This weekend DEA and its partners will host one of the most popular DEA community programs:  National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. s://1">On Saturday April 28th, 2018, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the public can dispose of their unused and unwanted prescription medications at one of the 182 collection sites in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), operated by 153 local law enforcement agencies and other community partners.   

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that flushing these drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash posed potential safety and health hazards.

When the results of the 14 DEA Take Back Days for the PNW are combined, DEA and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners removed 402,928 pounds (201.4 tons) of medication from circulation.  Since the program began eight years ago, over 9 million pounds – more than 4,500 tons of prescription medications have been collected nationwide. 

The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539. Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites—liquids and needles or other sharps will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous.

UPDATE 04/26/2018

CenturyLink notified the Sheriff's Office that telephone service to the affected area was restored at approximately 3:00 am.

END UPDATE

ORIGINAL RELEASE

IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. - The Sheriff’s Office Communications Division has been notified of a telephone service outage which is affecting approximately 78 residents in the North Umpqua area with a 498 prefix. This means residents in the Steamboat, Toketee and Diamond Lake areas may not be able to summon emergency services via 9-1-1. 

Residents may be able dial 9-1-1 from a cellular telephone if they have service or from a non-CenturyLink telephone.

At this time CenturyLink is unable to provide an estimated time of repair.

TRI CITY, Ore. - A 16 year old male student has been arrested for writing a school threat in a bathroom at South Umpqua High School. This is the second written threat discovered at the school in the last week. 

On Monday, April 23, 2018, school officials learned of a threat written on a wall in a boy’s bathroom. Deputies were contacted and conducted an investigation. That investigation lead to the arrest of the male juvenile who has been charged with First Degree Disorderly Conduct, a Class A Misdemeanor.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages parents to have discussions with their children regarding the seriousness of these offenses and the consequences for committing these crimes. A misdemeanor crime is punishable by up to 1 year in jail.

On April 18th, 2018, DINT arrested 34 year old Theodore Green in the 200 block of Parkhurst Avenue, Roseburg.  Green was arrested on outstanding warrants for his arrest.  Green was in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest and he was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the outstanding warrants for his arrest as well as a new charge of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine.

On April 19th, DINT arrested 54 year old Danny Joe Enos of Myrtle Creek, regarding his connection to an ongoing heroin trafficking investigation.  

Approximately two weeks earlier, on April 5th, DINT initiated a traffic stop on I-5 Northbound at milepost 93, on a vehicle driven by Enos that was returning from out of the state.  At that time all three of Enos' passengers were arrested, to inlude the following:

• 39 year old Lacie Marie Yarbery, of Myrtle Creek, Or (Unlaw Poss Meth, Unlaw Poss Heroin, Unlaw Delivery Heroin, Supplying Contraband into a Correctional Facility)
• 32 year old Tracy Michelle Nelson, of Bandon, Or (Parole Violation)
• 27 year old Crystal Dawn Shute, Of Myrtle Creek, Or (Unlaw Poss Meth, Unlaw Poss Heroin, Warrants for arrest on previous cases)

Approximately 47 grams of heroin were seized pusuant to that investigation.  

The investigation has been ongoing and has resulted in last night's arrest of Danny Joe Enos for his alleged involvement.  Enos was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession of Heroin and Unlawful Delivery of Heroin. 

Enos was previously arrested by DINT on November 29th, 2017, after DINT served a search warrant at Enos' residence in the 100 block of Mountain View Ave, Myrtle Creek, Oregon.  During that case Enos was charged with Unlaw Poss Meth, 2 counts of Unlaw Poss Heroin, Unlaw Delivery Heroin, and Unlaw Delivery of Heroin within 1000 Feet of a School.  

The FBI and Springfield Police Department are asking for the public's help in identifying and locating the person responsible for an armed bank robbery last week. The person robbed the Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union at 1190 Mohawk Boulevard at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, April 17th. The suspect entered the credit union, approached the teller desk, demanded cash, got cash and left the bank. It is possible that the suspect used a getaway car. During the robbery, the suspect presented a gun that was in a holster under a hooded jacket.

Investigators believe the suspect is a white woman in her late 40's to early 50's, but investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the robber may be a man.

The suspect wore black plastic square-framed glasses and appeared to have long blonde hair.  The suspect was wearing blue denim jeans, a black t-shirt and oversized hooded royal blue rain-jacket.  The suspect also wore a camouflage boonie-style cap.

There is an FBI Wanted flyer at https://bankrobbers.fbi.gov/robbers-container/2018-04-20.9296900454

Anyone with information is asked to call the Springfield Police Department at (541) 726-3714, the FBI at (503) 343-5222 or submit a tip at https://www.fbi.gov/tips

###

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week, building a digital defense against Medicare card fraud schemes.

Over the years, we have constantly warned people to protect their Social Security number. Don’t give it out unless you have to, and don’t carry your card in your wallet. That’s good advice – but if you have Medicare, then it was good advice that was hard to follow since your Medicare card had your Social Security number right on it.

Help is on the way! Medicare is now changing out all of its beneficiaries’ cards and replacing that Social Security number with an 11-character “Health Insurance Claim Number.” This new card will be paper instead of plastic, and the ID on it will include randomly-generated numbers and uppercase letters. Medicare’s goal is to better protect private health care and financial information with this new system. This new Medicare number will be used for transactions such as billing and for the checking of eligibility and claim status.

The first of the new cards are going out in the mail starting this month, but it could take some time to get them all out – so don’t worry if your neighbor gets hers right away but yours takes a bit of time. It’s important to note that if you are part of a Medicare Advantage plan, you will continue to have that separate card as well. You should carry both with you to facilitate service from health care providers.

Of course, with a new system there are always scam artists looking for ways to cash in. If you receive a call, email or visit from someone asking for personal information about your Medicare number or plan, about your new card or about your Social Security number, it is likely a scam. Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you for personal information to get a new card. You do not have to pay for the new card, either. As long as your address is up-to-date, Medicare will send this replacement version automatically.

Another potential twist on this scam: seniors who are told they have a refund due on their old card, which the caller is happy to process as soon as he gets your bank account information. Don’t fall for it!

Here’s what you need to remember:

• The new card is free – there is no replacement fee or activation fee. Do not pay anyone who says you owe money for the new card.
• Do not give out personal information, including your Social Security number, to people who contact you unsolicited.
• If someone calls and threatens to cancel your benefits because you do not yet have a new card, ignore them. Your Medicare benefits and coverage are not changing.
• When you receive your new card, destroy the old one.
• If you have any questions about your new card or unsolicited contacts you receive asking for your personal information, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. You can also find more information at www.medicare.gov/newcard.

Also, if you have been victimized by this scam or any other online scam, you can file an online report at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your local FBI office.

On Friday, April 20, 2018, Christopher Wray presented Safety Compass with the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award for its service to victims of violence in Oregon. Receiving the award on behalf of Safety Compass was Esther Nelson, founder of the non-profit. This organization focuses much of its work on the women and children who are survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, and it runs programs in Washington, Clackamas and Marion counties. 

Safety Compass is able to provide direct services to survivors in addition to online support for families of missing and chronically exploited youth and adults, specialized training for professionals and community members, and advocacy as survivors work through the criminal and social service systems in our area.

"Our approach is the extend respect and free confidential advocacy services to commercial sexual exploitation survivors as they seek safety. We believe that instead of operating from a "rescue mentality" we exist to show up for survivors from a strengths-based posture; to listen, encourage, foster resilience, and believe in who they are as over-comers of difficult experiences. I am grateful to accept this award on behalf of the hard working staff and incredibly brave survivors I have the privilege of working alongside every day at Safety Compass, " said Esther Nelson, FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award recipient.

Under Ms. Nelson’s direction, the staff and volunteers at Safety Compass demonstrate their commitment to survivors of violence every day with a promise to respect each victim’s unique background and set of experiences.  Another core belief of those who serve at Safety Compass is that people in need deserve a diverse community of social service providers, law enforcement and community leaders who are willing to work together to bring about real change. 

“The FBI’s partnership with Safety Compass is incredibly important to our shared responsibility of ensuring justice for those we both serve,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Sex trafficking is not something law enforcement can effectively address alone. Our collaboration with Ms. Nelson and Safety Compass allows us take a holistic approach to breaking that cycle of violence; we can work through the legal system while at the same time their counselors are helping survivors build a path forward.” 

About the Award

Every year, each of the FBI’s 56 field divisions chooses one person or organization to receive the Director’s Community Leadership Award. Each recipient must have shown a commitment to crime prevention or community service.

You can find out more about Safety Compass on its webpage at http://www.safetycompass.org

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies are trying to identify the owners of two aggressive dogs in Sams Valley.  The dogs reportedly killed a sheep and then charged at its owner. 

On Thursday, April 26, 2018, at about 1:00 a.m., dispatch received a 911 call from the 11000-block of Duggan Road reporting dogs were killing livestock.  Deputies arrived to find a deceased sheep on the complainant’s property. 

The livestock owner reported the dogs charged her when confronted, then fled.  Deputies were unable to locate the dogs in the area.  The case remains under investigation. 

The dogs are described as a large tan Shepherd-type dog, and a large black Labrador-type dog.  Both dogs had light-colored bandana collars. 

Anyone with information about the dogs or their owners is asked to call Deputy Trevor Waldeyer at (541) 774-6800.  Refer to case  #18-8189.

###

Medford Fire Rescue units responded to a reported structure fire on North Columbus Ave this afternoon. The fire was out upon arrival, thanks to quick intervention from the occupants and an off duty Applegate Fire District firefighter who saw smoke while driving by. Fire damage was limited to a recycling can and exterior wall and eaves of the duplex. Crews verified there was no fire extension into the wall or attic space.

The fire originated inside the recycling can which was placed directly against the wall of the structure. The exact cause of ignition was not determined but most likely caused by the spontaneous combustion of improperly disposed of materials. It is important to be aware of what is and is not appropriate to place into recycling and general garbage cans. Refer to and follow manufacturer's instructions for proper disposal.

No civilians or firefighters were injured during this incident and all occupants were able to remain in their homes.

While on scene firefighters determined one of the tenant's smoke alarm was more than 10 years old and replaced it for them. Smoke alarms have a 10 year lifespan and should be replaced after 10 years of service or when they signal they are end of life. Newer alarms will have a 'born on date' printed on the rear label. We encourage everyone to test their alarms regularly and to check the dates.

On April 21, 2018 at approximately 5:15 p.m., Medford Police and medical personnel were dispatched to a two vehicle crash on N. Phoenix Rd. at South Village Dr. It was determined the involved vehicles were a small size SUV and a motorcycle.

Once on scene, the Medford Fire Department and Mercy Flights attempted life-savings efforts on the motorcyclist who had apparent life threatening injuries. The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital and was pronounced deceased. The driver of the other involved vehicle was not injured.

The Medford Police Department STAR (Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction) Team responded to investigate the crash.

The identity of the decedent is not being released at this time due to next of kin notifications.

This case is being forwarded to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for review.

MPD Case 18-7949

UPDATE- 

The decedent's family has been notified. He has been identified as -

Rollins, Justin Dan 44 years old (motorcyclist)

On April 21, 2018 at approximately 5:15 p.m., Medford Police and medical personnel were dispatched to a two vehicle crash on N. Phoenix Rd. at South Village Dr. It was determined the involved vehicles were a small size SUV and a motorcycle.

Once on scene, the Medford Fire Department and Mercy Flights attempted life-savings efforts on the motorcyclist who had apparent life threatening injuries. The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital and was pronounced deceased. The driver of the other involved vehicle was not injured.

The Medford Police Department STAR (Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction) Team responded to investigate the crash.

The identity of the decedent is not being released at this time due to next of kin notifications.

This case is being forwarded to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for review.

MPD Case 18-7949

Corrected Phone Number for Union County Dispatch

The Oregon State Police is assisting the Union County Search and Rescue team and Sheriff’s Office in locating 22 year old Jacob Aaron CARTWRIGHT, from La Grande.  CARTWRIGHT’s last contact was on April 24th at approximately 5:30PM, when he was in the area of Pendleton.  CARTWRIGHT was operating a green 2005 Kenworth commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with the company name “Little Tree Transportation” on it with a white semi-trailer.  The license on the CMV is an Oregon plate YAIN63.  At the time, CARTWRIGHT was en route to make a delivery in Nyssa, Oregon by 7:30AM on April 25th.

GPS information for the CMV on April 26th at approximately 12:00PM, in the area of Hwy 244 near MacIntyre Road, which is just west of Hilgard State Park.  This area has been searched by OSP aircraft and continues to be searched by ground rescue personnel.  This area is very remote, heavily wooded with rough terrain and very expansive.

If CARTWRIGHT or the CMV is seen, the public is urged to contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 541-963-1017 or the Oregon State Police at OSP.

The Oregon State Police, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office want to ensure that all visitors to Sauvie Island have fun, but more importantly stay safe.

Over the last few years, OSP Troopers documented numerous Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) arrests, car crashes, increased medical responses, assaults, group fights, drownings, minors in possession of alcohol, ODFW staff safety and officer safety issues as a result of alcohol use on SIWA. 

Armed with these statistics, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the new seasonal alcohol ban on SIWA in March, which makes it unlawful to possess or use alcoholic beverages or consumable products containing alcohol from May 1 through September 30.  The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area includes Collins Beach and Walton Beach, but not surrounding private lands.

Violation of the new rule could include a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and/or a $6,250 fine. 

Need a Trooper, dial OSP from your mobile device

On April 25th, at approximately 9:17pm, OSP Troopers from the Grants Pass Area Command were dispatched to a report of a shooting in the 9700 Block of Monument Drive in Merlin.  Upon arrival Troopers discovered a male subject, later identified as Joshua Nathan MOORE, age 28, suffering from a single gunshot wound. Detectives from the Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section in Central Point were contacted and responded to the scene. As a result of the investigation, a person who was determined to be the shooter was identified and initially detained. This person is continuing to cooperate with the investigation. This is an ongoing investigation and no arrests or charges have been made at this time.

MOORE was transported by air ambulance to Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford and is still in ICU in serious condition.

On Tuesday, April 24th at approximately 12:30pm, Oregon State Police responded to Hawley Hall on the request for a welfare check on a student in a room on the 5th floor.  The student had contacted the Corvallis Police and stated that he was in fear for his life, and requested help.  As a precaution, OSU evacuated the 5th floor of Hawley Hall.  Their initial emergency notification that was sent at 6:50pm is as follows: 

OSU Alert - Emergency Notification Corvallis Campus - Hawley Hall Public Safety Matter

OSU Alert: Oregon State Police troopers and other OSU public safety personnel, Tuesday afternoon, April 24, have responded to an ongoing matter involving the welfare of an Oregon State University student resident of Hawley Hall, who has experienced a crisis and remains in his room. Specialized OSP troopers have arrived on OSU's Corvallis campus to provide for crisis support and public safety. At this time, law enforcement does not believe there is a safety risk to the general campus community. As a precautionary measure, residents of the fifth floor of Hawley Hall will remain evacuated pending further notice. OSU's Department of Public Safety asks that OSU community members and the general public stay out of the area, bordering Southwest Jefferson Way, Southwest Weatherford Place, Southwest Intramural Lane and Southwest Sackett Place. Further updates will be provided as information is available.

At 2:45pm, OSP Troopers attempted contact with student at his room, but he would not answer the door.  Eventually, communication began with him through the door with the assistance of the Benton County Mental Health Crisis Team.

At 4:00pm the student activated the fire alarm sprinkler system.  The remainder of Hawley Hall was evacuated.  It was determined there was no fire and the sprinkler system was disabled.

At 4:11pm, OSP SWAT negotiators arrived and established communication with Daly by use of a phone and talking through the door. This continued until 10:12pm.  At this point the student began setting a fire inside his room.  SWAT began attempting to enter the room but the door was heavily barricaded.  Before entry was made, the student jumped out the window of the dorm room and landed in the grass outside the residence hall.  He was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

The second emergency notification that was sent out by OSU at 11:13pm is as follows: 

OSU Alert - Corvallis Campus - Hawley Hall Public Safety Matter

OSU Alert: The situation involving the welfare of an Oregon State University Corvallis student in Hawley Hall on Tuesday, April 24, has been resolved according to the Oregon State Police and the OSU Department of Public Safety. The student has been transported for medical attention. Residents of the fifth floor of Hawley Hall will remain evacuated pending further notice from University Housing and Dining Services. OSU’s Department of Public Safety continues to request that OSU community members and the general public stay out of the area bordering Southwest Jefferson Way, Southwest Weatherford Place, Southwest Intramural Lane and Southwest Sackett Place until further notice.

The student is identified as 25 year old Charles Mark DALY.   DALY is still being treated for injuries at Good Samaritan Hospital and is in stable condition.  He is also being evaluated by mental health professionals.  OSP is continuing the investigation.

Update

The victims have been identified as 64 year old Kevin MATTHEWS and 55 year old Helen MATTHEWS, both from Grants Pass.  Kevin MATTHEWS was deceased at the scene and Helen MATTHEWS was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center with non-life threatning injuries, where she was treated and released.

An additional charge of Assault in the Fourth Degree was added to WINN, who remains lodged at the Josephine County Jail.

End of Update

On April 20, 2018 at approximately 9:15 p.m., Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a reported fatal stabbing in the Wolf Creek area of Jospehine County. 

Law enforcement responded and found the suspect, Kyle L. Winn (age 32 from the Grants Pass area) , had barricaded himself in a nearby residence. The Oregon State Police SWAT team responded to area. Winn was taken into custody, without incident, at 3:00 a.m. 

The victim was an adut male who Winn had just met on April 20, 2018. His name will be released at later time. The case is still under investigation. 

Winn was lodged at the Jospehine County Jail for Murder and a outstanding felony warrant for probation violation. 

Oregon State Police was assisted from Grants Pass Department of Public Safety. 

###

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Sunday afternoon’s fatal crash on Highway 212 and SE 130th Avenue near Happy Valley. 

On April 22, 2018 at about 4:58 p.m., OSP troopers and first responders were dispatched to a two vehicle crash involving a passenger car and a motorcycle. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a silver Kia Rio, operated by Uriy DUDKO, age 20, from West Plains MO, was stalled in the fast lane of Highway 212 heading eastbound.  A Honda B6S motorcycle operated by, Mitchell VANDOREN, age 25, from Milwaukie, was traveling eastbound on Highway 212 at a high rate of speed and hit the rear of the Kio Rio. 

DUDKO exited his vehicle to check the damage and then proceeded southbound onto SE 130th Ave. After going a short distance DUDKO again exited his vehicle to look at the crash scene. DUDKO again left the scene in his vehicle and was stopped by a Happy Valley Police Sergeant. DUDKO was arrested and lodged at Clackamas County Jail on Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver to injured persons. VANDOREN was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators are looking at speed on VANDOREN’S part as a contributing factor in the crash. 

Highway 212 was closed  about 3 ½ hours for the investigation. 

OSP was assisted by Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Happy Valley Police Department, Oregon Department of Transportation and Clackamas County Fire.

Photographs courtesy of OSP

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

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Sunday afternoon’s fatal crash on Highway 30 near Astoria. 

On April 22, 2018, at 1:48 PM, OSP troopers and first responders were dispatched to a two vehicle crash on Highway 30 near milepost 94. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a maroon Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by Lori COURTWRIGHT,  age 43, from Warrenton, was eastbound when for an unknown reason crossed the double yellow centerline into the path of a westbound white Toyota Prius, driven by Douglas MORGAN, age 54, from Astoria.  The two vehicles collided nearly head-on. 

MORGAN died on scene as a result of the collision and COURTWRIGHT was taken to an air ambulance in Astoria and flown to a Portland area hospital with serious injuries. 

Highway 30 was closed for approximately three (3) hours for the investigation.  The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) provided traffic control and detour information to motorists.     

OSP was assisted on scene by John Day/Knappa Volunteer Fire Department, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Astoria Police Department and ODOT.

Photograph courtesy of OSP

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

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Sunday morning’s double fatal crash on Highway 237 near Cove in Union County. 

On April 22, 2018 at 7:45 a.m., OSP troopers and first responders were dispatched to a rollover crash on Highway 237 near milepost 16.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white Ford F350 pickup, operated by David GRAY, age 34, from Baker City, was traveling southbound on Highway 237 near milepost 16 when the pickup exited the highway via the right-hand shoulder for unknown reasons. The pickup traveled down an embankment and rolled at least once before coming to rest on its top in a creek.

GRAY and passenger, Casey WENDT, age 27, from Baker City, were extricated from the vehicle and were both pronounced deceased on scene.

Highway 237 was closed for approximately four hours.

OSP was assisted by Union County Sheriff's office, Cove Fire Department and La Grande Fire Department.

Photograph courtesy of OSP

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

The Oregon State Police (OSP) is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an assault suspect.

On April 19, 2018, between noon and 3:00 PM, an adult male victim stated he was at Collins Beach #6 at the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area when he was approached by a nude male adult that was upset about the victim’s dog being off-leash. The victim stated that he was held down and punched repeatedly by the irate beach goer causing visible injury. The suspect has reportedly accosted others in the past regarding off-leash dogs on the wildlife area and is a regular at Collins Beach.

The suspect is described as a white male approximately 35-40 years old with a medium muscular build. The suspect is approximately 6’3” tall with a salt and pepper color crew cut hairstyle with a receding hairline.

OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers are continuing to investigate the assault and anybody with information on this suspect, including past encounters is asked to call the OSP Northern Command Center at OSP or email Trooper Joe Dezso at Joseph.Dezso@state.or.us.

No further information for release. 

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

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Friday morning’s fatal crash on Trans Pacific Highway north of Coos Bay/North Bend. 

On April 20, 2018 at approximately 6:06 a.m., OSP troopers responded with the Coos County Sheriff's Office for a crash on Trans Pacific Highway near milepost 1.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white Chevy Caprice, operated by Jourdan ACKERMAN, age 30, from North Bend, was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed and left the roadway for unknown reasons.  After leaving the roadway the Chevy Caprice collided with a power pole and came to rest near the bay.  The crash resulted in the fatality of ACKERMAN.  The passengers in the Chevy Caprice were identified as Zane WOOD, age 18, from Coos Bay and Rebekah AARON, age 19, from North Bend.  Both WOOD and AARON received non-life threatening injuries and were transported by ambulance to Bay Area Hospital. 

Investigators are looking at speed as a contributing factor in the crash.  

The crash is being investigated in coordination with Coos County Interagency Crash Team with OSP as the primary investigating agency. 

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff's Office, Myrtle Point Police Department, Coquille Police Department, North Bend Fire Department, North Bay Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance, Coos County District Attorney’s Office and Pacific Power. 

Photo courtesy of OSP

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

SALEM, Oregon – Governor Kate Brown signed House Bill 4035, April 3, 2018, which authorizes state tuition assistance for service members in the Oregon National Guard.

The bill, passed by the Oregon Legislature on March 3, details the requirements that will qualify Oregon National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to receive state-funded tuition assistance towards an associate or baccalaureate degree at Oregon public universities and community colleges. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission will administer the grant program, scheduled to begin in the 2018-2019 academic year.

The bill was introduced by House Minority Leader, Rep. Mike McLane, and received bi-partisan support across the legislature, as well as support from the governor in alignment with her goal to enhance education programs across Oregon.

“I’m proud to sign a bill into law that deepens Oregon’s commitment to our National Guard service members,” said Governor Brown. “Whether they’re fighting on the frontlines, fighting wildfires, or helping prepare our state for the influx of eclipse viewers, our Oregon Guard members are always ready to answer the call to help Oregonians in times of need. Extending tuition assistance to Guard members is one important way to show our appreciation for their service by investing in their education and future.”

In 2017 alone, approximately 15 percent of the Oregon National Guard was called into service for emergencies, disasters, and crisis planning, including wild land firefighting, hurricane relief efforts, search and rescue missions, and traffic assistance during the solar eclipse. Meanwhile, nearly 200 Oregon Guardsmen were deployed overseas last year.

“This new law specifically bridges the federal tuition assistance shortfall and enables our Guard men and women to complete their associate or bachelor degrees,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon. “It aligns with the governor’s education focused agenda and will not only serve as a huge recruitment and retention tool, but it will also provide us with the breadth of knowledge we need to think like leaders and succeed in an increasingly technologically complex world.”

Service members statistically cite money for education as the number one reason they join the military. Those who already have federal education benefits such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill or the Post 9/11 Bill will need to use those benefits prior to using the state tuition assistance funding. Qualified students can use up to 90 credit hours at an Oregon community college and up to 180 credit hours at a public university. To receive the tuition assistance they must be in good standing with their Oregon National Guard commitments and their educational institution.

“We expect the tuition assistance bill’s impact for recruitment and retention within the Oregon National Guard to be substantial,” said Stencel. “Filling the ranks continues to be important not only to provide a capable, ready force for our nation, but to also ensure a robust Oregon National Guard to support Oregonians during disasters here at home.”

A ceremonial signing of the law is scheduled to take place at a time and location to be determined in the near future.

PHOTO CAPTION: Oregon Governor Kate Brown greets Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers of the 1186th Military Police Company to wish them well on their overseas deployment during a mobilization ceremony, May 25, 2017, in Salem, Oregon. The governor signed House Bill 4035, April 3, 2018, which authorizes state tuition assistance for service members in the Oregon National Guard. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

180421-A-VK948-001: Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Fighter Jets fly over Autzen Stadium prior to the University of Oregon Ducks Football Spring Game, April 21, in Eugene, Oregon. Veterans from every branch of service participated in Military Appreciation Day activities during the game. (Photo by 1st Lt Jessica Clarke, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

180421-A-VK948-002: University of Oregon ROTC cadets present the U.S. flag during a pre-game ceremony for the University of Oregon Ducks Football Spring Game at Autzen Stadium, April 21, in Eugene, Oregon. Veterans from every branch of service participated in Military Appreciation Day activities during the game. (Photo by 1st Lt Jessica Clarke, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

180421-A-VK948-003: Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Alexander Wolf, with the 1186th Military Police Company, pauses for a photo with fans prior to the University of Oregon Ducks Football Spring Game, April 21, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Veterans from every branch of service participated in Military Appreciation Day activities during the game. (Photo by 1st Lt Jessica Clarke, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

180421-A-VK948-004: The Oregon National Guard Funeral Honors Team presents the U.S. flag during a ceremony at halftime during the University of Oregon Ducks Football Spring Game at Autzen Stadium, April 21, in Eugene, Oregon. Veterans from every branch of service participated in Military Appreciation Day activities during the game. (Photo by 1st Lt Jessica Clarke, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

PR 06-18

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2018
 

Portland, Ore. – Bonneville Power Administration security officials report that a recent break-in at the McNary Substation in Umatilla, Oregon, resulted in the theft of 29 copper ground wires. The substation is McNary Dam’s first point of integration to the region’s power grid. 

A BPA employee discovered the theft Monday morning during a routine inspection. Officials say the crime likely occurred over the weekend, between April 13 and 16. 

“This is a serious concern on several levels,” said Doug Dailey, BPA physical security specialist. “The number of copper grounds stolen creates a safety issue for our transmission employees and could have caused significant damage to equipment had it not been discovered.”

Officials say there was no interruption of power transmission and that they are evaluating the damage to determine what resources are needed to make necessary repairs.

The BPA Security Office is taking additional steps to further secure property, equipment and materials to minimize and prevent theft at other BPA facilities.

“We learned that this break-in is one of four similar incidents at utility substations in the area over the past couple of months,” said Dailey. “We are coordinating closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Additionally, our people have been checking other BPA substations near McNary to determine if any of those locations have been affected.” 

Anyone with information about the theft is encouraged to contact the Umatilla County Sheriff’s office at 541-966-3600.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale electricity from 31 federal dams and one nuclear plant to 143 electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA delivers power via more than 15,000 circuit miles of lines and 260 substations to 511 transmission customers. In all, BPA markets about a third of the electricity consumed in the Northwest and operates three-quarters of the region’s high-voltage transmission grid. BPA also funds one of the largest fish and wildlife programs in the world, and, with its partners, pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain affordable, reliable and carbon-free electric power for the Northwest.   www.bpa.gov

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced that it is seeking public nominations for positions on 30 citizen-based sounding boards for BLM initiatives, proposals, and policy changes.

Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) provide advice and recommendations for the BLM to consider on a range of resource and land management issues. The BLM maintains 37 such chartered advisory committees located in the West. Of those committees, 30 are RACs. Each Council consists of 10 to 15 members from diverse interests in local communities, and they assist in the development of committee recommendations that address public land management issues. Established by charter, RACs are critical in assisting the BLM in continuing to be a good neighbor in the communities that the agency serves.

"The BLM Resource Advisory Councils are an important forum for the community conversation that is a key component of public land management," said BLM State Director Jamie E. Connell. "By ensuring that RAC representation reflects a variety of perspectives, RAC members provide a valuable service to the Bureau by delving into issues and proposing solutions on a wide variety of land and resource uses issues."

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on a Council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be reviewed on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the Council’s geographic area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. Letters of reference must accompany all nominations from any represented interests or organizations, a completed RAC application, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications.

Each of the 30 RACs has different positions open in the following categories:

Category One – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the commercial timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.

Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.

Category Three – Representatives of State, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized, Alaska Natives as appropriate to the state of Alaska; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

The BLM administers 8 advisory councils and committees in Oregon and Washington. More information, including an Oregon/Washington RAC boundary map, can be found online at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington.

As published in a notice in today’s Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations for 45 days (until June 4, 2018).  Requests for more information, nominations and completed applications for RACs should be sent to the appropriate BLM personnel listed below:

Coastal Oregon RAC

Megan Harper, BLM Coos Bay District Office, 1300 Airport Lane, North Bend, OR 97459, 541-751-4353.

Eastern Washington RAC

Jeff Clark, BLM Spokane District Office, 1103 North Fancher Road, Spokane, WA 99212, 509-536-1297.

John Day-Snake RAC

Lisa Clark, BLM Prineville District Office, 3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754, 541-416-6864.

Northwest Oregon RAC

Jennifer Velez, BLM Northwest Oregon District Office, 1717 Fabry Road SE, Salem, OR 97306, 541-222-9241.

San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee

Marcia de Chadenedes, BLM San Juan Islands National Monument Office,

P.O. Box 3, 37 Washburn Avenue, Lopez Island, Washington  98261, 360-468-3051.

Southeast Oregon RAC

Larisa Bogardus, BLM Lakeview District Office, 1301 S. G Street, Lakeview, OR 97630, 541-947-6237.

Southwest Oregon RAC

Christina Breslin, BLM Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504, 541-618-2371.

Steens Mountain Advisory Council

Tara Thissell, BLM Burns District Office, 28910 Highway 20 West, Hines, OR  97738, 541-573-4519.

-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 Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) hosted a number of activities at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem today as part of a national event, Take Our Kids to Work Day.

More than four dozen boys and girls participated in today's events at the Academy. The children were of family members and friends employed at the Academy in a variety of roles including public safety trainers, police officers, firefighters, regulatory specialists, and trades such as electricians, carpenters, food services, etc.

The day's activities began with a "roll call" during which all of the children were given a "briefing" on an "investigation" they were going to be assigned to assist with. The investigation would provide clues at each location which would eventually allow them to close their case. The clues would bring the children to various locations within the agency so they can see the various careers that exist at the Academy.

DPSST Director Eriks Gabliks said "the goal of our event is two-fold. First, to give the children of our staff the opportunity to find out more about what their parents do. Second, to get boys and girls thinking about what type of careers they might be interested in when they grow up. Waiting until they are out of high school is too late. The motto of our day is that any boy or girl can do any career they want when they grow up."

Background on Take Our Kids to Work Day from Wikipedia - Take Our Daughters To Work Day was created in New York in the summer of 1992 by the Ms. Foundation for Women. The first celebration took place on Thursday, April 22, 1993 and has since been celebrated on the 4th Thursday of April every year in order for the 37 million children, parents, schools in over 3.5 million workplaces across the country, in addition to participants in over 200 countries around the world, to plan ahead for the annual event. The day has generally been scheduled on a day that is a school day for most children in the United States, and schools are provided with literature and encouraged to promote the program. Educators are provided with materials for incorporating career exploration into school curricula on the day before or after the event. The program was officially expanded in 2003 to include boys; however, most companies that participated in the program had, since the beginning, allowed b oth boys and girls to participate, usually renaming it "Take Our Children to Work Day" or an equivalent. The program's official website states that the program was changed in order to provide both boys and girls with opportunities to explore careers at an age when they are more flexible in terms of gender roles. The Ms. Foundation also states that men who have hosted children have benefited from being seen as parental figures in addition to their roles as professionals, which can contribute to combating gender stereotypes as well.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_Our_Daughters_and_Sons_to_Work_Day

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

For Immediate Release                       AMENDED

April 23, 2018

Contact: Mona Riesterer
                (503) 378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on May 2, 2018.  The meeting will be held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon.  The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.  A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Dial-in number: 888-273-3658 and Participant code: 4711910

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

Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2.  Minutes Meeting Minutes Meeting
Approve Minutes of February 7, 2018 Meeting

3.  ORS 183.405-Five Year Review of Agency Rules Adopted Informational Update

Presented by Jennifer Howald

4.  Proposed Rule Changes for OARs 259-007-0010, 259-008-0070, 259-009-0070, 259-020-0200, 259-060-0300 and 259-061-0300; Board Disapproval of a Policy Committee Recommendation

Presented by Jennifer Howald

5.  Admin Closures – Telecommunicator/Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

6.  Brooks, Debbie DPSST #33906 – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Telecommunicator Certifications and Basic Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification; Lane County Sheriff’s Office

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

7.  Stolt, Jennifer DPSST #42217 – Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications; Junction City Police Department

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

8.  Tobin, Kenneth DPSST # 21784 – Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications; Willamette Valley Communication Center

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

9.  Correspondence from Rebekah White – Request to Review Standard

Presented by Linsay Hale

10.  Staff Update

11.  Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 1, 2018, 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 byTelecommunications  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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

For Immediate Release                                          

April 23, 2018

Contact: Mona Riesterer
                (503) 378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on May 2, 2018.  The meeting will be held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon.  The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.  A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Dial-in number: 888-273-3658 and Participant code: 4711910

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

Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2.  Minutes Meeting Minutes Meeting
Approve Minutes of February 7, 2018 Meeting

3.  ORS 183.405-Five Year Review of Agency Rules Adopted Informational Update

Presented by Jennifer Howald

4.  Proposed Rule Changes for OARs 259-007-0010, 259-008-0070, 259-009-0070, 259-020-0200, 259-060-0300 and 259-061-0300; Board Disapproval of a Policy Committee Recommendation

Presented by Jennifer Howald

5.  Admin Closures – Telecommunicator/Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

6.  Brooks, Debbie DPSST #33906 – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Telecommunicator Certifications and Basic Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification; Lane County Sheriff’s Office

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

7.  Stolt, Jennifer DPSST #42217 – Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications; Junction City Police Department

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

8.  Tobin, Kenneth DPSST # 21784 – Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications; Willamette Valley Communication Center

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

9.  Staff Update

10. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 1, 2018, 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 Telecommunications 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

Background Information ##

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

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

(Salem) – Oregon’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program (SHIBA) will be in Lake County next month to hold a “Medicare 101” workshop. A Medicare expert will explain:

• The basics of Medicare benefits
• How to enroll and how much Medicare costs 
• Types of financial help available
• Where Medicare recipients can go for help

The workshop will be held Wednesday, May 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lake County Senior Citizens Association, 11 North G St., Lakeview.

Anyone is welcome to attend, particularly people interested in enrolling in Medicare, health care professionals who work with Medicare recipients, and nonprofit staff members who serve retirees or people with disabilities. Call 503-947-7088 or email miranda.s.mathae@oregon.gov to attend.

###

Oregon SHIBA is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov. Follow DCBS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/OregonDCBS. Receive consumer help and information on insurance, mortgages, investments, workplace safety, and more.
 

(Salem) – Oregonians with Medicare coverage will be issued a new card from the federal government by the end of June. Each person’s new card will have a unique Medicare number, instead of a Social Security number, to prevent fraud and identity theft. Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will automatically mail the new cards, at no cost, to each beneficiary's address on file with Social Security. 

Here’s what Oregonians on Medicare can expect, and what they should know:
•    Make sure Social Security has your current address. You can update your address online by signing in to or creating a “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov. 
•    Don’t worry if you get your new card before or after friends or family members here in Oregon or in other states. The cards are being sent on a variety of dates to prevent mail theft.
•    When your new Medicare card arrives, destroy the old one. Do it in a secure manner, such as shredding it.
•    Doctors, other health care providers, and plans approved by Medicare know that Medicare is replacing the old cards. They should be ready to accept your new card when you need care.
•    Even people with a Medicare plan through a private insurance company, also known as a Medicare Advantage plan, will get a new Medicare card from the federal government. Keep it in a safe place, but continue to use the member card your insurance company sent you. 
•    Beware of people contacting you about your new Medicare card and asking you for your Medicare number, personal information, or to pay a fee for your new card. Protect your Medicare number like you treat your Social Security or credit card numbers. Remember, Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for your personal information.

More information is available at go.medicare.gov/newcard. Oregonians also can contact the state’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program with questions. SHIBA’s phone number is 1-800-722-4134 (toll-free), and the line is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

###

Oregon SHIBA is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov. Follow DCBS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/OregonDCBS. Receive consumer help and information on insurance, mortgages, investments, workplace safety, and more.

(Salem) – It’s a day to remember those who died on the job. It’s a day to grieve with families, friends, and communities. It’s a day to renew our responsibility to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces. Oregon workers who died on the job will be honored with a ceremony Friday, April 27, at noon in Salem. The state’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) and the Oregon AFL-CIO invite all Oregonians to attend the Workers Memorial Day observance.

The event will take place at the Fallen Workers Memorial outside the Labor and Industries Building, 350 Winter St. NE, on the Capitol Mall. The memorial service, coordinated by the Oregon AFL-CIO, will feature remarks from State Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon and Elana Pirtle-Guiney, workforce and labor policy advisor to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.

The ceremony will include the reading of the names of Oregon workers who died on the job in 2017.

“We must continually renew our efforts to seek stronger safety and health protection and improve standards and enforcement so that we can prevent tragedies like these in the future,” said Gov. Brown.

“Oregon’s workers make significant sacrifices every day to serve their communities and their state,” Alonso Leon said. “I am honored to be reading the names of our fallen workers to recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us all. As a legislator, I am committed to serving Oregonians and their families to ensure that they are safe and healthy in the workplace.”

Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood and Oregon AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Byrd will also be among the event speakers.

Oregon workplaces are safer today than in previous decades. Yet, there are still far too many preventable on-the-job deaths each year.

“On Workers Memorial Day, we mourn fallen workers and members of the armed services who died in the line of work and duty,” said Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain. “Through that mourning, we will reinvigorate our commitment to fight as hard as we can for the living by making sure Oregon's workers are getting the right gear, the right training, and the right precautions to do their jobs as safely as possible.”

Through a partnership of labor, business, and government working together to bolster on-the-job safety and health, Oregon’s fatality and injury and illness rates have steadily declined for decades.

Nevertheless, there is room for improvement.

“Each name that will be read during Workers Memorial Day tells a story of dreams lost, of family, friends, and co-workers grieving the untimely death of a friend or loved one,” Wood said. “And each story is a reminder that we must strengthen our efforts to fully confront the risks of death in our workplaces, and to identify and eliminate their causes.”

The annual Workers Memorial Day serves as a nationwide day of remembrance. It recognizes the thousands of U.S. workers who die each year on the job and the more than 1 million people in the U.S. who are injured each year at work. The observance is traditionally held on April 28 because Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act on that date in 1970.

###

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

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.dcbs.oregon.gov. Follow DCBS on Twitter: twitter.com/OregonDCBS. Receive consumer help and information on insurance, mortgages, investments, workplace safety, and more.

The Oregon AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of affiliated unions, representing over 300,000 working Oregonians.  Learn more at www.oraflcio.org.

News Release

Date:     April 26, 2018

Contact:

Nick Hennemann, Public Affairs Specialist, Salem, 503-910-4311
Kyle Abraham, Private Forests Division, Salem, 503-945-7473

SALEM, Ore.—The Eastern Oregon Regional Forest Practices Committee will meet Wednesday, May 16, from 12 to 5 p.m. The meeting .will be at the Sunriver Lodge, Fremont Room, 57081 Meadow Road, Sunriver.

Agenda items that the committee will discuss and may take action on include:

• Private Forests Division and Agency update
• Tethered logging
• Siskiyou streamside literature review
• Food plots rulemaking
• Incentives

This is a public meeting and everyone is welcome. The agenda includes time for public comment at the beginning of the meeting. The meeting space is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting. For more information about attending the meeting please contact Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.
 
Regional Forest Practices Committees are advisory groups made up of forest landowners and the public who advise the board on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Additional information about Regional Forest Practices Committees is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/RFPC.aspx.
 
###
 

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Grants Pass is one of seven Oregon communities that have received small grants to hold wildfire prevention projects on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day May 5. Grants Pass, along with LaPine, Lostine, Ukiah, Umpqua and two neighborhoods in Corvallis, will join 144 other communities nationwide that will work to reduce their wildfire risk on the same day.

The National Fire Protection Association’s Community Wildfire Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or a wildfire preparedness activity that makes their community safer. This is the program’s fifth year.  

Grants Pass and the other Oregon communities successfully competed nationwide for the cash awards. Each will host a number of activities to promote wildfire awareness and safety. The project in Grants Pass is creating a turnaround for emergency vehicles, such as fire engines, in the Skyline West neighborhood.

“Last summer, over 7,500 people were evacuated from their homes and nearly 20,000 structures were threatened by wildfire,” said Kristin Babbs, president of the non-profit fire prevention organization Keep Oregon Green. ”Because Oregon’s landscapes and communities are so diverse, wildfire prevention solutions are not one-size-fits-all across the state. It is important for folks to engage with their local fire agencies and work together at the local level to create strong relationships and resilient communities that can withstand the damaging effects of wildfires.”

Communities that survive fire events are the ones that are prepared and have a plan, according to National Fire Plan Coordinator Jenna Nelson with the Oregon Department of Forestry. “Working with your neighbors and creating defensible space around homes can make a huge difference in protecting your home from fire,” Nelson said.

“Reducing losses from wildfires is a shared responsibility among emergency managers, response agencies and local community members,” said Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields with the Oregon Department of Forestry. Through educational, individual and group activities, residents can learn more about the importance of wildfire preparedness and planning, and the power of prevention.”

Projects for Wildfire Preparedness Day can range from a few hours up to an entire day.  Below are some examples of things you can do to reduce the risk of home and property becoming fuel for a wildfire:

• Remove debris and dry leaves 3 to 5 feet from a home’s foundation, and up to 30 feet as time permits.

• Keep your roof and gutters free of downed tree limbs, broken branches and leaves.

• Distribute wildfire safety information, like the free Firewise Toolkit, to neighbors or staff a table at a grocery or hardware store and distribute free Firewise and emergency preparedness materials that can be ordered from the Firewise catalog or from READY.gov.

• Join forces with neighbors and pool your resources to pay for a chipper service to remove slash.

• Help an elderly relative or neighbor enter emergency numbers and the names of close relatives into their cell phones; and in large font post their phone number and street address above their landline so it can easily be seen when providing information to an emergency dispatcher.

Find additional project ideas and learn more about the national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day event on May 5 by visiting www.wildfireprepday.org.

                                                                                      # # #

About Keep Oregon Green Keep Oregon Green (KOG) is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that promotes programs and messages encouraging the public to work together in their local communities to prevent the risk of wildfire. Our work targets residents, particularly those in the wildland-urban interface, and recreationists using Oregon’s public and private lands.

About State Farm The mission of State Farm is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto, home and individual life insurance in the United States. Its 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve more than 83 million policies and accounts – nearly 81 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 33 on the 2017 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.

# # #

Start date: April 24, 2018

Kill date: May 31, 2018

30-sec. PSA - # 1

Each spring, forest landowners prevent fires by starting fires. Controlled burns reduce hazardous woody debris. That way, when summer comes there is less fuel to feed wildfires. These spring burns are carefully planned to limit smoke entering communities. In contrast, weather patterns during the summer often hold wildfire smoke close to the ground for many days. Learn more about controlled burning from the Oregon Department of Forestry website.

30-sec. PSA - # 2

Last year’s bad wildfire season has passed. Along with the flames and destruction, Oregonians suffered through weeks of thick smoke. This spring, forest landowners are conducting controlled burns to clean up excess woody debris. Burning when weather conditions are right limits smoke entering communities. It also reduces the risk of high-intensity wildfires later on. Learn more about controlled burning from the Oregon Department of Forestry website.

SALEM, Ore. — With smoke from the 2017 wildfires still fresh in the minds of Oregonians, the Oregon Department of Forestry is already gearing up for this summer’s wildfires.

The agency’s Interim Fire Operations Manager Blake Ellis said a lot of preparation goes on behind the scenes each winter and spring. “We work to ensure firefighters are equipped and ready to respond quickly and effectively to wildfires all year, with a special emphasis on being staffed and ready for the drier months,” said Ellis. ” We essentially double our firefighting forces going into the summer, when wildfire risk is highest.”

Readiness activities include:

• Contracts and agreements for firefighting equipment, aircraft and other resources have been signed
• A new policy governing use of remotely piloted aerial vehicles (also known as drones or UAVs) has been adopted. These systems will support fire protection and natural resource management.
• Hiring of seasonal firefighters is underway. New firefighters will attend training at ODF and interagency fire schools across the state in June.
• Permanent and returning firefighters will take fire line refresher training over the next two months.
• Hundreds of miles of fire hose have been cleaned and rolled, ready for use statewide.

Last year ODF had great success testing out infrared technology. Carried on aerial vehicles, the equipment was able to see through heavy smoke on two Oregon wildfires – Horse Prairie and Eagle Creek. These systems provide sharp images and real-time fire mapping for fire managers, boosting safety and tactical planning. This year ODF is incorporating these technologies into its toolkit.

ODF’s Aviation Manager Neal Laugle said the increasing use of various types of aircraft in recent years highlights the importance of keeping up with new technology to achieve the agency’s mission. “From detection to fire mapping and active wildfire suppression, aircraft continue to play a critical role in the fight to save lives, resources and property,” said Laugle.

Last year, contracted aircraft flew 1,477 hours on firefighting missions for ODF, more than 100 hours above average, he said. For 2018 the agency has contracted the same number of aircraft as last year.

“We have 27 aircraft based across the state, including helicopters, fixed-wing detection planes, single-engine air tankers and a large airtanker, all of which we’ve secured for our exclusive use. We also have call-when needed agreements with a number of companies for additional firefighting aircraft. Among these agreements is one for the use of a 747 modified to carry 19,000 gallons of retardant should the situation warrant.”

ODF will continue to have access to aviation resources from other states and federal agencies upon request.

“Uncontrolled fires can be devastating. Our relationships with our partners are invaluable to support prevention and suppression efforts statewide," said Ellis.

                                                                                          # # #

April 26, 2018

Nurse Staffing Advisory Board SurveyMonkey Committee meets May 4 in Portland

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

Agenda: Overview of the SurveyMonkey tool, committee members’ discussion of SurveyMonkey questions and SurveyMonkey in the Nurse Staffing FAQ. The agenda is available on the OHA’s nurse staffing website.

When: May 4, 2 p.m. No public comment period is offered.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 612, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland; or by conference call at 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 serving on the committee will review the use of the SurveyMonkey tool, the questions asked in the SurveyMonkey tool, and whether information about the SurveyMonkey tool should be included in the Nurse Staffing FAQ.

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

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

# # #

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.

April 25, 2018

Report tracks public health metrics for improved outcomes

PORTLAND, Ore.—A new Oregon Health Authority report offers an in-depth look at how the state’s public health system is doing on key health issues, setting a baseline for tracking progress toward improving population health.

The 2018 Public Health Accountability Metrics Baseline Report examines key health issues such as improving childhood immunization rates, reducing tobacco use and opioid overdose deaths, and ensuring access to clean drinking water. It highlights where the public health and health care systems can work together to achieve shared goals.

Many of the metrics outlined in the report, the first of its kind in Oregon, align with coordinated care organization (CCO) incentive metrics in Oregon’s Medicaid coordinated care system.

“Tracking metrics for the same health issues across CCOs and in public health settings presents a real opportunity to tackle these issues with both public health and health system interventions, and hopefully gain some good momentum,” said Cara Biddlecom, director of policy and partnerships, OHA Public Health Division.

The Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB), which advises OHA on policy matters related to public health programs, established the measures in June 2017 as a way of tracking progress toward population health goals as part of the modernization of Oregon’s public health system. The metrics also will help identify where changes are needed if goals aren’t being met.

Public health modernization is intended to ensure the public health system operates efficiently, is aligned with health system transformation, and is set up to provide critical protections for every person in the state.

Key findings from the report, which uses mostly 2016 data, include:

• With 89 percent of public water systems meeting health-based standards, the public health system is close to meeting the statewide benchmark of 92 percent. Oregon’s public health authorities ensure clean drinking water for people across the state by inspecting 3,600 public water systems and taking corrective actions when standards are not met.
• Rates of gonorrhea infections are considerably higher than the statewide benchmark. Oregon, like much of the country, has experienced a large increase in gonorrhea rates in recent years. Oregon’s public health system is using some of the Legislature’s $5 million state investment in public health modernization to establish regional systems to control communicable diseases like gonorrhea.
• For most accountability metrics, health outcomes vary across racial and ethnic groups. Understanding where health disparities exist will allow state and local public health authorities to focus interventions on reducing disparities.

This report is intended to be used to understand Oregon’s status on population health priorities and public health interventions to make improvements. Where possible, data are reported by race and ethnicity, which help to understand the health disparities that exist in Oregon. The report should not be interpreted as a report card for Oregon’s public health system or any individual public health authority.

In future years, annual metrics reports will provide the public health system and its partners and stakeholders with information they need to understand where Oregon is making progress toward population health goals, and where we need new approaches and additional focus.

The full report is available on the Public Health Accountability Metrics webpage at http://www.oregon.gov/OHA/PH/ABOUT/Pages/AccountabilityMetrics.aspx.

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April 25, 2018

OMMP sets community outreach sessions on reporting and tracking requirements for medical marijuana growers

The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program has scheduled a series of community outreach sessions to help growers understand new reporting and tracking requirements.

The focus of the sessions is to provide information to registered medical growers on how to designate a grow site administrator (GSA) for those sites that are required to use the state’s Cannabis Tracking System (CTS). OMMP staff members will also review the requirements around when a grow site is required to use CTS, when it is required to report monthly into the Oregon Medical Marijuana Online System (OMMOS) or when a grow site is exempt from any kind of reporting and tracking.

During the outreach sessions, OMMP staff members will help growers with setting up or accessing their accounts in OMMOS. An OMMOS account is required not only for monthly reporting, but also for growers at grow sites that will be using CTS.

OMMP outreach sessions are scheduled as follows:

• May 3, 2-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m., Columbia Center, 375 S. 18th St., St. Helens
• May 4, 9-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m., Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Room 1B, Portland
• May 4, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2-4:30 p.m., Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave. SE, Albany
• May 8, 9-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2:30-4 p.m., Cherry Avenue Training Center, 3414 Cherry Ave. NE, Ste. 150, Keizer
• May 10, noon to 1:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m., Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook
• May 11, 9:30-11 a.m., noon to 1:30 p.m., Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook
• May 10, 6-8 p.m., Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Room 1B, Portland
• May 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m., Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Room 1A, Portland
• May 16, 10-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2 p.m., 3:30-5 p.m., Grants Pass Library, 200 NW C St., Grants Pass
• May 17, 10-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2 p.m., Grants Pass Library, 200 NW C St., Grants Pass

A Eugene session will be scheduled soon.

Please visit the OMMP website at http://www.healthoregon.org/ommp for more information and updates to the training schedule.

CTS and you, getting started

During May and June, OMMP and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) will embark on a CTS “roadshow” to help registered medical growers, dispensaries and processors understand the tracking system. OMMP staff members will be on hand to provide an overview of program changes. OLCC will provide an overview of how to use CTS for medical registrants. One of the sessions will be videotaped and posted on the OLCC YouTube channel.

A complete list of dates and locations, as well as a sign-up form to attend a session, will be posted on the OLCC’s Eventbrite page.

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April 25, 2018

Oregon Health Policy Board meets May 1 in Portland

What: The monthly public meeting of the Oregon Health Policy Board

When: Tuesday, May 1, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: OHSU Center for Health & Healing, 3303 SW Bond Ave, third floor Room 4. Members of the public can call in to listen by dialing 888-808-6929, participant code 915042#.

Agenda: welcome; minutes approval; long-term calendar review; OHA Director’s report; OHPB committee liaison and consultant report; equity data and measures discussion, Public Health Advisory Board update and discussion, Medicaid Advisory Committee briefing and discussion; Health Equity Committee work plan discussion and update; CCO 2.0 update

For more information on the meeting, visit the board’s meeting page.

# # #

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 Jeff Scroggin at 541-999-6983, 711 TTY, jeffrey.scroggin@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Media availability: Laura Robison, OHA’s chief financial officer and Chelsea Guest, OHA’s manager of actuarial services, will be available to answer questions at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 25. To participate, please call 877-873-8017 and enter the participant code 8257371.

http://bit.ly/2FduRBW

April 24, 2018

OHA amends 2018 CCO capitation rates

The Oregon Health Authority has amended and finalized 2018 capitation rates for coordinated care organizations (CCOs). These rates are the per-member-per-month amounts the state pays CCOs to coordinate health care for nearly 1 million Oregonians on the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).

The adjustment will result in an average net payment of $427.70 per month for each member, which is $8.04 more than the initial 2018 rate, and $21.49 more than the average per-member-per month payment in 2017, an increase of 5.3 percent.

“OHA set 2018 rates last fall, but we committed to review the impact of recent eligibility renewals and update rates, if needed,” said Laura Robison, OHA’s chief financial officer. “The majority of the increase is driven by the impact of these renewals.”

The amended rates also include the 1.5 percent managed care tax and the reduction of Health Share of Oregon's rates due to the February 1 transition of FamilyCare members to Health Share of Oregon. As of February 1, Health Share of Oregon’s average rate decreased by 0.6 percent due to the member transition, reflecting the lower average health risk of FamilyCare’s members relative to Health Share of Oregon’s existing members.

CCOs' capitation payments are divided into 12 rate categories. The rates take into account the average cost for members in these specific categories. For example, the state pays CCOs more for members who are disabled than it does for children because members who are disabled generally have higher health care costs.

Why did renewals increase the CCO capitation rates?

After Cover Oregon failed in 2014, the state received permission from the federal government to hold off on annual Medicaid renewal reviews until it could implement a new renewal system. The state implemented the new Oregon Eligibility (ONE) system in late 2016 and completed renewal reviews for the final group of cases in August 2017.

During this effort OHA determined that more than 67,000 members were still eligible for Medicaid benefits, but more than 47,000 no longer qualified, either because they didn’t meet the income criteria or because they didn’t respond to the state's letters requesting additional information.

On average, CCOs had been spending less on these members because they were healthier and needed fewer services. This shift in the CCO membership left fewer healthy members in the system to compensate for the higher costs of less-healthy members who continued to qualify for Medicaid.

“The rate-setting process already accounts for natural fluctuations in the Medicaid market," Robison said. "But we needed to make an adjustment because such a large number of members were deemed ineligible at one time.”

“We don’t expect this to be an issue going forward, as we have finished the renewal eligibility work and the ONE system reviews Medicaid eligibility annually,” added Robison.

Since 2012 Oregon has avoided $2.2 billion in Medicaid costs through the coordinated care system and other health system reforms. A recent independent evaluation of the first five years of Oregon’s Medicaid waiver found Oregon’s health reforms lowered per-member costs compared to Washington’s Medicaid program.

“Now that enrollment has stabilized, we look forward to working with our CCO partners to build on Oregon’s success in reducing health care costs," Robison said. "We want to use the lessons we’ve learned in the first five years of health system transformation to further improve the quality of care and meet our cost-saving targets.”

A full breakdown of final amended 2018 CCO rates is on the OHA website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/OHPRates/2018-Aggregate-CCO-Rate-Comparison.pdf

Additional information is available on the OHA website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/OHP-Rates.aspx

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April 23, 2018

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-522-7179, phd.communications@state.or.us

Be aware of harmful algae blooms this summer

Increasing temperatures create potential for toxins in water

As summer approaches, the Oregon Health Authority is reminding outdoor enthusiasts to be alert for harmful algae blooms when recreating in Oregon lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

Most blooms are harmless but under the right conditions some can produce toxins capable of causing illness in people and animals.

If toxin levels are above OHA guideline values for human health, the agency issues a health advisory warning people to stay out of affected water to avoid illness. This year after evaluating current research, OHA is reducing the toxin guideline values to further protect the public. Although this change should not affect the number of advisories that may be issued, it could affect the length of time an advisory is in place. This is because it may take longer for toxins to drop below these reduced values.

Since only a fraction of Oregon’s fresh waters are monitored, OHA advises people to stay out of the water if it looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint and pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red in color. Exposure to toxins can cause skin rash, diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, numbness, dizziness and fainting. Children and pets are most vulnerable to illness due to their size and level of activity. Note that OHA guideline values are for human health; animals are much more sensitive than people. Within hours of being exposed to extremely low levels of the toxin, dogs can become gravely ill and even die.

Although toxins are not absorbed through the skin, people with skin sensitivities can develop a rash when wading, playing or swimming in or around a bloom. More serious symptoms occur when water is swallowed while swimming, or through inhalation of water droplets via high-speed activities such as water-skiing.

By being aware of signs of a bloom and taking proper precautions when a bloom is suspected, people can continue to visit their favorite lake, river or reservoir and enjoy water activities such as canoeing, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching. Boating is also safe when speeds do not create excessive water spray.

To learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body, you can visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website at healthoregon.org/hab or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0400. For campground or lake information, call the local management agency.

# # #

The Oregon State Marine Board met via teleconference on Tuesday, April 24, to finalize a legislative budget concept for its 2019-2021 agency budget.

In a 3 to 1 vote, the Board approved the agency’s recommendation of $1.6 million in voluntary reductions to minimize the impact of a fee increase to motorized boat owners.  Previously, at the April 18, 2018 Board meeting, the Board unanimously approved several fee increases to maintain adequate agency funding for the next two biennia, 2019-2021 and 2021-2023.

The agency budget reductions combined with a fee increase for the 2019 session are in legislative concept form, and do not signify absolutes.  The Oregon Legislature ultimately decides the Marine Board’s budget; which will not go into effect until 2020.    

For more information, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx.

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The Oregon State Marine Board will be conducting marine law enforcement training in Forest Grove between May 1 and May 10, with the last three days (May 8-10) spent on nearby Henry Hagg Lake in Washington County.  This training is for new or seasonal marine law enforcement officers who are new to boating laws, boat handling and water safety fundamentals. 

This in-depth training encompasses boating law, navigation skills, knot tying, theft, patrol strategies, and even jumping into the deep end of the swimming pool with full utility gear on.  “The pool training is eye-opening for some of the students,” said Randy Henry, Boating Safety Program Manager.  “Last year, one officer went right to the bottom of the pool, pulled the cord to inflate his life jacket, and nothing happened. The CO2 canister wasn’t quite screwed in all the way.  He was able to return to the surface, but with the additional weight, was heavily winded.  It’s a cautionary tale for all boaters to make sure gear is serviced and ready to go.”  Henry notes that divers and extra staff are on hand to ensure student safety.

The training also covers accident investigation and detecting and apprehending operators boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII). At Hagg Lake, students will develop basic boat handling skills and participate in real-world scenarios that emphasize safety, courtesy, enforcement tactics, and accident prevention.   

This academy is hosted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, along with highly skilled deputies from around the state taking an active role as instructors.  Pool sessions will be conducted at the Forest Grove City Aquatic Center, 2300 Sunset Drive, in Forest Grove.

For more information about the Marine Board’s partnership with marine law enforcement, visit www.boatoregon.com.

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The Oregon State Marine Board will be meeting via teleconference at 9 am on Tuesday, April 24.  The Board will be finalizing a legislative concept on the agency budget for the 2019 legislative session.

Members of the public are invited to attend the teleconference being facilitated at the Marine Board office, located at 435 Commercial St. NE, in Salem.  A public call-in option will not be available.   

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The Oregon State Marine Board met in Salem on April 18, and approved a new rule for Lake Billy Chinook, corrected a prior meeting’s rule language error, approved Cycle Two boating facility grants and gave agency staff direction for their 2019-2021 budget and legislative fee concept. 

Chair Val Early announced at the beginning of the meeting that Member Cliff Jett (Rufus, OR) was stepping down from the Board.  Jett joined the Board in 2013 and was serving his second term.  Chair Early thanked him for all of his time and experience on the Board, as well as the on-the-ground representation he provided to eastern Oregon’s recreational boaters.  The Board hopes replace his seat with someone with as much wisdom and insights as Member Jett from the eastern Oregon.   

For the first two agenda items, the Board approved a slow-no wake zone within the Fly Creek Inlet on Lake Billy Chinook.  The Board also corrected language for the Foam Encapsulation rule that was mistakenly stricken during the March meeting and will allow for some types of non-treated wood. 

The Board also considered 20 boating facility grant requests.  Over $3.5 million in needs were identified with only $1.8 million available for 2017-2019 funding.  The needs exceed available funding by 3:1.  Grants were scored and ranked based on applicant matching funds, permit status, and the ability to complete a project within the biennium.  Several grant requests were excellent examples of what could be considered in the future under a proposed Waterway Access Program to improve access for paddlers; however, the priority for facility funding goes toward motorized boating access projects.

The following grants were approved:

• Lane County Parks –Secure floating restroom on Siltcoos Lake with piles.  In June 2017, the floating restroom broke free of its moorings.  The Board approved $11,250 in federal Clean Vessel Act funds and $3,750 in state boater funds to match $3,250.60 in applicant match for a total project cost of $18,203.60.
• City of Nyssa –Replace a broken pile to stabilize the dock at Nyssa River Park.  The City is also pursuing replacing the boat ramp and docks.  Because there are limited contractors in the area with the required equipment and capability to install piling, the cost for mobilization is higher than typically observed in more populated areas.  The City is committed to improving the facility for their community and offered a cash contribution to the project.  The Board approved $39,850 in state boater funds to match $8,000 in applicant match for a total project cost of $47,850.00.
• Port of the Dalles –Replace the broken pumpout and port-a-potty dump station at the marina and add a monitoring system.  The nearest pumpout and dump stations are 20 miles upstream from the Port of Hood River and 55 miles downstream from the Port of Arlington on the Columbia River.  The Columbia River is the heaviest used waterbody in the state for recreational boaters.  The Board approved $15,000 in federal Clean Vessel Act funds to match $5,440 in applicant match for a total project cost of $20,400.   
• Port of Coos Bay –Repair three of the existing boarding dock strings and replace rubstrips, wales and hinge connections at the Charleston Marina while replacement docks are being pursued.  The cost to replace the docks is estimated at $400,000 which is approximately a 20 percent increase as a result of the aluminum tariff and market volatility, therefore the Port will complete this project in phases.  Repairing the boarding docks will provide short term stability of the dock structure and will allow the Port to keep the docks operational.  The Board approved $38,801 in state boater funds to match $23,452 in applicant match for a total project cost of $62,253.
• City of Gladstone –Assistance with permitting, design and engineering to dredge the channel for safe ingress and egress for the Meldrum Bar boat ramp.  A bathymetric survey showed the channel is shallowing due to increased shoaling creating a safety concern for boaters.  Dredging requires expertise and a variety of permits.  This will be the first phase of two, toward replacing the over 20-year old boarding docks.  The soonest the dredging work can be done is the fall of 2021.  The Board approved $30,000 in state boater funds to match $16,000 in applicant match for a project total of $46,000. 
• Oregon Youth Conservation Corps –Maintenance assistance and job skills for youth crews in Lane and Clackamas Counties.  These opportunities for youth help save boating facilities money for maintenance, general repairs and site improvements while providing youth with valuable work experience.  The Board approved $27,183 in state boater funds to match $28,138 in applicant cash, materials, equipment and administration for a total project cost of $55,321.
• City of Coquille –Replace existing boarding docks and short term tie-up docks at Sturdivant Park.  In 2015, the docks were damaged during a storm event which washed away the gangway and broke out an old creosote wood piling, making the dock unsafe.  The City has been diligently working to secure funding for the massive repairs needed.  The grant will help pay for replacing the existing boarding and short term tie-up docks with new aluminum docks and steel piles.  The City is also pursuing a grant through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund administered by ODFW to create a designated a section of the dock for fishing in an effort to reduce user conflict.  The Board approved $72,247.80 in state boater funds to match $458,752.20 in applicant match for a project total of $531,000.
• Metro Parks – Fill the parking lot cracks with slurry seal, seal coat and add new striping for the parking lot at Chinook Landing.  These improvements will add to the useful life of the parking lot.  The Board approved $87,659.50 in state boater funds to match $29,519.50 in applicant match for a project total of $117,179.00.    
• Douglas County Parks –Repair and overlay existing asphalt, install asphalt over gravel areas and install curbing and stripe the parking area at Amacher Park.  These improvements will help delineate traffic flow and better identify boat trailer and single car parking spaces to reduce user frustration caused by traffic flow.  The Board approved $80,000 in state boater funds to match $26,680 in applicant match for a project total of $106,680.
• US Forest Service –Replace the boat ramp at Mason Dam to improve safety for boaters.  This project will be completed in phases due to water levels and the construction window for permitting.  The Marine Board has been in discussions with the Forest Service about improvements since 1997.  This site was identified by ODFW as a high priority for Sport Fish Restoration funding which reduces the amount of funds requested from the Marine Board.  The Board approved $92,500 in state boater funds to match $233,744 in applicant match for a project total of $326,244. 
• City of Portland Parks and Recreation –Assistance with permitting to replace the boat ramp, boarding dock and pilings at the Swan Island boat ramp.  This project will be completed in phases: phase one, prepare and submit environmental permit applications to replace the boat ramp, docks and pilings; phase two, construction of the permitted items; and, phase three, future improvements to parking and sanitation..  There’s complexity to the project since the facility is in a Superfund site with a proposed sediment cap in some areas of the lagoon.  Staff recommended the City obtain a consultant to assist with the permitting phases and will assist the City and consultant with coordination of the in-water structure design and permit application process.  The Board approved $86,054.50 in state boater funds to match $200,794 in applicant match for a project total of $286,848.50.
• South Wasco Parks and Recreation District –Replace the upper 75 feet of concrete for the South Pine Hollow boat ramp.  The Parks and Recreation District plan to replace both the north and south boat ramps in the future.  Replacing the upper portion of the south boat ramp will allow for safer access while the District secures funding for future site improvements.  The Board approved $34,900 in state boater funds to match $21,500 in applicant match for a project total of $56,400.           

During the remainder of the meeting, the Board discussed the agency’s budget and provided staff direction on a legislative concept for a voluntary cuts to agency programs in conjunction with a fee increase at a level that will have the least impact to motorized boat owners. 

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

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SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting applications for a seat on the Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC). The ideal candidate will have experience in community engagement—especially to underserved groups or communities—and have an interest in trail planning and recreational trail opportunities on the Oregon coast.

Qualified candidates must submit an appointment interest form by June 1. The form is available online: http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/Trail_Programs_Services/Documents/2017_ORTAC_Interest_Form.pdf

ORTAC advises OPRD and its allies on subjects related to the development and promotion of high quality, non-motorized recreational trail systems throughout Oregon. The council strives to create safe, sustainable trails for the well-being and enjoyment of Oregon’s residents and visitors.

Council members are appointed by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission and serve four-year terms. The seven-member council has representation from each congressional district, with at least two members from separate counties bordering the coast. ORTAC conducts four public meetings per year.

In addition to advising OPRD, council members are responsible for reviewing applications for state trail designations, representing ORTAC on a variety of other trail-related committees and helping develop the 10-year statewide Trails Plan.

For more information about serving on ORTAC, contact David Stipe at 503-509-4752 or david.stipe@oregon.gov.

The Oregon State Library Board will meet at the State Library, 250 Winter St. NE, Salem, OR on May 8th, 2018. Ann Malkin of Bend will chair the meeting.

On May 8th the Board will hold their regular meeting which will include RFP for Statewide Databases, the Legislative Concept, and the LSTA ffy 2017 funds.

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested prior to 48 hours before the meeting; notice prior to 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats prior to 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Eva Luna at (503) 378-5015

                   STATE LIBRARY OF OREGON BOARD MEETING
                                                May 8, 2018
                           ROOM 103, State Library, Salem, Oregon
                                            Ann Malkin, Chair
                                                               Agenda

9:30             Approval of minutes from January 19, 2018 meeting            Malkin

9:35             Reports of Board Chair & Members                                       Malkin

10:30           Report of Interim State Librarian                                             Agata

11:30           Open Forum

12:00           Working Lunch

12:30           Staff Reports                                                                            Agata

1:15             Best Practices Survey for Board                                                      Malkin

1:45             New Business:

                    RFP for Statewide Databases                                                 Westin

                    Legislative Concept                                                      Westin/Agata

                    LSTA ffy 2017 funds                                                              Westin

3:00             Adjournment                                                                          Malkin

NOTE: The times of all agenda items are approximate and subject to change

Any person may address the Oregon State Library Board at this meeting on any topic

Oregon’s Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Council will meet at the State Library on Wednesday and Thursday, May 9 & 10, 2018. Mari Cheney will chair the meeting, which will begin at 1:00 p.m. on May 9 and 9:00 a.m. on May 10.

The Council will review the 2018 LSTA grant proposals and make recommendations to the State Library Board concerning the state’s LSTA program. The council will hear updates from the Statewide Database Licensing Advisory (SDLAC) and Answerland Advisory Committees.

An open forum will be held on Wednesday, May 9 at 2:45 p.m. Any member of the public may address the council on any topic during the open forum.

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested prior to 48 hours before the meeting; notice prior to 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats prior to 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Ross Fuqua at 503-378-5027.

LSTA Advisory Council Meeting Agenda

May 9 – 10, 2018

State Library, Meeting Room 103

250 Winter St., Salem, OR

AGENDA

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

1:00 p.m.         Introductions and welcome

1:15                 Housekeeping – Ross Fuqua

1:20                 Approval of the Agenda

                        Approval of the Minutes

• May 15-16, 2017
• October 30, 2017

1:25                 Report from Interim State Librarian – Caren Agata

1:40                 Budget Update FFY2017 – Susan Westin

1:45                 Staff updates on new FY2017 expenditures & grants:

• Update on OLA Professional Development Scholarships – Arlene Weible
• Oregon Reference Summit – Tamara Ottum
• Update on WSL/WRH Digital Collections pilot project – Ross Fuqua

2:05                 Continuing Education Needs Assessment – Tamara Ottum

2:20                 Election of new Advisory Committee members

• Answerland Advisory Committee
• Statewide Database Licensing Program Advisory Committee

2:30                 Break

2:45                 Open forum

3:00                 Discussion and recommendations:

• Updates and proposed changes to LSTA Advisory Council bylaws
• Changes to LSTA Advisory Council Meeting schedule and competitive grant application and review cycle
• Oregon’s LSTA program and tribal libraries’ eligibility

4:30                 Travel reimbursement process for committee members

5:00 p.m.         Recess

Thursday, May 10, 2018

9:00 a.m.         Council Meeting Reconvenes

9:05                 Proposed Budget FFY2018 – Susan Westin & Ross Fuqua

9:15                 Statewide Database Licensing Program – Arlene Weible

• Recommendation on RFP

9:45                 LSTA brainstorming session – Ross Fuqua

• Competitive vs. criteria grants: what other states are doing
• Results from Oregon’s previous 5-year plan evaluation

10:30               Break

10:45               Process Review for LSTA competitive grants – Ross Fuqua

• Presentation/ranking of initial evaluations

10:55               Discussion and recommendations on LSTA competitive grant applications

12:00 p.m.       Working Lunch

12:30 p.m.       Resume LSTA competitive grant discussions and decisions

1:45                 Break

2:00                 Proposed Budget for FFY2018 revisited

• Including potential recommendations

2:15                 Recommendations to the State Library Board          

2:45                 Process check – 2018 LSTA grant evaluation process

2:55                 Review action items

3:10                 Overall process review/feedback on meeting

3:20                 Travel reimbursement process for committee members

3:30 p.m.         Adjournment

all times are approximate except for Open Forum

Klamath Falls, OR — Carey Lohrenz, the first female F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy, will speak at Leadercast Live on May 4th, 2018. Lohrenz has flown missions worldwide as a combat-mission-ready United States Navy pilot. Her experience in the all-male environment of fighter aviation and her ability to pass on the lessons learned in her career allow her to deliver insight and guidance from a credible platform on leadership, high-performing organizations and diversity training. Lohrenz graduated from the University of Wisconsin where she was a varsity rower, also training at the pre-Olympic level. After graduation, she attended the Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidate School before starting flight training and her naval career. Lohrenz lives with her husband and four children in Minneapolis, and she is currently working on her Master’s in Business Administration in Strategic Leadership.

For years, Leadercast has brought people together and equipped them to become better leaders, managers, community members, and employees. Leadercast is the world’s largest one-day leadership conference, broadcast LIVE from Atlanta and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world on May 4, 2018. This year marks the eighteenth year of the annual leadership conference and the 8th year that Klamath Falls will be at hosting the event at the OIT Auditorium (3201 Campus Dr).

For more information and to purchase your ticket or group tickets to the Leadercast Klamath Falls event, visit the Chamber’s website or call (541) 884-5193.

Wednesday, May 2, marks the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA’s) annual National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day, an opportunity to increase awareness about the dangers of prolonged sitting and the importance of getting up and moving throughout the day. The ADA recommends breaking up sedentary time with three or more minutes of light physical activity—such as walking, leg extensions, or overhead arm stretches—every 30 minutes, in addition to getting the recommended 30 minutes a day (5 days per week) of moderate activity.

“We know that physical activity is good for you, however, what you may not know is that too much sitting is actually harmful for your health,” said Alison Bruun, American Diabetes Association. “That’s why it’s so important to get up and move throughout the day. National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is a day to encourage Oregonians to get up and moving at least every 30 minutes.”

To celebrate National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day, the Portland ADA team will be promoting physical activity at Menlo Park Elementary and Lincoln Park Elementary, as a part of the Let’s Play Portland project. 

Here are eight tips for incorporating more movement during the work day:

• Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to get up every 30 minutes and stand, walk or stretch. 
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator at the office and in the parking garage.
• Get up and stretch at your desk.
• Swap out your chair for an exercise ball to engage your muscles.
• Use part or all of your lunch break to take a walk.
• Walk places that are within a reasonable distance instead of driving.
• Try some chair exercises while at your desk.

National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is sponsored locally by National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is sponsored nationally by NRG Energy, Inc. and Freeze Tag, Inc. To learn more, visit diabetes.org/getfitdontsit.

About the American Diabetes Association

Nearly half of American adults have diabetes or prediabetes; more than 30 million adults and children have diabetes; and every 21 seconds, another individual is diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization whose mission is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The ADA drives discovery by funding research to treat, manage and prevent all types of diabetes, as well as to search for cures; raises voice to the urgency of the diabetes epidemic; and works to safeguard policies and programs that protect people with diabetes. In addition, the ADA supports people living with diabetes, those at risk of developing diabetes, and the health care professionals who serve them through information and programs that can improve health outcomes and quality of life. For more information, please call the ADA at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish. Find us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). 

Disaster responders with the American Red Cross Cascades Region responded at approximately 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in the 400 block of Bowmont Circle in Medford, Jackson County, Ore.

The multi-family fire affected six 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.

In Advance of May Primary Election, Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington Roll Out Civic Engagement Opportunities for Girls Throughout Region

G.I.R.L. Agenda Inspires, Prepares and Mobilize Girls to Lead Positive Change Through Civic Action

PORTLAND, OR. – April 26, 2018 – Going into the May Primary Election, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington has created a multitude of civic engagement opportunities for Girl Scouts throughout the region. The events are part of a larger initiative called G.I.R.L. Agenda, a nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare and mobilize girls to lead positive change through civic action.

“This initiative is all about connecting girls to their role as citizens and getting them excited and engaged today,” said Sarah Shipe, Director of Communications for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “They don’t have to wait until they’re adults to learn about the voting process, make their voice heard at a city council meeting, or improve their community. We want them to see that they can make a difference now.”

Beginning on April 30 and running through mid-May, Girl Scouts will have opportunities to learn about municipal management; how to become advocates for change; and, how local elections and voting works.

MORNING AT THE MAYOR’S OFFICE WITH THE BUS PROJECT—Monday, April 30, 2018, 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., City of Portland, City Hall

Girl Scouts will tour the Portland Mayor’s office, meet the Mayor for a Q & A, and get a backstage look at what it takes to run a city. Junior-level Girl Scouts can complete a step toward earning the “Inside Government” badge.

THE POWER OF ADVOCACY WITH THE BUS PROJECT—Saturday, May 5, 2018, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Portland, Oregon

Girl Scouts will learn how to elevate their voice and create change that matters to them. The Bus Project is hosting an advocacy workshop that will give high school age Girl Scouts the tools and the time to investigate an issue, identify VIPs who can effect change, and practice their pitch. Ambassador-level Girl Scouts can work toward completing their "Your Voice, Your World" Journey. 

GIRL SCOUTS TO TOUR ELECTIONS OFFICES THROUGHOUT OREGON

Oregon is a "vote-by-mail" state. Every registered voter can mail in or drop off their ballot instead of standing in line at a polling place. But then what? On the night before the May primary election, Girl Scouts will get an up-close look at how ballots are processed in their county at their local elections office. Senior-level Girl Scouts can complete a step toward earning the “Behind the Ballot” badge and Junior-level Girl Scouts can complete a step toward earning the “Inside Government” badge.

PREVIOUS G.I.R.L. AGENDA ACTIVITIES

GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP DAY AT OREGON’S STATE CAPITOL

To help mark the 106th birthday of Girl Scouts, Gov. Kate Brown proclaimed March 12, 2018 to be Girl Scout Leadership Day. "Girl Scouts empower generations of girls and women, showing you are never too young to get involved, make a difference, and have your voice heard," Governor Brown said. Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington inducted Governor Kate Brown as an honorary lifetime member of Girl Scouts at a ceremony in the State Capitol on March 12, 2018. "It's my hope that as women take on leadership roles in their communities, in the Capitol, and in service organizations like Girl Scouts, that more girls grow up knowing that women can change the world." Governor Kate Brown now joins the nation's five currently serving women governors who are also Girl Scouts. To learn more, please see: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/content/dam/oregon-sw-washington-/forms/Press%20Release_GS%20Leadership%20Day%20at%20OR%20Capitol_FINAL_03%2005%202018%209PM.pdf

OREGON HOUSE BILL 2732

Members of Girl Scout Troop 10037 in the Salem area supported legislation that became House Bill (HB) 2732, signed into law on June 22, 2017. The law provides that a person who enters a motor vehicle to remove a child or domestic animal in imminent danger of suffering harm is not subject to criminal or civil liability. To learn more, please see: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/content/dam/oregon-sw-washington/forms/Press_Release_Good_Samaritan_Law.pdf.

G.I.R.L. AGENDA—GIRL SCOUTS’ CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

In October, Girl Scouts of the USA launched the G.I.R.L. Agenda, a nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls to lead positive change through civic action. To learn more, please visit: girlscouts.org/girlagenda.

GIRL SCOUTS’ HISTORY OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Since its founding in 1912, Girl Scouts has emphasized the importance of being civically engaged, by teaching and encouraging girls to create positive change in their communities through advocacy and action. Girl Scouts learn to stand up for what they believe in, identify issues they care about, and develop leadership skills to make the world a better place. Girl Scouts has a century of success which is reflected in the realm of public service by the fact that 76 percent of female U.S. Senators and 100 percent of female U.S. Secretaries of State are Girl Scout alumnae.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

Girl Scouting inspires millions of girls and women—including more than 23,000 active members in Oregon and Southwest Washington—with the highest ideals of courage, confidence, and character. Our council serves 13,955 girls in 37 counties with the help of nearly 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 information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

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Girl Scouts Honor Earth Day with Service Projects Throughout Oregon and SW Washington

PORTLAND, Ore. – April 19, 2018 – This weekend, local Girl Scouts will roll up their sleeves and honor Earth Day by participating in service projects throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

“Through Girl Scouting, girls develop a lifelong respect and love for the Earth,” says Karen Hill, CEO of Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington. “Earth Day service projects, camping and other outdoor adventures with Girl Scouts help girls understand their relationship to the Earth, and the vital role they have in caring for it and conserving it for future generations.”

BEAVERTON, OR—Parks and Trails Preparation

Troop 40110 will help to inspect parks and trails throughout the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District in order to identify areas that need attention before the summer season. Girl Scouts will also complete trash pickup during their inspections.

CLACKAMAS, OR—Cemetery Clean-Up

Girl Scout Service Unit 11 (Milwaukie, Clackamas and Gladstone, Oregon) will join SOLVE for Weekend Cemetery Clean Up at Clackamas Pioneer Cemetery in Clackamas, OR. Clean up will include debris, tree branches and blackberry removal and mulch spreading.

KLAMATH FALLS, OR—Clean-Up along the OC & E Woods Line State Trail

Girl Scout Service Unit 65 (Klamath, Lake and Harney counties) will join SOLVE, along with other community organizations, to do litter clean-up along the OC & E Woods Line State Trail in Klamath Falls. Girl Scouts will focus on the portion of the trail that spans from Washburn to Altamont.

SHERWOOD, OR—Garden Preparation and Spring Nature Mandala

Together with the Sherwood Rotary Club, members of Girl Scout Troop 45496 prepared and weeded the garden at the Our Table Cooperative. At 9 a.m. on the morning of April 22 (prior to an Earth Day Celebration), girls from Troop 45496 will create a spring nature mandala around the peace pole at Our Table Cooperative. Mandala-making is an ancient art form—traditionally, mandalas are bright and vibrant mosaics representing the universe, made from colored sand or rice. Nature mandalas, like those made by Troop 45496 will be made from found items including leaves, pine cones, shells, stones and flowers from the Girl Scouts’ own gardens. The Earth Day celebration at Our Table Cooperative takes place on April 22, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

UMATILLA, OR and PASCO, WA—Improving Habitat at McNary National Wildlife Refuge

On April 21, Girl Scouts from Service Unit 22 (Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler counties in OR) will work with the Army Corps of Engineers to clean-up a local pond in West Park, part of the McNary National Wildlife Refuge in the Columbia Basin, minutes from the Tri-Cities of Washington (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, WA). Local Girl Scouts—from the Pendleton and Hermiston areas of Oregon—will plant Coyote Willows and Cottonwood trees, remove invasive Russian Olive trees, and help make the wildlife area more habitable for the many species of animals that live there. In addition, they will remove debris and rubbish around the wildlife park. Afterwards, the girls will get to travel to the Bechtel National Planetarium, at Columbia Basin College, in Pasco, WA, to hear a special presentation about the life of trees.

STEVENSON, WA—Camp Arrowhead 70th Anniversary, Tree-Plantings and Trail Restoration

More than 80 Girl Scouts and their family members and friends will commemorate Earth Day and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Camp Arrowhead, located in Stevenson, Washington—in the Columbia River Gorge area—with tree-plantings and trail restoration on April 21-22, 2018. Attendees are traveling from Englewood, CO; Boardman, OR; the Portland/Willamette Valley area; Westchester, CA; Seattle, WA; and Irrigon, OR to attend the celebration. Three trees—a Douglas Fir, a Mountain Hemlock and a Western Red Cedar—will be planted at Camp Arrowhead to help commemorate Earth Day as well as celebrate 70 years of outdoor skill-building, friendships and appreciation for nature.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING

To learn more about GSOSW’s local outdoor programming, please visit: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/camps/explore_our-camps.html. Additional information about outdoor programming in Girl Scouts, including 34 outdoor skill-building badges, can be found at: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/our-program/our-program/outdoors.html.

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. Girl Scouts is proven to help girls thrive in five key ways as they: Develop a strong sense of self; Display positive values; Seek challenges and learn from setbacks; Form and maintain healthy relationships; Identify and solve problems in the community. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

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Six programs and two individuals were recognized Thursday during PACE Awards presentations. Debbie Laszlo, chair of the PACE Board of Trustees, presented the awards during the “PACE Day: Safe and Secure Schools” event in Salem.

The awards highlight significant contributions made in 2017 to the Property and Casualty Coverage for Education (PACE) program. PACE (pace.osba.org) is an insurance pool made up of roughly 300 Oregon member school districts, charter schools, education service districts (ESDs) and community colleges.

The Klamath County School District was recognized as the statewide Safety Star, selected from among all applicants. The award carries with it $5,000 from PACE to be used in a school safety improvement effort. Klamath won the award for its half-day active shooter drill. Over 500 people participated by acting as students in classrooms as more than 50 first responders fired blanks. The goal was to have staff experience an active shooter event so they could be better prepared for such a crisis.

Dave Harvey, PACE administrator, said Klamath County schools had exemplified PACE’s values by working together to keep students and staff safe.

“Nothing is more important to us than getting every child and every employee home safe, every day,” he said. “That requires a lot of planning from our members, and through the PACE Awards we can thank them for their hard work.”

Other awards included:

Outstanding programs – Clatskanie SD, which retrofitted all its lights to LED, saving money and reducing eye strain on students and staff; Seaside SD, for its monthly school safety contest for students, designed to reduce workers compensation claims; Springfield SD, for its risk evaluation of boiler and mechanical rooms, a continuous program that has identified and reduced safety hazards; Chemeketa CC, for its centralized Title IX compliance program, which assures compliance and standardizes practices; and InterMountain ESD, for its interest in door-locking systems.

Outstanding individuals – Tim Witcher, chief financial officer of the Clackamas ESD, for establishing a culture of caring, safety and wellness; and Michelle Brady, safety and emergency preparedness manager of the Hillsboro SD, for improved safety and compliance tracking and training.

Construction begins May 1 on new permanent exhibition, opening February 14, 2019

Portland, OR – April 24, 2018 – After fourteen years, the Oregon Historical Society’s beloved Oregon My Oregon (OMO) exhibition will close as construction begins on a brand new state-of the art permanent exhibition, Experience Oregon. Since opening in 2004, this artifact-rich journey through Oregon’s history has delighted hundreds of thousands of students and visitors of all ages. Oregon My Oregon’s final day on view will be Sunday, April 29, and all are invited to visit OMO for free on Saturday, April 28, as well as view renderings and get a sneak peek at some of the interactive games that will be featured in Experience Oregon. 

“One of the many privileges of serving as Executive Director is the opportunity to tag along on guided tours of our showcase Oregon My Oregon exhibition,” said Kerry Tymchuk. “While I will miss Oregon My Oregon, I know that it will be replaced by an even more fascinating and relevant narrative.”

Now in the final design stage, Experience Oregon will provide an epic overview of the state’s history. From a 180 degree intro theater to an immersive build that will let visitors walk through a covered wagon, the 7,000 square foot exhibit will provide a portal to Oregon for all visitors, from sixth generation Oregonians to recent arrivals to our state to tourists from across the world.

Central themes like water, land, and home span the exhibition’s timeline, inviting viewers to think about how Oregonians have defined our state. By showcasing new and much-loved artifacts, along with diverse voices representing Oregon’s many cultures and geographies, this re-imagined exhibition will engage visitors in the experience of Oregon and its history. Sample renderings can be viewed and used for press coverage at http://bit.ly/2HtYMb2.

Funds for this new exhibition are being raised through contributions to the Oregon Historical Society’s FORWARD! capital campaign. The creation of Experience Oregon, along with the development of OHS Digital Collections, the upcoming renovation of the OHS Research Library, and the establishment of key endowments, make up the four initiatives of this multi-year campaign.

As this is the last week to visit Oregon My Oregon, OHS will be sharing visitors’ favorite parts of the exhibit on Instagram. Visitors are invited to share their favorite memories from Oregon My Oregon and photos of visits over the years on social media using the hashtag #goodbyeomo.

The Oregon Historical Society museum (1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland) is open seven days a week, Monday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 12pm – 5pm. Admission is $11, and discounts are available for students, seniors, and youth. Admission is free 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.