Portland, Ore. - Frontline Nurses from seven Providence hospitals across Oregon have resoundingly rejected Providence's latest offers because they do not go far enough to adequately address the underlying systemic issues that have plagued Providence hospitals for years. Nurses from Providence St. Vincent, Providence Portland, Providence Milwaukie, Providence Willamette Falls, Providence Newberg, Providence Hood River, and Providence Seaside all voted down the tentative agreements before them. The nurses from Providence Medford and the hospitalists from Providence St. Vincent have until Saturday at 4:00 p.m. to vote on their contracts.
With a historic 92% turnout across all seven bargaining units, ONA members rejected Providence's latest offer in unequivocal terms: 83% of those voting cast a no vote.
ONA bargaining teams approached negotiations and this strike, in good faith - even when Providence has not. To demonstrate our good faith, after Providence claimed this was the best offer they could make, bargaining teams sent this contract to be voted on by ONA members so they could provide clear feedback to Providence on the proposed settlement.
ONA frontline nurses have spoken - with a unified voice - and it is clear they are willing to sacrifice more to get the contract they deserve. Nurses know Providence can do better and they are committed to continuing this strike until Providence responds to their demands.
ONA nurses have been clear from the beginning of negotiations: they are demanding safe staffing that considers how much care a patient needs, competitive wages to help recruit and retain staff to reach safe staffing levels, and a healthcare plan that allows caregivers to take care of their families.
ONA is calling on Providence to get back to negotiations immediately and send us a fair contract that addresses the systemic issues plaguing these health systems.
ONA leaders will host a press conference to discuss the rejected tentative agreements and next steps as nearly 5,000 Providence frontline caregivers continue their strike for a fair contract.
WHEN: Saturday, February 8 at Noon
WHERE: The Oregon Nurses Association Office, 3rd floor, 18765 SW Boones Ferry Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062
Media who are unable to attend in person can view the press conference on ONA's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OregonNursesAssociation/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power working to restore remaining outages in southern Oregon
Difficult conditions and access issues impacting efforts
MEDFORD, OR (Feb 7, 2024) - Pacific Power crews are in the process of restoring power to the remaining customers without electricity in southern Oregon. Customers in the Medford, Grants Pass and Klamath Falls areas who have been without power for more than 24 hours should have service restored by this evening.
Nearly 80,000 customers lost power at some point during the winter weather event, which brought heavy, wet snow to the impacted areas.
In some areas, repair teams have had to work in three feet of snow, with downed trees blocking roads. Access continues to be an issue in some areas, which require repair crews to hike in on foot. Accessing some of the damaged equipment required the use of tracked vehicles.
"We thank our customers for their patience and understanding during what has been a challenging restoration effort," said Tom Eide, Pacific Power's vice president of operations. "Our crews have been working around the clock in extremely difficult conditions, and they're highly motivated to get the lights back on for their neighbors."
Visit pacificpower.net/outages for a map showing current restoration estimates.
Pacific Power encourages customers to report outages by calling 1-877-508-5088 or text OUT to 722797. Text STAT to 722797 to check the status of your outage.
Customers with safety concerns should call 2-1-1 to connect with local service providers.
About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.
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(Salem) -- The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Sahara Feldmiller, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Newport on Feb. 3. She is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Sahara and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Sahara is known to spend time in Sandy and the Mt. Hood area. She may be trying to travel to Sandpoint, Idaho.
Name: Sahara Feldmiller
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Oct. 16, 2008
Height: 5-foot-2
Weight: 98 pounds
Hair: Dark blonde
Eye color: Blue
Newport Police Department Case #NTPNPP25-1167
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2042654
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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At 3:11 p.m. on February 6, 2025, firefighters responded to a residential structure fire with reported smoke inside the home. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a multi-family residential apartment complex with nothing showing. Upon investigation, firefighters found smoke inside an apartment with evidence of a stove fire that had been extinguished.
Fire crews found heavy heat and smoke inside the apartment and quickly checked for any possible extension from the fire. The fire was discovered when the occupant arrived home from work and found the home full of smoke with a smoldering stove fire. No occupants were home at the time of the fire.
The single-family residence sustained structural, smoke, and water damage. A family of five, including two adults and three children, were displaced due to the fire. Sadly, a family dog and cat did not survive the fire. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the displaced residents.
A fire investigator responded to the scene of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Seven firefighters assisted with firefighting operations. Other agencies assisting with the fire included the Roseburg Police Department and the American Red Cross.
The Roseburg Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the importance of working smoke alarms and ensuring you have the appropriate number of smoke alarms installed in the home. Remember to make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and in every bedroom. Roseburg Fire Department recommends that homeowners consider a home fire sprinkler system for increased protection.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power restoration efforts near completion
Heavy snow and hazards continue to impede efforts
PORTLAND, OR (Feb 6, 2024) - Pacific Power crews are in the final stages of restoring power to impacted customers in southern Oregon. Most customers should have service restored by 10 p.m.
Nearly 80,000 customers lost power at some point during the winter weather event, which brought heavy, wet snow to the impacted areas.
More than 300 field crews and other personnel are involved in restoration efforts, working around the clock to make repairs. In the Medford, Grants Pass and Klamath Falls districts, field crews are responding to more than 200 spans of downed power lines, as well as broken poles and other damaged electrical equipment.
In some areas, repair teams have had to work in three feet of snow, with downed trees blocking roads. Access continues to be an issue in some areas, which require repair crews to hike in on foot.
"Our crews have been working tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions to get the lights back on for our customers," said Tom Eide, Pacific Power's vice president of operations. "We thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we continue to repair and restore their service."
Visit pacificpower.net/outages for a map showing current restoration estimates.
Pacific Power encourages customers to report outages by calling 1-877-508-5088 or text OUT to 722797. Text STAT to 722797 to check the status of your outage.
Customers with safety concerns should call 2-1-1 to connect with local service providers.
About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.
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SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting an event on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 6-7 p.m. PST. This event provides an opportunity for the public to comment on Avista's proposed increase to natural gas rates.
Avista filed a request to increase overall revenues by $7.8 million. If approved, residential customers living in single-family homes using an average of 47 therms per month would see a bill increase of $4.39. Actual percentage increases will vary depending on customer type, usage, and the rate paid. Avista's general rate case filing proposes the following impacts to the non-fuel cost portion of Oregon customer bills:
Residential |
Residential |
Commercial |
Industrial |
|
Proposed percentage increase from current rates |
9.2% |
6.9% |
10.2% |
9.2% |
Avista asserts these proposed rate increases are necessary to account for investments in the system to improve capacity and safety.
Avista's general rate case filing is undergoing a nearly year-long review and will be fully investigated on behalf of natural gas customers by the PUC, the Oregon Citizens' Utility Board, and others. These public comment events are part of that investigation, which will conclude in August when the Commissioners rule on the request. The Commissioners may approve or modify Avista's request and will only approve rate increases if fully justified by the company. New rates, if approved, are expected to go into effect September 1, 2025. Additionally, Avista may have other rate changes effective on or after November 1, 2025, such as rates associated with the company's purchased gas adjustment, that could increase or decrease the overall impact for customers.
Ways to Comment
Interested individuals may participate in the live event listed below to provide verbal comments to the Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge presiding over this case as well as submit written comments.
Comment via Zoom or phone
When: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 6-7 p.m. PST
This meeting may go beyond the scheduled end time to allow more people to comment. The Commission will attempt to accommodate all individuals arriving before 7 p.m. PST and may close the meeting at 7 p.m. if there are no members of the public waiting to comment at that time. Members of the publish who want to comment are encouraged to sign into the meeting as close to 6 p.m. as possible. This event will not be livestreamed.
Access the agenda, Zoom link and phone-in details at: https://bit.ly/412rzhO
Spanish translation services are available for community convenience at no cost. For those needing translation services, log into the Zoom platform and select English or Spanish on the bottom of the page. Translation services are not available for the meeting phone-in option.
Submit comments to the PUC by April 22, 2025
Stay Informed
To stay informed throughout this case, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify Docket No. UG 519 in the request.
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The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state's investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC's mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.
February 6, 2025
Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Board (Board) is directing $5.1 million toward the Save Lives Oregon harm reduction clearinghouse at Oregon Health Authority. This investment serves to continue the Board's commitment to fill gaps across the substance use disorder continuum of care.
The Board recognized the importance of distributing life-saving overdose reversal medications, but also that more work remains to provide needed services to people seeking support and services for substance use disorder and overdose prevention.
The allocation represents 22% of the Board's total allocation budget of $23.4 million for the 2025-27 fiscal biennium that begins July 1. Programs focused on primary prevention, treatment and recovery will receive similar percentages.
The Board also provided an additional $237,000 toward a previously approved recommendation of $830,000 for the expansion of culturally specific services in existing recovery community centers throughout the state, bringing the total allocation to more than $1 million for the current fiscal biennium.
The funding was awarded to OHA, which will administer the allocations. The Board's decision can be viewed in a recording of its Feb. 5 meeting.
We are confident that this investment will indeed save lives in Oregon by expanding our statewide capacity to provide naloxone and other live-saving services to people most in need," said Board Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph. "But, in doing so, we recognize that this is not enough, and that additional and sustained investment is urgently needed to stem the tide of substance use disorder and overdose in Oregon. The Board calls on the Legislature to fulfill the Governor's request for ongoing funding for Save Lives Oregon."
Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their roles in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, more than $600 million will be awarded to Oregon through 2039. Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).
The state's share is deposited into the Opioid Settlement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery (OSPTR) Fund as it becomes available. This fund is controlled by the 18-member OSPTR Board.
Throughout the current fiscal biennium ending in June 2025, about $98.5 million will be deposited into the OSPTR Fund. To date, more than $90 million has been allocated.
According to the Opioid Settlement Board's annual report, published this week, Oregon allocated $74 million of the state portion of opioid settlement funds on locally based initiatives and programs across Oregon in the 2023-24 fiscal year (covering the period from July 1, 2023, through June 20, 2024).
The report showed nearly identical percentages allocated across the continuum of substance use services statewide.
Highlights of the spending this biennium include:
The OSPTR Board will next consider additional investments in research and evaluation.
To learn more about Oregon's opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement
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Release Date: 02/06/2025
INCIDENT: 2025 Josephine County Search & Rescue Academy
REPORTING DEPUTY: M. Valdez
DETAILS: The Josephine County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Division will be hosting its annual Academy to train new SAR volunteers. The academy, held at 250 Tech Way, Grants Pass, OR, covers Basic Survival Skills, First Aid/CPR, Land Navigation, and more. Completion qualifies attendees as SAR volunteers.
Cost: $55. Additional requirements include a background check, criminal history check, and personal equipment purchase.
The Academy runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6-9 PM), Saturdays (8 AM-5 PM) from February 18 to March 15.
For registration and details, visit: https://bit.ly/4hjCVDU
Application deadline: February 17, 2025.
Questions? Email sar@josephinecounty.gov
UNION COUNTY, Ore. Feb. 6, 2025 -- The Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of a wolf in Union County.
On January 29, 2025, Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to Catherine Creek Lane, about 11 miles southeast of Union, Ore., where they located a wolf tracking collar. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife identified Collar OR 86 as belonging to the alpha male of the Frazier Mountain pack.
The wolf carcass was not located. OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers believe the collar was removed following the unlawful take of OR 86, likely within the month of January.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-032551.
Anyone with information may remain anonymous. If the information leads to a citation or arrest, a TIP reward of cash or preference points will be offered.
Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling licenses or tags, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.
Cash Rewards
Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
The Northwest Steelheaders Association and the Coastal Conservation Association sponsor, in part, the rewards for Games, Fish and Shellfish, and snagging/attempting to snag.
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as "threatened" or "endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20
Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information, visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
# # #
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state's roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members -- including troopers, investigators, and professional staff -- who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
SALEM, Ore. -- The Smoke Management Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Feb. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ODF Headquarters, Building C, Tillamook Room, 2600 State Street, Salem. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The committee's agenda includes:
Welcome and roll call
Committee business
Committee & agency reports
Smoke Management Unit FY24 budget overview & discussion
Fall burning overview
Rule review committee discussion
Action item review/next meeting
The meeting is open to the public to attend either in person or virtually. There will be a period for public comment in the morning. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting y.berry@odf.oregon.gov">Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.
View more information on the SMAC webpage.
Created by the Legislature in 1989, the five-member committee assists and advises the Oregon Department of Forestry in carrying out its Smoke Management Program. Members are appointed by the State Forester to serve a two-year term, which is renewable.
(PORTLAND, Ore.) - After more than a year of bargaining and 27 days on the strike line, hospitalists from Providence St. Vincent, represented by the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association, reached a tentative agreement with Providence Oregon. This is a historic agreement and the first for the more than 70 hospitalists at St. Vincent who have been on strike with registered nurses (RNs) from eight Providence hospitals and the doctors, RNs, advanced practice providers, and midwives from the Providence Women's Clinic since January 10.
It comes on the heels of a tentative agreement with eight RN bargaining units and the ratification of contracts from two bargaining units from the Providence Women's Clinic. Hospitalists won their right to unionize in August 2023 and have been engaged in hard negotiations with Providence ever since.
Key provisions of the agreement include:
The ratification vote will open on Thursday, February 6 at 4 p.m. and close Friday, February 7 at 4 p.m.
Note: We will not provide further comment until after the vote closes.
Oregon residents are bracing for continued winter storms bringing heavy snow, ice, and increased risks of falling tree branches and downed power lines. Emergency management officials urge the public to remain alert, be properly prepared for winter driving, and follow safety guidelines to protect homes, vehicles, and personal well-being.
Risk of Falling Branches
Many regions in Oregon are experiencing snowfall and ice buildup on trees. The added weight can cause branches--or even entire trees--to snap unexpectedly. Falling branches pose a danger to:
Vehicles: Branches can damage cars, so avoid parking under trees whenever possible.
Pedestrians: Tree limbs can break without warning, so be extra cautious when walking outdoors.
Power lines: Branches falling onto power lines may cause electrical hazards or widespread outages.
Downed branches can disrupt utility lines, potentially leading to extended power outages. To prepare:
Stock up on essentials: Have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and blankets ready in case the lights go out.
Keep extra supplies: If safe to do so, store a few days' worth of food and water, especially in rural areas where utility restoration may be delayed.
Stay informed: Monitor local weather updates through official channels. Follow any advisories from the National Weather Service or your local emergency management office.
What to Do if a Power Line Falls
A downed power line is extremely dangerous. If you see or suspect a live wire has fallen on your property, car, or near your home:
Stay away and call for help: Immediately call 911 and report the downed line. Then contact your local utility provider. Do not approach or attempt to move the line. Even if it appears inactive, it could still be energized.
If a power line falls on your car: Stay inside your vehicle. Do not step out unless there is an urgent threat like a fire. If you must exit (e.g., due to fire), open the door carefully, jump out without touching the car and the ground at the same time, then land with your feet together. Shuffle or hop away, keeping both feet close together to minimize electrical risk.
Keep others clear: Alert neighbors and passersby to the hazard. Set up a safe perimeter, if possible, to prevent anyone from accidentally coming into contact with the live wire.
General Safety Tips
Use caution around trees: Weakened limbs can break at any moment--keep an eye on overhead branches and fallen debris.
Dress in layers: Winter conditions can change quickly, and frostbite can occur if you're not properly protected from the cold.
Only travel when necessary: If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you and allow extra time to reach your destination. Check road conditions before driving and let someone know your route if you must travel.
Stay safe, everyone! By keeping these precautions in mind--avoiding falling branches, staying prepared for power outages, and knowing what to do if a power line falls--you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community during Oregon's challenging winter conditions.
Additional Resources:
Salem, Ore. -- The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet on February 20 and 21 at the State Library of Oregon (250 Winter St NE) in Salem to consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The SACHP meeting is hybrid and open to the public.
The meeting agenda includes guided tours, presentations, and hearings for five proposed nominations and one proposed Multiple Property Documentation (MPD) form. The guided tours are scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 p.m., and the business meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 21. Anyone may attend the business meeting in person or electronically; instructions for how to attend electronically are posted on the commission web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx (look under "State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation" and "Upcoming Meetings and Agendas"). Registration is required to speak at the meeting.
On Friday, February 21, the committee will complete a courtesy review of a proposed nomination for the Salem Substation in Polk County at 11:30am. Beginning at 1:00pm, the committee will then review a proposed nomination for the Owyhee Grocery in Nyssa, Malheur County; a proposed nomination for the Mingus Park Community Building in Coos Bay, Coos County; a proposed MPD for Oregon Country Methodist Mission Sites: 1834-1847; a proposed nomination for the Mill Place House Site in Salem, Marion County; and a proposed nomination for the Port Orford City Jail in Port Orford, Curry County. For other agenda items, please refer to the online agenda: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx (look under "State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation" and "Upcoming Meetings and Agendas").
The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields. Nominations recommended by the SACHP go to the National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
This effort aligns with the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan goal to increase the thematic diversity of Oregon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also supports the goals to include more voices and increase access to Oregon heritage that are part of the Oregon Heritage Plan.
The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.
More information about the National Register of Historic Places process is online at www.oregonheritage.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power crews restore 97% of impacted customers
Heavy snow and hazards continue to impede efforts
PORTLAND, OR (Feb 5, 2024) - Pacific Power crews have made significant progress responding to widespread storm-related outages across its southern Oregon and northern California service areas. Heavy snow accumulation has resulted in hazardous conditions, impacting repair and restoration times, but repair crews have successfully restored power to thousands of customers.
As of 3 p.m., 97% of the customers who experienced outages due to the winter weather have been restored. Those customers still without power in the Grants Pass, Medford and Klamath Falls areas should have service restored by Thursday evening.
More than 300 field crews and other personnel are involved in restoration efforts, working around the clock to make repairs. In the Medford, Grants Pass and Klamath Falls districts, field crews are responding to more than 200 spans of downed power lines, as well as broken poles and other damaged electrical equipment.
In some areas, repair teams have had to work in three feet of snow, with downed trees blocking roads.
"These are tough conditions to work in, without a doubt, but our crews are doing everything they can, working around the clock to get the power back on," said Tom Eide, Pacific Power's vice president of operations. "We thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we continue to repair and restore their service."
Visit pacificpower.net/outages for a map showing current restoration estimates.
Pacific Power encourages customers to report outages by calling 1-877-508-5088 or text OUT to 722797. Text STAT to 722797 to check the status of your outage.
Customers with safety concerns should call 2-1-1 to connect with local service providers.
About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.
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KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. Feb. 5, 2025 -- On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 249 in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a green Ford Expedition, operated by Wyonna Elaine Weiser (38) of Chiloquin, was traveling southbound on Hwy. 97 when it slid sideways into the northbound lane, striking a white Ford F-350 towing a horse trailer operated by Franklin Scott Maricle (31) of Bend. During the crash, the F-350 struck the Expedition on the side. The Expedition came to rest in the northbound ditch and the F-350 came to rest blocking most of the highway.
Two of the Expedition's passengers, Winnie Mae Hescock (41) of Klamath Falls and Laurice Lee Foster (41) of Chiloquin, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator (Weiser) of the Expedition was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
A passenger, Wauseka Brown Jr. (56) of Chiloquin, of the Expedition was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
The operator (Franklin Maricle) of the F-350 was not injured.
Passengers Scott Nile Maricle (58) of Bend and Janelle Marci Maricle (32) of Bend of the F-350 were not injured.
Two male juvenile passengers, 21 months and 13 months, of the F-350 were not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire and Rescue and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
# # #
About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU)
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon's highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists, and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.
CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. Feb. 5, 2025 -- On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 26 at Haley Road in Clackamas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a silver GMC Envoy, operated by Richard Allan Kerron (79) of Boring, was traveling southbound on Haley Road when it began to enter the intersection of Hwy. 26. The GMC drove in front of a gold Toyota Camry, operated by Derek Lorenz (33) of Sandy, heading eastbound on Hwy. 26. The GMC and Toyota Camry collided, causing the GMC to turn on its top and crash into a gold Toyota Solara operated by Austin Christopher Moore (19) of Salem.
The operator of the GMC (Kerron) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A passenger, Erlita Jean Kerron (82) of Boring, of the GMC was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
The operator of the Toyota Camry (Lorenz) was not injured.
The operator Toyota Solara (Moore) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Sandy Fire Department, Clackamas County Medical Examiner, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU)
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon's highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists, and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.
Salem, OR - The Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board (EPAB) will meet at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the advisory board's website.
What: Meeting of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board
When: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 3:00 pm -- 4:30 pm
Where: Microsoft Teams (Join the meeting online)
Call: 1-503-446-4951 | Conference ID: 405 380 715#
Who: Members of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board
The Legislature established the advisory board with enactment of ORS 276A.270-276. The board will advise the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) on key decisions and strategic choices about how the State CIO manages and operates the state's web portal services.
The Oregon.gov portal is the connection point for citizens to access state agency services and information on the internet. The board provides oversight to specific websites, services and online payments where agencies choose to utilize the State CIO's E-Government program as their service provider.
With the board's advice, the State CIO wants to make the Oregon web portal services and their operation as effective as they can be for Oregonians to interact with state government.
Correction: This alert has been updated to accuratly report the law enforcement case number.
(Salem) -- The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jaden Robertson, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Salem on Jan. 30. She is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jaden and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Jaden was last seen in Salem, it is possible that she is at an unhoused shelter in the Salem area.
Name: Jaden Lynne Robertson
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Nov. 8, 2007
Height: 5-foot-3
Weight: 146 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Hazel
Other identifying information: Jaden was last seen wearing black leggings and shirt with a red, white and navy varsity jacket. She has a pierced nose.
Marion County Sheriff's Office Case #25-5143
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2042396
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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SALEM, OR -- Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed February Tsunami and Earthquake Awareness Month in Oregon.
In the past, Oregon has suffered considerable damage from moderate earthquake events--such as the 1993 Scotts Mills and Klamath Falls earthquakes--and from a deadly tsunami that originated in Alaska in 1964.
Scientific evidence indicates that the State of Oregon is at risk for a much larger event associated with the Cascadia Subduction Zone that is expected to generate strong ground shaking and a destructive tsunami, similar to the event that occurred in Northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011.
Loss of life and property is minimized by natural hazard mitigation planning and grant funding at the state, Tribal, and local levels, which reduce the impact of disasters through risk assessment and mitigation actions--such as seismic strengthening of existing buildings and public education on local tsunami evacuation routes.
As a result, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), within its role as chair of the Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team (IHMT), will be working with IHMT member agencies, federal partners, local jurisdictions, and neighboring states to highlight jurisdictional earthquake and tsunami mitigation strategies and provide education and information about individual preparedness for Oregon residents and visitors throughout the month of February and beyond.
Watch our social media channels and website for preparedness tips and upcoming dates for the Tsunami Preparedness Roadshow that will be traveling to numerous coastal communities February 27 through 28.
FIRE POLICY COMMITTEE
MEETING SCHEDULED
The Fire Policy Committee (FPC) of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (Board) will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. February 26th, 2025, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at thea regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. February 26th, 2025, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For more information, please contact Madison Hockett at (971) 433-7899.
The Fire Policy Committee meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page @
https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.
1. Introductions
2. Approval of Minutes of February 26th, 2025 Meeting
3. Discretionary Case Review Quick Sheet
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
4. Jesse McFarland; DPSST No. 44129
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
5. John Cota; DPSST No. 44136
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
6. Rhett Sunia; DPSST No. 41600
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
7. Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0005, OAR 259-009-0062, and OAR 259-009-0065
Presented by Jennifer Howald
8. Firefighter Benjamin Charles Sapper -- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Wall Nomination
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
9. Retired Captain Larry D. Dean (DPSST #26630) -- City of Salem Fire Department, Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Wall Nomination
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
10. Agency Updates
11. Next Fire Policy Committee Meeting- May 28th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Administrative Announcement
This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Fire Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.
Salem, Ore. -- Taylor Swift and football fans have something in common again: A variety of fun, Super Bowl wagers are now available through the Oregon Lottery's DraftKings Sportsbook.
For this year's match up of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, DraftKings Sportsbook is once again offering themed bets based on Taylor Swift songs. "Shake It Off" allows you to bet on the Eagles scoring first and the Chiefs taking home the win. The "Déjà vu" wager has the Chiefs winning by exactly three points. For "Wildest Dreams," Travis Kelce will score the first and last touchdowns of the game.
Oregon Lottery debuted sports betting in October 2019 and has seen more than $2.6 billion wagered since its launch. Oregon Lottery's Sports Betting Products Manager Kerry Hemphill is looking forward to another Super Bowl influenced by the "Taylor effect."
"The combination of celebrities, funny commercials, and of course, big plays at this event help generate the most interest in sports betting we see all year," said Hemphill. "The Super Bowl also attracts more casual sports betters who want to take advantage of the fun wagers offered."
"Prop bets" are a Super Bowl betting option that fall outside of traditional game plays. This year, prop bets range from who wins the coin toss to the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach. A few other examples offered this year include:
During last year's Super Bowl, Oregon players placed 382,000 bets through DraftKings Sportsbook, with wagers totaling $6.9 million, up by more than $1.5 million from the previous year. The player with the biggest win of the day in 2024 placed a $20,000 bet on the Chiefs to win, at just over even money, and won $20,400.
You must be 21 years or older to place a sports wager in Oregon. Oregon Lottery reminds players to utilize the safer play features within the DraftKings app, such as setting wager limits or cool off periods. For more information on making changes to your gambling and other helpful resources visit Oregon Problem Gambling Resource at opgr.org or call 1-877-MYLIMIT to chat or text with a certified counselor. Help is free, confidential and it works.
To play Oregon Lottery's DraftKings Sportsbook or for more detail about wagers offered during the game, go to https://www.oregonlottery.org/sports/.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
(Portland, Ore.) - After seven days of intensive mediation, initiated at the request of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and after 26 days on strike (and counting), the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) today reached a tentative agreement with Providence Oregon at the 8 registered nurse (RN) bargaining units currently on strike. Those units include Providence St. Vincent, Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Medford Medical Center, Providence Newberg, Providence Willamette Falls, Providence Milwaukie, Providence Hood River and Providence Seaside. (The hospitalists at St. Vincent Medical Center remain on strike and in negotiations.)
Broadly speaking, key provisions of the agreement include:
Ratification votes will open on Thursday, February 6 at 8 a.m. and close on Friday, February 7 at 4 p.m. (Note: Due to inclement weather, ratification vote times for Providence Medford will be Thursday, February 6 from 8 a.m. and closing Saturday, February 8 at 4 p.m.)
Nurses will remain on strike during the vote and will return to work if tentative agreements are ratified.
Note: ONA will not provide further comment until after the vote closes.
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Michael Cooper, died February 4, 2025. Cooper was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Cooper entered DOC custody on December 12, 1989, from Multnomah County with a projected release date of September 20, 2025. Cooper was 75 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon's only prison.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power crews making progress on weather-related outages
Heavy snow and hazards impacting restoration efforts
PORTLAND, OR (Feb 4, 2024) - Pacific Power crews continue to respond to widespread storm-related outages across its southern Oregon and northern California service areas. Snow accumulation and continued winter weather has resulted in hazardous conditions impacting repair and restoration times, but repair crews are making progress, restoring power to thousands of customers.
More than 300 field crews and other personnel are involved in restoration efforts, working around the clock to make repairs.
"In some areas, our teams are working through three feet of snow, with downed trees blocking roads," said Tom Eide, Pacific Power's vice president of operations. "We thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we continue to repair and restore in these difficult conditions."
Visit pacificpower.net/outages for a map showing current restoration estimates.
Pacific Power encourages customers to report outages by calling 1-877-508-5088 or text OUT to 722797. Text STAT to 722797 to check the status of your outage.
About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.
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PORTLAND, Ore.--A Tualatin, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for conspiring to defraud the United States and filing false currency transaction reports.
David Katz, 48, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and three years' supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $44,877,254 in restitution to the IRS.
According to court documents and trial testimony, from January 2014 through December 2017, Katz, as president of Check Cash Pacific, Inc., conspired with others in the construction industry to defraud the United States by facilitating under-the-table payments to construction workers. To carry out the scheme, sham construction companies were created and used to cash more than $177 million in payroll checks at different Check Cash Pacific locations. The cash was used to pay construction workers under-the-table, with no taxes being withheld or reported to the IRS.
Construction companies would notify Katz when they planned to bring checks into one of his check cashing locations so that Katz could ensure he had enough cash on hand to complete the transaction. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of payroll checks were cashed daily and Katz was aware that at least one of his co-conspirators used a false name and social security number. Acting as compliance officer, Katz allowed hundreds of false regulatory reports to be filed knowing they contained the fake identity.
For his role in the scheme, Katz received a 2% commission on each transaction which, in total, amounted to more than $4 million. Over the course of their conspiracy, Katz and his co-conspirators prevented the IRS from collecting more than $44 million in payroll and income taxes due on the cash wages.
On December 2, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Katz with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and four counts of filing false currency transaction reports with FinCEN. On June 12, 2024, a federal jury in Portland found Katz guilty of all charges.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto and Andrew T. Ho, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
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PUC HOLDING WORKSHOP ON WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLANNING AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Public comment invited
SALEM, Ore. -- In 2024, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) ordered investor-owned electric utilities, including Portland General Electric, PacifiCorp, and Idaho Power, to work with PUC staff to evolve their wildfire mitigation plans. This included updates to the plan, inclusion of specific data, as well as exploration of community outreach methods and their effectiveness. The PUC is hosting this public workshop to further discuss wildfire mitigation plans and their evolution to ensure safe and reliable utility services for customers.
The PUC invites the public to learn about the work of the investor-owned utilities on wildfire mitigation planning and outreach and are invited to provide public comment on this matter.
Workshop Details
When: Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Public comment is expected to be solicited at about 2 p.m.
View the workshop notice for access to the workshop agenda and a link to the Zoom session or phone number at: https://bit.ly/3CwGCXR
Stay Informed
To stay informed throughout this process, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify docket UM 2340 in the request.
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By Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon
What makes a community a great place to live? It's pretty clear from recent public opinion research that Oregonians value safe and healthy communities. There are a variety of factors that go into what makes us feel safe and secure in our communities, including the confidence that if something happens, we'll be cared for. Oregon hospitals are foundational to that sense of safety and community, one that we always rely on but sometimes take for granted. Hospitals are a safety net to care for us and those we love when we need it most.
Losing that sense of security diminishes our communities. Yet for the past five years, Oregon's community hospitals have grappled with mounting financial pressures that jeopardize their ability to continue serving as that critical safety net. The ability of hospitals to provide vital health care services, to employ Oregonians in their local communities, and to serve as trusted community partners is at risk, and with it is that sense of comfort and safety they provide.
The hospital association has worked tirelessly to push for solutions, and I'm so glad that Gov. Tina Kotek has prioritized critical health care funding in her 2025 recommended budget. The budget strengthens Oregon's hospitals by including funding to support access to maternity care, train more health care workers, and assist hospitals that care for large numbers of low-income patients. It also calls for renewing the provider taxes to help secure matching federal funds for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). These measures alone will not solve the immense challenges facing hospitals, but they are a step in the right direction.
This legislative session, our elected officials must act to protect access to health care in Oregon by supporting the governor's recommended budget. Without their action, we will face a compounding crisis--namely, OHP will not have enough funding to serve the one in three Oregonians on its rolls, and care will be at risk as hospitals are unable to weather unrelenting pressures including chronic underpayment from government health care programs like OHP.
Hospitals are proud of the critical role they play in securing federal funding for OHP, which provides health coverage to some of our most vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors. Through the expansion of this program, Oregon has been able to achieve a remarkable milestone: A full 97% of Oregonians are insured, the highest recorded insured rate in state history.
But we have reached a point in our state where having health insurance doesn't mean you have access to doctors and hospitals. If you've tried to get an appointment with a primary care provider or spent time in an overcrowded emergency department, this rings true.
About half of Oregon hospitals consistently lose money and many more barely make ends meet. That means they don't have the resources for the staff and infrastructure we all need, and that keep us cared for.
OHP contributes to hospitals' financial distress by only paying them 56 cents for every dollar of care they provide to OHP members. And when hospitals aren't paid enough to cover their costs, they are not able to continue to offer the kinds of services that we rely on to keep our communities safe, healthy and vibrant.
On behalf of Oregon's 61 community hospitals--from Coos Bay to Enterprise and everywhere in between--I ask legislators to support the governor's budget, including supporting HB 2010 to reauthorize the provider taxes that help fund OHP and taking action to increasing funding for hospitals serving OHP members. These steps will not only protect access to care for all Oregonians but will help hospitals continue their important role in keeping our communities healthy and vibrant.
POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE
MEETING SCHEDULED
The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on February 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.
To view the Police Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST's official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.
1. Introductions
2. Approve November 21, 2024, Meeting Minutes
3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
Presented by Jennifer Levario
a) Keith Byrd; DPSST No. 37928
Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications
b) John Carter; DPSST No. 64289
Basic, Management and Supervisory Police Certifications
c) Maxwell Casquerio; DPSST No. 55070
Basic Police Certification
d) Robert Cheek; DPSST No. 62955
Basic Police Certification
e) Chris Uehara; DPSST No. 23999
Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory and Management Police Certifications
f) Trevor Middleton; DPSST No. 56655
Basic Police Certification
g) Richard Steinbronn; DPSST No. 32940
Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Police Certifications
h) Michael Nork; DPSST No. 43679
Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications
i) Christian Salinas; DPSST No. 59227
Basic and Intermediate Police Certifications
4. Bradley McIntyre; DPSST No. 35126; Portland Police Bureau
Presented by Jennifer Levario
5. Jeremiah Oswald; DPSST No. 60805; Washington County Sheriff's Office
Presented by Jennifer Levario
6. Jared Paul; DPSST No. 57056; Oregon State Police Department
Presented by Jennifer Levario
7. Jeromy Pilon; DPSST No. 54019; Newberg-Dundee Police Department
Presented by Jennifer Levario
8. Agency Update
9. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting -- May 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Administrative Announcement
This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Police Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
PORTLAND, OR (Feb 3, 2024) - Pacific Power is responding to widespread storm-related outages across its southern Oregon service area. Close to 11,000 customers in Oregon have been impacted by these outages. Crews are actively working to make repairs and restore power in areas impacted by the storm. Snow accumulation and continued winter weather has resulted in hazardous conditions impacting repair and restoration times.
"Our folks are battling the elements, but our crews are focused on repair and restoration as the weather allows," said Tom Eide, Pacific Power's vice president of operations. "We thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we continue this work in what can be treacherous conditions."
Visit pacificpower.net/outages for a map showing current restoration estimates.
Pacific Power encourages customers to report outages by calling 1-877-508-5088 or text OUT to 722797. Text STAT to 722797 to check the status of your outage.
To ease the inconvenience of power outages and assist crews in restoring power, Pacific Power suggests the following tips and safety precautions:
About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.
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Agency announces leadership changes, embarks on comprehensive review of care and services adults in custody receive across Oregon.
UPDATED: The quote below is attributed to Director Michael Reese.
Salem, OR -- Today, the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) announced a significant reform initiative to overhaul the division that provides healthcare to adults in custody (AICs). The agency is addressing long-standing issues where AICs receive care at correctional facilities across Oregon. DOC will engage industry experts to improve its Health Services Division, and has taken steps to enhance staffing, enact operational changes, and innovate its pharmacy operations.
"The health and well-being of those in our care is a high priority. Too often the people coming into our prison system have complex medical conditions, high mental health needs, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. It's also an aging population with approximately 1,400 adults in custody age 60 years or older. We recognize the challenges facing correctional healthcare in Oregon, and as an agency we are dedicated to addressing them with innovation and process improvement.
Patient-centered care must be central to what we do, and I am grateful for the dedication and hard work of our healthcare staff. As we move forward, I am committed to a transparent process of change in our Health Services Division to ensure we have the leadership, resources, and support needed to provide the highest standard of care," stated DOC Director Michael Reese.
The initiative includes the following actions:
"Nationwide and around the world, we have learned that people who experience incarceration are far more likely than others to have complex medical and behavioral health conditions. As a nation, we have a legal and moral obligation to meet those needs when people are in our care and custody, addressing clinical concerns, and returning better neighbors to our communities. Traditional models of healthcare delivery in correctional settings must be elevated in order to meet this need, and our teams specialize in this type of assessment and implementation of change," said Dr. Robin Timme, a forensic psychologist and vice president at Falcon Correctional and Community Services, Inc., an organization with a history of partnering with correctional agencies across the country.
(Salem, Ore.) -- The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) is pleased to announce the recipients of its Resilience Hubs and Networks grant. A total of 87 organizations from across the state have been selected to receive a portion of this transformative funding. A full list of awardees can be found on the ODHS OREM website.
The Resilience Hubs and Networks Grant program, funded through House Bill 3409 passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2023, allocated $10 million to help develop resilience hubs and networks throughout the state.
A resilience hub is a location where people come together daily to share resources, support one another and find resources during emergencies. A resilience network is an association of facilities, organizations, resource providers or service providers outside of a physical resilience hub facility that collectively serve the purposes of a resilience hub.
One recipient, the Spray General Store in Spray, Oregon, is featured in this story as an example of how this grant is helping small communities build stronger, more resilient futures. "When they told me I got our grant, and they told me we could have heat I got really choked up. I got really emotional. Rarely do we get funding for building issues. That bathroom and kitchen are really freezing. We would hear people scream when they went into the bathroom. Getting heat in the kitchen and bathroom is going to be a game changer for us," Joni Kabana, Spray General Store event and building manager, said.
"We knew there was a need for the resilience hubs and networks grant funding in Oregon, but I was blown away when I learned that there were 700 applicants from across the state! I am pleased that our initial investment of $10M is supporting 87 localized projects, including building repair, outreach, communications and emergency response equipment, vehicles, training, operational expenses, and more. Communities and organizations are best situated to identify needs, and prepare and respond to emergencies and disasters--and ultimately to shape their own resilience. This program helps to do just that," Representative Pam Marsh, sponsor of House Bill 3409, said.
Ed Flick, OREM Director, said, "This grant is a game changer for Oregon. The streamlined application process and the flexibility to support a wide range of projects really underscores the truth that local communities know best what they need to thrive."
With more than 700 applications submitted, 87 applications were chosen to receive funding--highlighting the overwhelming demand and the critical importance of this program. $2 million was set aside to provide each of the Nine Tribes of Oregon with $222,222.
Grant recipients had the option to apply for funding to support their current or emerging resilience hubs or networks, and/or to receive a pre-designed package of essential emergency equipment called a typed package. These 'typed packages' are specifically designed set of supplies to help communities stay safe before, during and after emergencies. Last week ODHS OREM contracted with an Oregon company, Fixed Resilience, to assemble and deliver these packages to 18 grant recipients, ensuring that communities have the tools they need to respond effectively when disasters strike.
This innovative program is not just about responding to emergencies -- it's about building long-term resilience and strengthening the fabric of communities across Oregon.
Learn more about the Resilience Hubs and Networks grant at www.oregon.gov/odhs/emergency-management/Pages/resilience-grants.aspx
Salem, OR - The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will meet at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the council's website.
What: Meeting of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council
When: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, 11 a.m. to noon.
Where: Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting by ID | Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 248 640 172 639 Passcode: XM2p9p8D
Phone: +1 503-446-4951 Phone conference ID: 346 290 669#
Who: State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council
The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council is established by Governor Kotek's Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.
The purpose of the Council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness education, and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the state's policies, goals, and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively. The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Meetings of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council are open to the public.
Public comment may be made during the meeting. Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Monday, Feb. 10 at noon. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office at 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301 or online via the office form.
Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.
Links:
State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/eis/Pages/ai-advisory-council.aspx
Executive Order 23-26: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/eo/eo-23-26.pdf
Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting Meeting ID: 248 640 172 639 Passcode: XM2p9p8D
Sign-up for public comment: https://forms.office.com/g/8NPeQbXRrA
Online comments submission: https://forms.office.com/g/5ecMVUWbbi
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Shaun Patrick Thomas, died the morning of February 3, 2025. Thomas was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at the facility while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.
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Taxpayers can find more information on the department's Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.
The IRS estimates that 11,000 people in Klamath County are eligible to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
The department believes that helping taxpayers file their own returns using direct file will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don't have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families. The IRS estimates that nearly 25 percent eligible Oregon taxpayers are not claiming the EITC. One Oregon organization says that added up to almost $100 million in unclaimed credits in 2020.
Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they'll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon's Revenue Online before they come to an event.
Taxpayers should bring the following information with them to the library.
Identification documents
Common income and tax documents
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JCSO Case 25-0612
SHADY COVE, Ore. - A suspect is in custody after using a firearm to rob a Shady Cove business this evening. Sunday, February 2 at 5:44 PM, ECSO 911 Dispatch received a call for an armed robbery at Burgers & Brews restaurant in the 21170 block of Highway 62 in Shady Cove.
Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) deputies responded along with Eagle Point Police Department officers. Deputies located the suspect vehicle at 5:55 PM at the Shady Cove Chevron gas station. After a brief standoff, deputies arrested the suspect without incident at 6:02 PM.
The suspect, Jonathan Allen Rusch, 24, of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, is charged with first-degree robbery, menacing, and unlawful use of a weapon. He was booked and lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
This case is under further investigation. There is no additional information for release at this time.
(Portland, Ore.) - The providers and nurses at Providence Women's Clinic have reached a tentative agreement (TA) with Providence, demonstrating that when Providence negotiates in good faith and truly listens to the concerns of its caregivers, reaching a fair deal is possible. While the providers at the Women's Clinic are eager to return to their patients and resume the vital work of caring for their community, they remain steadfast in their solidarity with their colleagues.
"Our members have made significant sacrifices to stand up for fair wages, safe staffing, and the ability to provide quality care to their patients," said Dr. Charlie Saltalamacchia. "This agreement at Providence Women's Clinic proves that solutions are within reach when Providence negotiates in good faith and prioritizes investment in their most valuable asset; their caregivers. The same commitment to fair bargaining must be extended to all remaining negotiations so that every caregiver can return to work with dignity and respect."
These are the first-ever contracts for both the registered nurses (RNs) and providers and they have secured key rights that are standard in union contracts, such as protections for leaves of absence, seniority, union representation, membership recognition, and a formal grievance process. Throughout this strike, these bargaining teams have worked tirelessly to find solutions and push negotiations forward. The overwhelming participation from providers and nurses has sent a clear message: healthcare workers will not back down when it comes to advocating for their patients and their profession.
For RNs, the major wins include:
For Providers, the key achievements include:
The tentative agreement reached at Providence Women's Clinic is an important step forward, but our fight isn't over. Many nurses and providers across Providence are still in mediation, working toward a fair contract. It's time for Providence to take all negotiations seriously and commit to resolving the remaining contracts so that every healthcare worker wins the agreement they deserve.
The ratification vote opens Monday, February 3 and closes on Tuesday, February 4 at 7 p.m.