zone from 10 a.m. to noon April 2 and April 3 at the Safe Parking Zone location. Additional registration hours may be added depending on availability.  

“As an important part of the community here in Vancouver, we are pleased to be able to extend help during this unprecedented time to people in our area who are in need, including the homeless and temporarily displaced,” said Vancouver Mall General Manager Tracy Peters.

The Safe Parking Zone is limited to 40 vehicles (including a maximum of two recreation vehicles), and all vehicles must be operational and legally licensed at the time of registration to receive a Safe Parking Zone placard. There is a limit of two adults per vehicle. Children under the age of 18 are welcome with an adult participant. Pets are allowed, but leash laws do apply and pet waste bags are not provided.

The Safe Parking Zone will have portable restroom facilities, hand washing stations and garbage service. It will be monitored by staff and has 24-hour security.

Participants must sign a code of conduct and agree to follow “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” protocols to remain in and around their vehicles and practice social distancing of at least 6 feet. Trips away from the Safe Parking Zone are limited to essential needs such as food and medicine. There is no cooking allowed on site.

More information about the Safe Parking Zone program can be found at:  www.cityofvancouver.us/safeparking.

###

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

About Centennial

Centennial is a national owner of major shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations. Rooted in retail since 1997, the company is focused on shaping the evolution of American retail by creating a superior multi-faceted shopping experience. Centennial properties serve not only as a place of commerce, but a place of community. For more information, visit CentennialREC.com.

Correction: an earlier version misstated the location of the release. The correct location is the 6700 block of SW Capitol Hill ROAD. The advisory below has been revised accordingly: 

A grease-clogged sewer line led to an overflow on the 6700 block of SW Capitol Road  last night, just upstream from the Stephens Creek Nature Park.

As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with Stephens Creek, especially in the area of the nature park, through April 5, due to the possibility of increased bacteria in the water. People are also advised to obey sewer release warning signs posted on that one block stretch of SW Capitol Road. 

An estimated 600 gallons of sewage overflowed onto SW Capitol Road from a maintenance access hole, and to a storm drain that leads to the creek. City crews arrived on-scene around 7 p.m. and cleared the blockage at about 11 p.m. 

Most sewage overflows are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with grease, tree roots, wet wipes, and other debris are the most common cause of sewage overflows.  

Environmental Services advises the public to follow these tips to prevent clogs in homes and businesses, and to prevent sewage releases: 

• Never pour grease down drains: Collect grease, oil, and fat in a can and then into the garbage. Grease that is liquid when poured down drains will become solid once in pipes.
• Only flush human waste and toilet paper (wet wipes are NOT flushable); 
• Don’t put anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only. Many of the City’s storm drains feed directly into creeks.

If you experience or see a sewer overflow, call the City of Portland’s 24/7 hotline: 503-823-1700.  

The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. @BESPortland. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/news.

PORTLAND, Oregon – Last week the Portland Water Bureau submitted its application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a low-cost supplemental loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program to construct the Bull Run Treatment Projects. Tomorrow, City Council will consider an ordinance authorizing water revenue bonds to finance the Bull Run Treatment Projects, including improved corrosion control treatment, a new filtration facility, and related pipelines.

“Council approval of the finance plan for the Bull Run Treatment Projects will lock in significant benefits for our ratepayers,” said Commissioner Amanda Fritz who oversees the Portland Water Bureau. “Based on rate projections, the WIFIA loan will provide millions of debt service savings to ratepayers over the term of the loan.”

The WIFIA program was created by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and passed by Congress in 2014, and officially launched in 2017. The program is designed to provide loans with customized terms that can significantly reduce ratepayer costs and create jobs by accelerating investment in the nation’s critical water infrastructure.

Borrowers have up to 35 years after substantial completion of a project to repay a loan, saving ratepayers money by allowing for smaller payment amounts over the life of the loan. The City estimates construction of the Bull Run Treatment Projects will create 7,500 direct construction jobs. Contracts related to the Bull Run Treatment Projects must ensure contractors are paying prevailing wage rates and maximizing opportunities for Disadvantaged, Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, Emerging Small Businesses, and Service-Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise contractors and subcontractors.

Cost estimates submitted to City Council last November ($820 million for the filtration facility and pipelines, and $20 million for improved corrosion control) were used in calculating the allowable WIFIA loan. In addition to those costs estimates, other eligible costs include project contingency, inflation, indirect costs, bond reserves and interest costs.

Because EPA allows delaying repayment of the WIFIA loans until after the filtration facility is substantially completed in 2027, payments on the loan will not need to begin until after ratepayers are already getting the benefits of the new facilities.

“The City is grateful to Senator Merkley for his leadership in creating the WIFIA program, and to Senator Ron Wyden, and Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici for their support of the City’s efforts to secure the WIFIA loan for the Bull Run Treatment Projects,” added Commissioner Fritz.

Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring. Monitoring results were received from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50-liters sampled daily, between Sunday, March 29 and Wednesday, April 1, one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in the sample collected on March 31. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on March 29, March 30 or April 1. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on March 16, 2020.

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

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

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

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

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

April 4, 2020

Murder suspect booked into Multnomah County’s Detention Center

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that on Friday April 3, 2020 Charvell Demarcus Douglas, 47, appeared in court and was arraigned on an indictment that alleges he murdered 43-year-old Jaquona Lakaya Goggans.

On April 2, 2020, Douglas was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center after being arrested in Wasco County, Oregon earlier this year.

The indictment, which was filed under seal on September 17, 2019, charges Douglas with one count of murder – constituting domestic violence.

Court documents allege that on or about February 7, 2019, Douglas unlawfully and intentionally caused the death of Ms. Goggans.

This case is being investigated by the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail.

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

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

A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Douglas is innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit is committed to ending family abuse. The unit engages in evidence-based prosecution of domestic violence. It emphasizes the importance of victim advocacy services for all victims and their children. Even when a prosecutor decides to proceed with a case without a victim’s participation, every effort is made to offer the victim advocacy services from available resources.

Resources:

• Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office: Victim Assistance Program: 503-988-3222
• Call to Safety: 1-888-235-5333
• The Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services: 503-988-6400

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) program provides 24-hour on-call response to victims of sexual assault in Multnomah County. Volunteers and staff respond to all local area hospitals to provide accompaniment for forensic rape exams, crisis intervention, resource referrals, and emotional support. This immediate crisis intervention service is then followed by ongoing support and advocacy throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case. The SAVA Program volunteers respond to approximately 270 sexual assault call outs each year.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office works closely with the City of Portland’s Office of Youth Violence Prevention and attends the bi-weekly Community Peace Collaborative meeting, which is a coalition of law enforcement, service providers and community members who are focused on encouraging people to take a stand against gun violence.

In August 2017, the Portland Area Crime Gun Initiative was formed in partnership the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon State Police, Oregon State Crime Lab, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the ATF.

The Portland Area Crime Gun Initiative works with its partners to prevent violent crime by identifying perpetrators, linking criminal activities, and identifying sources of crime guns for immediate disruption, investigation, and prosecution.

For more information on the Portland Area Crime Gun Initiative, please click here.

COVID-19 Notice:

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

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

#MCDA#

April 3, 2020

Ryan Wayne Perkins receives a 60 month prison sentence for assaulting a deputy district attorney

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 32-year-old Ryan Wayne Perkins – who punched a deputy district attorney in court – received a 60 month prison sentence.

Perkins pleaded guilty to one count of assault in the fourth degree, one count of escape in the second degree, one count of distributing a controlled substance – methamphetamine, one count of attempted unlawful use of a vehicle, and one count of robbery in the third degree.

On August 1, 2019, a jury unanimously convicted Perkins of one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of aggravated theft in the first degree, one count of felony computer crime, one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle. 

During the polling of the jury, Perkins stood up, ran past his defense attorney and used his fist to punch a Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney in the head approximately four times.

Perkins then laid on the ground as a Multnomah County Sheriff’s deputy pointed his electrical stun gun toward Perkins to gain control of the situation.

By pleading guilty, Perkins admitted that he knowingly caused physical injury to another person and that he used physical force during an attempt to escape from custody.

The attempted unlawful use of a vehicle, distribution of a controlled substance and robbery offenses that Perkins pleaded guilty to are for separate prior criminal conduct.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and the Portland Police Bureau for their assistance and dedicated efforts investigating this case.

COVID-19 Notice:

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

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

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director 
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us 

April 1, 2020

Oregon Court of Appeals affirms Michael Davis’ aggravated murder convictions

Today, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court’s prior ruling and upheld the aggravated murder convictions in State v. Michael Davis.

Davis is serving two true life sentences for the murders of 30-year-old Belinda Flanagan and 33-year-old Gerald Phillips.

This investigation started on November 3, 1991 at approximately 11:30 a.m. when Portland Police responded to a motel in the 11300 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard after a motel employee discovered two bodies.

Inside the room, investigators found four .45 caliber shell casings, all of which had been fired from the same pistol.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Flanagan and Phillips died of gunshot wounds.

During the initial investigation law enforcement identified Davis, the former boyfriend of Ms. Flanagan, as the suspect in the case, but never had enough evidence to arrest him.

Ms. Flanagan and Mr. Phillips were dating at the time of their murders.

The investigation stalled.

In 2002, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted Davis for the two murders. The indictment came after now District Attorney Rod Underhill – who was then assigned to the office’s Cold Case Unit as a senior deputy district attorney – worked with Portland Police Bureau Detectives Barry Renna and Stu Winn to re-review the case file and speak with additional witnesses.

In December of 2005, a jury found Davis guilty of 12 counts of aggravated murder. The case was prosecuted by now DA Underhill and now First Assistant Jeff Howes.

A copy of the Oregon Court of Appeals decision can be obtained by clicking here.

Davis could petition to have his case reviewed by the Oregon Supreme Court.

COVID-19 Notice:

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

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

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director 
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

April 1, 2020

Christopher Hall receives a 20 year PSRB sentence for kidnapping a woman in NW Portland

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 39-year-old Christopher Michael Hall received a sentence that commits him to the Oregon State Hospital after a judge found him guilty except for insanity for kidnapping a woman and holding her at knifepoint in front of her daughter.

Hall will be placed under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) for a maximum period of 20 years.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office was in regular contact with the kidnapping victim throughout all stages of this case. The victim fully supports the resolution. She expressed relief with the conclusion and said she looks forward to moving on from this terrifying incident.

The court found Hall guilty except for insanity on the following cases and counts:

Portland Police arrested Hall on August 25, 2019 after receiving information about a disturbance in the 1800 block of West Burnside Street. Police arrived and learned that a mother and her 13 year old child had just left a soccer game and were waiting for a ride when Hall approached them, pushed the victim to the ground and held her at knifepoint in front of her daughter.

Hall – while using the woman as a human shield – dragged her a short distance from where she was standing until police stopped him at gunpoint and started to negotiate.  

During the negotiations, Hall continued to use the woman as a shield until he dropped the knife, let the woman go and ran from the scene. A bystander watching the incident tackled Hall and held him down for police.

Investigators learned that prior to the kidnapping, Hall had broken into a nearby church. He then used a metal chain with a metal padlock attached to it and threatened a church employee. When an officer arrived, Hall swung the chain at the officer’s head, but missed. He then ran towards West Burnside Street.

In case number 19CR50986, Hall unlawfully entered and remained inside a hotel room in downtown Portland.

In case number 19CR52677, Hall unlawfully entered and remained inside a separate hotel and its restaurant in downtown Portland.

In case number 19CR65474, Hall unlawfully entered and remained inside two separate commercial businesses in Portland’s Northwest District.

Under Oregon law, a person is guilty except for insanity (GEI) if, as a result of a qualifying mental disorder at the time of engaging in criminal conduct, they lack substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of the conduct or to conform the conduct to the requirements of law.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Portland Police Bureau for their dedicated efforts investigating these cases.

We also recognize Victim Advocates Julie Jacobs, Libby Villa and Chanel Thomas for the advocacy and support they provided the victims.

COVID-19 Notice: The health and well-being of all employees and community members we serve is a top priority for the Multnomah County District Attorney. Our office is working with the court, defense bar, local law enforcement and other system partners to carefully balance the needs of public health and public safety.

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

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director 
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On April 1, 2020, Davorea Markelle Tyjuan Walker pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree assault with a firearm. He was sentenced to 80 months in prison by Washington County Judge Rebecca Guptill. Senior Deputy District Attorney John Gerhard prosecuted the case against Mr. Walker.

The defendant and the victim are known gang members associated with the Rolling 60s Neighborhood Crips and the Failing Block Bloods respectively, gangs that primarily operate in Portland and Gresham, Oregon. On June 26, 2019 the defendant was at Washington Square Mall with several friends when he spotted the victim inside the mall. The defendant suspected the victim was involved in the death of a fellow gang member and decided to seek retribution. The defendant then went to his car and retrieved a handgun.

The defendant and his group returned to the crowded mall to confront the victim. The victim, who was also armed with a handgun, brandished the firearm at the defendant’s group. Ultimately, the victim and his associate fled through the mall and the defendant and his associates gave chase. The group ended up in the parking lot. The victim pulled his own handgun and both groups exchanged gunfire. Investigators later found nearly a dozen shell casings throughout the mall parking lot. Several vehicles were damaged by gunfire, fortunately no one was hurt. The defendant and victim fled the scene. The shooting was captured on video surveillance.

Mr. Walker was later arrested in Vancouver, Washington. He admitted to his involvement but denied firing any of the rounds, instead he blamed an associate.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge Detective Gabe Stone, the Commercial Crimes Unit and the Tigard Police Department for securing the scene and for their investigative work on this case.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Guptill also ordered the defendant to pay more than $9,000 in restitution and undergo three years of post-prison supervision upon his release. She also barred him from having any contact with any victims or known gang members in the future. Mr. Walker has been transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

PORTLAND, Ore., April 7, 2020 — For almost 20 years, OnPoint Community Credit Union has partnered with De La Salle North Catholic (DLSNC) High School to provide local underserved students valuable, real-life work experience through the high school’s Corporate Work Study Program. As the community comes together to tackle COVID-19,  OnPoint announced today it has donated $100,000 to support the school’s recently announced capital campaign, which will fund a new permanent campus in Northeast Portland, at this critical time. DLSNC has already reached 85% of its goal to raise $21.6 million.

“We have worked with the administrators, students and teachers of De La Salle for nearly two decades, so we deeply appreciate how essential the school is to our community,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “As we continue grappling with the impacts of COVID-19, support of the education community is needed more than ever.  We hope our support will inspire the DLSNC community at this critical time by assuring the students and teachers that they will have adequate space to learn, grow and explore on the other side of COVID-19.”

DLSNC currently serves 280 students in its current building, which is owned by Portland Public Schools.The capital campaign is raising funds for a new campus that will accommodate more than 350 students, expanding access to its distinctive combination of strong academics and real-life work experience. 

“As the largest sponsor of DLSNC’s corporate work study program, we have supported more than 150 students over the years,” said Jackie Dunckley, Chief Talent Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and Chair of Board of Trustees, De La Salle North Catholic High School. “De La Salle teachers and students have become our friends and colleagues and we are proud to stand by them and support them at this time.”

OnPoint is currently the largest employer-sponsor of DLSNC’s Corporate Work Study Program. This partnership, which began when the school opened in 2001, has allowed 158 students to work in an entry-level position throughout the credit union with 100 percent of OnPoint’s students going on to graduate. In addition to gaining professional insight, skills development and personal growth, students earn 50 percent of their school tuition. Participating students also graduate with valuable work experience. 

“We are so grateful for our longstanding partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union,” said Oscar Leong, President of De La Salle North Catholic High School. “Their ongoing support of our students over the years, and now, at this critical juncture in our campaign, is amazing. Our future and permanent home will enable us to serve more students and provide them with the state-of-the-art facilities that will allow us to thrive and reach new heights."

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 395,000 members and with assets of $6.5 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 13 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

ABOUT DE LA SALLE NORTH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

De La Salle North Catholic High School opened in 2001 to provide a rigorous, faith-based education to students from the Portland area who would not otherwise have access to a reliable college-preparatory education. An average of 98% of graduating seniors have been accepted to college, more than two times the rate of peers with similar backgrounds and demographics. Students at De La Salle North Catholic High School attend class four days a week and work for a local company one day a week as part of the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). The CWSP provides work experience, business contacts and helps offset the cost to educate students. By the time they graduate, each student has the equivalent of one full year of real-world work experience. A nationwide, independent rating agency has identified De La Salle North Catholic High School as the most diverse private high school in all of Oregon. De La Salle North Catholic is a member of the Cristo Rey Network, is sponsored by the Lasallian Christian Brothers and belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland/Western Oregon. www.delasallenorth.org. 

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PORTLAND, Ore. April 6, 2020—Communities across the country are feeling the impact of temporary closures of businesses, schools and public facilities. During uncertain times, many feel anxious about how they will cope with unanticipated changes or hardships. OnPoint Community Credit Union is equipping the communities it serves with practical advice for protecting finances amid COVID-19.  

"OnPoint's purpose is to build strong communities by supporting financial growth and well-being, one person at a time," said OnPoint President and CEO Rob Stuart. "COVID-19 is an unprecedented national emergency and we must all work together to reduce its overall impacts to allow families to recover once it has passed. As part of these efforts, we are working to support our neighbors with the information they need to prepare for and manage the financial impacts of COVID-19."

Below are OnPoint's top tips for protecting finances amid COVID-19: 

Your first actions  

• Prioritize expenses and review your budget. If you're concerned about a loss of income or unplanned expenses and don't have emergency savings, you may need to prioritize which expenses you cover first and update your budget accordingly.
• Deal with creditors proactively. If you face challenges in paying your monthly obligations, you have a better chance of working out an agreeable payment plan with creditors when you contact them early.
• Know your options. Look into options that may be available for any loans you have. OnPoint is currently offering qualified members the opportunity to delay payments on their mortgage, Home Equity Lines of Credit, Small Business Loans, and more.
• Secure access to digital banking. If you aren't able to physically visit your financial institution's branch or call wait times are longer than expected, be prepared by downloading the most recent version with their app and test your login.

Protect yourself from scams

Scammers can be more active during uncertain times. To protect yourself and your family:

• Be aware. Stay up to date on current scams and how to take action if you think you've been a victim. There are already national reports of email phishing scams targeting remote workers, offering economic stimulus checks and selling health insurance. OnPoint's data security team has seen more debit and credit card fraud than average, and believes fraudsters are using the distraction of COVID-19 to get information. 
• Be vigilant. Scrutinize emails, texts, calls and social media posts that offer financial relief or promote the sale of cure-all products or limited-time special offers. Scam tactics can include masquerading as a delivery company such as UPS, claiming to offer advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) and fake lending emails related to the interest rate drop. These messages often contain links to malicious sites that closely mirror the legitimate sites. Ensure that you hover over the link to validate the site before clicking.
• Be cautious. Never disclose your online banking credentials or PINs. Scammers often claim to be from your financial institution calling about a fraudulent card charge. They will then ask you to confirm information like card number, PIN, online banking credentials, etc. Also, beware of those striking up long distance relationships online. Sweetheart scammers often fake an emergency that necessitates money. Victims then willingly act on the fraudster’s instructions to “help” through mobile deposit, external transfers and wires.

How OnPoint can help

OnPoint is working with its members on an individual basis to address their specific needs. Special offers include: 

• Skip Pay to allow qualified members to skip both their April and May auto/personal loan payments with no fees
• Loan payment deferral options to provide qualified members the option to delay payments on their mortgage, home equity lines of credit and small business loans
• $0 minimum payments for qualified business and personal members with OnPoint Visa credit cards
• CD early withdrawal penalty waived until at least the end of May

Know your resources for job loss

With mandatory and recommended closures of businesses and large numbers of people staying home, the crisis is bound to impact the income of workers and business owners. During this time, it's important to understand what options are available from financial institutions, utility companies, and governments that may be offering new programs, special considerations, or grace periods.

The coronavirus relief bill, which was signed into law last week, significantly expands unemployment insurance for out-of-work Americans, including larger checks, a longer eligibility period, and an extension to previously ineligible workers. 

Address investment concerns

Your investment strategy should match where you are in your retirement planning and for some, that may mean your portfolio will move to lower risk options as you near or enter retirement. This can help protect you from market fluctuations. 

If your retirement is still a ways off, it's likely best for you to take a long-term approach to financial planning and try not to fixate on the day-to-day valuations of your 401k or other assets. If you are feeling uneasy or want to ensure that your retirement plan is still on track with your goals, seek the guidance of a Financial Advisor with a reputable affiliation.

Engage the family

Children may sense your stress but not understand how your financial situation has been affected, causing them to feel uneasy. When appropriate, explain the need to cut back temporarily and discuss the news calmly and simply. Making time to discuss what changes you are anticipating and how everyone can contribute toward the family, including:

• For older family members, sharing the responsibility for paying the bills or deciding which expenses to reduce.
• Designating financial chores, such as having small children count out the penny jar and having older children sit alongside you to read through the utility bills.
• Taking 20 minutes to ask each family member how they could contribute to the family next week via finances or chores.
• Writing down everyone's commitments and pop it up on the fridge or door; getting everyone involved may reduce stress and create a feeling of unity.

To learn more about how OnPoint is supporting members, employees and the community throughout the COVID-19 crisis, please visit onpointcu.com/covid-19. 

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 395,000 members and with assets of $6.5 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 13 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

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OREGON CITY – A total of 485 students made the Clackamas Community College honor roll and 923 students made the president’s list for winter term 2019.

To be named to the honor roll, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better. To be named to the president’s list, students must earn a 3.75 grade-point average or better.

-30-

Editor’s note: Please see attached file for the list of honor roll names and city of residency.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will review freshman applications for admission and accept students without an SAT/ACT score for fall 2020. 

The disruption caused by COVID-19 has resulted in many college placement tests being postponed or canceled. The SAT and ACT are widely accepted college placement exams that nearly four million high school students take annually. Providing a test score has traditionally been a condition for acceptance to WSU Vancouver.

Standardized tests do not necessarily predict an individual student’s success at a university or college. More and more institutions of higher education are giving prospective freshmen the option of omitting standardized test scores.

WSU Vancouver is still accepting applications for fall 2020. Prospective students are invited to apply by visiting vancouver.wsu.edu/apply.

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. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map. 

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

# # #

Greetings from Pacific University, where online instruction is under way and students and faculty are adjusting creatively to the challenge posed by the novel coronavirus.

University news of note:

Pacific students, staff and faculty rise to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19

Our students need your help

Pacific names Rick Kimbrough as next vice-president of university advancement

And here's a page of information for members of the university community:

COVID-19 resources

Sent with wishes to all who read this for patience, strength and kindness.

— pacificu.edu —

Pacific University is a diverse learning community, where students thrive in a personal academic environment. Students study in a unique combination of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry. Located in Oregon, Pacific serves a diverse population of more than 3,900 students, with campuses in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene and Woodburn, as well as healthcare clinics throughout the Portland area. Pacific is ranked the No. 1 private research university in the Pacific Northwest and is also committed to civic engagement, sustainability and interprofessional education as part of its core teaching philosophy.

The Centennial School District Governing Board will hold a meeting Wednesday, April 8, 2020, virtually via telephone at 6:30 p.m.

To access board meeting documents follow this link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicAgenda.aspx?ak=1001533&mk=50332816

Additional documents will be added as they become available

To access the meeting via telephone, please dial one of these numbers. 
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US

If prompted, provide the following Meeting ID number & Password: 
ID: 500 434 281
Password: 291005

For more information, please contact Pamela Jordan, Board Secretary at dan@csd28j.org" target="_blank">pamela_jordan@csd28j.org,

ESTACADA, OR.—

The Estacada School District is pleased to announce that after an extensive recruiting and interview process, Amy Hudson has been selected to serve as principal at Estacada High School. 

Estacada School District Superintendent Ryan Carpenter noted that “Amy Hudson is a highly qualified candidate with a unique skill set that we are excited to bring to Estacada High School. She is student-focused, an excellent team player, and will continue to foster growth and improvement at Estacada High School.”

Hudson was selected from over a dozen qualified candidates through an extensive and rigorous interview process that integrated staff, parent, and student input. Hudson has served as principal at Clackamas River Elementary for four years, and has previous experience working with students at the secondary level in the Gresham-Barlow school district. During her time in the Estacada School District, Amy Hudson has led the way on many improvement projects that have impacted all schools. Last year, Hudson led the development of the district’s Virtual School Days initiative, a plan that has allowed the Estacada School District to lead the nation in the support and education it is able to provide students during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Hudson will transition to Estacada High School in July of 2020, and the Estacada School District will begin recruiting for an elementary principal to fill her position at Clackamas River within the coming week. Updates will be made available throughout this process. 

Please join us in welcoming Amy Hudson to Estacada High School. We are confident that she will be a leader in ensuring a bright future at EHS. 

ABOUT ESTACADA SCHOOL DISTRICT – The Estacada School District’s mission is to equip every student with the knowledge and skills necessary to be resourceful and successful. For more information, contact: Maggie Kelly at 503-630-6871 x2911.

$40,000 donation wipes out negative balances

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, students of Battle Ground Public Schools will return to school without any outstanding lunch debt. The $40,000 gift was provided anonymously to the district through the Morgan Stanley Gift Fund. The remainder, about $800 in outstanding balances, will be covered by the Battle Ground Education Foundation, or BGeF. The result is that all active outstanding student debt has been wiped out.

The two donations cover active student lunch debt for nearly 1,900 students in the district. The donation does not, however, cover debts that have already been sent to collections.Twice each year, any student account owing more than $100 goes to collections and comes off the active debt amount. Students who participate in the Free and Reduced meals program will be the first to have any balances paid, followed by accounts on which parents have been making regular payments on the balance owed. 

Student lunch debt is a relatively new concept. Before federal policy changed a few years ago in an effort to prevent "lunch shaming," students who had a negative account balance were given a cheese sandwich as an alternative meal. Today, all students are given the same nutritious meal, regardless of their account balance.

BGeF president Colleen O’Neal says the organization has been helping to pay for thousands of dollars in student lunch debt balances for several years through their “Kids in Need” campaign efforts, but the timing of this most recent donation is especially welcome. “I was thrilled, because it’s one less thing for our families to have to worry about right now,” O’Neal said. “The more we can take off their plates, the better.”

Although BGPS regularly receives contributions of a few hundred or even a thousand dollars at a time to go towards student lunch debt, the $40,000 donation is exceptionally generous.

“This is huge, and is really going to be helpful right now,” said Meagan Hayden, Chief Financial Officer for Battle Ground Public Schools. “Especially at this time when a lot of parents are probably wondering how they’re going to pay their next mortgage or utilities, or are having to temporarily shut down their businesses.”

Superintendent Mike Merlino provides information on Evergreen Public Schools plan moving forward based on Governor Jay Inslee's announcement to not continue in-person school instruction:

Dear Evergreen Community, 

Today, Governor Jay Inslee has made the decision to close all Washington school buildings for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, which is scheduled to end June 19. This physical closure of schools is an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe and healthy. During this closure extension, all school buildings in the district will remain closed. 

We understand the continued closure of schools presents many challenges for our 25,000 students and families. It also raises many questions. The information outlined below is what we know now. We will continue to share further guidance as decisions are made and as information becomes available. 

• Distance Learning: Distance learning will continue through the remainder of the school year. We have created an online resource page to support distance learning.  On Friday, April 3rd, Superintendent Merlino sent out additional information on continuous learning.  We will solicit feedback from all stakeholders as we continue to improve our continuous learning program.
• Technology: If your child needs a device please fill out this form and submit it.
• Student Meals: We will continue to provide meals to students that need them Monday-Friday at 27 locations as well as on selected bus routes.
• Child Care: The district will continue to provide Camp Evergreen child care for children of First Responders, health care workers and other essential employees. 
• High School Seniors: High school seniors will continue to receive support from school counselors, administrators, and other staff on completing graduation requirements. We are closely following guidance from OSPI and the State Board of Education on flexibility with meeting the requirements.
• Graduation: We are exploring all options and will have more information in the near future. 
• School Buildings/Activities/Events: All school buildings and facilities continue to be closed to the general public. This includes all sporting practices and matches, field trips, dances and activities are canceled.

More information can be found on the district website - www.evergreenps.org

This is a difficult time for all of us, but we will get through it together. 

Sincerely,

Mike Merlino, Superintendent 

Dear VPS families,

This afternoon, Gov. Jay Inslee directed Washington state schools to remain closed for the rest of the 2019–2020 school year. We have missed seeing our students over the past few weeks and had hoped that our schools would be able to reopen their doors later this spring, but we know it is essential for us to act responsibly for everyone’s safety. 

Beginning this week, our nearly 24,000 students are continuing their education through remote learning with teachers, principals, district staff and parents and guardians working together. We are doing the very best we can to meet the academic and non-academic needs of our students. I am sorry that this situation puts more strain on families. I know that you are doing the very best you can, too. Now, more than ever, we all need to act with empathy, grace and compassion.

Families have many questions about how this extended closure will affect every area of K-12 education, including students’ grades and GPAs, diplomas and graduations, extracurricular activities and students’ overall learning progress. We are working hard to develop and share information that addresses those questions based on guidance from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. For updates, please visit our website and frequently-asked-questions page. 

I am particularly heartbroken for our seniors. I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to help you cross the finish line and graduate on time. I also want to assure you that our schools are still planning for the special events that make the 12th grade year so special, including senior prom, graduation and senior party, even if they must be scheduled for summer or early fall. They may look different, but we will find creative ways to make them happen if necessary.

As we look ahead to next school year, we realize that the remote learning we are doing this spring has limitations, so it will be necessary to help students make up for missed course content and other school work. We are examining a variety of ways to help our students achieve their educational goals after normal school operations are allowed to resume.

In the meantime, VPS will continue to provide free meals. Resource coordinators are helping families with food and other basic needs. And we will continue our partnership with Educational Service District 112 to offer childcare for healthcare workers, first responders, pharmacy workers and grocery store workers. To request child care, please contact Educational Service District 112 Child Care Resource and Referral at 360-952-3466.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this disruptive and disappointing situation. Stay well and stay hopeful. Our connections to one another are critically important right now. I am confident that we will pull through this difficult time by doing our best to help one another.

Sincerely,

Steve Webb, Ed.D.
Superintendent
 

Due to recently implemented practices in social distancing and limiting contact to slow the spread of COVID-19, Kelso School District is cancelling the Open House scheduled for April 16 on proposed school boundary changes.

Public comment on the proposed changes is still available via a community survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KSDSchoolBoundary), which is now extended through April 27. The public is invited to call in for the School Board Hearing related to school boundary changes on April 27, and comments will be accepted via email through 9:00 pm on April 27. Instructions and a phone number to attend remotely will be posted on the district website (https://www.kelso.wednet.edu/o/ksd/page/school-board--511) prior to the meeting.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020-Woodland, WA-Woodland Public Schools proudly announces their selection of Phillip Pearson as Principal of Woodland High School beginning in the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Pearson accepted the position on Wednesday, March 25 when Superintendent Michael Green notified him of his selection. 

Pearson currently serves as the principal of Corbett High School located in Corbett, Oregon. He started his career in Corbett in 2000 as a math and science teacher before taking on a variety of administrative roles including middle school principal and director of technology. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon, a Master of Science degree from Oregon Graduate Institute (now a part of OHSU), and both Master and Doctorate of Education degrees from Portland State University.

The thriving Woodland community attracted Pearson to apply for the high school principal position. “At the outset, it was really apparent that Woodland High School is a busy and happening place with lots going on,” he said. “The test scores also tell a positive story of students and staff who are keen on seeing every student reach for their highest aspirations; that’s something that motivates me from my boots.”

Due to the statewide school closure for the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the principal interview process involved a hybrid of in-person interviews observing appropriate social distancing guidelines and virtual interviews with some interviewers participating online via videoconferencing. For Superintendent Michael Green, Pearson was the clear choice, “Phil was clearly the top candidate from a strong field of applicants for his position,” said Green. “His success in Corbett is a testament to the strong leadership he will bring to Woodland High School; we are incredibly excited to have attracted Dr. Pearson to Woodland.”

As Pearson met with WHS staff throughout the interview process, he realized Woodland was where he wanted to be, particularly noting that current Principal John Shoup who is relocating at the end of the school year had been the school’s principal for 22 years, an indication of someone who loves where they work by any measure. “Woodland School District is filled with high-quality individuals who care deeply about the work they’re doing, all the way from the superintendent to the staff and to the students,” Pearson said. “This is a school where I can help build big dreams and aspirations for kids, where I can serve with team members who start every day with their feet on the gas pedal, and where I can learn and grow as a person and professional; what else could a person ask for?”

Pearson and his wife plan to move north to be closer to the Woodland community, however they currently reside equidistant between Corbett and Woodland with their 16-year-old daughter, Elie. “Our daughter will decide where she wants to finish her high school career and we’ll honor whatever decision she makes,” he said. “She’s very much a young woman with a mind of her own.”

When he’s not working, Pearson enjoys swimming, biking, and hiking. “I’m also a pretty avid reader of presidential history – history, in general, really, and I’m slowly learning carpentry and woodworking,” he said. “I sneak off to Home Depot occasionally to buy another tool; my favorite is my pneumatic-finish nailer.”

Woodland’s rural location also caught Pearson’s eye who grew up in Minnesota’s countryside. “When I was in Kindergarten, I rode a horse to my bus stop,” he remembered. “Those early experiences on the farm played a big part in forming my outlook and are probably why I find myself looking for big open space to live, work, and play.”

###
 

NOTICE OF WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

APRIL 7, 2020 @ 6:30 p.m.

https://zoom.us/j/6485173963

More than 30 local musicians create a video to support fellow artists in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic

April 6, 2020, Portland, OR -- On March 23, thousands of Portland-area musicians prepared for the reality of a shutdown of all public gatherings of more than 10 people. For those who depend on restaurants, clubs, and concert venues for their livelihood, the news was devastating. 

“In good times, and bad, there has always been a strong sense of support within Portland's music community,” said Jack Mortensen, a 22-year-old bass player, and producer.

He knew he wanted to do something to raise awareness and support for his fellow musicians, so he got to work producing a video. He released the video on Monday, April 6 on YouTube.

VIDEO: AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH/PORTLAND MUSICIANS FOR COVID -19 RELIEF 

Mortensen selected Ain’t No Mountain High Enough as the song to cover.  He said it was “an obvious choice because of its cross-generational appeal and inspirational power.”

On Friday, March 27,  he began reaching out to his musician friends. Within 24 hours he had heard back from more than 20 people, and by the following Monday, he had received 30 videos from the artists.  

His next step was to connect the project to a local organization that delivered resources directly to musicians. He contacted singer-songwriter and music producer, Jeremy Wilson.

In 2010, Wilson founded the Jeremy Willson Foundation (JWF), a 501(c)3 non-profit assisting musicians and industry professionals during medical emergencies. 

The JWF offers a connection to local resources, financial assistance, and fosters a sense of caring for one another in times of need, according to Wilson.

“As the news of the pandemic unfolded," he said, "we knew we had to do something to help those most in need, to bridge the gaps they were facing.” 

In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, JWF started a GoFundMe campaign for its COVID-19 Oregon Musicians’ Relief Fund. In addition to financial assistance, the JWF COVID-19 Oregon Musicians’ Relief Fund offers a list of resources available for medical, housing, and employment services in Oregon and SW Washington.

Within a couple of weeks, the GoFundMe campaign had reached the initial goal of $25,000.  By then, it became clear that much more would be required to serve the number of people in need. JWF amended the appeal to a $50,000 goal.  

On April 6,  the JFW will begin processing grant applications submitted by professional musicians who have lost their income due to mandated cancellations.

Wilson said that JWF expects to be "overwhelmed with requests for assistance," and they are grateful to everyone involved in the video project for helping them reach their fundraising goals.

“It means a lot that this generation of young professional musicians is recognizing the need and taking action,” said Wilson.

“In the blink of an eye, we go from 25 years old to 45 years old,” he joked, “and reality hits hard in times of emergency.”

All of the musicians who participated in the video donated their time. Mortensen says he hopes the video will "not only increase donations to the COVID-19 Oregon Musicians’ Relief Fund but also show Portland’s spirit of collaboration in times of adversity.”

DONATE to the COVID-19  Oregon Musicians’ Relief Fund: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/covid-19-oregon-musicians-relief-fund1

VIDEO: AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH -- PORTLAND MUSICIANS FOR COVID-19 RELIEF 
https://youtu.be/RDekA8Bqc_0

(Springfield, Ore.) April 6, 2020—PacificSource announces that it will waive all out-of-pocket costs for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, diagnosis and treatment for its fully insured commercial, Medicare Advantage, and health savings accounts (HSA) members. This waiver will apply to those members who have received or will receive care between Jan. 31 through June 30, 2020, regardless of place of care. The organization’s self-funded businesses will have the option to adopt these provisions.

“This expansion of our coronavirus coverage is critically important to our member’s health and well-being,” said Ken Provencher, president and CEO of PacificSource. “We hope this helps provide an easier pathway for everyone in the communities we serve to get the care they need during this unprecedented time.”

To support staying at home measures to limit COVID-19 exposure, PacificSource is encouraging members to use telehealth phone or video services as their first option for care. This includes routine visits for primary care or specialty care as well as behavioral health.

About PacificSource:

PacificSource is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource has local offices in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs more than 1400 people, serves more than 500,000 individuals, and has 3,900 employer clients throughout the Northwest. For more information visit PacificSource.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PORTLAND, OR. (April 3, 2020)  

While this is an unsettling time for everyone, we define ourselves when we come together as a community to help those with greater needs.? 

Once again, CJ McCollum has stepped up to support those who need us most, and he’s challenging our community to be a part of this team effort. From April 3rd - April 17th, CJ is matching up to $70,000 of donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area. Join CJ in supporting Club youth! 

McCollum has been a generous supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area (BGCP), and a longstanding champion for our community’s kids and teens. With his support, two Club locations now host CJ McCollum Dream Centers, which provide youth with media training and journalism resources that enable them to tell their own stories. A third Dream Center is in the works. 

“This phenomenally generous donation from CJ, at this particular time in our world, is profoundly meaningful and difference making,” said Erin Hubert, BGCP CEO. “I can’t say enough about his generosity during brighter times, let alone at a time like this. CJ is truly a hero to our Club youth and staff.” 

Donations will help cover operating costs and expenses such as the cost of feeding families while Clubs and schools are closed; virtual mental health and mentoring resources; online lesson plans and Club mentorship; summer learning loss prevention programs; and teen services focused on successful graduation and post-high school success.  

With you and CJ on the team, Boys & Girls Clubs will continue to empower young people to reach their full potential and achieve Great Futures! 

About CJ McCollum’s Matching Gift 

CJ McCollum is matching all donations made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, up to $70,000, from April 3 - April 17. Join him in supporting youth and families in our community at bgcportland.org/CJ. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro (BGCP) empowers more than 6,000 young people each year to discover their full potential through impactful after-school and summer programs. Clubs are designed to support kids and teens as they develop the qualities they need to achieve academic success, become responsible leaders, and live healthy lives. 

BGCP is not only looking at the immediate impact of COVID-19 on families, but also a far more uncertain future. By giving to the Clubs, you are not just making a donation – you are changing a life and protecting our community. 

To mail a gift or for questions about your donation, contact Natalie Carlberg, VP of Development & Marketing, at lberg@bgcportland.org" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">ncarlberg@bgcportland.org, or address your check to: 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area
8203 SE 7th Avenue, Suite 100 
Portland, OR 97202 

Vancouver, WA – Clark County Historical Museum continues its 2020 History on Tap season live streaming on Thursday, April 16, with an encore presentation of “Clark County’s Brewing History: From Fort Vancouver to Fortside.” The event begins at 7 p.m.

This presentation provides an overview of the museum’s newest exhibit, “History A-Brewin’,” which celebrates Clark County’s extensive brewing history and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the start of Prohibition.

Join keynote speaker and CCHM executive director, Brad Richardson, as he discusses brewing in the time of the Hudson’s Bay Company and Vancouver Barracks; the era of Prohibition; the Women’s Christian Temperance Union; and the establishment and growth of Great Western Malting.

The evening will include the ever popular segment, "Ask Pat," in which local historian Pat Jollota’s answers one question about local history, as selected from social media (#AskPat), email, or submitted through the museum.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at kigginstheatre.com/movies/history-on-tap. Ticket holders will receive a private link to the event prior to the show.

Audio and streaming support for History on Tap is provided by the Courtney Irvin Trust and Wager Audio. Additional support is provided by Vancouver’s Downtown Association and ZZeppelin.

For more information, call the museum at 360-993-5679 or email at outreach@cchmuseum.org.

To learn more about the upcoming “History A-Brewin’” exhibit, visit cchmuseum.org/history-a-brewin.

###

April 1, 2020

For Immediate Release

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announces first round of COVID-19 emergency support grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $5.4 million

Grants include $1.2 million for Oregon nonprofits

Vancouver, WA - This week, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announced our first round of grants providing emergency support related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• In total, Trustees approved $5.4 million in grants to 49 nonprofits. This includes $1.2 million for Oregon nonprofits.
• Our primary focus for investments with this round of grants has been in three areas:
  • Medical research regarding COVID-19 treatment and testing. ($1.5 Million)
  • Reinforcing supplies and capacity for front-line healthcare providers, including increased COVID-19 testing capacity. ($2.7 Million)
  • Contributing to community impact funds managed by the outstanding community foundations of the Pacific Northwest to provide immediate resources to those in need. ($1.4 Million)
• We remain in discussion with nonprofits and leaders across our community to help inform future grantmaking into areas of emerging need, including addressing capacity needs of foodbanks and other emergency services. Our existing quarterly cycle remains active and capacity building grants will continue to be made throughout 2020 in addition to our emergency relief funding throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The Murdock Trust funding philosophy has always been to listen to the individuals and nonprofit organizations who are on the front lines of the communities we serve. These leaders and organizations understand best the unique needs of their community and are instrumental in helping us provide support to the diverse needs of the Pacific Northwest.

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown, there has been much discussion within the nonprofit and philanthropic world regarding how funders can best support the organizations serving the wide variety of needs emerging within our communities. Funders across the country and around the world agree – this cannot be “business as usual.” For the Trust, that has meant the following steps:

• In line with our mission to serve and uplift all communities across the Pacific Northwest, we have worked to quickly engage leaders from across the sectors and region we serve to best understand the immediate and anticipated needs facing individuals, families and nonprofits.

• We have launched an expedited grant process to deliver immediate financial investment to nonprofits to help address the needs raised by the COVID-19 pandemic head on. We continue to pursue strategic opportunities to make investments in areas that have not received significant public or private investment.

• We have provided increased flexibility to our current grantees who may have projects impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• We are pairing nonprofits with some of our region’s best leadership and development coaches, providing hundreds of hours in no-cost support to help organizations prepare to successfully navigate the challenging path ahead.

• We are working to connect nonprofits and their leaders with additional resources and guidance on our website at murdocktrust.org/covid19 so that they can best serve their constituents. If you have a resource that you would like help amplifying to our community during this time, please send it directly to Colby Reade – yr@murdocktrust.org">colbyr@murdocktrust.org.

We share our unending gratitude to the individuals and groups across our region who are putting their own health and well-being at risk to serve others. Our thanks, thoughts and prayers are with our front-line healthcare workers, community volunteers, trucking and delivery drivers, grocery and pharmacy employees and all who are working for the common good.

#####

April 1, 2020

For Immediate Release

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announces first round of COVID-19 emergency support grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $5.4 million

Grants include nearly $3 million for Washington nonprofits

Vancovuer, WA - Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announced our first round of grants providing emergency support related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• In total, Trustees approved $5.4 million in grants to 49 nonprofits. This includes nearly $3 million in grants to Washington nonprofits.
• Our primary focus for investments with this round of grants has been in three areas:
  • Medical research regarding COVID-19 treatment and testing. ($1.5 Million)
  • Reinforcing supplies and capacity for front-line healthcare providers, including increased COVID-19 testing capacity. ($2.7 Million)
  • Contributing to community impact funds managed by the outstanding community foundations of the Pacific Northwest to provide immediate resources to those in need. ($1.4 Million)
• We remain in discussion with nonprofits and leaders across our community to help inform future grantmaking into areas of emerging need, including addressing capacity needs of foodbanks and other emergency services. Our existing quarterly cycle remains active and capacity building grants will continue to be made throughout 2020 in addition to our emergency relief funding throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The Murdock Trust funding philosophy has always been to listen to the individuals and nonprofit organizations who are on the front lines of the communities we serve. These leaders and organizations understand best the unique needs of their community and are instrumental in helping us provide support to the diverse needs of the Pacific Northwest.

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown, there has been much discussion within the nonprofit and philanthropic world regarding how funders can best support the organizations serving the wide variety of needs emerging within our communities. Funders across the country and around the world agree – this cannot be “business as usual.” For the Trust, that has meant the following steps:

• In line with our mission to serve and uplift all communities across the Pacific Northwest, we have worked to quickly engage leaders from across the sectors and region we serve to best understand the immediate and anticipated needs facing individuals, families and nonprofits.

• We have launched an expedited grant process to deliver immediate financial investment to nonprofits to help address the needs raised by the COVID-19 pandemic head on. We continue to pursue strategic opportunities to make investments in areas that have not received significant public or private investment.

• We have provided increased flexibility to our current grantees who may have projects impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• We are pairing nonprofits with some of our region’s best leadership and development coaches, providing hundreds of hours in no-cost support to help organizations prepare to successfully navigate the challenging path ahead.

• We are working to connect nonprofits and their leaders with additional resources and guidance on our website at murdocktrust.org/covid19 so that they can best serve their constituents. If you have a resource that you would like help amplifying to our community during this time, please send it directly to Colby Reade – yr@murdocktrust.org">colbyr@murdocktrust.org.

We share our unending gratitude to the individuals and groups across our region who are putting their own health and well-being at risk to serve others. Our thanks, thoughts and prayers are with our front-line healthcare workers, community volunteers, trucking and delivery drivers, grocery and pharmacy employees and all who are working for the common good.

#####

Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette announces the launch of a new telehealth program in Oregon and Southwest Washington, which allows patients from the privacy of their home to access high-quality, affordable healthcare services by phone and/or through a private and secure video conferencing platform that connects them with PPCW’s trusted providers.

PPCW is focusing our efforts to support the COVID-19 pandemic response by keeping patients out of emergency rooms and hospitals. We are proud to play a key role in flattening the curve and contributing to the greater public health mission to decrease the spread of the virus, decrease burden on hospital staff and avoid overwhelming the system.

“Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette is here with you — wherever you are. We are proud to use technology and innovation to reach people with the health care and information they need, when they need it. In these uncertain times, we’re committed to connecting patients to care — no matter what,” says Anne Udall, PPCW President & CEO.

Through telehealth, patients can access services without leaving their home or needing to to visit a health center. PPCW is committed to answering your questions, managing your prescriptions and helping you address your sexual and reproductive healthcare needs, remotely. The new program’s services include general consultations for care such as STI exposure, UTI symptoms, PrEP, PEP and other symptoms without clinical urgency; birth control and emergency contraception; gender-affirming hormone therapy; and general triage. Amid this pandemic, patients can rest assured that essential abortion care, family planning services and gender-affirming care will continue.

“We know that your sexual and reproductive health care can’t wait. As we weather this challenging time together, we don’t want you to worry about your birth control, learning your pregnancy options or accessing STI tests and cancer screenings,” Udall says. “PPCW is doing everything we can to make your life easier and get you the information and care you need in timely and personalized ways. Whether we provide services in person, online or by phone — we’re here with you.”

PPCW encourages everyone to follow the latest guidance from the Oregon Health Authority and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce their risk of getting any respiratory virus or spreading one to others. This includes washing your hands often with soap and water, and practicing physical distancing to help flatten the curve and spread of COVID-19 in your community.

The safety and health of patients, our staff and our broader communities remains our highest priority as our country faces an unprecedented public health crisis. Self isolation and physical distancing are ways we can care for ourselves and each other. Our health is connected, and we can all do our part and take care of ourselves, our health and our community.

For more information about connecting to PPCW through telemedicine, call 888-875-7820.

PPCW’s health centers offer a wide range of sexual and reproductive healthcare services, and more than 74,500 patients annually depend on PPCW for expert, affordable, compassionate health care. You can visit PPCW.org to find the health center nearest you.

Thousands of parents are now faced with a new reality—helping their child or teen cope when a loved one, isolated in the hospital, is dying of COVID-19.

To support families during this difficult and overwhelming time, The Dougy Center, the National Center for Grieving Children and Families, recently released a free tip sheet, Supporting Children & Teens When a Family Member is Dying in a Hospital or Care Facility. The new resource includes help for what to say, and ideas and activities for children, teens, and their families when they aren’t able to visit or see a loved one who is dying.

“A healthcare worker from Washington state reached out to us for help,” said Donna Schuurman, Ed.D, F.T., Senior Director of Advocacy & Training for The Dougy Center. “This person was looking for resources to share with a family whose loved one was in isolation and would not recover from COVID-19. We realized that there would be many families in this same situation, and so we started working to create this tip sheet.”

One of the first steps to helping children and teens in this situation is to talk with them about what is going on. Unfortunately, there is never a perfect time for this conversation, but it’s important to be honest and give clear and accurate information using words the child or teen can understand. For example, avoid phrases like “not getting better,” “won’t be here much longer,” or “passing on,” because they can be confusing, especially to younger children. As hard as it is to say, using the word “dying” helps children understand what is happening.

With physical distancing requirements, families might face the heartbreaking inability to be with the person who is dying. Parents and caregivers can acknowledge how painful and unfair that feels and work to create rituals at home to help children and teens feel connected.

Some ideas include:

• Sharing stories about the person.
• Preparing the person’s favorite foods.
• Creating a playlist of songs the person likes or that remind you and your family of the person. Extended family can contribute to as well.
• Creating a space at home with pictures and other items connected to the person who is dying. Children and teens can use the space to talk to the person as if the person was there, or a place to go to think about them. For young children, adding a play telephone can help them act out a conversation.
• Creating an online photo album where family members and friends can add photos and captions that can be turned into a book.

“It’s important for children and teens to have the opportunity to honor the person and to choose if and how they want to engage in activities and conversations with and for the person before they die,” said Schuurman. “If they choose not to, let children and teens know that this is okay and there will be ways for them to do so in the future if they want to, even after the person has died.”

The Dougy Center tip sheet and additional resources for supporting grieving children before and after a death are available at dougy.org. For additional support, email help@dougy.org.

About The Dougy Center
The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults and their families who are grieving a death can share their experiences. In addition, our Pathways program provides a safe place for families facing an advanced serious illness. Locally, The Dougy Center serves more than 550 children and 425 adult family members each month with peer support groups in Portland, Hillsboro and Canby. Through the National Center for Grieving Children & Families, The Dougy Center also provides information and training locally, nationally and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief. The Dougy Center does not charge for its support services, and relies solely on the generous donations of individuals, corporations and foundations. To learn more, visit www.dougy.org.

About Dr. Donna Schuurman
Dr. Donna Schuurman is an internationally recognized authority on grief and bereaved children, teens, and families, and the author of Never the Same: Coming to Terms with the Death of a Parent (St. Martin’s Press, 2003), among other publications.

In addition to her work as the Executive Director of The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon from 1991 - 2015 and currently as The Dougy Center’s Senior Director Advocacy & Training, Dr. Schuurman has written extensively on topics related to bereaved children. Her articles and other contributions have been published in scholarly journals and textbooks, and she has been interviewed as an expert on the subject by Redbook, The New York Times, SmartMoney, USA Today, and many others. She has worked on the ground with families and communities impacted by large-scale tragedies including the Oklahoma City bombing, 9/11, the Sandy Hook school shootings, and others.

Date:  Thursday, April 9, 2020

Time: Event at 7 p.m.

Location: Science on Tap Facebook Page or Register on Zoom

Tickets: Free (Support us on Patreon)

Event Website: https://viaproductions.org/events/online_april_9_music/

Science on Tap goes online!

Our inaugural event will feature neuroscientist Dr. Larry Sherman talking about how playing, composing, and listening to music can help us get through these uncertain times. Join us as he discusses how the brain processes music, and reviews studies (with demonstrations!) on how music can influence anxiety and social connectivity. Have a drum or something to bang on at hand to play along!

Written questions during the event are welcome. Visit our Facebook page at 7pm on Thursday for the Facebook live show, or register on Zoom for a higher qualily video.

Find this event on Facebook.

Science on Tap is a science lecture series where you can sit back, drink a pint, and enjoy learning. Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don't have to be a science geek to have fun--all you need is a thirst for knowledge! For more information on this event or about Science on Tap, visit Via Productions.