On July 18, 2018 at 2:15 p.m. Beaverton Police officers responded to a suspicious vehicle/person call at SW Erickson/SW Larson. The complainant reported a male and female were possibly casing houses and when confronted, the male mentioned having a gun. Officers recognized the description of the male and his vehicle as being the same ones involved with eluding officers a week prior.

Officers arrived and visually confirmed it was the same male, 26-year-old Chase Larrazabal. Mr. Larrazabal tried to ram three patrol vehicles. A vehicle pursuit ensued which ended when Mr. Larrazabal crashed his Mercury Mountaineer into a Lexus sedan and Toyota Tacoma at SW Murray/SW Teal. Mr. Larrazabal’s vehicle ended up partially submerged in the lake.

Mr. Larrazabal tried to act like a crash witness but was quickly taken into custody. Mr. Larrazabal and his 35-year-old female passenger were taken to a local hospital for precautionary measures. The 66-year-old female driver of the Lexus was taken to a local hospital for serious injuries. One passenger of the Toyota Tacoma was taken to a local hospital for precautionary measures.

Officers and deputies from the Washington County Crash Reconstruction Team are assisting with the investigation. After Mr. Larrazabal is released from the hospital he will be lodged at Washington County Jail on his three misdemeanor warrants, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Felony Elude and crimes associated with last week’s incident.

##BPD##

Date: Monday, July 16, 2018                                                                         

Case # 2018-213264                            

Date & Time of Incident: July 16, 2018 at 2:15am                                          

Type of Incident:  Criminal Mischief                                                               

Location of Incident: 555 NE 15th Street; Bend Police Department

Arrestee:

Samuel Wyatt Dennis                    21 year old                             Bend resident

Narrative:

On July 16th, 2018 a Bend Police Officer leaving their shift at 2:15 am heard a commotion near the gate of the secured parking lot of the Bend Police Department. The officer interrupted a male striking the security key pad and damaging it beyond being able to use it.

Officers made attempts to contact the suspect, but the suspect sped away in his 1998 Dodge Pickup to avoid contact. Further inspection of the police department and security video footage showed the suspect throwing an object into the secured lot, damaging a police vehicle. The suspect also placed a board through the front door handles inside the Bend Police Department lobby and leaned a heavy metal object against the door. The suspect etched letters into the front glass door and on the concrete in front of the front entry doors.

Bend Police Officers and Detectives started to investigate the case and quickly identified the suspect as Samuel Dennis. Dennis made calls to Bend Fire and Rescue mentioning burning the community to the ground. From the statements and actions by Dennis, and by essentially barricading the police department earlier in the morning, Dennis’ intentions to cause harm to public safety employees seemed legitimate.

Detectives located Dennis’ vehicle at his residence in the 62000 Bunchgrass Loop. Detectives observed Dennis’ vehicle leave for a short time, before returning to his residence. Detectives and officers attempted to contact Dennis in his driveway.

At 10:18 am, as officers attempted to arrest Dennis from his vehicle, but he refused and drove through landscaping before leading Bend Police on a pursuit. As the pursuit continued, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Police and Bureau of Land Management assisted with the pursuit.

The pursuit continued at a low speeds. At 10:41, a Deputy with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deployed spike strips to disable the truck driven by Dennis. The pursuit took place through the east end of Bend and Deschutes County before stopping in Crook County.  

At 10:46, Dennis’ vehicle stopped on Geo Millican Road just south of Four Corners. Dennis was contained in his vehicle while Crisis Negotiators from the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) were on scene working on a successful solution with Dennis. Other members from the CERT Team and the Oregon State Police SWAT Team responded to assist in resolving the situation.

Crook County Sherriff’s Office, Oregon Department of Transportation, Bend Fire and Rescue and BLM Fire responded to assist with this incident.

At 12:17pm, Dennis was taken into custody. Dennis was not cooperating with officers on scene and refused to exit his vehicle. Members of the CERT team deployed chemical agents to safely apprehend Dennis. He was evaluated by Bend Fire and Rescue and transported to St. Charles Bend. Dennis did suffer minor injuries while being taken into custody, as he was not complying with officer’s directions.  

Dennis is facing charges of Criminal Mischief I, Reckless Driving, Attempt to Elude and Disorderly Conduct. This investigation is still on going and will be continued by the Bend Police Detective Division.  

### End of Release###

At approximately 7 pm on July 18, Camas-Washougal Fire Department (CWFD) received a report of a female patient who had fallen in the "potholes" area below Lacamas Lake in Camas.  Responding personnel found an approximately 37 year old female patient who was deceased after suffering traumatic injuries.  The Clark County Technical Rescue team was requested for assistance in body recovery.  Recovery efforts were completely by approximately 10 pm.  CWFD was assisted by personnel from the Vancouver Fire Department, East County Fire and Rescue, and Clark County Fire District 6.  CWFD would like to remind citizens that the potholes area is not safe for recreation at any time of the year.  Swift water currents, cold water temperatures, and steep terrain, pose a constant threat. 

Further information concerning patient identity and cause of death will be under the authority of the Clark County Medical Examiner. 

Canby Fire District has reports of sky lanterns being found on properties around Canby with the dry hot weather we are experiencing this is a significant fire threat to the community. Canby Fire would like to remind everyone that sky lanterns (also known as aerial luminaries, Chinese lanterns, mini hot air balloons, UFO balloons, wish lanterns, etc.) are illegal to release into Oregon airspace.

These lanterns, which are commonly available for purchase from online retailers, contain a small candle or fuel cell composed of a waxy flammable material. When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern, thus lowering its density and causing the lantern to rise into the air. These devices can travel significant distances from the point of release. There is a serious fire and safety hazard associated with sky lanterns, which include the potential to start a fire on or off the property from which they are released.

Most states in the U.S., as well as countries such as Germany, Australia, and Brazil have outlawed the release of sky lanterns due to their potential to start unintended fires.

As of January 1, 2017, releasing a sky lantern into Oregon airspace is considered a Class A Violation subject to a maximum penalty of $2,000.0. If you see a Sky Lantern or find one on the ground call police 

On 7/12/2018 at 6:53 pm, AMR Ambulance, East County Fire and Rescue and CCSO deputies responded to a single vehicle rollover collision in the 26000 block of NE Bradford Road, in east Clark County.  Prior to EMS arrival, passersby had removed an unresponsive infant from the vehicle and were performing CPR on the child.  The adult female driver had to be mechanically extricated by ECFR from the overturned 2008 Nissan Altima, which had struck a tree alongside the roadway.  Both the driver and child were transported to an area hospital with traumatic injuries.

Sadly, the infant succumbed to injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital this evening.  The female driver is in critical condition.  The injured female driver is the child's mother.  Name of the deceased is not being released at this time.

Vehicle: 2008 Nissan Altima sedan

Driver: PFEIFER, Amanda.  Age, 26.  Vancouver resident.

Causes for this collision are currently under investigation by the CCSO Traffic Unit detectives. 

Prepared by Sgt Alex Schoening, CCSO Traffic Unit

###

At 2:00 AM on July 18, 2018 Corbett Fire District sent a  Corbett engine manned with two Corbett Firefighters along with two Gresham Firefighters to the Substation Fire in The Dallas, Oregon. The group is a part of a Strike Team that is composed of the City of Portland, Gresham, the Port of Portland, and the Corbett Fire District. The group will be responsible for the protection of structures.

At 2:00 AM on July 18, 2018 Corbett Fire District  sent an engine manned with two Corbett firefighters and two Gresham firefighters  to the Substation Fire in The Dallas. The group is part of a Strike Team comprised of  the City of Portland, Gresham, Port of Portland, and Corbett Fire District. The group will be responsible for the protection of structures..

Please see attached Press release

Kelso, WA- Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Cowlitz Fire District #5 (Kalama) responded to a structure fire in the 4700 block of Rose Valley Rd Wednesday evening at 5:40.  Dispatch reported several calls reporting smoke in the area.  The first fire unit arrived on scene and reported that a house was on fire and the roof had collapsed.  Further investigation confirmed that the house was unoccupied.  Fire crews extinguished the fire in under 40 minutes from the exterior.  Two fire engines, two water tenders, a chief officer, and two brush engines responded to the fire.  The house’s assessed valued is $109,000. and is considered a total loss, according to fire officials.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Two firefighters were treated on scene for heat related exhaustion, no other injuries were reported. 

Update#1:  4:30p.m. Thanks to help from tips from the public, the Kelso Police Department and Cowlitz Sheriff Deputies found Huigens hiding behind a house in north Kelso about 45 minutes ago.  He is back in custody.  

---------------Previous media release below ----------------------------

Cowlitz County - Wash:  The Cowlitz Sheriff's Office is actively working a case where a Monte E. Huigens (36yrs)  has walked away from a corrections work crew that he was assigned to.  He was last scene near the Hall of Justice in Kelso about 10:30 a.m.    Huigens was in custody for investigation of Domestic Violence,  no contact order violation, harassment, and assault.   Deputies are working to locate the victim and notify her of his escape.    

There are photos of Huigens in this release.  It is IMPORTANT to note that Huigens has since shaved his hair and he is almost bald at this time.  He is 6-3 and 185 lbs.    He was last seen wearing a Organge Shirt with Stripes, and tan pants and red "Jordan" shoes.    

While there is no informatoin that suggests that Huigens is believed to be armed, people should call 911 if they spot him and not try to contact him if they see him.   

UPDATE#1.   8:00 p.m.  The section of the Old Highway remains closed as fire crews work on the fire, and will probably be closed throughout the night.  There have been no evacuations, and there is no reason to believe evacuations will be necessary; however if the need arises, deputies on scene and are prepared conduct evacuations if necessary. 

Fire crews remain optomistic in continuing to gain control and keep control of the fire. 

If there is any change we will provide updates as appropriate. 

Kalama, WASH - Fire authorities have been working on a fire near Mile Post 30 north of Kalama since 3:00 p.m.  The fire started near I-5 and has traveled up the hill to the east, near Bluff Road.   No houses have been burned, and no evacuations are required. 

The Old highway (county road) which parallels I5 has been shut down while a helicopter drops water on the fire.  The old highway is closed between Mt. Pleasant road on the north end, and at Kalama River Road on the south end. 

The Washington State Patrol is releasinhg information regularly as it relates to the status of I5. 

People can also look at the Cowlitz Department of Emergency Managements FB page for information.

We will provide updates as the situation changes.  Fire authorities believe they are making good progress on controlling the fire but it is a working fire and it is not contained yet. 

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense against online auction frauds.

We are now fully into summer. With vacations already planned and paid for, many are short on the cash needed to buy those odds and ends for around the house. Instead of paying top dollar at the store, many are turning to online auctions as a way to save money. Such auctions are a great option – if you know how to use them safely.

Most auction sites have rules for both the buyer and the seller. Take time to familiarize yourself to the auction site and all its policies before you bid on anything. Pay special attention to details about payment information, privacy policies, and insurance. Also, before using, make sure that the sites where you register, sign in and bid are secure. Chances are that if the site URL starts with “https,” the page is secure. However, to be safe, try to pay with a credit card that comes with fraud protection. Additionally, take your time to research what other people have to say about the website. Look for reviews or complaints that indicate that a buyer either got a faulty product or never received what they bid on.

These scam artists have been doing it for a while and know exactly what to say and do to steal your money. Here are some warning signs:

• The seller only has a generic photo of the item. You cannot be sure that the seller actually has the item if there isn't a current picture.
• A “brand name” product is marked down or on sale for a price much lower than normal. This product could be counterfeit.
• If you see words such as “used”, “old”, or “vintage”, the item may not be in the best condition.
• Do not use the “Friends and Family” money transfer method to pay for items, as buyers are not eligible for fraud protection through this method.
• Do not pay for items using gift cards. These requests almost always indicate a scam since the “seller” can cash out the cards immediately and the auction site has no way to verify that payment.  
• The seller insists on communicating or paying outside of the auction site’s payment system. The seller might insinuate that the system is too slow and that he needs the money right away to send you your product. No matter what story he tells you, don’t send money outside the established payment system!
• You get an email stating that you need to verify your account or reply to confirm your purchase of a product. If this happens, go to the auction site itself to log in. There you will be able to see if the site really sent you an email. If so, you can respond there and avoid clicking on any potentially compromising links.

If you have been victimized by an online overpayment scam or any other cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your local FBI office.

Early Friday morning, at 3:44am Cornelius Firefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 1400 block of SW 345th Avenue, this is located just outside the city limits of Cornelius. Minutes later crews arrived to find a single story house with fire engulfing the whole rear of the house. Firefighters started attacking the flames from the exterior, but were challenged with estimated 10-15mph winds that were pushing the flames throughout the house. Because this house is located outside the city, there isn't a fire hydrant system, therefore, water had to be trucked into the scene on Water Tenders. It took several minutes for a mobile water supply system to be established allowing for the ability to effectively fight the flames. It took firefighters just over an hour to full extinguish the flames, and another two hours putting out hot spots.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but is believed to have started on or near the back patio deck close to a hot tub. The occupants were thankfully out of town during the fire and no injuries occured during the incident. A majority of the structure and its contents are considered a total loss with an estimated value of approximately $350,000, this includes a van that burned in the garage.

Cornelius Fire Department wants to remind everyone, that not all fires can be prevented, but if a fire occurs you can take steps to be prepared.

-Have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your house and in each bedroom. Also test it monthly.
-Know two ways out of every room in your house (through a door or window).
-Make sure all doors stay closed, this simple task can prevent fire from spreading into a room.

Cornelius Fire Department was assisted on scene by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Gaston Fire District, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Banks Fire District, Washington County Sheriffs Office and Red Cross.

Scene Information
Engines - 5
Water Tenders - 5
Support Unit - 1
Chiefs - 2

30 Total Firefighters

# # #

Gresham, Ore. – Police are looking for a missing 13-year-old girl who ran away on July 17. Jamya Smith has black hair, brown eyes, is approximately 5-feet-2-inches tall and weighs 115 pounds. She was last seen wearing an orange Oregon shirt, gray shorts, pink flip flops and leopard print glasses.

Anyone who has information about Smith’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the non-emergency police dispatch line at 503.823.3333 or if needed, 911.

GRESHAM, Ore. – The Gresham Police Department is actively participating in Oregon Impact and Oregon Department of Transportation Pedestrian Safety Operations. On July 13, Gresham Officers conducted targeted enforcement along the area of W Powell Blvd and W Powell Loop. Officers issued 29 citations from the hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Education for drivers and pedestrians is vital to keeping our roads safe. Motorists must stop and yield to pedestrians who are waiting to cross, or who are in the process of crossing, the roadway. Motorists are also required to stop at all crosswalks when a vehicle is already stopped in a lane next to the one they are traveling in. Refer to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 811.028, Failure to Stop and Remain Stopped for Pedestrian, for specifics on the law regarding drivers. Refer to ORS Chapter 814 for laws pertaining to pedestrians.

The department is hoping to raise pedestrian safety awareness for drivers and pedestrians through education and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws. Additional missions will be scheduled during the summer and again in September, as the new school year begins.

Gresham, Ore.— Gresham Police is asking for any witnesses of a fatal July 11 crash to come forward. On July 11 around 5:50 p.m., police responded to a traffic collision involving a car and a motorcycle near NW Burnside Rd and NW Wallula Ave. Police arrived on scene and found that the motorcycle rider was deceased. The motorcycle rider is identified as 61-year-old M Liss Mason Cusic of Gresham. The driver of the car being 35-year-old Maria Del Carmen Morales-Vasquez of Fairview. Traffic Investigators are still investigating exactly what occurred and no arrests or citations have been made.

Anyone who witnessed or has information about the collision is asked to call the Gresham Police at 503.618.2719.

Hillsboro Police Department’s K9 Dozer received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was provided by an anonymous sponsor and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Chicken, Miss Kitty and K9 Billy”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,000 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

K9 Dozer was born in The Netherlands on January 4, 2016, and he joined the Hillsboro Police Department in June, 2017.  Dozer is partnered with Officer Denise Lemen, and he is trained to locate human odor through tracking, building searches, evidence recovery and handler protection.  K9 Dozer's vest will honor the memory of K9 Billy, who died in the line of duty on December 4, 2017.

Update 7/17/18:

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. - The Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office has completed its investigation into the death of Tammy Rae Hicks.  Deputy State Medical Examiner Dr. James Olson, MD, has ruled Hicks' death as a homicide.  The cause of death was determined to be strangulation.  Evidence at autopsy showed Hicks died before her body was burned in a trailer fire on June 30, 2018.  

Kevin Dean Hicks, Sr. remains lodged in the Jackson County jail on charges related to this case.  Any further updates will be released by the Jackson County District Attorney's Office.

Update 7/1/18:

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives say the death at the scene of Saturday’s trailer fire was a homicide. The suspect is in jail, accused of murdering his estranged wife and burning her body.

On June 30, 2018, at 3:17 p.m, deputies responded with Fire District #3 personnel to a trailer fire in the 3100-block of McMartin Lane. The caller indicated a woman was in the trailer, which was fully engulfed before first responders arrived.

Deputies arrested Kevin Dean Hicks, Sr., 52, shortly after arriving at the scene, which was also Kevin Hicks’s residence. Hicks is lodged in the Jackson County jail on charges of murder and second degree abuse of a corpse.

Detectives have presumptively identified the victim as Tammy Raye Hicks, 49, of the 12200-block of Table Rock Road. Investigators with the Jackson County medical examiner’s office say the official identity of the deceased is tentative; they will likely need to rely on dental records or DNA comparisons to make a conclusive identification. An autopsy will take place later this week.

The couple separated after deputies arrested Kevin Hicks on October 15, 2017, for assaulting Tammy Hicks in the presence of their four minor children. Kevin Hicks was arrested again the following day when he contacted Tammy Hicks, in violation of the jail release agreement. The children were not present during Saturday’s incident.

Detectives with the multi-agency Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU), as well as fire investigators, are assisting with the case. The District Attorney’s Office will review the evidence and refer the case to a grand jury.  Additional details regarding the incident will not be released at this time.

Case #18-13354

###

Original release 6/30/18:

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. -- Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputies are investigating an apparent death at the scene of a trailer fire. Few details are available for release at this early stage in the investigation.

On June 30, 2018, at 3:17 p.m., dispatch received a 911 call reporting a fire in a trailer in the 3100-block of McMartin Lane. The caller reported a woman was inside the trailer.

Fire District #3 personnel responded to fight the fire, which was fully engulfed. Jackson County Sheriff's Office detectives and an investigator from the medical examiner's office responded to assist with the investigation.

Further information, including the identity of the deceased, will be released at a later time.

Case #18-13354

###

Early Thursday morning, Governor Kate Brown declared a statewide fire emergency, including a ban on campfires and open flames within state park properties until further notice. Within the Lebanon area this ban would apply to Cascadia State Park and the Thompson’s Mill State Heritage Site.

Fire officials from LFD say that it’s important for the community to recognize that different parks and recreational areas will have different restrictions in place at any given time, and the best course of action is to contact the responsible agency for the area you are traveling to with questions about specific restrictions.

“We have so many different agencies within our fire district that it can become confusing as to what the rules are and who sets those rules.” says Lebanon Fire District Division Chief Jason Bolen. “The Oregon Department of Forestry, Linn County Parks Department, the US Forest Service, the Department of Ag, the DEQ and BLM; all of these jurisdictions exist within the boundaries of the Lebanon Fire District and at times each agency will have different restrictions in place.”

The Lebanon Fire District encompasses 134 square miles of territory and is bordered by a number of neighboring fire agencies. Following this morning’s announcement from Governor Brown, Lebanon fire officials reached out to other local agencies to verify their restriction levels. The restrictions listed below are current as of 11:00 am on 7/19/18 and are in effect until lifted by the issuing agency. Contact the agency listed for more details or for information on when restrictions will be lifted.

Oregon State Campgrounds – No campfires or open flames until further notice.  Contact: www.oregonstateparks.org

Lebanon Fire District – No backyard burning. Recreational fires burning only seasoned firewood are allowed in a designated fire pit with a water source at hand. Recreational fire pits shall not be closer than 25 feet to a structure. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be closer than 15 feet to a structure. There are NO mowing restrictions to residential lawns currently in place. Extreme caution should be taken when mowing brown or dead grass as it poses a significant fire hazard. Contact: Lebanon Fire District, 541-451-1901.

City of Lebanon – No campfires or open flames in city parks, including Gills Landing Campground. Contact: Maintenance Operations Department, 541-258-4918.

Linn County Parks & Campgrounds – Campfires allowed in permanent campfire rings only. Contact: Linn County Parks Department, 541-967-3917.

Oregon Department of Forestry – Campfires allowed in ODF protected land ONLY in an approved site and following an inspection by an ODF staff member; Contact ODF at 541-367-6108 to schedule an inspection. Industrial Fire Protection Level information can be found at www.oregon.gov/ODF Contact: ODF South Cascade District Office, 541-367-6108.

The potential for a devastating fire within the Lebanon Fire District increases with every day, as high temperatures reduce fuel moisture levels and increase the ignition potential. This fire season has already shown itself to be a potential record setter for fire damage, and with Linn County crews currently fighting the Substation Fire near The Dalles, department staffing and resources are already being stretched thin. “Our hope is that the public stays aware of the local fire danger and uses good judgement when working with fire.” Bolen said. “We’ll try to share as much information as possible so that our community stays well informed and up to date on local fire conditions throughout the summer.” Should a large-scale fire event occur in Lebanon, similar to last year’s Mt. Hope fire, Bolen says Lebanon firefighters are prepared to handle it.  “We begin preparing for fire season months in advance, so our crews and equipment are ready to go at a moment’s notice. We also have mutual aid agreements in place with our neighboring municipal departments and the support of ODF and the state, if needed.”

For more information on fire season conditions contact any of the agencies listed above or the Lebanon Fire District at 541-451-1901.

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

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

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

We know that fires frequently occur, but no one seems to think they will be the victim of a fire.  However, hundreds of people are victimized by fire every year in this country. There are some precautions we can all take to reduce the risk of our becoming the victim of a fire. Use the following tips to help keep you and your family safe especially during the hot, dry season.

Protect your home from wildfire

• Create a 30-foot non-combustible defensible space around your home. Stack firewood away from the home.
• Trim branches along driveways so that they are 14 feet off the ground, 14 feet from other surfaces and 10 feet from the roof and power lines.
• Use non-combustible roofing materials. Keep gutters and foundation screen vents free from debris.
• Keep yards watered and mowed. Plant low-growing, less-flammable plants near homes.
• Post your address in a location that is visible from all directions for at least 150 feet.

Campfires

• Call before you go – Call your local forestry or fire district to learn if there any current campfire restrictions.
• Select the right spot – Choose campgrounds with established fire pits. If campfires are allowed outside campgrounds, avoid areas near your tent, structures, vehicles, shrubs and trees. Be aware of low-hanging branches overhead. Clear the site down to mineral soil, at least five feet on all sides, and circle your campfire site with rocks.
• Keep your campfire small.
• NEVER use gasoline.
• Always have a shovel and a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any escaped embers.
• When you leave, drown all embers with water, stir the coals and drown again until it is DEAD OUT.

For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

Deputies have identified the drivers in yesterday’s fatal motor vehicle crash as Juan Ortiz-Hernandez, age 36 of Independence and Thomas Simons, age 62 of Monmouth.  Investigators believe Mr. Ortiz-Hernandez was traveling west on River Road in a small pickup truck when a motorcycle being operated by Mr. Simons failed to negotiate a curve resulting in a collision.  Mr. Ortiz-Hernandez was not injured in the crash but sadly Mr. Simons died at the scene. 

This marks the fourth fatal vehicle crash involving a motorcycle in Marion County within the month of July.  These very tragic events are a reminder of our great responsibility when taking to our roadways.  Attached is a link from our partners at Team Oregon who offer some great safety tips for motorcyclists.  https://team-oregon.org/resources/whatwouldyoudo/  

Deputies Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash (Independence) Today, July 17th, at 2:22 p.m., deputies with the Marion county Sheriff’s Office were called to a two vehicle crash that occurred in the 7400 block of River Road South near the Independence Bridge. Deputies believe a west bound motorcycle was negotiating a corner when the rider crossed the center line and struck a west bound pickup truck.

The driver of the pickup truck was not injured, sadly the motorcyclist died on scene. There are no additional details available at this time and no information regarding either involved driver will be released until the proper notifications can be made. River Road South is currently closed to one lane until the crash can be cleared.  Please use caution if you are traveling in the area.  

Investigators have identified both drivers in yestedays fatal traffic crash.  Deputies belive Michael Bashaw, age 18, of Salem was making a delivery when he turned in front of a motrcycle causing a collision.  The motorcyclist Robert Grove, age 69, of Newberg died at the scene.  This is still an active investigation and there are no additional details to release at this time.   

Today at 8:57 a.m., deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to a motor vehicle crash on River Rd NE south of Waconda Rd NE. Preliminary information is that a motorcycle was traveling south on River Road when a northbound SUV turned west in front of the motorcycle.

The driver of the vehicle was not injured in the collision. Tragically the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. River Road is closed between Waconda and Brooklake RD NE but expected to reopen within the hour. The Sheriff’s Office is not prepared to release any further details or the names of either driver until the proper notifications can be made.   

The Marion County Sheriff's Office has learned that Mr. Bolen died from the injuries he sustained in yesterdays motorvehicle crash.  This is the third death involving a motorcycle in Marion County in a time span of less than 12 hours.  The summer months brings extra traffic on our roadways including motorcycles, bicycles and pedesterians.  We encourage all of our resdients and vistors to practice being an attentative driver and please watch for others.  

Today at 9:13 a.m., deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to a motor vehicle crash on Cordon Road NE near State Street.  Investigators have determined that a motorcycle being ridden by Virgil Bolen, age 90 of Salem, was traveling north on Cordon Road. A southbound passenger car driven by Kaye Yocles, age 52 of Salem turned east in front of the motorcycle causing both vehicles to collide head on.   

Ms. Young was not injured in the collision and has been issued a citation for making a dangerous left hand turn.  Mr. Bolen was transported to Salem Hospital where he is being treated and expected to survive his injuries. 

There is no further information available at this time.   

Today at 9:13 a.m., deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to a motor vehicle crash on Cordon Road NE near State Street.  Preliminary information is that a motorcycle was traveling north on Cordon Road when a southbound passenger car turned east in front of the motorcycle. 

The driver of the vehicle was not injured in the collision, the motorcyclist was transported to Salem Hospital with life threatening injuries.  Cordon Road is closed between State Street and Auburn Road NE.  This closure is to allow specialized investigators with our CRASH Team to investigate.  It is believed the road will remain for the next hour. 

There is no further information available at this time.   

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office will participate in two local community summer events happening this weekend, July 20 and 21, 2018.

Wood Village Nite Out

Friday, July 20

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Wood Village Baptist Church

23601 NE Arata Road

Coordinated by the City of Wood Village and hosted by the Wood Village Baptist Church, this annual summer event is the City’s largest neighborhood event! This year’s Nite Out will feature kid’s games and activities, great music and food, and exciting demonstrations by first responders. This event is a part of the National Nite Out Program that is supported by many of the businesses in the area. Wood Village Baptist Church provides over 100 volunteers for the estimated crowd of 2,500 visitors.

Due to construction on NE Arata Road and limited on-site parking, visitors are encouraged to use caution in the area and consider parking nearby and walking to the event.

Troutdale SummerFest

Saturday, July 21

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Glenn Otto Park

1102 E Historic Columbia River Hwy

Join in on the annual summer fun in Downtown Troutdale! The Historic Columbia River Highway will be closed off from Kibling to Glenn Otto Park and kids are invited to “Chalk It Up” on the streets in front of Mayor’s Square. At 11:00 a.m., the parade will march through town to Glenn Otto Park where the festivities will go on throughout the afternoon! Glenn Otto Park will have a variety of vendors, food, entertainment, music, and fun activities for the kids!

MCSO’s own K9 Ranger has been honored as the Canine Citizen of the Year! He and his partner, Deputy Weber, will proudly represent MCSO during the parade and throughout the day’s fun.

SummerFest is hosted by the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce. This year, a portion of proceeds will benefit the Multnomah County Animal Shelter Services.

More information is available at http://www.westcolumbiagorgechamber.com/troutdale-summerfest/

Both events are family friendly and open to all!

Media is invited to attend both events.

On July 13, 2018, Newport Police Department received multiple 911 calls of an intoxicated driver leaving the South Beach State Park area traveling north on U.S. Hwy 101 in a black colored sedan. Additional callers reported the vehicle was all over the road, almost had a head on collision with several on-coming cars, and was crossing over the centerline into the on-coming lane.

 A Newport Police Department Officer located the vehicle traveling east on SW Bay Blvd and attempted to initiate a traffic stop after observing the driver failing to maintain its lane. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Pedro Romero Galicia, pulled into the public parking lot at the Abbey Street Pier and parked in a disabled parking space. Mr. Galicia then quickly exited his vehicle and took off running on foot.

 The Officer recognized Mr. Galicia, who had an active warrant for his arrest, and pursued him on foot. The officer caught up to Galicia near the intersection of SW Bay Blvd and SW Fall St.

 An off duty police officer from Juneau, Alaska observed the NPD officer engaged in a foot pursuit with Mr. Galicia and assisted in taking Mr. Galicia into custody.

 Mr. Galicia resisted being taken into custody and a Taser was deployed. During the struggle, Mr. Galicia knocked over a lawfully parked, unoccupied motorcycle, causing significant damage to it.

Mr. Galicia was then taken into custody without further incident.  

 The Officer observed several noticeable signs of impairment coming from Mr. Galicia when was taken into custody. A DUII Investigation was conducted and Mr. Garcia was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges:

        Pedro Romero Galicia, age 29 of Newport, Oregon

•  Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicant (DUII)
• Reckless Driving
• Escape in the Third Degree
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer on Foot
• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree
• Three separate Lincoln County Circuit Court Warrants for Failure to Appear.

The Oregon City Police Department completed a month long investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine. This morning, we executed a search warrant at 200 Longview Way #67 in Oregon City, Oregon.  During the search of the residence, and with the help of Drug Detection K9 Grendel, a significant amount of methamphetamine and cash were seized, as well as evidence of drug distribution, and stolen property from recent burglaries in Oregon City. The occupants of the residence were both taken into custody and identified as 51-year-old Gregory Reddon and 44-year-old Tina Anderson.  There was also a five (5) year old child in the residence at the time of the execution of the search warrant.  We worked with DHS to get the child reunited with a relative.  Both Reddon and Anderson were taken to the Clackamas County Jail and lodged on the following charges: Child Neglect in the 1st degree ($20,000 bail), Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine ($20,000 bail), Theft in the 1st degree ($10,000 bail), Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine ($2,500 bail), & Frequenting a place where drugs are sold ($2,500 bail). 

If you know someone who is selling drugs or suspect illegal activity is occurring, we would like to hear from you.  You can reach us through our dispatch at 503-655-8211 or call our tip line at 503-496-1616.  

Governor declares state of emergency

Moro, OR – July 18, 2018 – The Substation Fire started southeast of The Dalles on Tuesday afternoon and moved further east today. Firefighters saw heightened activity on the north and the south end of the fire. More than 50,000 acres in Sherman and Wasco Counties are affected.

Level 3 evacuations (“Go”) increased to include Moro; level 2 evacuations (“Be Ready”) grew to include the community of Wasco, south to the community of Kent and several miles east. More than 900 homes are in the Level 2 and level 3 areas.  A Red Cross shelter open at The Dalles Middle School at 1100 E. 12th St in The Dalles.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing threat of wildfire and increasing wildfire activity. The declaration makes available resources from around the state, and from outside of Oregon if necessary.

As of Wednesday afternoon 178 firefighters from 32 agencies across Oregon are focused on protecting structures in the line of the fire.  Additional resources continue to arrive from around the state.

A wide variety of flying air tankers have been deployed to fight the Substation Fire. These include:

• Two 750-gallon capacity “Fire Bosses”
• Two ”Super Scooper” air tankers, capable of which are “scooping” 12,000 gallons of water from the Columbia River to drop on the fire
• A heavy air tanker which drops retardant on the fire
• Two Type-2 helicopters

A VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker), which can carry 12,000 gallons of water, was also deployed.

“I saw neighbors helping neighbors and firefighters going the extra mile to bring this fire under control,” said Public Information Officer Damon Simmons. “While these fires are awful, they show the true spirit of the local residents and Oregonians in general.”

Hwy 97 has been closed intermittently. Travelers are advised to check ODOT TripCheck for up-to-date information.

The Wasco Co. Sheriff’s Office confirmed one civilian fatality as a result of exposure to the fire.

A hotline for Substation Fire information has been established: 503-597-8076. Additional information is available at www.faceook.com/Substation2018.

Governor Kate Brown has declared the Substation Fire, burning near The Dalles, a conflagration. The declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

The Office of State Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team, four structural task forces, and two strike teams from Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Central Oregon, Yamhill, and Marion counties arrived early this morning and began working to protect structures.

A Level 3 evacuation was put in place for Eight Mile Road at Emerson Loop Road to Emerson Loop Road and Company Hollow Road, as well as all of Wrentham Market Road and Mason Road.

The following Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations for Sherman County are as follows:

South of Gordon Ridge Rd from the Deschutes River, east to Hwy 97 and south to King Lane, South along Sayers Rd to Payne Loop is a Level 3. The Towns of Grass Valley and Moro are Level 2.

North of Gordon Ridge Rd to Interstate 84 and HWY 206, east to Hwy 97 and south along Henrichs, Doumand and Lone Rock Rd, and south to Rutledge Lane, as well as the area further south between Finnegan Rd to the Deschutes River is a Level 2. 

The area east of HWY 97 to Hwy 206, and south to Fairview Rd is a Level 1.

Deschutes River from Sheers Bridge to the mouth and Deschutes Park are at Level 3.

Oregon’s conflagration may be invoked only by the Governor and allows the State Fire Marshal to dispatch structural firefighters and equipment.  

More information on evacuations is available at Sherman and Wasco County Sheriffs Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Sherman-County-Sheriffs-Office-643904422378873/

https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff/?hc_ref=ARTVrl7XZjg4B1Ea1eVPFIU_hja5N-OGHnbggMctf6KJNRQmvcGcvxVoCJjnXrY5ZWk&fref=nf

 Additional resources may be accessed at:

• Oregon State Fire Marshal Facebook
  https://www.facebook.com/OregonStateFireMarshal/

• Wildfire…Evacuation Readiness http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/wildfire_evac.doc
• After the Wildfire… http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.doc

On Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at about 2:00 pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and Sweet Home Fire Department personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Hwy 20  east of Sweet Home.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a  2001 Pontiac van, operated by Scott A. WARTENA, age 76, of Sweet Home, was traveling west bound on Hwy 20, when for an unknown reason began swerving back and forth in both lanes of travel.  An east bound 2006 Ford Explorer, operated by Linda K. PHILLIPS, age 69, of Boring, saw the white Pontiac van weaving and attempted to avoid a collision.  PHILLIPS was unable to avoid the Pontiac and the vehicles hit head on near the fogline of the east bound lane. 

All involved were transported to area hospitals.  

On Wedmesday,  July 18, 2018 WARTENA died, at the hospital, from injuries sustained in the crash.

On July 16, 2018 at approximately 7:07 PM Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle (motorcycle) crash on Hwy 202 near milepost 6.

Investigation revealed that a Triumph Motorcycle operated by Damian BURRELL, age 30 of Warrenton, was westbound on Hwy 202, traveling at a high rate of speed while passing, when he lost control of the motorcycle and traveled off the roadway and crashed into the water.  Passing motorists stopped to assist and pulled BURRELL from the water.   

BURRELL suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Oregon State Police were assisted on scene by Olney-Walluski Fire & Rescue, Medix Ambulance,  ODOT, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, and the Clatsop County Medical Examiner.  

UPDATE NAMES RELEASED

The names are being released after the families were notified. The victim, 27 year old, Kristina L. Mehaffey was from the Josephine County area. The suspect, 28 year old, Jeremy L Sweet, also from Josephine County.

END UPDATE

On July 11, 2018 at approximately 11:00PM, Oregon State Troopers responded to a domestic disturbance at an address in the Merlin area. When Troopers arrived they located a passenger van in the driveway and the female operator was deceased. Approximately 1 mile from this scene a second vehicle was located and the male driver was pronounced deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. The investigation has determined that the male had confronted the female, killing her and then took his own life.  

The names will be released at a later time once the families have been notified. No other information is available at this time.

Preliminary investigation reveals a 2005 Mini Cooper operated by Jesus David Jay THARP, age 33 of Colton, was westbound on Oswalt Rd. when he failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection of Oswalt and Hwy 211. The Mini Cooper collided with a 2000 Holr motor home operated by Steven Gary DAVIS, age 67 of Estacada. 

THARP and the passenger in the Mini Cooper Dylan James TAYLOR, age 28 of Burns, sustained fatal injuries in the crash and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Steven DAVIS and the passenger in the motor home Jeanette Sue DAVIS, age 54 of Estacada, sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital.  

On July 15, 2018 at approximately 9;15 AM Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Hwy 211 near mp 20. 

Two people are confirm deceased and two people have been transported to the hospital for injuries.

A detour is in place, however expect delays for several hours while the troopers investigate.

No more information to be released at this time.

On Friday July 13, 2018 at approximately 4:35 PM, Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on SR-99W near milepost 111, south of Junction City.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a black 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV, operated by Aleeshaeseana Gordon-Germain, age 40, of Junction City was traveling north on SR-99W when for an unknown reason crossed over into the southbound lanes of travel and crashed head on into a southbound blue 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup, operated by William Galt IV, age 22, of Eugene.

Both drivers suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased on scene. 

OSP Troopers were assisted by Junction City Fire, Junction City PD, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT, and T&M Towing.

The southbound lane of SR-99W was shut down for approximately 4 hours.

On Thursday July 12, 2018 at about 5:38 PM hours, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 219 and Mahony Rd NE.

Investigation revealed that a 2000 Harley Davidson, operated by John STEWART age 75, of Port Angeles, Washington, was traveling northbound on Highway 219 when for unknown reasons the motorcycle veered into the oncoming lane hitting a 2015 International truck, operated by Finet Navan Carlos FALIG age 27, of Gresham, OR. 

Stewart suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Falig was not injured.

Highway 219  was closed for five and half hours following the crash.  OSP was assisted by Marion County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Fire and ODOT.

On July 12, 2018 at about 9:00 p.m., Troopers from the Bend Area Command responded to a three vehicle injury crash occuring on Highway 97 near milepost 101, south of Madras.  Knife River Construction is repaving this section of Highway 97 and was active in the zone when the crash occured. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Silver Saturn ION, operated by 23 year old Portland resident Casandra Monsivais, was traveling southbound on Highway 97 near milepost 101, and for unknown reasons, was unable to stop in time before crashing into stopped vehicles waiting for the construction zone to open to southbound traffic.  The Saturn rear ended a silver 2013 Dodge Ram truck, operated by 27 year old Spokane resident, Kelty Godby.  The impact to the Dodge then pushed it into a 2014 Subara Crosstrack, operated by 57 year old Chiloquin resident Timothy Parrish. 

The passengers of the Saturn, were identified as 20 year old Portland resident Rachel Reed and 18 year old Gresham resident Hailee Owen, and were both injured in the crash.  Reed was transported to a Bend area hospital by air ambulance for life threatening injuries and Owen was transported via ground ambulance for non-lifethreatening injuries.  The other involved occupants of the involved vehicles were all treated for minor injuries and later released.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Jefferson County Fire District #1 and the Knife River Construction Flagging Crew.

On 7/18/2018 members of the Polk Interagency Narcotics Team (POINT), assisted by the Dallas Police Department, Oregon State Police and Polk County Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant at the residence located at 482 SW Wyatt Street in Dallas, Polk County, Oregon.  The warrant service concluded an investigation into the illegal distribution of methamphetamine in the Polk County area conducted by Ronald Selby.

Detectives located just over 70 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials, $620 in cash, digital scales, drug use paraphernalia including pipes and needles, video surveillance equipment and digital media devices.  The following subjects were arrested for the following charges:

Richard Selby

DOB/ 2-15-1962

Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine

Bail - $15,000

Ronald Selby

DOB/ 10-12-1969

Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine – Substantial Quantity (x4)

Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine – Substantial Quantity (x3)

Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine – Substantial Quantity / Commercial Drug Offense

Bail – $4.2 Million

Ronald Selby was on release from Marion County on a prior POINT investigation that resulted in his arrest on 12/14/2017 in Salem.  At that time Mr. Selby and his associate, Felipe Rodriguez Jr (DOB/ 9-25-1984) were arrested on Portland Road with 1,572.1 grams (3.47 pounds) of methamphetamine.  The case is pending prosecution in Marion County.

The Polk Interagency Narcotics Team is a cooperative effort by the Dallas Police Department, Monmouth Police Department, Independence Police Department, Oregon State Police, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County District Attorney’s Office.  The mission of POINT is to directly impact the negative effects of unlawful activities involving controlled substances within all jurisdictions of the Polk County community.

Thanks to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the Salem Police Department Cadet Unit was able to purchase 10 new ballistic vests after being awarded an $8,000 grant.

The Salem Police Cadet Unit was formed in 1974 for teens and young adults considering the law enforcement profession. Cadets are introduced and trained in several law enforcement disciplines to prepare them for their duties in the field, and prepare them to interact and engage the public at community events. The cadets are provided uniforms and safety equipment when they go out to work with officers in the community. Safety equipment includes items such as these protective vests. “Safety equipment does wear out,” said Officer Shane Sevigny who is the advisor to the teen cadre. “So this grant was critical for the purchase of replacement vests. We’re very grateful.”

The Salem Police Department is thankful for civic-minded organizations, such as the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, whose mission is to help provide life-saving equipment and needed resources to public safety organizations in communities like Salem.

If you, or someone you know is interested in becoming a Salem Police Cadet, please see the information on our website at www.cityofsalem.net/police.

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ABOUT FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $35 million to hometown heroes in 47 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $176,000 in Oregon.

The Salem Police Department, in coordination with the Medical Examiner's office, have determined that the deceased adult male found at McKay Park on July 13, 2018 had committed suicide. The male has been identified, but police are still working on notifying his next of kin. Due to this, his identity will not be released at this time. 

###

On July 13, 2018 at approximately 2:20 p.m., Salem Police officers responded to McKay School Park, 2755 Hollywood DR NE on a report of an injured male. Officers arrived and located a deceased male. Detectives were notified and responded to the scene. At this time a cause of death has not been determined and the male has not been identified. The park is closed while the scene is being processed and we estimate it will be open again shortly after 8:00 p.m..

Detectives are asking that anyone with information regarding the incident please contact the Salem Police non-emergency number at 503-588-6123.

More information will be released when it is available.

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On Thursday, July 12, 2018 the Salem Police Department’s Traffic Team investigated two vehicle collisions that resulted in people sustaining life-threating injuries.

The first collision occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Geer DR NE and State ST. Tange Auterson, age 53 of Salem, was riding her bicycle westbound on State ST. As she was crossing Geer DR she was struck by a SUV driven by Wesley Hanks, age 71 of Salem. Hanks was driving eastbound on State ST when he turned left onto Geer DR striking Auterson.

Auterson was transported to Salem Health where she remains in serious condition. Hanks remained at the scene and has cooperated with investigators. No enforcement action has been taken, pending the completion of the investigation.

As an update to yesterday’s press release regarding the crash at Front and Ferry STS SE, the pedestrian has been identified as Paul Cagle, age 44 of Salem. He is currently receiving treatment at Salem Health. The driver of the vehicle that struck Cagle has been identified as Jacob Barnfather, age 24 of Salem. No enforcement action has been taken, pending completion of the investigation.      

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Salem, Ore. - The Salem Police station project’s design phase is coming to a close. Residents can get a glimpse of the final plans, at a town hall meeting on July 25 at 6 p.m., in the South Salem High School Library, 1910 Church ST SE.

The design team will do a “look back and look ahead” presentation and provide residents with the inside scoop on the floor plans and the community space. “We’re pleased to have had so much public involvement in the design process,” said Deputy Chief Steve Bellshaw of the Salem Police Support Division. The project team gathered public input in a variety of ways, including an online survey, at meetings held by Salem’s many neighborhood associations, and a town hall held in March of this year.

Bellshaw added, “We’re also preparing for the start of the site construction phase, so we’ve invited JE Dunn Construction to be part of the town hall presentation.” JE Dunn is the project’s construction manager/general contractor. Company representatives will be at the meeting to share the “big picture” on the contracting and construction schedule.

Residents can follow the project’s progress through project website at www.cityofsalem.net/police-station, signing up for email updates, or by following the Salem Police Department’s social media channels.

#S#P#D

See Attached Bulletin

Shortly after 3:00 a.m. on Monday, July 16, Tigard Police were called to the Plaid Pantry convenience store located at 15995 SW Hall Blvd in Tigard. An injured employee called and reported he was allegedly beaten with a gun during a robbery attempt. The victim further added after unsuccessfully obtaining any money or otherwise, the suspect  fled on foot into the neighborhood.

Tigard officers arrived within minutes and rendered aid to the victim while other officers searched the area. A Tigard Police K-9 unit began tracking and ultimately led police approximately a quarter-mile to the suspect, who attempted to conceal himself inside a vehicle. The suspect, 45 year-old Arnold Luis Barriga, was taken into custody and lodged at the Washington County Jail. Barriga is charged with Robbery II, Assault IV and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

The 24 year-old victim was treated at the scene for injuries sustained during the robbery. The suspect reportedly used a pellet gun to assault the victim repeatedly.

Vancouver, Wash. –On July 20 and 21, 2018, the Vancouver and Washougal Police Departments and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office will have additional officers enforcing DUI laws in an effort to keep drunk, drugged and high drivers off the road.  Officers, who are also drug recognition experts, will be among those conducting these increased DUI patrols.   

These additional DUI enforcements are possible thanks to a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, which covers the overtime costs for the additional officers, as well as high visibility marketing in support of Target Zero, Washington’s strategic roadmap for eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.  

If you are driving and see a suspected impaired driver, call 911.

For more information on these DUI emphasis patrols visit our DUI Enforcement page: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/police/page/dui-enforcement .

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

....Child found safe by Washougal Police....

Today at 3 pm Nash Modin (10 years old) left home after an argument with his mother. He has not been seen or heard from since that time. A canvas of the area met with negative results. VPD is asking for help from the public to locate Nash.

Nash is 4 foot, 89 pounds with a buzz cut a slight Mohawk stye Brown hair and Blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a Green bicycle helmet and Super Heroes Gray T Shirt and Black athletic shorts. He has brightly colored Yellow, Green and Black shoes. He is riding a boys one speeed (similar to a huffy style) bicycle.

Nash has no known medical issues at this time.

The female has been identified and responsible parties for her have been contacted

The Vancouver Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying an elderly female who was found wondering around the 1200 block of NE 93rd Ave earlier today.  In speaking with responding officers, the female believes her name is "Connie Rae", and she thinks she might live with others in a home near a park.  She doesn’t know anything else about herself. 

She is a White Female, around 5’5”, and weighing approximately 100 pounds.  She has long brown and grey hair.  When contacted by police, she was wearing a blue and brown colored flowered dress (see attached photo).  She was transported to an area hospital for a medical evaluation.  

Anyone who recognizes her or has information as to who she is and where she is living is strongly encouraged to contact the Vancouver Police Department. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Vancouver Police is excited to once again be participating in the 7- Eleven Operation Chill program. Thanks to the generosity of 7-Eleven, the department received a generous allotment of coupons for free Slurpee’s. The Operation Chill program helps law enforcement agencies across the country promote positive relationships between police and kids. The coupons allow police officers a great opportunity to interact with and rewards kids they see exhibiting positive behaviors, such as wearing their bike helmet or participating in a summer youth program.

“This program is an excellent way for police officers to have a positive connection with a young person and our officers look forward to participating every year”, says Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain.

7- Eleven is celebrating the 23nd anniversary of Operation Chill and this is the fourth year the Vancouver Police Department has been invited to participate.  

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The Vancouver Police Department is seeking applicants for Entry and Lateral Police Officers

July 18, 2018 – A 53-year-old man has been charged with murder after severely beating his father in early March. The 77-year-old man died at the hospital in early June.

On March 2, 2018, at 3:32 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a welfare check at a residence in the 7200 block of Northwest 185th Avenue in unincorporated Washington County.

The caller, 53-year-old Shaun Maki, reported that his father, 77-year-old Melvin Maki, was suffering from self-inflicted injuries inside the home they both lived.

When they arrived, deputies found Melvin suffering from severe injuries that were not consistent with self-inflicted wounds. He was transported to a local trauma hospital with critical injuries.

Based on the suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit responded to investigate. Detectives collected evidence that led them to believe that Shaun had brutally beaten his father with a wooden shovel handle and waited a substantial time to call 9-1-1.

Detectives arrested Shaun that evening for attempted murder and other related charges, and lodged him at the Washington County Jail.

On June 4, 2018, Melvin died at a medical facility. The Oregon State Medical Examiner has ruled his death a homicide.

On July 18, 2018, a Washington County Grand Jury indicted Shaun Edwin Maki for murder, two counts of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, and unlawful use of a weapon. He is being held at the Washington County Jail without bail.

Detectives were assisted in their investigation by Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Unit personnel, Beaverton Police officers from the inter-agency Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team, and Oregon State Police Forensics.

The case will be prosecuted by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.

July 18, 2018 – Detectives arrested two men for sexually abusing a young teenage girl. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and would like to speak with anyone with information on these cases.

In January, detectives received information from a concerned parent that their teenage daughter had been engaging in sexual contact with adult men. Detectives launched an intensive investigation that culminated with arrests in two different counties.

On June 27, 2018, detectives from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrested Christopher I. Iverson, 50, at his home in north Portland.

He was charged with the following crimes:

• Rape in the First Degree
• Rape in the Second Degree
• Attempted Rape in the Second Degree
• Sodomy in the First Degree
• Sodomy in the Second Degree
• Using Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
• Strangulation
• Purchasing Sex with a Minor (two counts)
• Luring a Minor
• Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree
• Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree

Mr. Iverson was booked into the Multnomah County Jail, where he remains. His bail is set at $1,547,500. This case will be prosecuted by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

On July 17, 2018, detectives from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit traveled to Grants Pass. With assistance from the Washington County Air Support Unit and the Oregon State Police, they arrested Chan Woo Hwang, 30, at his home outside Grants Pass.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Mr. Hwang met several females online and agreed to pay them for sex. When he met up with them, he covertly recorded the sex acts and later used the video footage in an attempt to blackmail the victims into additional meetings for sex.

Mr. Hwang was charged with the following crimes:

• Using Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct
• Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (three counts)
• Rape in the Second Degree
• Sodomy in the Second Degree (two counts)
• Luring a Minor
• Commercial Sexual Solicitation

Mr. Hwang was lodged at the Josephine County Jail, where he remains. His bail is set at $1,012,500. This case will be prosecuted by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and will proceed upon Mr. Hwang’s transfer to the Washington County Jail.

Detectives believe there are additional victims. If you have any information on these cases, please contact detectives at 503-846-2500.

July 12, 2018 – A 23-year-old driver crashed into a North Plains storefront and struck an employee. Impairment and vehicle maintenance neglect are believed to be factors in the crash.

On Thursday, July 12, 2018, at 7:03 p.m., two North Plains Police Department officers were at an ARCO station, located at 9560 NW Glencoe Road, when they observed a vehicle turn into the parking lot at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle, a black 1974 Ford F-350 pickup, nearly struck an officer, crashed into the storefront, then struck an employee who was outside. North Plains officers detained the driver, a 23-year-old male, and a 20-year-old female passenger.

Based on the incident location, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to investigate. The driver told deputies he knew the brakes on his vehicle were faulty but admitted he had neglected to replace them.

Investigators believe impairment was likely a factor in this crash. Deputies will investigate further then send the case to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for review.

The employee who was struck, a 19-year-old male, suffered a broken ankle, concussion, and multiple lacerations. He was transported to a local hospital by Metro West Ambulance.

The inter-agency Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to assist in the investigation. [read more]

Video and photos from the crash can be accessed here.

The search for 68 year old Leocadio Sendejas-Sanchez, who disappeared while swimming yesterday, continues this morning in the Willamette just north of Wheatland Ferry. Yesterday, divers and search crews covered approximately 1/4 mile of river water before suspending the search due to darkness. At about 9:00 a.m. Yamhill County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol conducted a visual search of the water. Divers from Clackamas County Dive/Rescue are scheduled to enter the water around 10:00 a.m.

An update will be provided later this afternoon

Update

The search for Leocadio Sendejas-Sanchez, the missing swimmer in the Willamette River is being suspended due to darkness. Search crews from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Clackamas County Dive/Rescue searched for several hours, covering approximately one-quarter mile downriver from Sendejas-Sanchez’s last known location.

The search was conducted with the use of divers and four watercraft. 

Efforts will continue tomorrow morning and additional information will be made available as it develops. 
 

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Today, at about 4:15 p.m. Yamhill Communications Agency, the dispatch agency for the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, received a  911 call advising a swimmer had gone under water in the Willamette River, approximately 200 yards north of the Wheatland Ferry.

The swimmer was identified by a family member as Leocadio Sendejas-Sanchez, 68 years of age.  Sendejas-Sanchez, who is a resident of California, was visiting relatives in Oregon.  Those relatives were present on the shore at the time of the incident. 

Currently, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, and Clackamas County Dive/Rescue have craft on the water searching for Sendejas-Sanchez. 

The initial investigation has determined that Sendejas-Sanchez was attempting to swim across the Willamette from the Yamhill County side to the Marion County side when he was observed going under water.  Sendejas-Sanchez was described as a good swimmer; however he was not wearing a life jacket at the time of his disappearance. 

Water visibility in the Willamette is very good at this time, and the water is low.  The search is continuing and additional information will be provided when available.

At 4:55 PM today, AMR Lifeguards at Glen Otto Park were alerted that an approximate 25 year-old male swimmer had gone under the surface of the Sandy River and had not re-surfaced. AMR Lifeguards were directed to an area of the river below Glen Otto Park toward Lewis & Clark Park about 10 yards downstream of the Troutdale Bridge. The strong current swept the submerged victim downstream, in water depths near the limit surface divers can reach. AMR's Lifeguards were quickly joined by members of Gresham Fire & Rescue's Water Rescue Team and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. All three agencies train together for this type of incident.

As a result of their combined efforts, the victim was located approximately ten feet below the surface near. He was quickly brought to shore and resuscitation efforts began immediately. An AMR ambulance staged on the shore continued full resuscitation efforts during transport to the hospital. The victim's heart rhythm and pulses were restored shortly before the ambulance arrived at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. The young man's current condition and prognosis are unknown at this time.

While we hope for the best outcome, our hearts go out to the family and friends of the survivor. Along with our partners at Gresham Fire & Rescue and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, American Medical Response (AMR) would like to remind everyone that the power of the Sandy River, and all Northwest rivers, should not be underestimated. We strongly advise everyone in or near the water to please wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (life jacket).

AMR has stationed Lifeguards on the Sandy River at Glen Otto Park since 1999 and on the Clackamas River at High Rocks since 2002. AMR's intervention was in response to community pleas to help decrease drownings, which had averaged approximately four per year at the two locations. Today, the River Safety Program remains part of AMR's commitment to enhance services in the Northwest Communities it serves as the emergency ambulance provider.

The Tualatin Valley Water Board of Commissioners appointed Dr. Todd Sanders to the board for a term ending June 30, 2019. He replaces Commissioner Richard Burke, who left the board when he moved his residence outside of the district’s service area.

Dr. Sanders has served as a volunteer on the Tualatin Valley Water District Budget Committee for twelve years. He has worked in water supply systems and regulatory compliance; and he currently teaches engineering and engineering technology related to water supply and treatment at Portland Community College. Dr. Sanders holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Hydraulics & Hydrology from Michigan State University; and a master’s degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Coastal Physical Oceanography from the University of Delaware. 

“The Tualatin Valley Water District Board of Commissioners enthusiastically selected Dr. Sanders to fill the vacant seat. He brings a solid professional background, a passion for providing high quality drinking water for all District members, and is committed to a diverse water supply for our region,” added Mark Knudson, Chief Executive Officer. 

Tualatin Valley Water District serves drinking water to approximately 225,000 residents of Washington County. To assure a future reliable and affordable water supply, Tualatin Valley Water and the City of Hillsboro are constructing a pipeline to draw water from the Willamette River in Wilsonville. See: tvwd.org and OurReliableWater.org for details. 

All lanes of southbound I-5 are now open past the Fremont Bridge. The lanes had been closed since Friday night for the I-5 paving project. Crews finished the paving work in advance of the scheduled 5 a.m. reopening. The southbound lanes will close again this weekend from 10 p.m. Friday July 20 to 5 a.m. Monday July 23.  The same on-ramps to I-5 will again close. They are the: N. Going Street on-ramp, the N. Greeley Avenue on-ramp, the NB I-405 on-ramp and the N. Wheeler Street on-ramp. The ramp from southbound I-5 to eastbound I-84 remains closed for rehabilitation work until 5 a.m. Monday July 23. 

ASHLAND - I-5 NB MP 7, south of Ashland: Salvage crews continue to off-load cargo from the semi that rolled earlier this morning while coming down the Siskiyou Summit grade at MP 7. Contrary to earlier reports, the cargo is pallets of fresh green and purple grapes.
Slow lane is open to traffic. Cargo recovery is occurring in the fast lane. Use caution through the crash zone and expect short delays. 

Gary Leaming, ODOT PIO, 541-774-6388

SALEM, Oregon - The Oregon National Guard (ONG) has been activated to assist the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) with wildfire suppression efforts following Governor Kate Brown’s statewide wildfire emergency declaration on July 18, 2018.

At the request of ODF, aviation assets will be made available to wildfire crews in Oregon. The Oregon Army National Guard will provide two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters equipped with Bambi water buckets. Other air assets include an additional HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter to be on standby for medical evacuations and a UH-72 Lakota helicopter to assist with aerial spotting.

Other ONG assets and personnel could be activated if needed, including teams of service members to provide traffic assistance points and firefighting ground crews. Oregon National Guard ground troops have not yet been requested but are available if wildfire conditions worsen. 

Two teams (each with approximately 125 Soldiers and Airmen) have already been trained and are “Red Card” certified in preparation for wildfire season with an additional 125-person team scheduled to be certified by August 10. The teams are comprised of Citizen-Airmen and Citizen-Soldiers from Oregon Air and Army National Guard units across the state.

The ONG has an ongoing agreement with ODF known as Operation Plan Smokey, which stipulates the details of how ONG members and assets may be utilized to assist in annual firefighting efforts. This agreement is reviewed annually by leadership of both agencies.

PHOTO CAPTION: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, land a CH-47 Chinook helicopter equipped with a 2,000-gallon capacity Bambi Bucket at Davis helibase near Gates, Oregon, in support of firefighting efforts at the Whitewater Fire in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area, August 7, 2017. The Oregon National Guard has been activated to assist the Oregon Department of Forestry with wildfire suppression efforts again this year following Governor Kate Brown’s emergency declaration. (Oregon Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Anita VanderMolen, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

U.S. Columbia River Treaty Negotiator Jill Smail will lead a Town Hall on September 6, 2018, in Portland, Oregon on the modernization of the Columbia River Treaty regime. The Town Hall is free of charge, open to the public, and will take place at the Bonneville Power Administration’s Rates Hearing Room from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This Town Hall will follow the August 15–16 round of negotiations on the Treaty regime in British Columbia and take place in advance of the October 17–18 round of negotiations in Portland, Oregon. At the Town Hall, U.S. government representatives will provide a general overview of the negotiations and take questions from the public; feel free to send questions in advance to iaRiverTreaty@state.gov">ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov. For more information on the Town Hall, including call-in details, please see the Federal Register Notice.

The Columbia River Treaty is an international model for transboundary water cooperation. The 1964 Treaty’s flood risk and hydropower operations have provided substantial benefits to millions of people on both sides of the border. The Treaty also has facilitated additional benefits such as supporting the river’s ecosystem, irrigation, municipal water use, industrial use, navigation, and recreation. More information can be found on the Department’s Treaty website.

As the United States continues bilateral negotiations with Canada, our key objectives are guided by the U.S. Entity Regional Recommendation for the Future of the Columbia River Treaty after 2024, a consensus document published in 2013 after five years of consultations among the Tribes, states, stakeholders, public, and federal agencies. The U.S. negotiating team is led by the U.S. Department of State and comprises the Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division, the Department of the Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

WASHINGTON - Today, at 12:00 PM EST, Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt and representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), as well as from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will host a news media telephone briefing regarding the Endangered Species Act. Credentialed members of the news media may RSVP for the call by emailing Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov to obtain the dial-in information.

WHAT: 

Telephone press briefing 

WHO:  

Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt
USFWS Assistant Director for Ecological Services Gary Frazer
Senior NOAA Officials

WHEN:

Today, July 19, 2018 at 12:00 PM EST

WHERE: 

RSVP to obtain dial-in information 

RSVP:

This call is only for members of the news media. Email Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov to obtain the dial-in information

Medford, Ore. –  The Bureau of Land Management, Medford District in cooperation with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, is giving notice that public lands southeast of Ashland, Oregon, as described below are closed to all unauthorized entry, effective immediately and remaining in effect until the Klamathon Fire is declared controlled, or until such time as the BLM Medford District Manager determines public entry is safe.

This closure impacts the following areas: Emigrant Creek Road, Baldy Creek Road, Soda Mountain Road, Pilot Rock Road, the Lone Pilot Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail from Highway 66 west to the boundary of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Additionally, all BLM lands and roads within Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument within the closure area marked on the map are closed.  Please see attached map.

This emergency closure is necessary to ensure public safety, land health, and resource integrity during firefighting activities. Potential fire activity and suppression activities preclude public access. The areas affected by this closure order will be posted with appropriate regulatory signs at main access and entry points.

BLM will post closure signs at main entry points to the area. You may obtain maps of the closure area and information from the Medford District Office.

BLM Medford District Office

3040 Biddle Road

Medford, OR 97504

Phone: 541-618-2200

E-mail: LM_OR_MD_Mail@blm.gov">BLM_OR_MD_Mail@blm.gov

Additional information about the current status of fires in Oregon/Washington is available at the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center:  https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/

-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 $75 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2016 - more than any other agency in the Department of the Interior.  These activities supported more than 372,000 jobs.

The National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is pleased to announce that a free World War II living history encampment will occur on site on Friday, July 20, 2018, from 12 PM to 5 PM, and on Saturday, July 21, from 9 AM to 5 PM. This event is in partnership with the Living History Group Northwest, a local World War II living history organization.  

“The U.S. Army had over 150 year history at this site, and that history definitely includes World War II,” said Chief of Interpretation, Bob Cromwell. “During that era this was the Vancouver Port of Embarkation, and Army units were organized, equipped, and shipped out to combat theaters in Africa, Europe and the Pacific from Vancouver Barracks.”

The reenactors will portray members of various U.S. Army units from World War II, as well as workers on the homefront, commonly known as “Rosie the Riveter.” The volunteers will bring their own uniforms, weapons, tents and equipment, including period Army jeeps and trucks. The encampment will be set up to the west of Pearson Air Museum, and will include temporary exhibits inside of the Historic Hangar.

“We are excited to continue to partner with the National Park Service to bring a World War II living history event to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site,” said Eric Porter, Unit Commander of the 113th Cavalry Living History Group. “This is the third year we have participated in this event at the park, and every year it just gets bigger.” 

The public is welcome to stroll through the encampment, talk to the living history reenactors, and get a close up view of their uniforms and equipment. The public is encouraged to park in the museum’s parking lot, or along E. 5th Street. 

What: World War II Living History Encampment

Who: Living History Group Northwest, in partnership with the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

When: July 20, 2018, 12 pm to 5 pm, July 21, 9 am to 5 pm

Where: West of Pearson Air Museum

Cost: Free

PORTLAND, Ore. – Victor Joseph Contreras, 23, of Fresno, California, was sentenced today to 150 months in federal prison for charges stemming from a March 2016 shooting death on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

According to court documents, on March 19, 2016, Contreras and codefendant Julian Darryl James Simpson attended a party on the reservation. As a result of escalating disputes between suspected gang members at the party, Contreras and Simpson were asked to leave.

When other party goers left the house, Contreras and Simpson opened fire on them using semiautomatic pistols. Simpson fired at least one shot at a victim, striking him in the back of the head, and fired additional shots into a nearby car. Contreras, upon hearing the gunshots, fired more than 20 rounds into the crowd of party goers, striking a second victim just above the ankle. The first victim was medically evacuated to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. Contreras fled the scene, but was arrested shortly thereafter. Simpson was arrested a week later in Lewiston, Idaho with the firearm used to kill the victim.

Contreras previously pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence on July 5, 2017. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Contreras will be on supervised release for 5 years.

Simpson pleaded guilty to second degree murder on October 27, 2017. He was sentenced 25 years in prison followed by a 5-year term of supervised release.

The case was jointly investigated by the FBI and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Jennifer J. Martin, Paul T. Maloney, and John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

WASHINGTON – Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, was one of several prosecutors and investigators recognized today by Acting Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Uttam Dhillon for their work investigating a transnational opiate trafficking organization.

Kerin and his colleagues were given the prestigious Administrator’s Award for Outstanding Group Achievement in a ceremony today in Washington.

This case came to the attention of law enforcement as part of “Operational Denial,” an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into the international trafficking of fentanyl and other legal drugs, and was significantly aided by the national and international coordination of agencies led by DEA’s Special Operations Division (SOD). The operation started in North Dakota in January 2015 as an overdose investigation. To date, 32 defendants have been charged as a result of the investigation.

This case jointly investigated by DEA; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; IRS Criminal Investigations; Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force; Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP); Portland Police Bureau (PPB), Drugs and Vice Division; Portland HIDTA Interdiction Task Force; Oregon State Police (OSP); and the Grand Forks, North Dakota Police Department.

Christopher C. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota; Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerin; and Trial Attorney Adrienne Rose of the Criminal Division’s Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the department’s strategy for reducing the availability of drugs in the U.S. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack on drug trafficking by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in coordination with state and local law enforcement.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore. – Monte Robin Kaija, Jr., 47, of Portland, was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for detonating a small explosive device at a Fred Meyer store in Southeast Portland, and later possessing a homemade metal pipe bomb.

According to court documents, on May 21, 2016, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) received a report of an individual placing a small pipe bomb made of PVC in an aisle of a Fred Meyer store on SE 82nd Avenue in Portland. Portland Fire & Rescue were dispatched to assist PPB with their response. Kaija detonated the device shortly before police arrived on scene, causing damage to a single aisle. Nobody was injured in the explosion, and Kaija fled. While processing the scene, PPB officers identified several fragments of white plastic PVC pipe, pieces of white plastic PVC end caps, electrical tape, and a granular, power-like substance.

After analyzing the materials collected on scene, the Oregon State Police Lab notified PPB that a DNA profile had been collected from a small piece of electrical tape. The DNA profile was matched to Kaija. On August 31, 2016, PPB officers arrested Kaija in a motorhome on SE 96th Avenue in Portland, and discovered a homemade metal pipe bomb in his motorhome.  A certified bomb technician assigned to the Portland Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit responded to the scene and rendered the device safe. As a convicted felon, he was not allowed to possess the destructive devices.

Kaija previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an unregistered destructive device in violation of 26 U.S.C. §§ 5841, 5861(d), and 5871 on December 12, 2016. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Kaija will be on supervised release for three years.

The PPB and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Hannah Horsley and Paul T. Maloney, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Club members accused of kidnapping, torturing and murdering a former club member and resident of southeast Portland

PORTLAND. Ore. – A federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging three members and associates of the Gypsy Joker Outlaw Motorcycle Club (GJOMC) for racketeering, kidnapping and murder. The indictment was returned on June 28, 2018 and unsealed today.

The indictment was announced by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon; Darek Pleasants, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive’s (ATF) Seattle Field Division; and Danielle Outlaw, Chief of Police of the Portland Police Bureau (PPB).

“The defendants allegedly violently kidnapped and murdered Robert Huggins to maintain and advance their positions in the Gypsy Joker Outlaw Motorcycle gang,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “This indictment is an important step toward dismantling this violent gang, and should send a clear message that the Department of Justice will bring to justice those who commit such heinous criminals mes on our streets.”

“Pursuing organized criminal organizations and individual members that commit violent crimes and threaten public safety is a top priority for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “We will use every law enforcement tool available to hold members of criminal organizations accountable for their violent and lawless criminal gang activity.”

“ATF remains committed to combatting violent crime organizations that endanger our communities,” said SAC Pleasants. “ATF will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to protect the public.”

“The Portland Police Bureau is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort that resulted in the indictment of people engaged in violent activity,” said Chief Outlaw. “Violent crime deeply affects our community and by working in partnership, we can use effective strategies to locate those individuals who are responsible for violence and hold them accountable.”

Mark Leroy Dencklau, 58, of Woodburn, Oregon; Earl Deverle Fisher, 48, of Gresham, Oregon; and Tiler Evan Pribbernow, 37, of Portland are charged with:

• Murder in aid of racketeering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1);
• kidnapping in aid of racketeering, resulting in death in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C. § 2;
• kidnapping resulting in death in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(1) and (2);
• and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, resulting in death in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(1) and 1201(c)

in a case stemming from the June 30-July 1, 2015 kidnapping and murder of Robert Huggins, a former GJOMC member and resident of southeast Portland.

According to the indictment, GJOMC oversees several “support clubs” in Oregon and Washington, including the Road Brothers Northwest Motorcycle Club, Solutions Motorcycle Club, Northwest Veterans Motorcycle Club, High-Side Riders, and the Freedom Fellowship Motorcycle Club. The indictment alleges that the three men engaged in the violent actions leading to Huggins’ death for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the GJOMC criminal enterprise.

Dencklau, Fisher and Pribbernow made their initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Portland on July 9, 10, and 13, 2018, respectively.

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

This case was investigated by the PPB and ATF, with assistance from the Clark County, Washington Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Police, and the Oregon and Washington State Crime Labs. Leah K. Bolstad, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, is prosecuting the case with Rebecca A. Staton, Trial Attorney for the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

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

# # #

Salem, Ore. – A new impact study of the Oregon Cultural Trust calls its geographic reach “remarkable” and reinforces its unique role as a stable and accessible funding source for arts, heritage and humanities statewide. Produced by ECONorthwest, the report concludes that the Cultural Trust has a wide-reaching influence on people’s experience of culture in Oregon, supporting cultural activities and organizations in every county with higher per capita funding, up to $15 per capita, in rural counties where grant funding can be scarce.

“The Trust effectively allocates resources to rural areas of the state by harnessing contributions from urban areas,” said Terry Moore, ECONorthwest’s senior project director. “It serves as a nexus for the entire cultural community in Oregon and can use this position to amplify the effects of its grantmaking activities.”

The impact study focused on Cultural Trust performance between 2006 and 2016, or 10 of the 17 years since the Trust was founded. During that time donations to the Cultural Trust increased an average of 4.3 percent annually, adjusted for inflation. The non-corporate donor base grew by 7.6 percent.

Between 2006 and 2016 the Cultural Trust distributed $17.5 million in grant funds through its 45 Cultural County and Tribal Coalitions, directly to cultural nonprofits through Cultural Development grants and via its five Statewide Partners – the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities and the Oregon State Office of Historic Preservation. The funding provided $11.2 million to support 4,958 statewide projects and an additional $6.3 million in partner and collaborative grants.

“This longitudinal view of the Cultural Trust’s impact for cultural projects and programs all across Oregon is truly extraordinary,” said Cultural Trust Board Chair Chuck Sams. “The uniqueness of the Cultural Trust in the nation is testament to how highly valued culture is in our state.”

In addition, the impact of the grants was maximized by producing goods and services, generating an additional 70 percent of the grant amounts in economic value and leveraging new funding sources for required matching grants.

Report findings also indicate that the Cultural Trust has tremendous potential to continue to grow contributions and expand its impact. As one donor said, “The Cultural Trust funds culture through a diverse statewide network that ensures its grant dollars are shared wisely. It’s a great funding model – if more donors would participate it could have a transformational impact on the cultural life of our state.”

The Oregon Cultural Trust was created by the Oregon State Legislature in 2001 to lead Oregon in cultivating, growing and valuing culture. The Legislature established an innovative funding mechanism to support that mission: the Cultural Tax Credit. Oregonians who donate to an Oregon-based cultural nonprofit qualifies for the state tax credit by donating the same amount to the Cultural Trust. The program allows Oregon taxpayers who value and support culture to redirect that portion of their taxes to Cultural Trust grant programs.

The Cultural Tax Credit now generates close to $5 million per year for the Cultural Trust. Up to 60 percent of that amount is distributed to nonprofit organizations working on cultural activities in Oregon; the remainder is invested in a permanent fund for Oregon culture.

View the full impact report and/or the executive summary.

The impact report was commissioned by the Cultural Trust’s Statewide Cultural Partners:

The more than 100 projects supported by Cultural Development Grants in FY2018 include:

• the “Racing to Change: Oregon’s Civil Rights Years” interactive exhibit at Oregon Historical Society and community programming by the Oregon Black Pioneers in Salem;
• theater lighting and sound equipment upgrades for the Florence Events Center;
• the renovation of the historic Baker Orpheum Theatre to become a community performing arts center in Baker City; 
• exhibits and programs that highlight the LBGTQ community and Native youth as part of a Cultural Diversity Initiative by the High Desert Museum in Bend; and
• transforming a major gallery at Portland Children’s Museum into The Studio - a clay, maker and multi-purpose art space for families.

For a full list of Cultural Trust grant projects, including links to Cultural County Coalitions and several hundred county projects they fund, visit www.culturaltrust.org.

Total grant funds distributed since the Cultural Trust was founded: $23 million.

# # #

Salem, Ore. – Governor Kate Brown will welcome newly appointed Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford and thank outgoing Poet Laureate Elizabeth Woody at the Oregon Poets Laureate Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, at the Rockwood Boys & Girls Club in East Portland (454 SE 165th Ave). The reception will celebrate Oregon’s Poet Laureate program, which is funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust and administered by Oregon Humanities. The event is free but registration is required by Friday, July 13.

The Oregon Poet Laureate fosters the art of poetry, encourages literacy and learning, addresses central issues relating to humanities and heritage, and reflects on public life in Oregon. The Poet Laureate provides at least six and up to 20 public readings per year in settings across the state to educate community, business and state leaders about the value and importance of poetry and creative expression. 

Stafford began a two-year term as Poet Laureate in May, succeeding Woody, who had served as Poet Laureate since April 2016. Both are committed to connecting communities through poetry. Each will read from their personal collections at the event and invite youth from the center to share their original works of spoken word. Oregon’s 2018 Poetry Out Loud champion, Sarah Calvin-Stupfel, also will be featured.

“There are many ways to serve this state and among them is clarity of language and passion of purpose, which may travel from one soul to another through poetry,” said Governor Kate Brown, who appoints the Poet Laureate. “Kim Stafford is one of our state’s most generous literary teachers and I am proud to appoint him as our next Poet Laureate.”

Stafford was born and grew up in Oregon. He is the author of a dozen books of poetry and prose, and edited half a dozen others. His book, “Having Everything Right: Essays of Place,” won a citation for excellence from the Western States Book Awards in 1986. Stafford has received creative writing fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, a Governor’s Arts Award, and the Steward Holbrook Award from Literary Arts for his contributions to Oregon’s literary culture. His work also has been featured on National Public Radio.

“Elizabeth Woody's words bring to life the landscapes, creatures and people who make Oregon special," Governor Brown added. "As Poet Laureate, the energy of her vivid storytelling helped us understand who we are as a larger community."

Woody was born on the Navajo Nation reservation in Ganado, Arizona, but has made her home in Oregon for most of her life. An enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, she has published poetry, short fiction and essays, and also is a visual artist. “Hand Into Stone,” her first book of poetry, received a 1990 American Book Award. In 1994 she published “Luminaries of the Humble (University of Arizona Press)” and “Seven Hands, Seven Hearts (The Eighth Mountain Press).”

Past Oregon Poets Laureate were Edwin Charles Markham (1921–1940), Ben Hur Lampman (1951–1954), Ethel Romig Fuller (1957–1965), William Stafford (1974–1989), Lawson Inada (2006–2010), Paulann Petersen (2010-2014) and Peter Sears (2014-2016).

To learn more about the Oregon Poet Laureate program, or to schedule an event with Kim Stafford, visit the Poet Laureate website.

Register here by Friday, July 13, to attend the Oregon Poets Laureate Celebration.

The Cultural Trust extends its gratitude to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro, the City of Gresham and Sokol Blosser Winery for their generous support of this event.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_________________

About the Oregon Cultural Trust

The Oregon Cultural Trust is an innovative, statewide private-public program raising significant new funds to support and protect Oregon’s arts, humanities and heritage. In addition to the creation of a permanent endowment, funds are distributed annually through three multifaceted, wide-ranging grant programs. No other state in the nation has a program like the Oregon Cultural Trust, which has been ranked with the bottle bill and the vote-by-mail bill as among Oregon’s most forward-thinking public policy measures. More information at culturaltrust.org.

About Oregon Humanities

Oregon Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a statewide partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust. Each year through programs and publications—the Conversation Project, Think & Drink, Humanity in Perspective, Bridging Oregon, Public Program Grants, and Oregon Humanities magazine—Oregon Humanities connects Oregonians to ideas that change lives and transform communities. More information at oregonhumanities.org.

Today is National Ice Cream Day, which also kicks off a celebration of appreciation called “Scoop It Forward.” Supported by Oregon’s dairy farmers and processors, the weeklong campaign, from July 15 to 22, encourages people to show appreciation for one another through random acts of ice cream.

Ice cream is one of those things that just makes everything better, and we saw this as a simple way to bring positivity and joy to people’s lives in surprising and unexpected ways,” said Josh Thomas, Senior Director of Communications for the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council. “Random acts of kindness can be contagious, and our call to action is simply for people to spread the good and pay it forward.”

Leading up to this week, there have already been surprise ice cream deliveries to a playground, a skate park, a police station and Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland. And that’s just the beginning. Each person who receives ice cream is encouraged to recognize at least two others with a special delivery of their own.

Suggestions include recognizing family, friends, neighbors, a favorite teacher, local police or fire departments or even complete strangers. Photos and video from these moments will be shared on social media using the hashtag #ScoopItForward. Those who aren’t able to give ice cream are encouraged to send ice cream emojis with a message of appreciation. Organizers hope the positivity will spread far and wide.

“This is such a simple gesture that anybody can do,” said Thomas. “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream, and that’s pretty close”

# # #

NOTE: We can arrange surprise deliveries for photos or videos this week. Call us to make arrangements.

Oregon ice cream brands include:

• Alden’s Organic
• Alpenrose
• Cascade Glacier
• Eberhards
• Julie’s Organic
• Lochmead
• Ruby Jewel
• Salt and Straw
• Sunshine
• Tillamook
• Upstar
• Umpqua
• YoCream

July 13, 2018

Contact: Christine Stone, 503-602-8027; istine.l.stone@state.or.us">christine.l.stone@state.or.us.

Child Welfare Advisory Committee meets Wednesday, July 18 in Salem

The Child Welfare Advisory Committee meets Wednesday, July 18, 9 a.m. to noon at the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, Room 166, 500 Summer St. NE, Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

Agenda will be added when available.

About the Child Welfare Advisory Committee: The legislative-mandated 21-member Child Welfare Advisory Committee counsels the agency on the development and administration of the policies, programs and practices.

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities.

For questions about this meeting, please contact: Cheloya.D.Chase@state.or.us; 503-945-6731.

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(Salem, Ore.) — This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and it is being celebrated with a day-long event in Salem on Thursday, July 26.

Presented by the Oregon Disabilities Commission, the event will feature presentations, panel discussions and other learning opportunities from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, at the Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. N.E., Salem.

Event speeches will be from noon to 1 p.m. Featured speakers include Ted Wenk from Disability Rights Oregon and the Oregon Disabilities Commission; Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht; Rosa Klein, Human Services Policy Advisor for Gov. Kate Brown; and many other advocates and representatives.

Leadership from DHS and the Oregon Disabilities Commission will give opening remarks at 9 a.m.

At 10:30 a.m., there is a showing of the 2011 film “Lives Worth Living.” This 60-minute documentary chronicles the disability rights movement and covers the successful efforts by people with disabilities to make changes to legislation to improve access and eventually achieve passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

There will be panels and sessions throughout the day, including:

• Employment of People with Disabilities panel with representatives from Employment First, Vocational Rehabilitation, Disability Rights Oregon, Employed People with Disabilities program, and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance.
• Oregon ABLE Savings with Oregon 529 Savings Network.
• Day-to-Day Challenges Individuals Face Living with Disabilities, which features a number of speakers from organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Salem’s Parkinson’s Support Group, Oregon Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Council, and much more.
• My Employment Journey session with members of the Oregon Self-Advocacy Coalition.
• Veteran’s Employee Resource Group & Oregon Disabled Veterans Association.
• ADA History and Advocacy.

Cake and refreshments will also be served.

More information about the Oregon Disabilities Commission is online at: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/ADVISORY/ODC/Pages/index.aspx

If you have questions about the celebration and program, contact: egonDisabilities.Commission@state.or.us">OregonDisabilities.Commission@state.or.us.

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK, Ore. – The number of firefighting personnel engaged on the Silver Creek Fire at Silver Falls State Park has grown to about 110. The Oregon Department of Forestry and Drakes Crossing Rural Fire Protection District both are engaged on the fire along with hand crews from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The fire’s size is estimated at 12 acres. The cause is under investigation.

The Howard Creek Horse Camp within the park has been closed to the public so it can be used as a staging area for firefighting operations. Camp Silver Creek (also known as the Y Camp) about a mile from the fire’s location in the southeast part of the park was evacuated yesterday and remains closed. Oregon State Parks is reporting that also closed are all back-country trails on the east side of the park, The Ranches, and 214 Trailhead.  The rest of the park and events there are unaffected and remain open but visitors are cautioned to be alert to firefighting activity and traffic. For the latest on park and trail closures, check Oregon State Park’s fire closures web page. 

The fire’s Incident Commander Brent O’Nion with ODF said this morning that, “Because the fire is in steep, heavily timbered terrain in a section of the park away from roads and trails, getting ground crews up to the fire has been challenging. Firefighter safety is a concern and our number one priority right now as we battle this blaze.”

O’Nion said ODF and Drakes Crossing firefighters responded to the initial report of fire Thursday night and searched until 1 a.m. trying to locate the fire. The search resumed at daybreak Friday morning, when the fire – estimated at less than an acre – was finally located beneath thick timber.

“We had solid initial attack on the fire from the air yesterday, with response from a helicopter, single-engine airtankers and large airtankers,” said O’Nion. “That gave our firefighters time to work their way toward the fire so they could begin engaging on it.”

O’Nion lauded the continuing close collaboration with local firefighters and parks personnel on the fire.

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FOREST GROVE, Ore. - Due to extreme heat and dry conditions, on Monday, July 16 the Oregon Department of Forestry will raise to Level 2 the fire precautions industrial operators must follow in forestlands the agency protects in northwest Oregon. The affected areas are Clatsop and Columbia counties, Tillamook County except for a narrow strip along the coast, as well as northwest Yamhill County, western Washington County and a sliver of northwest Multnomah County.

Under the rules, the following activities are not permitted between 1 and 8 p.m.

• Cable yarding
• Blasting
• Welding, cutting or grinding of metal
• Use of feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
• Power saws may operate only at loading sites

The fire danger in ODF's entire Northwest Oregon Area is considered moderate. The use of off-road recreational vehicles in rural areas is prohibited and campfires are only allowed in designated campgrounds with built in, metal-ringed fire pits.

"After a nearly rainless May and June we are seeing conditions in northwest Oregon similar to what we typically would see at the beginning of August - very dry with low fuel moisture," said Protection Unit Forester Eric Perkins with ODF's Forest Grove office. "With prolonged warm, dry weather expected to continue at least through next week, it's important that people are very careful with any possible source of ignition."

Perkins said restriction on the public include common-sense precautions, such as:

• No debris burning
• No campfires except in designated campgrounds (portable cooking stoves using liquid fuels are okay)
• No wood-burning devices in temporary dwellings such as tents, travel trailers, etc.
• No power saw use or cutting, welding or grinding between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• No fireworks
• Smoking only in designated locations or inside vehicles on improved roads or in boats on the water
• No exploding targets, tracer ammunition or sky lanterns

In addtion, all vehicles traveling off paved roads must have a shovel and fire extinguisher or a gallon of water. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must carry a fire extinguisher when traveling off paved roads.

For updates on fire restrictions, the public may contact the nearest ODF office or the state fire restrictions and closures web page at https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html  

Portland, OR– The Technical Review Team for a proposed gold mine in Malheur County will meet in person and by phone from 9 a.m. to noon PDT on Wednesday, July 25.

The meeting agenda is available at bit.ly/calicomeetings

The public and media may listen to the meeting in person at the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Portland office, 800 NE Oregon St., Ste. 965, or listen by phone. For call-in instructions, see the agenda.

The Technical Review Team (TRT) is an interdisciplinary team of state agencies that reviews information related to a proposed mine during all phases of the application process, and ultimately develops consolidated permit conditions that conform to Oregon regulations. The federal Bureau of Land Management serves on the team in an ex-officio role.

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Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in 2017, which was Oregon’s lowest unemployment rate since comparable records began in 1976.

The unemployment rate for Oregon teens ages 16 to 19 was 9.5 percent in 2017, which was also the lowest unemployment rate since 1978 when comparable records began. This was a large drop from a year before when the unemployment rate for teens was 20.0 percent.

 
The unemployment rate for Oregon young adults ages 20 to 24 was 7.6 percent in 2017, which was also the lowest unemployment rate recorded for this age category. The last time the unemployment rate for young adults was 7.6 percent was in 2005. In 2016, the unemployment rate for young adults was 9.6 percent.

Having a part-time or summer job used to be the normal situation for many teenagers. The labor force participation of teens averaged around 59 percent from 1978 to 2000. The rate started falling dramatically in 2001 both in Oregon and the nation. During the recession and in the aftermath of the recession it continued to slip.

Oregon’s strong job growth since 2013 attracted more teens and young adults into the labor force. The participation rate of teens ages 16 to 19 increased to 40 percent in 2017. Teen participation is close to its pre-recession rate of 42 percent, but still considerably less than what is was in the 1990s. The participation rate of young adults ages 20 to 24 increased to 74 percent in 2017.

More information is available in “Unemployment Rates for Oregon’s Youth – Lowest on Record.”

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

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

Oregon Unemployment Rate at New Record Low of 4.0 Percent in June

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in June, which was Oregon’s lowest unemployment rate since comparable records began in 1976. Oregon’s May unemployment rate was 4.1 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was also 4.0 percent in June.

In June, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1,900 jobs, following a revised gain of 3,200 jobs in May. Job gains were led by leisure and hospitality (+1,800 jobs) and private educational services (+1,000). Three major industries each added close to 600 jobs: health care and social assistance (+700); manufacturing (+600); and construction (+500). Several industries shed jobs in June, including retail trade (-1,000 jobs); information (-800); financial activities (-600); and transportation, warehousing and utilities (-500).

Although Oregon’s payroll employment continued to expand, the rate of growth has moderated in recent months. Job gains averaged 1,500 per month over the past three months. Over the past 12 months, 31,400 jobs were added, good for a growth rate of 1.6 percent. This growth matched that of the U.S. where over-the-year job growth was also 1.6 percent through June. Oregon’s job gains were much faster in 2013 through 2017, averaging 2.8 percent per year and reaching a peak growth rate of 3.7 percent in mid-2015.

Part of the reason for the slowdown in the rate of job growth is likely due to an unusually tight labor market. Many employers are facing increasing difficulty hiring workers. The degree of Oregon’s labor market tightness is reflected in these indicators:
• The number of people working part time for economic reasons is at the lowest since at least 2002, when comparable records began.
• The broadest measure of labor underutilization, U-6, dropped to 7.8 percent in June, which was its lowest reading since at least 2002.
• The number of Oregonians unemployed for 27 weeks or more dropped below 7,000, the lowest level since at least 2002, and far below the more than 100,000 long-term unemployed in 2010 during the aftermath of the recession.
• The number of people entering the labor market without a job was at its lowest level since at least 2000, when comparable records began.

Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the June county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, July 24th, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for July on Tuesday, August 14th. 

Notes:
All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted.

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

The Oregon Employment Department publishes payroll employment estimates that are revised quarterly by using employment counts from employer unemployment insurance tax records. All department publications use this Official Oregon Series data unless noted otherwise. This month’s release incorporates the October, November and December 2017 tax records data. The department continues to make the original nonfarm payroll employment series available; these data are produced by the BLS.

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

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

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

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

July 19, 2018

Reduced cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin levels confirmed

The Oregon Health Authority has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued June 22 and expanded on July 11 for Lake Billy Chinook, located about 12 miles west of Madras, in Jefferson County.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins (harmful algae toxins) in the reservoir are below recreational guideline values for human exposure. However, Oregon Health officials advise recreational visitors to always be alert to signs of cyanobacterial (harmful algae) blooms in all Oregon waters, because blooms can develop and disappear throughout the season. Only a fraction of the many lakes and waterways in Oregon are monitored for cyanobacteria by state, federal and local agencies, therefore, you are your own best advocate when it comes to keeping you and your family safe while recreating.

People and especially small children and pets should avoid recreating in areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red in color, if a thick mat of blue-green algae is visible in the water, or bright green cells are suspended in the water column. If you observe these signs in the water you are encouraged to avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities. 

It’s possible cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. Sometimes, cyanobacteria can move into another area, making water that once looked foamy, scummy or discolored now look clear. However, when a bloom dies elsewhere in the water body, it can release toxins that may reach into the clear water. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water near the surface. OHA relies on laboratory tests of water samples to determine when cyanotoxins are no longer present to lift health advisories.

For recreational health information, to report human or pet illnesses due to blooms or cyanotoxins in recreational waters, contact the Oregon Health Authority at 971-673-0440. For information about recreational advisories issued or lifted for the season, contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or visit the Harmful Algae Blooms website at http://healthoregon.org/hab and select “Algae Bloom Advisories.” 

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July 18, 2018

Recreational use health advisory issued July 18 for water contact at Sunset Bay State Park Beach

The Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Sunset Bay State Park Beach, located in Coos County.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While this advisory is in effect at Sunset Bay State Park Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Since 2003 state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state organizations participating in this program are the Oregon Health Authority, Department of Environmental Quality, and Parks and Recreation Department.

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July 18, 2018

Recreational use health advisory issued July 18 for water contact at Nye Beach

The Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach, located in Lincoln County.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While this advisory is in effect at Nye Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Since 2003 state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state organizations participating in this program are the Oregon Health Authority, Department of Environmental Quality, and Parks and Recreation Department.

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July 17, 2018

Program contact: Anna Davis, 971-673-2950, anna.l.davis@state.or.us

Nurse Staffing Advisory Board SurveyMonkey Committee meets July 30 in Portland

What: A public meeting of the Nurse Staffing Advisory Board SurveyMonkey Committee

Agenda: Committee members' discussion of SurveyMonkey questions and SurveyMonkey in the Nurse Staffing FAQ. The agenda is available on the OHA's nurse staffing website at http://www.healthoregon.org/nursestaffing.

When: July 30, 3-5 p.m. No public comment period is offered.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 612, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland. Conference call line: 877-336-1829, access code 2075141.

Background: The Nurse Staffing Advisory Board has established a committee to advise the Oregon Health Authority on the SurveyMonkey tool used in nurse staffing surveys. Board members on the committee will review the use of the SurveyMonkey tool, the questions asked in it, and whether to include information about it in the Nurse Staffing FAQ.

For more information, see the agency nurse staffing website at http://www.healthoregon.org/nursestaffing.

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

•         Sign language and spoken language interpreters

•         Written materials in other languages

•         Braille

•         Large print

•         Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Anna Davis at 971-673-2950, 711 TTY or anna.l.davis@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 17, 2018

Contact: Pete Edlund, 503-559-2216, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Oregon CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee to hold meeting and webinar July 20

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

When: Friday, July 20, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center, Room 111/112, 29353 SW Town Center Loop E., Wilsonville

Attendees can also join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7438627555801803523 and listen-only conference line at 888-204-5984, participant code 1277166

Agenda: Welcome, consent agenda, and updates; public testimony; extended CCO 2.0 update; 2018 incentive measure program changes; 2019 measure set: information for consideration; break; finalize 2019 measure set; adjourn.

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

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Pete Edlund at 503-559-2216, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 16, 2018

Oregon Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup meets July 30

What: The Oregon Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup is holding a public meeting to develop detailed recommendations for acute opioid prescribing that will be included as an amendment to Oregon’s existing Statewide Opioid Prescribing Guidelines.

Agenda:

• Agenda overview and introductions.
• Presentation: background and Oregon opioid overview.
• Presentation: Acute Opioid Prescribing Guideline overview.
• Discussion of draft.
• Meeting summary and next steps.

When: Monday, July 30, 1-3 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Where: Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Room 1B, Portland. No conference call option is available for the public.

Background: The purpose of Oregon Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup is to set a standard of care in Oregon around safe opioid prescribing for acute pain. The workgroup will develop detailed recommendations for acute opioid prescribing that will be included as an amendment to Oregon’s existing Statewide Opioid Prescribing Guidelines, and will address acute opioid prescribing in primary care, emergency departments, dentistry, and after surgical procedures.

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Drew Simpson at 971-673-1033, 711 TTY or ew.r.simpson@state.or.us">drew.r.simpson@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 16, 2018

Tobacco Reduction Advisory Committee meets July 26 in Portland

What: The regular public meeting of the Tobacco Reduction Advisory Committee

When: Thursday, July 26, 1-3 p.m.

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

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

Agenda: Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) budget; implementation update; legislative efforts check-in; Place Matters Conference update; communications update: Central Oregon Prevention Campaign; youth survey update.

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sarah Barnard at 971-673-1347, 711 TTY or ah.barnard@state.or.us">sarah.barnard@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 13, 2018

Oregon Cannabis Commission meets July 23 in Portland

What: The bi-monthly public meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission

Agenda: Smoke free environment; assessment; GovSpace documents; report and legislative concepts from subcommittees; next steps to finalizing legislative concepts for September 24 meeting; listening tour; future meeting dates for commission; OMMP governance; public comment

When: Monday, July 23, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Conference Room 1B (first floor), 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Conference call line: 877-848-7030, access code 753428.

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

More information on the commission's webpage at http://www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

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

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

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

July 19, 2018 – Salem, Ore. – David Brown of Fairview knows exactly what he is going to do with his $80,884 Keno 8-Spot win – go see his Chicago Cubs.

“I had a trip to Chicago planned and now I am going to go see the Cubs play the Cardinals,” he said. “I got to see them last year in Phoenix and now I can see them at Wrigley Field.”

Brown said he is a 40-year Cubs fan and his Lottery win comes at a great time, just before his trip.

“I like to get my Keno tickets and then ignore the Keno board and scan them afterward,” he said. “That way I am surprised. I like being surprised.”

Brown was playing Video Lottery games at the Lighthouse in Oregon City when one of the clerks noticed someone had hit the Keno rolling 8-Spot jackpot. When players play the Keno 8-Spot, if no one has selected all eight numbers drawn, the rolling jackpot continues to grow.

“I scanned it and that’s when it said it was a high-tier win!” Brown said. “I immediately signed the back of the ticket and then checked online to see exactly how much I had won. I had a hint that I might have won, but when I saw it I was definitely surprised.”

Brown received $25,000 for matching all eight numbers, and $54,134 for the rolling jackpot on his quick pick ticket. In addition, Brown had a second quick pick ticket worth $1,750 for matching seven of eight numbers.
During the 2015-17 biennium in Multnomah County, where the Brown lives, more than $109 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement.

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

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
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July 16, 2018 - Salem, Ore. – While the $150 million winning Powerball ticket was claimed last week, there are several other Powerball prizes that have gone unclaimed.

More than $1.1 million in Powerball prizes are scheduled to expire this November if players with the winning tickets don’t come forward. Prizes are good for one year from the draw date of the game. Two of the unclaimed prizes were purchased in Portland and one in Troutdale. Prizes that are not claimed are transferred to the state Economic Development Fund.

The largest of the unclaimed prizes is a $1 million Powerball prize that was won last November 25. The ticket was sold in Portland and the winning numbers are 08-13-27-53-54 with a Powerball of 04. The player matched five numbers but missed the Powerball number.

There are also two $50,000 Powerball prizes from the Nov. 15 drawing that are also still unclaimed. Players matched four numbers and the Powerball. The numbers for that draw are 23-32-44-48-50 with a Powerball of 25.

“I don’t know anyone who would turn down a $50,000 prize,” said Patrick Johnson, public information specialist with the Oregon Lottery. “Anyone who purchased Powerball tickets in the Portland area back in November make sure you check your tickets. If you have a winning ticket, sign the back immediately and claim it at the Oregon Lottery.”

All unclaimed prizes go into the state’s Economic Development Fund. Each year approximately $5 million goes into the fund. In fiscal year 2016, more than $5.3 million in unclaimed prizes were transferred to the fund. In fiscal year 2017, more than $5.4 million.

There is also an unclaimed $50,000 Win for Life prize which was sold in Portland on Sept. 30 of 2017.

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

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

July 13, 2018 - Salem, Ore. – Steven Nickell of Salem still can’t believe the ticket he had in his wallet for two weeks was the $150.4 million Powerball jackpot winner.

Nickell purchased the ticket at the Circle K on Liberty Street in Salem, and said that he usually picks up tickets, then checks them when he goes to lunch. After he had a burger, he scanned his tickets and realized he needed to go to the Lottery headquarters – he thought he had won at least $600.

“When the clerk told me that wins over $600 have to go to the Lottery office, I thought I could buy my wife something nice for the 4th of July,” he said. “I had no idea that ticket was worth $150 million!”

Nickell took the ticket home, and about an hour before his wife got home, checked the numbers.

“I looked at ticket and couldn’t stop shaking!” he said.

When Nickell told his wife, they went into action, hiring a financial planner and lawyer. They also said they are going to be very careful with the $61 million lump sum they will receive after taxes.

“At first I felt guilty I won,” he said. “Then I realized that I’m the guy that gets to stand up and say BINGO! We all play the game, it just so happens I’m the guy who got to win this time.”

Nickell said he is happy to know his family will be taken care of in the future because of his win – and how he is being careful with the money.

Nickell’s win is the third largest Lottery win since the Oregon Lottery started in 1984. This is the fifth time a ticket sold in Oregon has won the Powerball jackpot prize. Previous winners include Dan Gannon of Milwaukie who won $182.7 million in 2006; The West and Chaney families of Medford who won $340 million in 2005; Robin Powell of Beaverton who won $33.8 million in 1999; and the Givens family of Eugene who won $38.4 million in 1992.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. By pooling a portion of each lottery’s Powerball sales, this game is able to offer players jackpots of far greater value than any lottery could offer alone.

On Jan. 11, Reggie Pearne of Jacksonville, won $1 million playing Powerball. And on Jan. 4, Ronald Ceci of Grants Pass won $2 million playing Powerball. He selected the Power Play option for an additional $1, which doubled his prize to a total of $2 million.

During the 2015-17 biennium in Marion County, where the Salem winner and Lottery retailer are located, more than $55.2 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement.

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

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

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Lottery to hold press conference regarding claimed $150 million Powerball prize

WHO: Oregon Lottery officials

WHEN: 10 a.m., Friday, July 13, 2018

WHERE: Oregon Lottery Headquarters, 500 Airport Road SE, Salem, OR

WHAT: Oregon Lottery officials will announce the winner of the $150.4 million Powerball jackpot. An Oregon Lottery player matched all numbers drawn in the June 20th Powerball jackpot draw. The winning ticket was sold at the Circle K on Liberty St. in Salem. A Circle K representative will also be at the Friday morning event. The winner claimed the prize on Thursday and will not be at the event Friday morning.

BACKGROUND: On June 20, an Oregon Lottery player won the $150.4 million Powerball jackpot prize by matching the numbers 4-14-23-27-56 and a power ball of 13. The winning ticket, sold in Salem, was the only ticket sold to have all the winning numbers. More than 6,800 winning tickets, with smaller prizes, were sold in Oregon during the June 20 drawing.

This is the fifth time a ticket sold in Oregon has won the Powerball jackpot prize. Previous winners include Dan Gannon of Milwaukie who won $182.7 million in 2006; The West and Chaney families of Medford who won $340 million in 2005; Robin Powell of Beaverton who won $33.8 million in 1999; and the Givens family of Eugene who won $38.4 million in 1992.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. By pooling a portion of each lottery’s Powerball sales, this game is able to offer players jackpots of far greater value than any lottery could offer alone.

VISUALS: Oregon Lottery officials will announce the winner of the $150 million Powerball jackpot.

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

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The Oregon State Marine Board agency filed a temporary rule for North Turner Lake.  The temporary rule is in effect from July 6, 2018 through January 1, 2019, allowing only electric motors and establishes a speed limit of 5 MPH.  

A lake safety committee created by the City of Turner’s Council determined that boat operation restrictions are needed to promote safety on North Turner Lake.  Infrastructure providing access to the lake is fairly new and the City of Turner requested a temporary rule, due to the 70-acre size of the lake. 

To view the temporary rule, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Documents/Rulemaking/NorthTurnerLakeTempRule.pdf.

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The Oregon State Marine Board will conduct its week-long law enforcement jet boat course on the Rogue River between Gold Beach and Foster Bar during the week of July 23 – July 26.  This intensive course focuses on boat operation, marine law, swift water rescue, and boat trailering.

The training focuses on honing boat operating skills.  “This is critical training for law enforcement and we’re excited to be returning to Gold Beach,” says Ed Persichetti, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board.  “We’ve selected this week to hopefully minimize disruption to recreational boaters, but we still request the public’s patience.  The students will need room to work because they will be very focused on reading the river, avoiding other boaters, and navigating whitewater, wind and chop.”  Students who attend the Marine Board’s Whitewater Jet Boat Training bring a range of skills from the novice operator to advanced operator. 

“Boating is an apprenticeship where we’re learning every day.  One of the goals of the training is to pair up an experienced marine deputy with a new jet boat operator.  Incorporating expertise with students new to jet boating is why our Law Enforcement training is such a rewarding experience for everyone,” says Persichetti.  “This is a unique course in that it is the only one in the nation that offers this type of specialized training.”

Signs will be posted at local access sites about the training operations and notices have also been sent to all the registered fishing guides in the area.  In addition to boat handling exercises in whitewater conditions, marine deputies will also learn how to dis-assemble service and reassemble jet pumps, learn anchoring and chocking techniques, and how to navigate all stages of whitewater rapids.  “Fast action and skill are required by marine officers, and this kind of training can mean the difference between a saved life or not,” Persichetti says.

The Marine Board contracts with 32 Sheriff’s Offices and the Oregon State Police for marine law enforcement services, including search and rescue operations, and boating safety education.  Contracts with the County Sheriff’s Offices are paid for through motorboat registrations and titling fees.

For more information about the Marine Board and law enforcement services, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/info/Pages/AboutUs.aspx.

###

The Marine Board is funded by registration, title fees and marine fuel taxes paid by motorized boaters.  No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees are used to support the agency or its programs.  Boater-paid fees go back to boaters in the form of boating safety services (on-the-water enforcement, training and equipment), education/outreach materials and boating access facility grants (boat ramps, docks, parking, construction and maintenance).  The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit program is dedicated funding to pay for border inspection stations, decontamination equipment, inspectors, and signage/outreach materials.  The Mandatory Education Program is self-supporting and revenue helps pay for education materials and boater education cards.  For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

The Oregon State Marine Board met in Central Point on July 11, and approved a new rule for Ford’s Pond in Douglas County, approved a boating facility grant for Columbia County, and approved opening rulemaking on several items.

The Board approved a 5 mph speed limit and electric motor only regulation on Ford’s Pond in Douglas County.  The operating rules will be effective upon filing.  Ford’s Pond is a 95 acre pond owned by the City of Sutherlin.

The Board also approved a boating facility grant for Columbia County.  The county manages the Gilbert River boat ramp off the Multnomah Channel which is approximately seven miles from the confluence of the Gilbert and Columbia Rivers.  The short term tie-up dock has eight piling, with four that are broken, creating a serious safety hazard to boaters.  The best approach is to install pile sleeves that can be reused for future replacement by welding together additional lengths of piling and then vibrating the piles into the submerged ground.  This approach will extend the useful life of the structure by another 10-15 years while the county plans for future improvements to the dock to improve boater safety.  The county plans on refurbishing the docks by obtaining materials to replace hinge assemblies, rub strips, pile hoops, rollers and bull rails on the concrete docks.  The Board approved $19,000 in federal Boating Infrastructure Grant funds to match $21,613.50 of applicant match (from the county and numerous boating clubs).  The project total is $40,613.50. 

The Board also approved opening rulemaking for the following items:

• Outfitter and Guides, OAR 250 Division 016
• Personal Flotation Devices, OAR 250-010-0154
• Insurance and Duplication of Fees, OAR 250-010-0315

Additionally, the Board elected to keep the existing roles for Board Chair and Vice Chair appointments. 

For more details about the grant applications and meeting materials, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx.

###

The Marine Board is funded by registration, title fees and marine fuel taxes paid by motorized boaters.  No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees are used to support the agency or its programs.  Boater-paid fees go back to boaters in the form of boating safety services (on-the-water enforcement, training and equipment), education/outreach materials and boating access facility grants (boat ramps, docks, parking, construction and maintenance).  The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit program is dedicated funding to pay for border inspection stations, decontamination equipment, inspectors, and signage/outreach materials.  The Mandatory Education Program is self-supporting and revenue helps pay for education materials and boater education cards.  For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

SILVERTON, Ore. – Crews working on the Silver Creek fire are in the final stages of mop-up operations. Most of the remaining hazard trees will be removed today and fire managers expect to begin demobilizing crews tonight. The fire is currently 80% contained and remains at 27 acres. While about 115 personnel are still working the fire, that number will decrease by the weekend. Remaining personnel will continue to locate and extinguish hot spots. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire crews will continue to check the fire through the first fall rains. A Type II helicopter on standby in Salem will be available through the fire season. To date, no injuries or facility damage have been attributed to the fire.

Light smoke may continue to come from the fire, but should not impact operations in Silver Falls State Park. Waterfall areas are accessible during normal park hours. The 214 Trailhead, Howard Creek Horse Camp and Day-use Area, and Camp Silver Creek remain closed. Managers will continue to evaluate those closures and announce any changes.

As fire danger increases statewide and firefighting resources are stretched thin, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is prohibiting all campfires and open flames in all state park properties effective 10 a.m. today. Visitors planning a trip to a state park should check for up-to-date information about fire restrictions at http://bit.ly/2uLzdwY. For current fire restrictions in other areas, visit the ODF Website: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx.

Supporting media is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5938/.

###

Effective Saturday, July 21, all media inquiries about the Silver Creek fire should be referred to Bobbi Doan, Public Affairs Specialist with ODF (obbi.J.Doan@oregon.gov">Bobbi.J.Doan@oregon.gov; 503-945-7506).

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is prohibiting all campfires and open flames in all state park properties effective 10 a.m. today. The ban is in response to Gov. Brown’s declaration of a fire emergency. The campfire and open flame ban includes campgrounds, day-use areas, and all areas of the Ocean Shore and beaches managed by OPRD.

The fire ban applies to wood, charcoal, and other flame sources that cannot be turned off with a valve. Liquid fuel stoves or cooking devices that can be turned off with a valve are permitted, but cannot be left unattended. 

MG Devereux, OPRD deputy director, says the ban is meant to avoid any accidental fires on OPRD property that would further tax limited firefighting resources.

“We understand this is an inconvenience for campers, especially those who might not see the immediate need for local fire restrictions,” said Devereux. “We appreciate the public’s patience and their willingness to help protect our natural areas.”

The fire ban is expected to last at least one week, but will be evaluated based on weather, resource conditions and input from Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and other state and local fire officials.

Visitors planning a trip to a state park should check for up-to-date information about fire restrictions at http://bit.ly/2uLzdwY or by calling the state parks info line at 800-551-6949.

SILVERTON, Ore. – Crews working on the Silver Creek fire overnight used an infrared camera to look for hot spots within the fire’s perimeter. Results show crews have made good progress with mop-up operations as they continue to improve lines and extinguish remaining heat. The fire remains at 27 acres and is now 65% contained. Approximately 115 personnel continue to work on the fire. Most of the snags that have posed a threat to firefighter safety are now removed, though some hazard trees remain. Smoke can still be seen from areas of remaining heat, which includes several large standing trees that continue to smolder. Crews will remain focused on mop up for the next couple days.

Visitors to Silver Falls State Park will find pleasant conditions. Light smoke may be visible at times, but heavy smoke is unlikely. Other fires burning in the region may be responsible for increased haze in the area. While some closures remain in the park, there are no interruptions to scheduled events. Waterfall areas remain accessible to visitors during normal park hours.

Supporting media will be available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5938/.

More details:

—Investigators have officially determined the fire was caused by lightning, most likely from a storm that passed over the area on June 18, 2018. Oregon Department of Forestry fire crews routinely track and investigate lightning strikes, though tracking technology is imperfect. Embers can remain hidden within trees or thick duff for weeks or months – producing no visible smoke – before emerging as weather and fuel conditions change. On Silver Creek, initial reports of smoke first came in late on July 12 and crews located the fire on July 13.

—The Silver Creek Fire demonstrates how changing weather and fuel conditions impact fire behavior. As we move into the hottest and driest part of the year, fire danger increases significantly. Keep informed about current fire restrictions by visiting the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Website:  https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx.

—A Type II helicopter remains on standby in Salem to support work on the fire. Fire managers have been using this platform to minimize fire activity during the hottest period of the day.

—Park Closures: The 214 Trailhead and several back-country trails, Howard Creek horse camp and Howard Creek day-use area, and the youth camp (Camp Silver Creek) remain closed. The Ranches have been reopened. Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.

—No injuries or facility damage have been reported.

SILVERTON, Ore. – Firefighters continue to make good progress mopping up the Silver Creek fire, located in a remote southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park. The fire has been mapped at approximately 27 acres and no further growth is expected; it is 100% lined and 55% contained. Around 125 personnel remain on the fire, and will continue mopping up the fire’s perimeter, as well as removing dangerous snags.

Investigators have officially determined the fire was caused by lightning, most likely from a storm that passed over the area on June 18, 2018. Known as a lightning holdover, the fire smoldered for several weeks before emerging during a windy period with high temperatures, low relative humidity and drier fuels on the ground.

While some closures remain in the park, there are no interruptions to scheduled events. Waterfall areas remain accessible to visitors during normal park hours. Visitors may notice light smoke at times, but the fire is not anticipated to produce heavy smoke.

More details:

—A June 18, 2018 lightning event initially caused the fire. The ignition went undetected for several weeks as the fire smoldered until fuel and weather conditions allowed it to grow. Initial reports of smoke first came in late on July 12 and crews located the fire on July 13. Air resources dropped water and retardant to help stop the fire’s spread as crews worked to gain access on the ground.

—Crews will continue heavy mop-up around the fire perimeter for the next several days. Mop-up includes working from the perimeter into the fire’s interior, ensuring all heat has been extinguished. Mop-up is especially challenging on this fire because of thick brush, a heavy layer of duff and dangerous snags. Firefighters have been carefully removing large snags around the fire’s perimeter. Night crews have used infrared cameras to help identify hot spots. Fire managers anticipate maintaining current staffing levels for the next several days to continue this work and secure the fire area.

—A Type II helicopter remains on standby in Salem to support work on the fire.

—Park closures: The 214 Trailhead and several back-country trails, Howard Creek horse camp and Howard Creek day-use area, and the youth camp (Camp Silver Creek) remain closed. The Ranches have been reopened. Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.

Photos and videos from Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15 remain available online at https://drive.google.com/open?id=19RlLpHp3XPlNq0d-H8ZBz7SqEvDUG3Yy.

No injuries or facility damage have been reported.

Assignment editors and reports: there's been a change to the Public Information Officer operating at the Silver Creek fire inside Silver Falls State Park. Ryan Gordon with the Oregon Department of Forestry will take over as the sole PIO starting today. He will work with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff from the Salem headquarters to issue a daily release updating acreage, containment, and any other important changes. We expect that release will normally be published around 11 a.m. for as long as is needed, but daily circumstances may require us to shift that schedule periodically.

To make a site visit, please contact Ryan in advance. His cell phone number is 503-779-5278 and email is ryan.p.gordon@oregon.gov. Use both methods to reach him before visiting the site. Cell phone coverage at the park is very limited, but the incident command area has temporary phone and wifi service, and even if you have to leave a message, he should eventually get it and respond.

Thanks for your support so far helping us get the word out about this event.

# # #

Signing off: Bobbi Doan, Oregon Department of Forestry // Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

News Release // Oregon Department of Forestry + Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // July 16, 2018 // 11:50 a.m.

Contacts:

Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, 503-931-2590, is.havel@oregon.gov">chris.havel@oregon.gov

Bobbi Doan, Oregon Department of Forestry, 503-507-4481, obbi.j.doan@oregon.gov">bobbi.j.doan@oregon.gov

Silver Creek Fire Update 4

Silverton OR – This is an update on the small fire burning in a remote southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park. Smoke was first reported late in the evening on Thursday, July 12, and after confirming the location, attack began early on Friday, July 13. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Main points:

• Containment is currently estimated at 35% with 75% of the perimeter lined. The area is especially challenging for firefighters due to steep slopes, thick undergrowth and numerous large snags posing safety hazards.  
• Burning in the Howard Creek drainage, a remote, steep, timbered area over a mile from the park boundary. Improved mapping and information from firefighters on the ground, rather than fire growth, has allowed for a more accurate measurement of 27 acres. Initial acreage estimates were hampered by the dense canopy, extensive understory, and limited visibility due to smoke.
• The number of personnel engaged remains at approximately 125.
• Today’s aerial support includes a Type 1 helicopter, with Heavy Airtankers and Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs) available if needed.
• Park facilities remain unchanged from earlier reports: the 214 Trailhead and several back-country trails, Howard Creek horse camp and Howard Creek day-use area, youth camp (Camp Silver Creek), and the Ranches are all closed. Howard Creek and the Ranches are closed to serve as incident command posts.
• Other areas of the park are currently operating normally, with no interruptions to scheduled events.
• Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.

Photos and videos from Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15 are online at https://drive.google.com/open?id=19RlLpHp3XPlNq0d-H8ZBz7SqEvDUG3Yy . Aerial video from Sunday, July 15 is included.

No injuries or facility damage have been reported.

###

News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department + Oregon Department of Forestry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // July 15, 2018 // 11 a.m.

Contacts:

Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, 503-931-2590, is.havel@oregon.gov">chris.havel@oregon.gov

Bobbi Doan, Oregon Department of Forestry, 503-507-4481, obbi.j.doan@oregon.gov">bobbi.j.doan@oregon.gov

Silver Creek Fire Update 3

Silverton OR – This is an update on the small fire burning in a remote southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park. Smoke was first reported late in the evening on Thursday, July 12, and after confirming the location, attack began early on Friday, July 13.

Main points:

• It’s burning in the Howard Creek drainage, a remote, steep, timbered area over a mile from the park boundary. The fire is currently estimated at 27 acres (see attached rough map). A good portion of the change in acreage over the last day is due to improved mapping and information from firefighters on the ground rather than fire growth. Initial acreage estimates were hampered by the dense canopy, extensive understory, and limited visibility due to smoke.
• Containment is currently estimated at 25%. The area is especially challenging for firefighters due to steep slopes and the nature of a mature forest; thick undergrowth slows progress and snags pose a falling hazard. Firefighter and public safety remains priority for all involved.
• The number of personnel engaged is approximately 125.
• The current aerial support includes two Type 2 helicopters and a Type 1 helicopter. Heavy Airtankers and Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs) are on standby if needed.
• Park facilities remain unchanged from earlier reports: the 214 Trailhead and several back-country trails, Howard Creek horse camp and Howard Creek day-use area, youth camp (Camp Silver Creek), and the Ranches are all closed. Howard Creek and the Ranches are closed to serve as incident command posts.
• All other areas of the park are currently operating normally, with no interruptions to scheduled events. Visitors are enjoying the Historic Silver Falls Day event (https://silverfallsstatepark.wordpress.com/category/historic-silver-falls-days/), and the Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center (http://silverfallslodge.com/) continues to serve customers, including a wedding reception.
• Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.

Photos and videos from Saturday, July 14 are online at https://drive.google.com/open?id=19RlLpHp3XPlNq0d-H8ZBz7SqEvDUG3Yy

No injuries or facility damage have been reported.

###

[This news release was revised to add a link to photos and videos: https://drive.google.com/open?id=19RlLpHp3XPlNq0d-H8ZBz7SqEvDUG3Yy]

News Release // Oregon Department of Forestry + Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // July 14, 2018 // 5:20 p.m.

Contacts:

Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, 503-931-2590, is.havel@oregon.gov">chris.havel@oregon.gov

Bobbi Doan, Oregon Department of Forestry, 503-507-4481, obbi.j.doan@oregon.gov">bobbi.j.doan@oregon.gov

Silver Creek Fire Update 2

Silverton OR – This is an update on the small fire burning in a remote southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park. Smoke was first reported late in the evening on Thursday, July 12.

Main points:

• After successfully forging trails to reach the fire, ground and air attacks made headway and containment is currently at 10%.
• The fire is currently estimated at 12-15 acres and is burning in the Howard Creek drainage, a remote, steep, timbered area over a mile from the park boundary.
• Approximately 110 personnel from Oregon Department of Forestry and partner organizations are involved, with most directly engaged in firefighting on the ground.
• The aerial component involves Heavy Airtankers, Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), helicopter, and ground support.
• Park facilities remain unchanged from earlier reports: the 214 Trailhead and several back-country trails, Howard Creek horse camp and day-use area, youth camp (Camp Silver Creek), and the Ranches are all closed. Howard Creek and the Ranches are closed to serve as command posts. Other areas of the park are currently operating normally, with no interruptions to scheduled events.
• Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.

The Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department expect to issue one update daily starting Sunday, July 15 unless conditions change dramatically. Photographs and video from the active area of the fire will be posted later this evening. REVISED: Photos and videos frlom July 14 are available for download at https://drive.google.com/open?id=19RlLpHp3XPlNq0d-H8ZBz7SqEvDUG3Yy .

No injuries or facility damage have been reported.

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Silverton OR -- For assignment editors: Firefighters will be working the Silver Creek Fire inside Silver Falls State Park today. A media area has been set up at the park office. The media area on Friday, July 13 was in the F Loop parking lot, but that lot is in use by visitors today and is not available for media today. Any media who wish to be on site to cover the fire should come to the main state park office near the campground check-in booth.

The fire is not visible from public areas of the park, and that includes the park office. Cell phone reception is very limited; AT&T functions inside the park, but other carriers do not. Past news crews have also noted it is difficult to get a satellite signal out. To the extent possible, Public Information Officers will present on-site briefings from fire crew leaders and publish periodic news releases with photos as new information becomes available.

News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department + Oregon Department of Forestry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // July 13, 2018 11 p.m.

Contacts:

Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, 503-931-2590, is.havel@oregon.gov">chris.havel@oregon.gov

Bobbi Doan, Oregon Department of Forestry, 503-507-4481, bobbi.j.doan@oregon.gov

Silver Creek Fire Update 1

Silverton OR – This is an update on a small fire burning in a remote southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park. Smoke was first reported late in the evening on Thursday, July 12. Crews from Drakes Crossing Fire District responded quickly, but the small size of the fire and thick undergrowth made it difficult to pinpoint the source before darkness made further work impossible. Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) joined Drakes Friday, July 13 to cut a trail toward the fire while aviation resources dropped water and retardant through the day.

Main points:

• The fire is currently estimated at 10 acres and is burning in remote, steep, timbered terrain.
• ODF crews are still actively engaged on the fire. Additional resources will join the effort and engage the fire early in the morning Saturday, July 14.
• Oregon Department of Forestry and local fire crews are engaging with Heavy Airtankers, Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), helicopter and ground support.
• A YMCA summer camp at Camp Silver Creek, a facility inside the park about a mile from the fire, ended a day early as a precaution, with 142 youth and several dozen staff leaving between 4-5 p.m.
• While other areas of the park are currently scheduled to open on Saturday, July 14, there will be abundant firefighter equipment and aircraft in the area. Any visitors who plan to visit the park this weekend are advised to wait until more information is available about the status of this small fire.
• Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.

No injuries or facility damage have been reported.

###

News Release //  Oregon Parks and Recreation Department + Oregon Department of Forestry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // July 13, 2018 + 6 p.m.

Contacts:

Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, 503-931-2590, is.havel@oregon.gov">chris.havel@oregon.gov

Bobbi Doan, Oregon Department of Forestry, 503-507-4481, bobbi.j.doan@oregon.gov

Small fire closes back-country trails at Silver Falls

Silverton OR – A fire, currently less than 6 acres, in the southeastern corner of Silver Falls State Park has forced the closure of several back-country trails. Drakes Crossing Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry have responded with  aircraft and 30 personnel.

Main points:

• There is a small fire -- less than 6 acres -- near the eastern boundary of Silver Falls State Park.
• Back country trails in the area are closed. See attached map. Camp Silver Creek, a YMCA youth camp, is in the affected area and was in use, but all children and staff, totalling about 185 people, have left the site.
• Oregon Department of Forestry and local fire crews are engaged with Heavy Airtanker, Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), helicopter  and ground support.
• While other areas of the park remain open, there will be equipment and aircraft in the area. Any visitors who planned to visit the park are advised to wait until more information is available about the status of this small fire.
• Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.

No injuries or facility damage have been reported.

###

Five hundred Oregon silverspot butterfly caterpillars have been released on the slopes of Saddle Mountain, part of a continuing effort to stabilize the declining species population in the state.

The reintroduction was led by a team from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Oregon Zoo and Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

The Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta) was federally listed as threatened in 1980, and population numbers have declined continuously over the last three decades. Today, just four isolated populations remain: three in Oregon and one in California.   

Saddle Mountain was chosen as the reintroduction site because a rare flower—the early blue violet—blooms in abundance there. Early blue violets are the main food source for the caterpillars as they mature into adult butterflies. The mountain is one of the few remaining areas where early blue violets grow in large enough quantities to sustain a butterfly population. Elsewhere, the delicate violets have been choked out by invasive weeds and forest succession.

“Saddle Mountain is prime real estate for Oregon silverspots,” said Trevor Taylor, manager for the reintroduction project at OPRD. “Our hope is the caterpillars will be the start of a vibrant and lasting butterfly population on the mountain.”

The caterpillars began their journey to the mountain as part of the imperiled species programs at Oregon Zoo and Woodland Park Zoo. Each year, a small number of female Oregon silverspots are collected from wild populations and brought to zoo conservation labs to lay eggs. The hatched larvae are raised over the winter and released into the wild when they’ve matured into caterpillars.

Funding for the reintroduction project was provided by the USFWS Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund.

The Answerland Advisory Committee (AAC) will meet on Monday, July 30th from 1pm to 3pm Pacific Time at the Oregon Institute of Technology Library in Klamath Falls. There is a virtual option for those who are unable to attend in person.

AGENDA

1:00        Welcome new members, thanks to members leaving

1:15        Review agenda, approve minutes, and review previous action items

1:20        Coordinator’s report

1:40        Outstanding Service to Answerland award

1:50        Grant funds

2:00        Open Forum

2:10        Subgroup reports

2:55        Action item review

3:00        Adjourn

This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend virtually or who require special accommodations should contact Tamara Ottum, 503-378-6506 or tamara.ottum@state.or.us, so that appropriate arrangements may be made.

The AAC advises the State Library and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Council on Answerland, and its membership is drawn from all areas of the state and representing the public, school, academic, and special libraries that use or provide service for Answerland.

Questions or concerns can be addressed to Tamara Ottum, 503-378-6506 or tamara.ottum@state.or.us.

Vancouver, Wash. – Ballots are in the mail to all registered voters for the upcoming Aug. 7 primary. For this election, all Clark County voters will receive a ballot.

If a voter does not receive a ballot by Thursday, July 26, please contact the Elections Office at (564) 397-2345 to request a replacement ballot. Replacement ballots also can be requested by email, by mail, or in person at the Elections Office, 1408 Franklin St. Office hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Email requests should be sent to elections@clark.wa.gov.  The mailing address is Clark County Elections Office, PO Box 8815, Vancouver, WA 98666-8815.

At 6 pm on election day, Tuesday, Aug. 7, the process of entering the scanned ballot information into the ballot tabulation system will begin. Election results will be released to the public and news media on the sixth-floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. at or before 8:15 pm Results also will be available on the County Auditor’s website at clarkvotes.org.

A sample ballot for this election is available at clarkvotes.org.

Vancouver, Wash. – The National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers, NACCTFO, awarded Clark County Treasurer Doug Lasher its Outstanding County Treasurer of the Year Award at its annual banquet last week.

NACCTFO is an affiliate of the National Association of Counties, NACo. The organization presents the distinguished annual award to a person who “…serves as a leader in their home state and as a professional of the highest caliber in the operation of their own county office.”

The nomination letter for Doug states that he is a mentor to his staff and has spent the majority of his life in service to his community.

When presenting the award, Haskell County, Kansas, Treasurer and award committee chair Nancy Weeks noted Doug’s many accomplishments over his 34 year tenure as Treasurer.

A leader in innovation, Doug was one of the first treasurers in the state of Washington to implement the Property Assessment and Collection System, PACS, that combines the billing and collection systems.

In 2001, he worked with the county assessor and auditor to establish a joint lobby to provide services for all three departments, enabling a more efficient delivery of services to citizens. This model has been widely praised by government partners and citizens.

In a letter of support for his nomination, Washington State Treasurer Duane A. Davidson said, “Doug is constantly concerned with the well-being of the other county treasurers in Washington State, with a special emphasis on newly elected county treasurers. He mentors new treasurers and helps them understand the role and responsibilities of the office.”

“My passion and commitment to public service has always been to provide the best in treasury management for the citizens of Clark County,” said Doug. “This recognition would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of all the employees who have worked with me since the first day I walked into the Treasurer’s Office back in 1984. I am very proud of what we have accomplished.”

Vancouver, Wash. — Clark County Public Health is continuing its investigation into a potential case of measles in a young child. Public Health on Monday announced three locations where people may have been exposed to measles. Public Health has since identified a fourth public location of possible measles exposure.

Public Health is advising anyone who has been exposed and may have symptoms of measles to call their health care provider prior to visiting the medical office and make a plan that avoids exposing others in the waiting room.

In addition to the three locations announced Monday, people who visited the following location may have been exposed to measles:

• Public areas, including lobbies, stairwells and elevators, in the Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Office Building, 2121 NE 139th St., Vancouver, from 10:45 am to 2 pm Tuesday, July 3.

“We believe the risk of contracting measles from this exposure is incredibly low, but we want to notify those who may have been exposed and advise them to watch for symptoms,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Public Health director and health officer.

Public Health is not aware of any additional measles cases in Clark County linked to the potential case or confirmed cases in Oregon.

About measles

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus. It is spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. A person with measles can spread the virus before they show symptoms. The virus can also linger in the air after someone who is infectious has left.

After someone is exposed, illness develops in about one to three weeks.

Measles symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. People are contagious with measles for four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears.

Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. For every 1,000 children with measles, one or two will die from the disease.

Measles poses the highest risk to people who have not been vaccinated, pregnant women, infants younger than 12 months and people with weakened immune systems. Persons are likely immune (not susceptible) to measles if any of the following apply:

1. They were born before 1957.
2. They are certain they have had measles.
3. They are up to date on measles vaccines (one dose for children 12 months through 3 years old, two doses for anyone 4 years and older).

Anyone with questions about measles infection or the measles vaccine should call their primary care provider or Clark County Public Health at 564.397.8182.

Learn More

Washington State Department of Health: www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/Measles

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/measles

On Saturday, July 28, Party in the Park returns with a dizzying array of activities for those in search of free fun.

The daylong festival, now in its 13th year, is presented by the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District at the Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex, 15707 SW Walker Road, Beaverton. 

Party in the Park features a wide variety of family-oriented activities that run primarily from 11 am to 4 pm. All activities are free except for the Family Triathlon (9 am start) that carries a small entry fee to offset expenses.

 “Party in the Park is our largest community event of the year and has become a real institution in our area, an event that patrons look forward to every year,” said THPRD General Manager Doug Menke. “It’s a great way for families, neighbors and friends to celebrate summer together. They also get a small sampling of the many recreational activities we offer.”

Returning attractions include a rocket-building station, “Join the Circus,” and two theaters offering puppet shows and roaming performers.

These complement a traditional entertainment lineup that includes several giant inflatable toys (Field 5), three climbing walls (Field 4), arts and crafts, and face painting.

The Family Triathlon kicks off the day’s activities at 9 am. This non-competitive event includes a 50-yard swim, two-mile bike ride, and half-mile run. Participants can preregister at thprd.org. The event includes a free helmet fitting and replacement station and minor bicycle repair, both provided by the Northwest Bicycle Safety Council.

The Beaverton Police Department’s popular K-9 Unit demonstration is scheduled from 11:30 am to 1 pm.  The athleticism and discipline of these elite dogs always excites the crowd.

On Field 5, along with the inflatables, guests will be able to play bocce, futsal, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, and cornhole.

Free drop-in tennis will be available from 11 am to 4 pm on the Stadium Court; equipment will be provided by THPRD. Inside the Athletic Center, drop-in basketball, badminton, volleyball and table tennis will be offered. On the outdoor courts will be basketball and pickleball along with mini tennis with low-compression balls.

At the Aquatic Center, two sessions of free swimming are planned: 1:30-3:30 pm and 4-6 pm.

The THPRD Rec Mobile will offer a sampling of games and activities for guests of all ages, and the THPRD Nature Mobile will provide nature and science learning opportunities, activities and games. The park district’s Wellness on Wheels van will host group fitness activities for older adults.

Battle Ground, WA - The Battle Ground Planning Commission is seeking input from the public on the city’s sign code, specifically as it relates to temporary off-premise signs such as garage sale and other temporary signs used to promote an event or service. The commission will hold a public hearing on the topic at their Wednesday, July 25 meeting.  

The Planning Commission is tasked with making a recommendation to City Council about the sign code as it relates to temporary off-premise signs.   Input from the community is important to the process and the commission encourages those with an interest in the topic to participate. 

The Planning Commission meeting and Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 7pm at Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW 1st Street.  The meeting agenda is available online at www.cityofbg.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07252018-314.

GRESHAM, OR. – The City of Gresham’s Arts and Cultural Assistance Grant Program aids Gresham-based programs that enrich the arts, culture and heritage of the community. Applications are now open for fiscal year 2018-19 and are due by 9 a.m. on August 31.

Grants are available to nonprofit organizations physically located within Gresham city limits and to Gresham residents who have partnered with a qualifying nonprofit. Proposals should address at least one of the Grant Program objectives, which include exposure to art, particularly for families and children; collaboration between artists and community organizations; and enhancement of Gresham’s arts and culture organizations and/or individual artists. Grant categories include performing arts, festivals and parades, folk arts, literature, media arts, visual arts, museum exhibits and classes, and the heritage and preservation of Gresham’s history.

Applicants are required to describe the public purpose, public benefit, their project management experience and submit a detailed budget with their application. A volunteer committee, including a Gresham City Councilor, will award the grants in late August.

Previous grants have supported events such as the popular “Music Mondays” summer concerts at the Arts Plaza, public art installations, summer art camps, and a family friendly musical production.

Find applications and more information at www.GreshamOregon.gov/Arts-and-Cultural-Grants.

In cooperation with Allied Video Productions, the City of Salem presents a new season of “Movies in the Park.”  Spend time with family and friends and join us under the stars to watch family-friendly movies on a 24-foot screen in the Riverfront Park Amphitheater.

This summer’s movie schedule includes the following:

• July 28–The Incredibles, 2004, PG, 111 minutes
• August 4–Coco, 2017, PG, 109 minutes
• August 11–The Greatest Showman, 2017, PG, 96 minutes
• August 25–Star Wars: The Last Jedi, 2017, PG-13, 152 minutes

Movies begin at dusk.  Feel free to bring blankets, low back chairs, and snacks.  No alcohol is permitted.

Subtitles are provided on separate screen.

Parking is provided in the Carousel parking lot and at the north end of Riverfront Park (enter off Union Street NE) or in downtown parking garages.

There is no charge to attend; however, donations are suggested.

Volunteers interested in assisting with these events should contact Tibby Larson, Volunteer Coordinator, at 503-589-2197.

For the sixth year in a row, the City of Sherwood has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for FY2017.  This certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Sherwood’s CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standard of the program including a constructive “spirit of disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.  “It is rewarding to gain this recognition once again,” stated Joseph Gall, City Manager. “Achieving this high level of recognition in financial reporting is a result of our ongoing commitment of fiscal transparency and solid financial management. Congratulations to Katie Henry, Finance Director and her staff in putting together a CAFR that achieves this recognition”

The City of Sherwood has also received similar recognition for its budget from the GFOA for many years.  The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 19,000 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL, and Washington, D.C.

Young trees need your help during the hot, dry summer months. Vancouver Urban Forestry, a branch of the City of Vancouver’s Public Works Department, reminds residents that watering trees now leads to healthier trees later. Here are some simple tips on helping trees beat the summer heat:

Start with a good mulching around the base of trees. Bark chips make effective mulch, using the 3-3-3 rule: 3 inches of mulch in a 3-foot ring with a 3-inch space around the tree trunk.

Water regularly. Young trees need 10-15 gallons of water once per week during the summer months. Older trees may need extra water during hot spells, too. How much water? It depends on the tree size. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter each time you water. The mulch will help reduce evaporation, as will watering in the late evening or early morning.

Water slowly, dispersing the flow to reach deep down to tree’s roots. Watering for short periods of time will encourage shallow rooting, which can lead to more drought damage. Here are some options to prevent wasteful runoff and ensure deep watering: 

• Let a low flow of water from a hose run for 15 minutes at the base of the tree.
• Punch holes in bottoms of 5-gallon buckets, fill with water, and place at base of the tree.
• Install a slow-release, watering bag made for trees and plants.

The City of Vancouver is proud to have been recognized as a “Tree City USA” each year for the past 29 years. Vancouver’s trees provide natural canopies for neighborhoods, clean our air and water, and enhance the quality of life for all. Please help preserve and protect these important assets by watering trees during hot, dry summer months. View our video with summer tree care watering tips at www.facebook.com/VancouverPublicWorks.

Interested in learning more? Join Vancouver Urban Forestry on an upcoming tree walk, other event or a hands-on workshop. For more information, including a list of tree care tips, visit the Urban Forestry webpage at www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry or call (360) 487-8308.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

JULY 18, 2018

Darian McWoods sentenced to life in prison for murdering his 15 month old daughter

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced Darian McWoods, 25, received a life in prison sentence for murdering his 15 month old daughter.

Under Oregon law, McWoods must serve a minimum of 25 years in custody before being eligible to apply for parole. He will not receive any credit for good time.

The defendant’s daughter, Kamaya Flores, 15 months old, died on December 17, 2013.

“I was there for her birth and saw her as she took her first breath and I held her in my arms. My heart melted with love for this beautiful, little baby girl,” said Patricia Fisher, Kamaya’s maternal great grandmother. “Kamaya was such a sweet, loving child who craved human interaction…She loved to cuddle and be near you…When you took my sweet, great grand baby away from me, you ripped a hole in my heart that can never be filled.”

Kamaya’s maternal grandmother, Raquael Flores-Vuylsteke remembered Kamaya as a child full of life who loved exploring her environment. Flores-Vuylsteke shared memories of her and Kamaya going to the zoo, watching birds, and playing in the sandbox. She cherishes memories of cooking with Kamaya, playing together and sitting around campfires.

“I have no regrets for what I gave her and that was love,” Flores-Vuylsteke said Wednesday during sentencing. “I just loved the smell of her hair and her kisses on my cheek.”

On June 5, 2018, a 12-person jury unanimously found the defendant guilty of two counts of murder by abuse, three counts of manslaughter in the first degree, and one count each of criminally negligent homicide, criminal mistreatment in the first degree and tampering with a witness.

The trial lasted 13 days and was presided over by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Christopher J. Marshall.

Evidence presented during trial revealed Kamaya was in the care of her father at the time of her death. An autopsy revealed she had broken ribs, petechial hemorrhages and facial bruising. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office concluded the injuries on Kamaya were consistent with compression asphyxia. Blood and urine were collected during the autopsy for testing. It was later determined Kamaya died of methadone toxicity. A trace amount of methamphetamine was also detected in Kamaya’s system.

At sentencing, Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Amity Girt said, “this has been a very long journey for the family involved with Kamaya’s death in 2013.” Girt prosecuted this case along with Deputy District Attorney Amanda Nadell. “It's been a very long and emotional ride for the family and for the people in her life who only wanted answers about Kamaya’s death…I do hope and think that the investigation that was done in this case and the jury's verdict that came last month can be the start of some closure for the family and people in Kamaya’s life."

“We know that Kamaya was up and playful in the hours preceding her death,” said Deputy District Attorney Nadell. “The amount of methadone in Kamaya’s blood was enough to cause her to stop breathing and go unconscious. Kamaya had terrible, inflicted injuries. Everything we’ve learned during this investigation showed Darian McWoods had an abusive parenting style.”

During trial, the jury heard evidence that made it clear McWoods took and had access to pain pills and liked to do ecstasy (also known as “Molly” and MDMA).

“Darian McWoods knew his daughter was in distress on December 17, 2013 and needed medical attention right away but he didn’t do that,” Girt said during closing arguments of the trial in June. “He took every step possible to save himself. He was thinking about himself that day, not his daughter.”

Judge Marshall sentenced McWoods to the mandatory punishment of life in prison for Kamaya’s murder. McWoods will have to serve a minimum of 25 years before he is eligible to apply for parole.

The defendant was also sentenced to 20 months of prison after being convicted of criminal mistreatment in the first degree in connection to the injuries inflicted upon Kamaya. That time will run concurrently to the life in prison sentence.

Finally, Judge Marshall sentenced the defendant to 24 months in prison for McWood’s conviction of tampering with a witness. Judge Marshall chose to order that the 24 month prison sentence run consecutively to the murder charge.

“The reason the Court is imposing that consecutive time is because that is a completely separate crime from the horrific crimes that were committed against Kamaya, and it exhibits an unimaginable course of conduct after the horrific conduct related to the murder,” Judge Marshall said in court.

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail and the Multnomah County Child Abuse Team. Detective Michele Michaels and Detective Bryan Steed (retired) were the primary investigators on this case.

Resources:

• Multnomah County District Attorney’s Multi-disciplinary Child Abuse Team
• Portland Police Bureau Child Abuse Team
• DHS Child Abuse

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

JULY 17, 2018

Man sentenced for making unlawful purchases using deceased individual’s Oregon Trail card

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced a 36 month formal probation sentence for 53-year-old Michael Mahoney after the defendant found his friend deceased inside a residence, took his wallet and made unlawful purchases without notifying police or family members about the victim’s death.

Mahoney appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Dailey on July 17, 2018 and pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully using a food stamp benefit and one count of identity theft. He was immediately sentenced to 36 months of formal probation as part of the Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program (MCJRP).

During Tuesday’s sentencing, the family of James Bland, informed the court that Mr. Bland met the defendant while receiving treatment services.

“The point I want to make is that my dad was more than just a victim…he was also a human being,” Mr. Bland’s daughter, Hannah Bland said in court during sentencing. “He was ridiculously funny and charming.”

Ms. Bland went on to state that she and her father were very close. She would spend time with him on the weekends and would FaceTime with him every night.

“When Mike found my dad on the floor in his room, he never called me to come help. Moreover, he didn’t even call the police to report his death,” Ms. Bland said in court. “Instead, he took the wallet off my dad’s body and proceeded to not only sped my dad’s money, but also used my dad’s (sic) food stamps.”

Ms. Bland said she found out about her father’s death after receiving a phone call from the medical examiner.

“I was not able to celebrate with my dad when I got into college or have him at my high school graduation,” Ms. Bland said. “Even though my dad was an alcoholic, he was still a human being and deserved dignity in his last moments.” 

This investigation started on December 5, 2017 when officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau responded to Mr. Bland’s residence and located him deceased. Mr. Bland had passed away several weeks earlier of natural causes.

“The defendant’s actions were extremely hurtful and disrespectful to the victim’s family,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Sean Mazorol, who prosecuted this case. “Michael Mahoney almost got away with these crimes. We’re here today holding him responsible after members of Mr. Bland’s family discovered someone had used his debit and Oregon Trail cards after his death. These purchases occurred at Walmart, Plaid Pantry, Winco and Safeway.”

During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Mahoney had located Mr. Bland deceased inside the residence around November 22, 2017 and failed to make appropriate notifications.

“We believe today’s sentence of 36 months of probation and restitution is appropriate in this matter,” said Deputy District Attorney Mazorol. “The defendant put the Bland family through so much additional grief. We trust this sentence will allow him to get the alcohol and mental health services and treatment he needs.”

The Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program (MCJRP) recognizes Multnomah County’s historical responsible use of Oregon Department of Corrections, and other public safety resources, both before and after the passage of HB3194. The MCJRP platform establishes a process to assess offenders and provide a continuum of community-based sanctions, services and programs that are designed to reduce recidivism, decrease the county’s utilization of imprisonment in DOC institutions while protecting public safety and holding offenders accountable.

As part of the sentencing, the defendant was ordered to pay $156.17 in restitution to the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and $367.45 to the Bland family. While on probation, he will not be allowed to consume or be present at any location that serves alcohol.

Members of the media: The family of Mr. Bland has agreed to release several photo as part of this press release.

Resources:

• Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office: Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program
• Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program
• Multnomah County Mental Health Services
• Multnomah County Addiction Services
• Multnomah County Treatment Services

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

JULY 16, 2018

Jorge Sosa-Soler receives 20 year prison sentence for killing his girlfriend

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced a 20 year prison sentence for 52-year-old Jorge Sosa-Soler for killing Yaritza Valdez-Almaguer, his longtime girlfriend.

The defendant appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Karin J. Immergut and pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree constituting domestic violence and unlawful use of a weapon constituting domestic violence.

“No one deserves to be hurt by someone they love,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Shawn Overstreet, who prosecuted this case. “This is an incredibly sad case that highlights the lethality that can exist hidden in domestic violence situations. Both Ms. Valdez-Almaguer and the defendant lived in a small village in Cuba. Getting to today has taken a considerable amount of time. As we negotiated the settlement of this case, we wanted to keep Ms. Valdez-Almaguer’s family in Cuba updated. Doing so required them traveling from their small village to the nearest town to use the only publicly available phone.”

Ms. Valdez-Almaguer’s brother, Julio Valdez-Almaguer, participated in Monday’s sentencing hearing via phone from Cuba.

Through a translator, he said the death of his sister “has very, very much affected our family and that he [Sosa-Soler] had no right to kill her.”

Blanca Mojena-Arzuaga, a longtime friend of Ms. Valdez-Almaguer, remembers her as “such a good person.”

“She was perfect,” Mojena-Arzuaga said through a translator. “She was so sweet, so nice, and was such a happy person.”  

Mojena-Arzuaga remembers the day when Ms. Valdez-Almaguer called from Cuba and told her she wanted to come live with her in the United States.

“In Cuba, she was living in a home that had a dirt floor,” Mojena-Arzuaga said. “She wanted to come to Oregon for a better life for herself, Jorge and her son who is now nine years old and living with family in Cuba. Yaritza was also planning to bring her son to Oregon .”

Ms. Valdez-Almaguer and Sosa-Soler moved in February 2016. Shortly after moving to Portland, Ms. Valdez-Almaguer enrolled in English classes at IRCO and was prepared to continue to work as a physical therapist.

Mojena-Arzuaga said that she and the family would eventually forgive the defendant. Sosa-Soler spoke briefly in court and said, “I didn’t want this. I didn’t know what I was doing.”

This investigation began at 1:15 p.m. on May 20, 2016 when the defendant and Valdez-Almaguer, were at a residence in the 6600 block of Northeast Glisan Street. The couple was arguing about Sosa-Soler recently being diagnosed with a medical condition. Sosa-Soler indicated he and Valdez-Almaguer needed to return to Cuba.

“As the argument continued, Ms. Valdez-Almaguer became increasingly upset with Sosa-Soler following her around the house,” said Overstreet. “Valdez-Almaguer told the defendant that she was leaving him. With that realization, Sosa-Soler retrieved a large butcher knife from the kitchen and confronted Valdez-Almaguer in the couple’s office area.”

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office reported Valdez-Almaguer died of a single stab wound to the neck.

“After killing Ms. Valdez-Almaguer, Sosa-Soler cut his own throat with the knife in the kitchen in an effort to kill himself but he was found by roommates who got him immediate medical attention,” said Overstreet.

Under Oregon law, the maximum sentence for a conviction of manslaughter in the first-degree is 20 years.

Mr. Sosa-Soler’s criminal defense team presented evidence to the court that suggested he was suffering from a mental health crisis when he killed Ms. Valdez-Almaguer.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office wants to remind the public if you or someone you know feels unsafe or would like to speak with an advocate, support is available 24/7 by calling or contacting Call to Safety at 503-235-5333. You are not alone.

In the event of an emergency, contact 9-1-1.

• Multnomah County Domestic Violence Resource page
• El Programa Hispano - Proyecto UNICA

Línea de Crisis 503-232-4448. Línea de Crisis 24 horas sin costo 1-888-232-4448. Los servicios que se ofrecen a las sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y/o asalto sexual incluyen:

• • Línea de crisis en español disponible 24 horas al día
    Manejo de casos y abogacía
    Grupos de Apoyo en español
    Apoyo a los padres/madres
    Educación a la comunidad
    Asistencia en la petición de órdenes de restricción y de acecho
• The Gateway Center

At the Gateway Center you can sit down one-on-one with an experienced advocate who will help you develop your personal plan and connect you with other services you may need. Appointments are not necessary for first-time visitors. They encourage walk-in, drop-ins from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm. 

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

JULY 13, 2018

Multnomah County Grand Jury Returns New Indictment in State of Oregon v. Luis Trybom

Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced today a grand jury returned an indictment against 39-year-old Luis Trybom.

The indictment alleges Trybom knowingly and unlawfully committed sex crimes involving two separate female victims between September and October 2015.

The indictment filed under case number 18CR46718 charges the defendant with four counts of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct. Furthermore, the indictment alleges one count of sexual abuse in the second degree and three counts of sexual abuse in the third degree. The allegations in counts 1-4 involve a separate victim than the crimes alleged in counts 5-8 of the indictment.

Trybom is scheduled to be arraigned on this indictment Monday July 16, 2018 at the Multnomah County Justice Center.

Copies of the indictment and court scheduling information can be obtained using the Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) system.

This is an ongoing investigation that involves the Portland Police Bureau Detective Division's Sex Crimes Unit. As such, no additional comments can be made.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Portland Police Detective Nathan Sheppard at 503-823-3886, nathan.sheppard@portlandoregon.gov

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

DALLAS (OR) – Felipe Rodriguez, Jr., 33, of Independence, was sentenced in Polk County Circuit Court on Wednesday, to serve 58 months in prison by Judge Rafael A. Caso after pleading guilty to two separate counts of delivering substantial quantities of heroin.

The plea and sentencing marked the culmination of an investigation overseen by the Polk Interagency Narcotics Team (“POINT”) and a criminal prosecution led by the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Foundation, on behalf of the CCC wrestling team, will host the seventh annual crab feed and auction fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 29, from 5 to 10 p.m., in Gregory Forum, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City.

Crack a shell or 17 at this no-host social hour and auction. The night begins with shrimp cocktails and smoked salmon appetizers followed by an all-you-can-eat crab dinner. Proceeds from the event assists the CCC wrestling team in purchasing team gear and funding its annual trip to the National Championships.

“This event is a must for us to continue to help our student athletes accomplish their goals and for this college to continue to compete at such a high level nationally in wrestling,” head wrestling coach Josh Rhoden said.

Clackamas Community College has won 38-straight dual meet victories, which is the nation’s longest winning streak. The team has won a record five-straight national Dual Meet Championships and finished in the top three nationally in six out of the last eight seasons.

The crab feed and auction helps CCC get our athletes a level of exposure that allows them opportunities to move on to a four-year college or university to pursue their educational and athletic dreams.

“None of this is possible without the type of support we receive from this event,” Rhoden said.

The cost is $50 per person, or sponsor a table of eight for $400. Register online at https://bit.ly/2JvV3JS.

For more information, email Josh Rhoden at joshr@clackamas.edu or call 503-594-3275.

-30-

The three finalists for the 2018 Opus Prize, the $1 million award which recognizes individuals or organizations who address critical social issues within their communities, were announced today by the Opus Prize Foundation and the University of Portland. Hailing from Chennai, India; Lima, Peru; and Chicago, Illinois, the three finalists will be in Portland in November 12-15, 2018 for a week-long celebration culminating in the presentation of the $1 million award and two $100,000 prizes.

Spanning three continents, the finalists include:

Agape Rehabilitation Centre in Chennai, India, in honor of founders Daniel and Avitha Victor:  Agape was founded and is managed by Daniel and Avitha Victor, a married couple, who have spent their entire lives serving disabled teens and adults – a community of people who are often discarded in the Indian culture. They compassionately develop a professional skill set for every person with special needs, buoyed by support systems that promote personal confidence so those in their care become independent and succeed in their environment.

Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) in Chicago, in honor of its founder Dr. Rami Nashashibi:  Operating in a U.S.-city plagued by unrelenting gun-violence, IMAN has spent nearly two decades methodically implementing grass roots programs serving the most vulnerable families living in Chicago’s south side. IMAN manages programs that address health, leadership development, arts and culture, transitional housing, food access and advocacy around poverty and prison reform. 

Yancana Huasy in Lima Peru, in honor of José Antonio Patrón Quispe and Rev. Daniel Panchot, CSC:  Founded by Fr. Daniel Panchot, C.S.C. and led today by José Antonio Patrón Quispe, Yancana Huasy works to integrate children and families with special needs into public schools, faith communities and neighborhoods. They are primary advocates in ensuring that the disabled have access to public transportation and handicapped accessibility in public buildings. Much of their focus is on training parents of children with disabilities to meet the physical and emotional needs of their child.

Learn more about the finalists at https://www.up.edu/opusprize/.

Opus Prize Week
The University will host all three finalists for a week-long celebration in Portland this November 12-16. During the 2018 Opus Prize Week, the finalists will be on the UP campus to visit classrooms and engage in conversation with the University community and the greater Portland community. Several opportunities to meet the Opus Prize finalists are free and open to the public, including the Opus Prize Ceremony on Thursday, November 15, when the $1 million award and two $100,000 prizes will be announced. (https://www.up.edu/opusprize/week-events.html)

About the Opus Prize
The Opus Prize Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sponsors the Opus Prize, an annual, faith-based humanitarian award recognizing individuals internationally and domestically who are addressing persistent and pressing social problems within their communities. Each year, the Opus Prize Foundation chooses a Catholic university to serve as its partner in selecting the Opus Prize laureates and finalists. To learn more about the Opus Prize, visit http://www.opusprize.org/.

As the 2018 Opus Prize partner, the University of Portland collected nominations and formed a jury comprising community and faith leaders who selected the three finalists. (https://www.up.edu/opusprize/2018-opus-prize-jury.html)

Teams of UP students, faculty members, and Opus Prize officials then traveled to the finalists’ communities to view the organizations in person before the three finalists were announced. (https://www.up.edu/opusprize/up-ambassadors/index.html)

Read more about the 2018 Opus Prize and the University of Portland at www.up.edu/opusprize/.

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The University of Portland is an independently governed Catholic university guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross. U.S. News & World Report ranks the institution as one of the top ten regional universities in the American West. It is the only school in Oregon to offer a College of Arts & Sciences, a graduate school, and nationally accredited programs in the schools of business, education, engineering, and nursing.

The Multnomah Education Service District Local Contract Review Board  will meet in Regular Session at 6:30 p.m. on July 17, 2018, in the Board Room at 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, OR 97220.

The Battle Ground High School choir is set to perform on stage with the world-renowned classic rock band Foreigner on Saturday, July 28 at the Sunlight Supply Amphitheater in Ridgefield. About 25 students will join the band on stage to sing backup for the band’s chart-topping song, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” which spent two weeks as Billboard’s number one song in February 1985.

Foreigner will donate $500 to BGHS’ choir program, which will help cover future program costs such as equipment, instruments, and travel to plays and performances.

“This is such a fantastic opportunity for our kids and for the BGHS Choir program,” said choir director Darcy Schmitt. “It's an honor to perform on stage with such an iconic rock band.”

The performance on July 28 is part of Foreigner’s Juke Box Heroes Tour, which also features the bands Whitesnake and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening. Tickets are still available.

Date:               Monday, July 23, 2018

Time:               5:00 p.m. Budget Hearing, Regular Meeting Will Follow

Location:         Hockinson School District Board Room (New District Office)

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

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Rescheduled

 July 18, 2018 @ 6:30 p.m.

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

 http://tinyurl.com/BoardORVA

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS July 17, 2018 @ 6:30 p.m.

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

 http://tinyurl.com/BoardORVA

CLACKAMAS —AARP awarded more than $25,000 to three Oregon community projects with Community Challenge Grants. “These are ‘quick-action’ projects that spark change in local communities,” said state director Jerry Cohen. The grant program, now in its second year, is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which aims to make communities great places to live for everyone.

The three Oregon Challenge Grant winners include:

• $10,000 to Verde to focus on mobile home repairs in the Cully neighborhood of Portland
• $7,000 to the City of Hood River to temporarily open Hood River streets to the community and closing them to cars to encourage physical activity
• $8,220 to Crook County on the Move in Prineville to install age-friendly benches along pedestrian walkways

A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its second year. Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve on one or more of the following outcomes:

• delivering a range of transportation and connectivity options in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that increase walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements
• creating vibrant public places in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that activate open spaces, improve parks and improve access to amenities
• supporting the availability of a range of housing in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that increase accessible and affordable housing options
• other innovative projects to improve the community

“We strive to make Oregon a great place to live, work and play for people of all ages,” said AARP Oregon State Director Jerry Cohen. “We are delighted to help fund projects that community organizations believe will make a difference for local livability.” The full list of grantees can be found at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a multi-family home fire disaster on July 19, 2018, at approximately 10:00 a.m. in the 9400 block of NE Prescott in Portland, Oregon. The fire affected nine, including five adults and four children.

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

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

The Red Cross has opened a shelter for wildfire evacuees in The Dalles, Oregon, due to the Substation Fire.

The shelter is located at:

The Dalles Middle School

1100 E 12th St.

The Dalles, OR 97058

Individuals and families affected by the wildfire and in need of shelter assistance are encouraged to simply show up at the shelter for help.

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

Disaster responders with the American Red Cross Cascades Region responded at approximately 5:00 p.m. Monday, July 16, 2018 in the 12000 block of SE Holgate Street in Portland, Multnomah County, Ore.

The multi-family fire affected seven adults and three children.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day.

The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on July 16, 2018, at approximately 4:00 p.m. in the 10000 block of E Burnside Street in Portland, Oregon. The fire affected one family, including 2 adults, and 1 child.

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

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

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on July 15, 2018, at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the 58000 block of Firlock Park, St Helens, OR. This single-family fire affected 3 adults and 2 pets.

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

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

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on July 15, 2018, at approximately 6:00 a.m. in the 200 block of NE Brentwood Avenue in Dallas, OR. This single-family fire affected 3 adults and 2 children. 

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

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

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on July 14, 2018, at approximately 8:30 a.m. in the 10200 block of SE 222 Dr in Damascus, OR. This single-family fire affected 4 adults.

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

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

                                             BBB, OEM Offers Tips for Keeping Your Home and Business Safe

Portland, Oregon —July 17, 2018 It is wildfire season in Oregon, and the U.S. Forest Service warns this year could be especially significant for wildfires.  Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management are reminding consumers and businesses owners to do their part to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster. 

“A major disaster can pose significant challenges for individuals and families, as well as for local businesses” says Andrew Phelps, director at OEM. “Even a minor emergency can interfere with your ability to operate or require funding for repairs. There are steps you and your organization can take to be prepared, the most significant of which is to be 2 Weeks Ready.

While strangers will reach out to help others during a natural disaster, scammers make situations worse by trying to take advantage of victims. BBB reminds those affected by natural disasters to beware of out-of-town contractors soliciting businesses with ill intentions. While they may not all be frauds, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes or make big promises they can’t deliver. The con artists typically show up after a natural disaster offering to help with cleanup for a low cost. Be sure to research any company before doing business with them and never be pressured into making quick decisions when solicited by a contractor.

Remember, it's just as important to be prepared before disaster strikes. Here are some steps you can take to get your home and business ready:

For consumers:

• Keep documents secure. Store your documents in a safe place that is easy to access such as a safe deposit box. This includes your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport and any other official, hard-to-replace documents. Documents not kept in a safe can land in the wrong hands.
• Have a plan. Familiarize yourself with your town’s emergency plans for shelter and evacuation. Have a list of emergency contacts, the locations frequented by family members and know the specific needs of household members, including animals.

For additional consumer preparedness information, visit the Individual Preparedness page on OEM’s website.

For businesses:

• Practice emergency drills. Businesses should practice drills with employees and have processes in place to account for employees in the event of a disaster.
• Lock up customers' information. Remember to safeguard your customers’ privacy by protecting their data.  Lock up important papers or transfer them to the cloud to keep them safe and intact.

For additional business preparedness information, check out the Business Preparedness section on OEM’s website and complete a Preparedness Scorecard for Businesses. Get more scam tips at bbb.org/scamtips.

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ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2016, people turned to BBB more than 167 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including BBB Northwest & Pacific which serves more than 15 million consumers in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Hawaii and Western Wyoming.    

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WHO:              Erin Hubert, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro (BGCP)

                        Philanthropist Al Jubitz

                        Rockwood Boys & Girls Club Staff and Youth

WHAT:            A ceremony will be held at the Rockwood Boys & Girls Club to permanently install a Peace Pole, an international monument of peace, in the Club’s courtyard. Club youth and staff will join special guests for a ceremonial planting.

Philanthropist Al Jubitz has sponsored a Peace Pole for the Rockwood Boys & Girls Club as part of the Rotary Action Group for Peace efforts dedicated to raising these monuments throughout Oregon. The Pole, featuring the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” will be installed in the courtyard at the new Rockwood Club site.

The Rockwood Peace Pole features eight of the native languages representative of the youth attending the Club to include:

English                        Russian                      

Spanish                       Korean

Vietnamese                 Burmese         

Chinese (Mandarin)  Arabic

The Rockwood Boys & Girls Club opened in October 2017 and features learning, innovation, and activity spaces for youth 6-12 years of age and a stand-alone center for teens ages 13-18.

WHEN:            Wednesday, July 18, 2018

                          2:00 PM

WHERE:         454 SE 165th Ave.

                          Portland, OR

                          503.954-1428

SCAM ALERT! Please beware and help us spread this information.

Once again we are receiving reports from the community that people posing as Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro (BGCP) staff are fraudulently soliciting donations in public and door-to-door. Recent reports have come from in Portland’s Lents neighborhood on Friday and over the weekend a group of boys were collecting for a Boys & Girls Club basketball team on Mississippi Avenue.

It is important for the community to know that these efforts are scams. Boys & Girls Club staff always wear identifying uniforms during BGCP-affiliated activities and do not solicit donations door-to-door in this way. If you see someone asking for donations on behalf of BGCP and you would like to verify its legitimacy, please don’t hesitate to call Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro’s administrative office at 503-232-0077. If you suspect you have been a victim of this fraudulent solicitiation, please file a report with the local police.

Legitimate donations to the organization can be made at www.bgcportland.org, via mail, or dropped off in person at one of BGCP’s Club locations across the Portland-Metro area.

VANCOUVER, Wash., July 17, 2018 - The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington has been awarded $5,000 from Legacy Health to support the clinic’s immunization program for children and adults.

In 2017, the Free Clinic’s immunization program served more than 870 uninsured children and adults in Southwest Washington.  The program helps save patients’ lives and protects others in schools and businesses by limiting the spread of infectious diseases.

“We greatly appreciate the support from Legacy Health,” says Barbe West, executive director of the Free Clinic. “Through the immunization program, our volunteers provide essential care to improve health and enhance the quality of life for our patients.”

About the Free Clinic:

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

Vancouver, WA – Friends of the Carpenter (FOC) will host its 16th annual auction on Sat. Oct. 20, 2018, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Warehouse ’23, 100 Columbia St #102. Tickets purchased before Oct. 10 are $75 per person, $700 table of 10 (tickets increase to $85 per person, $800 table of 10 after Oct. 10) Event tickets are now on sale and can be purchased on-line at friendsofthecarpenter.org or at the FOC office, 1600 W. 20th Street.

“Twenty years is a tremendous milestone. We are honored to share this anniversary with our supporters and the community that we serve,” said Tom Iberle, executive director. “For this year’s event logo, we created a mosaic of people within the number 20. In addition to the faces of our participants, our volunteers and our woodworkers, you’ll also see a few Friends who made this Ministry possible – Duane and Julie Sich, Jack Artz, and Dan Nicholas – for whom we are eternally grateful.”

The event will feature dinner and both silent and live auctions, where guests can bid on exciting vacation packages, heirloom quality woodworking items, sports and recreation packages, gift baskets, and more. All funds raised by the event support FOC’s mission, including programs at the Friendship Center where people of all circumstances are empowered to live life with dignity, hope and love.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, from presenting sponsor at $30,000 to table sponsor at $1,000. Contact Christine Bilic, Administrative & Development Manager, at 360-750-4752 or istine@friendsofthecarpenter.org">christine@friendsofthecarpenter.org.

About FOC

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

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Thirty New Girl Scout Badges Now Available to Power Girl Leadership in Key 21st Century Issues

The all-girl organization proven to equip girls to create positive change has released new badges in environmental advocacy, space science, robotics, and more.

Portland, OR (July 18, 2018)— Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) revealed 30 new badges yesterday that are now available exclusively for girls ages 5–18 that not only enhance the one-of-a-kind Girl Scout experience, but also address some of society’s most pressing needs, such as cybersecurity, environmental advocacy, mechanical engineering, robotics, computer science, and space exploration. In a safe all-girl space, Girl Scouts develop important soft skills, including confidence and perseverance, as well as hard skills, setting them up for success and preparing them to take action for a better world. Today’s youth are more vocal than ever about the change they want to see, and Girl Scouts are the most equipped with the skills needed to make a real impact. The results are proven: girls who participate in Girl Scouts are more than twice as likely to exhibit community problem-solving skills than girls who don’t (57 percent versus 28 percent).

The unique Girl Scout environment provides fun, exciting, and essential experiences that carry into girls’ future careers and life success; the KPMG Women's Leadership Study of more than 3,000 professional and college women shows that early exposure to leadership has a significant impact on a woman’s perceptions of her ability to lead. Additionally, 76 percent of women today wish they had learned more about leadership and had more leadership opportunities while growing up, demonstrating how imperative it is for girls and volunteers to join Girl Scouts.  

The new programming for girls in grades 6–12 includes:

• Environmental Stewardship badges, GSUSA’s first-ever badge series focused on environmental advocacy. Girls in grades 6–12 prepare for outdoor experiences and take action on environmental issues. Although Girl Scouts have been advocating for the environment since the organization’s founding 106 years ago, these badges are the first to specifically prepare girls to be environmental advocates who address problems, find solutions, and protect the natural world (funded by the Elliott Wildlife Values Project).
• Badges that teach girls how to program, design, and showcase robots, completing the suite of Robotics badges GSUSA first introduced for grades K–5 last year.
• The College Knowledge badge for Girl Scouts in grades 11 and 12, the first badge completely dedicated to college exploration. By showing girls how to research the admissions process, financial aid, and other factors, the badge fills a specific need that girls asked for—and that many do not have support for outside Girl Scouts.
• Two Girl Scout Leadership Journeys: Think Like a Programmer (funded by Raytheon) provides a strong foundation in computational thinking and the framework for Girl Scouts’ first ever national Cyber Challenge, coming in 2019. The Think Like an Engineer Journey exposes girls to design thinking to understand how engineers solve problems. As with all Leadership Journeys, girls complete hands-on activities and use their newly honed skills to take action on a problem in their community. The programming aims to prepare girls to pursue careers in fields such as cybersecurity, computer science, and robotics.

Girls in grades K–5 can now earn badges in:

• Environmental Stewardship, through which girls learn how to respect the outdoors and take action to protect the natural world (funded by the Elliott Wildlife Values Project).
• Cybersecurity, introducing girls to age-appropriate online safety and privacy principles, information on how the internet works, and how to spot and investigate cybercrime (funded by Palo Alto Networks).
• Space Science, enabling girls to channel their inner NASA scientist as they learn about objects in space and how astronomers conduct investigations (funded by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and led by the SETI Institute).
• Mechanical Engineering for Girl Scout Juniors, through which girls in grades 4 and 5 design paddle boats, cranes, and balloon-powered cars, learning about buoyancy, potential and kinetic energy, machines, and jet propulsion. Following last year’s introduction of Mechanical Engineering badges for girls in grades K–3, the addition of these badges for Girl Scout Juniors means that all Girl Scouts in elementary school can now have hands-on engineering experiences.

“Across the country, people are having powerful conversations about the increasingly strong voice of young people who want to change the world and the lack of women in leadership positions in the United States—two topics Girl Scouts is uniquely positioned to address,” said GSUSA CEO Sylvia Acevedo. “Whether they are fighting cybercrime, exploring how engineers solve problems, or advocating for issues affecting their community, Girl Scouts are learning how to proactively address some of the foremost challenges of today while also building skills that will set them up for a lifetime of leadership. I am so proud that our new programming continues to push girls to be forward-thinking and equips them with the skills they need to make the world a better place. We believe in the power of all girls, and we invite them to strengthen their unique abilities by joining Girl Scouts.”

GSUSA works with top organizations in fields that interest today’s girls. Combined with Girl Scouts’ expertise in girl leadership, these organizations and specialists advise and inform on content to provide the most cutting-edge programming available to girls. Content collaborators include Code.org, the Cyber Innovation Center, robotics educator and author Kathy Ceceri, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, the Museum of Science, Boston, and WGBH’s Design Squad Global. Girl Scouts themselves also rigorously tested some of the new offerings, including the Think Like a Programmer activities and the Space Science and Cybersecurity badges, which were announced last year and are now available for girls around the country to earn.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON | GSOSW

Our council serves 13,955 girls in 38 counties with the help of over 10,000 volunteers. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting develops these essential skills in an all-girl, inclusive, safe environment. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

GSOSW STEM PROGRAMMING

About GSOSW STEM program opportunities, http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/our-council/news/2018/to_the_moon_and_back.html http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/our-council/news/2018/april_is_stem_month_.html

About Girl Scouts of the USA
We're 2.6 million strong—1.8 million girls and 800,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. Our extraordinary journey began more than 100 years ago with the original G.I.R.L., Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, she organized the very first Girl Scout troop, and every year since, we’ve honored her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscouts.org.

“Reaching for the Stars: NASA Science for Girl Scouts” is based upon work supported by NASA Science under cooperative agreement No. NNX16AB90A. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

About the GSUSA STEM Pledge, https://www.girlscouts.org/en/press-room/press-room/newsreleases/2017/girl-scouts-announces-STEM-pledge.html

About GSUSA STEM Programming, https://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/girl-scouts-andstem.html

Girl Scouts Reach for the Stars, Envision STEM Future at Pine Mountain Observatory in Central Oregon

Public Viewing TONIGHT, Friday, 7/13/18

Girls from around the nation (including girls from Oregon and Washington) to experience hands-on astronomy exploration, real-world skills thanks to NASA, the SETI Institute and the University of Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. – July 13, 2018 – Girl Scouts from throughout the United States have stellar STEM opportunities this summer, thanks to the "Reaching for the Stars: NASA Science for Girl Scouts," SETI Institute’s cooperative agreement with NASA.

“Girls will have a chance to make friends from throughout the country while sleeping out under the stars in a National Forest,” says Shannon Joseph, STEM Specialist for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “The girls will learn to operate telescopes, engage in solar and dark sky observations, collect and analyze data and flex their leadership muscles. And, while they’re having a great time, they're also getting a chance to see a future for themselves in the STEM fields.”

“This is an exceptional opportunity to embrace the Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington and Pine Mountain Observatory into our scope of work,” says Pamela Harman, Acting Director of Education at the SETI Institute. “The local Girl Scout council will deliver an excellent camping experience, the Observatory will deliver dark skies and observing opportunities and the SETI Institute will lead the girls through activities they can take home to their local troops and councils.”

“Pine Mountain Observatory (PMO) and UO Physics are excited to support this new program! We especially look forward to having Girl Scouts visit the observatory for an extended stay,” says Scott Fisher, Director of PMO. “The four-day excursion will give the girls a chance to fully engage with PMO and the STEM experience. It is my hope that all of our visitors leave the summit with a new appreciation for the universe we inhabit, as well as a genuine positive experience with the environment, the observatory, and most importantly, science itself. I hope to see these Girl Scouts pursue studies in Physics or Astronomy in the near future.”

WHO

Ten (10) Girl Scouts from throughout the United States, including Girl Scouts from Oregon (Portland and Milwaukie) and Washington, will participate in an Astronomy Adventure.

The girls will join University of Oregon undergraduate women, the Observatory Director, and other professional instructors for solar observing by day, deep sky observing by night, and camping in the beautiful Deschutes National Forest of Central Oregon.

WHAT THE PARTICIPANTS WILL DO

• Operate telescopes and engage in solar observation
• Collect data, learn how to manipulate data into an image
• Explore fun astronomy activities
• Flex leadership muscles
• Develop new astronomy expertise
• Meet new friends from across the USA
• Sleep out under the stars in a National Forest
• Geocaching
• Camp, build campfires (weather dependent) and develop outdoor skills

Photography by Justin Hartney http://www.justinhartney.com/

WHEN

Girls Scouts will participate in the Astronomy Adventure from July 10-14, 2018

Public Viewing Friday Evening (7/13/18)

The public is welcome for viewing on the evening of Friday, July 13, 2018. Programs commence at approximately 8:30 p.m., around sunset. Groups of 8 or more are requited to provide advance notification. For information, scheduling and questions, please contact:

Alton Lukem Operations Manager, Pine Mountain Observatory

541-382-8331 | aluken@uoregon.edu

GSOSW staff on-site at Pine Mountain Observatory:

Jen Akins,  Travel Pathway Program Specialist
541-499-1446, Mobile | jakins@girlscoutsosw.org

Shannon Joseph, STEM Program Specialist, sjoseph@girlscoutsosw.org

WHERE

Pine Mountain Observatory in the Deschutes National Forest of Central Oregon

Pine Mountain Observatory, in the Deschutes National Forest of Central Oregon, offers a unique opportunity to observe the skies from mountaintop telescopes and learn about astronomy.

For more information, please visit: https://pmo.uoregon.edu/.

Live camera at Pine Mountain Observatory:

http://128.223.164.214/view/view.shtml?id=83&imagepath=%2Fmjpg%2Fvideo.mjpg&size=1

WHY

Research shows women are still vastly under-represented in STEM fields and exposing girls to these subjects at a young age is vital to ignite their curiosity and close this gap. Girl Scouts, the SETI Institute and the University of Oregon support helping young women succeed in working in these impact fields.

HOW

The SETI Institute is leading a five-year program called “Reaching for the Stars: NASA Science for Girl Scouts,” which NASA’s Science Mission Directorate will fund through 2020.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-partners/SETI-institute.html

“Girl Scouts, the SETI Institute and the University of Oregon share a passion for inspiring and empowering the next generation of female leaders through science, technology, engineering, and math programs,” says Karen Hill, Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “This exciting collaboration gives girls rare hands-on experiences that broaden their view of our world, our solar system, and most importantly of their own future potential in STEM and beyond.”

ABOUT THE GIRLS

Ten Girl Scouts – hailing from Arizona, Oklahoma, Oregon (Portland and Milwaukie), Maine, Massachusetts, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington – will participate in the program. While they come from different places and have a variety of interests, from speech and debate to mountain biking, film club to violin, the girls all share a strong interest in astronomy, engineering and physics. In their own words:

“When I was little, I wanted to be an astronaut so I could explore outer space and perhaps even travel to another planet. I’ve visited two observatories and each time I get to glimpse through the lens, I fall in love with our world a little bit more.”

“This trip will give me the chance to explore the topic of astronomy and to ask specific questions about studying science in college and what to expect as a woman in the STEM fields.”

“In the future, I’d like to be an engineer and work with satellites and robots/rovers of NASA to gather scientific data to learn more about the universe we live in. This program will allow me to learn more about operating telescopes, and exploring the many scientific and engineering endeavors astronomy has to offer.”

MAKING AN IMPACT: GIRL SCOUT ALUMNA SECURES NASA INTERNSHIP
Programming such as this Astronomy Adventure make an impact. Participation in a Girl Scout Destinations trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama in summer 2017 inspired Rosemary Williams, Girl Scout alumna from GSOSW Troop 20022, to reach for her dreams and seek a future in space science. Rosemary has attained a paid 10-week internship with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) this summer, and she is currently a mechanical engineering major at Oregon State University.

"Going to work at NASA has been my dream for a very long time," says Rosemary Williams, engineering student at Oregon State University and Girl Scout alumna from Troop 20022 in Oregon. "When I found out I would be an intern at NASA Ames Research Center this summer I was absolutely over the moon. I am incredibly excited for this opportunity and I'm so ready to be surrounded by people who share my love for math and science and, most importantly, for space."

Rosemary Williams is available for media interviews by phone, or on-site at NASA in Florida. Interested media should contact communications@girlscoutsosw.org.

INTERESTED MEDIA

Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON | GSOSW

Our council serves 13,955 girls in 38 counties with the help of over 10,000 volunteers. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting develops these essential skills in an all-girl, inclusive, safe environment. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

OTHER GSOSW STEM PROGRAMMING

Girl Scout Astronomy Club Training At Goddard Space Flight Center—This week, teams from ten selected Girl Scout councils, including Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington, are taking part in an intensive weeklong space science training at NASA’s premier research facility in Greenbelt, Maryland. Teams are made up of two high school Girl Scouts (entering grades 9, 10 OR 11 in Fall 2018), one Girl Scout volunteer, and one amateur astronomer. Participants will learn how to start their own astronomy club back home and have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect directly with NASA scientists.

To learn more about other GSOSW STEM program opportunities, please visit:

http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/our-council/news/2018/to_the_moon_and_back.html

http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/our-council/news/2018/april_is_stem_month_.html

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF THE U.S.A. (GSUSA)

The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The impact of Girl Scouts in the United States is reflected in the fact that 90 percent of female astronauts, 80 percent of female technology leaders and 75 percent of female senators are Girl Scout alumnae. To learn more about Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., visit girlscouts.org.

About the GSUSA STEM Pledge, https://www.girlscouts.org/en/press-room/press-room/news-releases/2017/girl-scouts-announces-STEM-pledge.html

About GSUSA STEM Programming, https://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/girl-scouts-and-stem.html

ABOUT THE SETI INSTITUTE

Founded in 1984, the SETI Institute is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary research and education organization whose mission is to explore, understand, and explain the origin and nature of life in the universe. Our research encompasses the physical and biological sciences and leverages expertise in data analytics, machine learning and advanced signal detection technologies. The Institute is a distinguished research partner for industry, academia and government agencies, including NASA and NSF. To connect with the SETI Institute, visit www.seti.org.

ABOUT NASA

NASA leads the nation on a great journey of discovery, seeking new knowledge and understanding of our Sun, Earth, solar system, and the universe. The NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) searches for answers across three overarching themes: Safeguarding and improving life on Earth, searching for life elsewhere, and discovering the secrets of the Universe. SMD’s STEM Science Activation program advances STEM to improve U.S. scientific literacy through the leveraging of partners such as Girl Scouts of the USA and the SETI Institute. 

“Reaching for the Stars: NASA Science for Girl Scouts” is based upon work supported by NASA Science under cooperative agreement No. NNX16AB90A. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Billy Henry, Founder/Executive Director
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
311 West Evergreen Blvd, Ste. 200
Vancouver, Washington 98660
Local Phone: 1-360-718-2826
Toll Free: 1-800-880-9837
http://www.nwaba.org
henry@nwaba.org">bhenry@nwaba.org

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes to Host Camp Abilities Oregon Next Week for Children and Youth with Visual Impairments This Month in McMinnville, Oregon

Vancouver, Washington—July 18th, 2018—Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) announced today that it will host Camp Abilities Oregon for children and youth with visual impairments July 22nd-27th, 2018 at Linfield College in McMinnville, OR. Camp Abilities is a world-renowned week-long comprehensive, developmental sports camp for children and youth with visual impairments between the ages of 8 and 15.

Camp Abilities Oregon will provide opportunities to 40 children and youth from across Oregon in its third year. Campers will vary in socioeconomic status, ethnic background and level of skills and abilities. The purpose of Camp Abilities Oregon is to empower blind or visually impaired children to break the cycle of dependence and ill health that is often associated with their disability. Campers will be encouraged to take control of their own quality of life, and will be empowered to use their many talents to actively contribute within their communities. A variety of sports and recreational activities including goalball (a sport specifically developed for individuals with visual impairments), judo, tandem cycling, swimming and countless other activities will be provided throughout the week. 

“We are extremely honored to offer this truly transformational program again this year to children and youth with visual impairments. Camp Abilities Oregon will provide benefits that transcend participating in sports, and will help campers from across Oregon gain the confidence, self-esteem, friendships, and independence they need to achieve success in all areas of life,” said Founder and Executive Director Billy Henry

Camp Abilities Oregon is funded in part by the Oregon Blind and Visually Impaired Student Fund, but additional support is still needed. Donations are accepted to support Camp Abilities Oregon by mailing a check to PO BOX 65265, Vancouver, WA, 98665 or making an online gift at www.nwaba.org. Please indicate that your donation is to support Camp Abilities Oregon 2018. For more information on the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, please contact Billy Henry at 1-360-718-2826, or visit www.nwaba.org

About NWABA:
The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. A group of visually impaired students formed the Association in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding charitable organization that provides more than 1,500 children, youth, adults and military veterans with visual impairments tailored programming, which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

For information: http://www.nwaba.org  or
Contact: henry@nwaba.org">bhenry@nwaba.org
Phone:  1-360-718-2826

###

PORTLAND, Ore. (July 19, 2018) – The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is excited to announce a new monthly planetarium concert series - Kendall Concerts: Music Under the Dome, which combines live musical performances with stunning visuals that invite audiences on an immersive, multisensory journey. 

Every month, musicians from all genres will serenade audiences in the planetarium, showcasing their talent and love of music with lasers, stars, and galaxies flashing across the domed screen. Each concert is a unique opportunity for OMSI guests and music enthusiasts to experience the visual wonders of the planetarium coupled with the musical accompaniment of local artists.  

Concert Schedule

Mondegreen | July 26, 8 p.m.
The “moon rock” duo will perform their debut “Returnity” is an exploration of space, lucidity, peace, mother nature, fractals, and modern-day consciousness.

Wooden Sleepers | August 9, 8 p.m.
This Portland folk-grass band is set to release their deput LP “Storm Floatin’” this fall.  Their Kendall Concerts performance is a chance to hear their album ahead of its October release.

The Brothers Billygoat | September 2, 8 p.m. 
This duo featuring harp, keyboard and percussion will play beneath beautiful and intricate self-made stop-motion films, projected on the Kendall Planetarium’s 52-foot dome.

The Bylines | October 14, 7 p.m. 
A jazz-inspired, story-driven pop duo, who most recently worked with the Oregon Symphony and Carnegie Hall to create the “Lullaby Project”.    

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

Portland, OR – The Remembrance of World War II, an exhibit created by students from Brookings-Harbor High School, will be on display at the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) in Portland. The exhibit, which took 60 students from two classes of Junior U.S. History and the State and Local History class four weeks to create, gives a localized perspective on World War II from the viewpoint of the American homefront. Many of the photos featured in the exhibit are on loan from veterans living in Brookings and have never been published before now.  

The Curry Coastal Pilot published a story on the exhibit, stating that the students hoped that they might find a venue where more people could see the exhibit, specifically mentioning the Oregon Historical Society. OHS Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk happened to see the article and contacted the students to learn more. After seeing the exhibit through a FaceTime call, Tymchuk told the students that OHS would be delighted to host their exhibit at its museum in Portland. 

“I was tremendously impressed with the research, scholarship, and creativity of the students, and wanted to give others the opportunity to see this exhibit on one of the most eventful and impactful times in history,” said Tymchuk.

Several students and their family members will be traveling from Brookings to Portland to see the exhibit on Saturday, July 28. The students will be available for interviews at 1pm at the Oregon Historical Society (1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland).

The Remembrance of World War II will be on view in the main pavilion of OHS from July 26 through August 3. Admission to this exhibit is free and is $5 to visit the rest of the museum; view a list of current exhibits at ohs.org. Admission is free every day for OHS members and Multnomah County residents. The museum is open seven days a week, Monday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 12pm – 5pm.  

About the Oregon Historical Society

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

Portland, OR – Following a massive statewide crowdfunding campaign, the newly restored Oregon Constitution is now on view at the Oregon Historical Society through September 3, 2018. What started as a penny drive targeted at Oregon students to raise funds to preserve and exhibit the original 1857 Oregon Constitution turned into over $100,000 raised to restore this historic document. The Oregon Historical Society is proud to have joined many Oregonians in contributing to this effort, and is the first location outside of the Oregon State Archives in Salem to host the document.

Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson arranged special TSA clearance as the constitution traveled from Portland to the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) in Andover, Massachusetts. The detailed conservation effort included digital imaging to create a record of the document prior to restoration, and some of the “before and after” photos of the constitution are on view in the Oregon Historical Society display.

Mary Beth Herkert, Director of the State Archives Division, shares an overview of the restoration in a video, and the NEDCC further details the complex conservation process in this video. Steps included repairing pages that were loose from the binding (while preserving the original binding), as well as essentially giving the pages a “bath” in order to clean the pages that were starting to discolor due to the type of ink that was used in writing the document. The full effort took a single conservationist four months to complete.

While the constitution is on view, the Oregon Historical Society will host two free public programs in the month of August to invite conversation around this important founding document:

Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear: Conversations on Citizenship and the Oregon Constitution

Presented by Manuel Padilla on Wednesday, August 8 at 7pm

Join Manuel Padilla for a dialogue on the foundations of citizenship in the Oregon constitution. The discussion will explore the local people that shaped this concept of citizenship and will then situate the conversations of the past in the current socio-political climate of the present. Have we progressed beyond the considerations and limitations of 1857? Have we transcended past Oregonians’ debates over belonging? Or, is there something of us in them, and something of them in us today?

A White Man’s Democracy: The Drafting of the Oregon State Constitution in the Era of Dred Scott

Presented by Kenneth Coleman on Wednesday, August 15 at 12pm

Kenneth Coleman will discuss the national and regional historical context of the Oregon Constitutional Convention and the ultimate outcome of debates surrounding slavery, racial exclusion, and woman suffrage. He will also consider the meaning of representational democracy in antebellum Oregon, focusing on those Oregonians who had no access to the convention or the right to vote on its final draft.

To learn more about Oregon’s road to statehood and the constructing of Oregon’s Constitution, visit www.ohs.org/constitution. Explore OHS digital history projects for more background on Oregon’s road to statehood and to view the draft copy of the Oregon State Constitution’s preamble and bill of rights that is part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library collection.

View this historic document now through September 3, 2018 at the Oregon Historical Society (1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland). The museum is open seven days a week, Monday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 12pm – 5pm. Admission to the museum is currently discounted to $5 as we renovate our permanent exhibition on the third floor. Admission is free every day for OHS members and Multnomah County residents.

About the Oregon Historical Society

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

Despite a vibrant economy and low unemployment rate, many households in the greater Portland area find themselves on the verge of either losing their homes, their utility services, or both. Though the reasons differ greatly across the socioeconomic divide, some will find help while others won’t be as lucky.

These are people who have lost a job, had a sudden medical emergency, experienced a family crisis, or more. A wide range of charities and government agencies offer help, but application processes are complex and time-consuming.

Most agencies aren’t likely to change their processing routines any time soon. But one long-running and well-respected organization in the Portland area is updating its screening process to shorten applicant wait times for those seeking emergency financial assistance.

“We want to operate more like a business, and be more customer-focused,” said Craig Loughridge, emergency services program manager for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Portland.

The society’s main Portland office will begin gradually shifting to taking appointments starting Aug. 1. Applicants now must apply in person at the agency’s office in southeast Portland, and are seen only on a first-come, first-served basis.

The current process has led to some applicants having to wait as much as five hours or longer to get an application reviewed, Loughridge said. Some applicants can wait that long only to have their application rejected.

“We understand how this can be extremely maddening,” Loughridge said. “Our clients have enough stress already. We shouldn’t be making it worse.”

The society hired Loughridge late last year to work with the agency’s partners and staff to find ways to streamline operational procedures and improve customer service.

Loughridge holds a master’s degree in management, and worked more than 20 years in customer service and marketing before coming to St. Vincent de Paul.

People at risk of eviction or of losing vital utilities like electricity, water or gas can get more information by calling the society’s emergency services hotline at 503-235-8431, or by going to www.svdppdx.org.

The Grotto's annual Blessing of the Animals will be held Sunday, July 15, at 2 p.m. in The Geotto Plaza.

People and pets of all faiths are welcome.

Pets must be properly restrained.

Science on Tap Vancouver hosts a special second event in July!

Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Time: Event at 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.)

Location: Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA

Cost: $14.00 advance tickets, $15.00 at the door, $8 for students

Food & Drink: Beer, wine, pizza slices, popcorn, and snacks available.

Event Website: https://www.viaproductions.org/events/kiggins_july_25_music/

Our brains undergo numerous changes that affect memory, motor, and sensory functions as we age. Many of these changes are amplified in diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Could music limit the effects of aging and neurodegenerative diseases? 

At this event, learn from Dr. Larry Sherman, a musician and Professor of Neuroscience at the Oregon Health & Science University, and singer/songwriter Naomi LaViolette as they explore how listening, practicing, and performing music influence the brain, and how these activities could impact brain aging and disease. They will also discuss Naomi’s work as a pianist, vocalist, arranger, and composer with Steven Goodwin, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, and the Saving His Music project, which has received prominent coverage in national and local news.

Join us and enjoy a multi-media presentation that combines live music and visuals with discussions about cutting edge science. Both Dr. Sherman and Ms. LaViolette will be performing live music ranging from Debussy, Leonard Cohen, and the Beatles to original pieces by Ms. LaViolette and Steven Goodwin.

This is a repeat of the sold out talk given at the Aladdin Theatre on May 3, 2018.

_______ 

Science on Tap at the Kiggins is produced in partnership with Washington State University Vancouver. 

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.

Vancouver, WA -- Women’s leadership is transforming.  YWCA Clark County is ensuring women will lead this transformation.  YWCA’s Women’s Leadership Center (WLC) is excited to announce the fall workshop series is live and accepting registration.

WLC is searching for 100 women who are ready to engage in their dynamic workshop series.  Workshops are led by game-changing facilitators including Jennifer Rhoads of The Community Foundation, City of Vancouver’s Chief Criminal Prosecutor Camara Banfield, and Dr. Jane Cote and Dr. Claire Latham of WSUV Carson School of Business.

2017 will be remembered, in part, as a year that women demanded to be heard. An unprecedented number of women both ran for and were elected to public office last year, and 2018 already has thousands of women preparing to run for government positions across the nation. This is an exciting development, and YWCA Clark County wants to be a part of this new wave of momentum. Yet while progress is being made, much work still needs to be made to achieve parity in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors.

YWCA Clark County strives for inclusivity and social justice at all levels of society and is uniquely positioned to support the advancement of women in Southwest Washington. Through mentorship, high-quality trainings, and workshops, women and female-identified individuals will develop leadership skills essential for success, self-confidence, and self-worth.  They will be guided by a values-based philosophy that embraces equity, inclusion, and service.

YWCA Clark County encourages all women who are interested in empowering themselves to be bold, engaged, and dynamic to visit https://ywcaclarkcounty.org/wlc and register today for an upcoming workshop.

Upcoming Workshops:

Taking Action: Empowering Women in Creating a Culture of Consent

Mondays and Wednesdays, August 6-15, 6-8pm

Facilitated by: Laurie Schacht and Jessie Spinney

Strengthening Women’s Voices in the Workplace: Giving Voice to Values

Friday, September 14, 3-6pm

Facilitated by: Dr. Jane Cote and Dr. Claire Latham

Finding Our Gold: A Connection Circle for Women Over 50

Wednesdays, September 19-November 14, 6-8pm

Facilitated by: Margo Priebe

Demystifying the Process: How to Effectively Engage in the Democratic Process

Tuesday, October 2, 6-8pm

Facilitated by: Audrey Miller

Financial Empowerment: A Pathway to Informed Decisions and Financial Independence

Mondays, October 22-November 5, 5:30-7:30pm

Facilitated by: Jennifer Rhoads

Building Resilience: A Conversation of Shared Experiences

Tuesday, November 13, 6-7pm

Facilitated by: Camara Banfield

Founded in 1916, YWCA Clark County is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  The Women’s Leadership Center is dedicated to helping women achieve their full potential and become leaders in their communities, workplaces and lives. Modeled after successful leadership centers around the world, the Women’s Leadership Center will empower women of all ages to realize and harness their innate leadership abilities, pursue their highest ambitions, and have their voices amplified.

For more information about YWCA Clark County and the Women’s Leadership Center, please visit: https://ywcaclarkcounty.org/wlc

Vancouver, WA – YWCA Clark County is excited to announce a partnership with seven local McDonald’s restaurants for their first Christmas in July in support of their annual Holiday Shop. Beginning Monday, July 23rd through August 6th seven McDonald’s restaurants will each host a multicultural toy drive with all proceeds benefiting YWCA Clark County families.

Last year 465 individuals in our community-received gifts through YWCA’s annual Holiday Shop and with the support of Clark County they look to reach even more families. “364 days out of the year we are in the business of providing hope” says Brittini Lasseigne, Director of Philanthropy at YWCA Clark County.  “One day a year we get to be in the business of providing joy! We are thrilled to partner with McDonald’s and have the opportunity to spread more joy in our community.”

Because of the dedication of the Clark County community, YWCA Clark County has been able to offer Holiday Shop every year since December 2004. Stop by one of the participating McDonalds below to treat yourself and your community.

Mill Plain – 405 SE 131st Ave, 98683

Orchards – 5517 NE Gher Rd., 98662

Battle Ground – 515 W Main St., 98604

Andresen – 2814 NE Andresen Rd., 98661

Camas/Washougal – 3354 NE 3rd Ave., 98607

Sifton – 15811 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., 98682

Ft. Vancouver – 2110 E Fourth Plain Blvd., 98661

Need help thinking of a gift donation? Below are some suggestions and more can be found at www.ywcaclarkcounty.org.

Fisher Price toys

Soft blocks and books

Playschool toys

Baby Einstein toys

Culturally diverse play figures

Spanish edition board games

Children story books Young Adult book

Legos K’nex set

Action figures (non-violent)

Arts and crafts supplies for kids and teens

Culturally diverse baby doll and clothing

Sports equipment

Board games

Shopkins toy sets

PJ Masks toy set

STEM toys Coloring books

Perfume/cologne

Jewelry kits

Headphones/earbuds

Socks for all ages

Underwear for all ages

Bedding/Sheets in various sizes

Founded in 1916, YWCA Clark County is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  YWCA Clark County began as a lunch counter for working women and today offers five core programs serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, as well as advocating for the welfare of children in the foster care system.  For more information about YWCA Clark County, please visit: www.ywcaclarkcounty.org

Dallas, Ore.—Join folklorist Amy Howard and Guthrie Park Community Center director and musician, Sally Clark, and selected musicians for a conversation about traditional music and music jams in Polk County. The conversation will take place just before the regular Friday night jam on July 20, 2018, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. at the Guthrie Park Community Center, 4320 Kings Valley Hwy, Dallas, OR 97338.

This open, community conversation invites audiences to connect with Sally Clark and local musicians about traditional music and the Friday night jam at Guthrie Park. Howard spent several days in Dallas and the surrounding area speaking to members of the community, documenting their traditions, and learning how their cultural traditions shaped their lives. Please come and chat with Clark and others and learn how they are actively passing their skills and knowledge through the generations.

Funding for this program comes from the National Endowment for the Arts to the Oregon Folklife Network, Oregon’s designated Folk & Traditional Arts Program. The project sent trained folklorists to meet and document culture keepers in the Willamette Valley counties of Polk, Benton, Lane, Mario, and Linn as well as with artists from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Free public programs are held in each county.

Amy Howard received a BA in Anthropology from Brigham Young University and an MA in American Studies and Folklore from Utah State University. Her love of folklore fieldwork began in 2007 on an undergraduate field study in Guatemala. She is currently documenting Oregon traditions and culture keepers in the Willamette Valley.

For more information about public programs in Benton, Lane, Marion, and Linn counties, contact Jennie Flinspach at jflinspa@uoregon.edu or 541-346-3820.

The OFN is administered by the University of Oregon and is supported in part by grants from the Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Historical Society, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dallas, Ore.—Join folklorist Amy Howard and Guthrie Park Community Center director and musician, Sally Clark, and selected musicians for a conversation about traditional music and music jams in Polk County. The conversation will take place just before the regular Friday night jam on July 20, 2018, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. at the Guthrie Park Community Center, 4320 Kings Valley Hwy, Dallas, OR 97338.

This open, community conversation invites audiences to connect with Sally Clark and local musicians about traditional music and the Friday night jam at Guthrie Park. Howard spent several days in Dallas and the surrounding area speaking to members of the community, documenting their traditions, and learning how their cultural traditions shaped their lives. Please come and chat with Clark and others and learn how they are actively passing their skills and knowledge through the generations.

Funding for this program comes from the National Endowment for the Arts to the Oregon Folklife Network, Oregon’s designated Folk & Traditional Arts Program. The project sent trained folklorists to meet and document culture keepers in the Willamette Valley counties of Polk, Benton, Lane, Mario, and Linn as well as with artists from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Free public programs are held in each county.

Amy Howard received a BA in Anthropology from Brigham Young University and an MA in American Studies and Folklore from Utah State University. Her love of folklore fieldwork began in 2007 on an undergraduate field study in Guatemala. Since then, she has interned at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, coordinated public programs, and worked on multiple documentation projects in Utah and Idaho. In 2013, she collaborated with other fieldworkers documenting and producing a book on quilting traditions in the Bear River Heritage Area. In 2015, she and two of her students documented artistic, occupational, and recreational traditions in the Southeast Idaho Snake River Plain for the Idaho Commission on the Arts. Together they created an exhibit and organized public performances at the Idaho Museum of Natural History. She is currently documenting Oregon traditions and culture keepers in the Willamette Valley.

For more information about public programs in Benton, Lane, Marion, and Linn counties, contact Jennie Flinspach at jflinspa@uoregon.edu or 541-346-3820.

Please contact Oregon Folklife Network Director, Riki Saltzman, at riki@uoregon.edu or 541-346-3820 with questions about the Oregon Folklife Network or recommendations for traditions, groups, or individual folk & traditional artists to be documented in the Willamette Valley. OFN always appreciates contact information for traditional musicians and dancers, quilters, storytellers, cooks, leatherworkers, fly-tiers, wood carvers, silversmiths, taxidermists, basket makers, and more.

The OFN is administered by the University of Oregon and is supported in part by grants from the Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Historical Society, and the National Endowment for the Arts.