UPDATE

As a result of this morning’s demonstration, 52 people were arrested for disorderly conduct. Two individuals were additionally charged with conspiracy and theft 2. All suspects are in custody at the Lane County Jail. 

Six vehicles were towed from the scene. 

Today’s incident required a significant law enforcement response. Responding agencies included: 

• Eugene Police Department – 31 officers; 1 transport van 
• Springfield Police Department – 22 officers; 1 transport van
• Lane County Sheriff’s Office – 20 deputies; 2 jail vans    
• Oregon State Police – 48 troopers 
• Oregon Department of Transportation Incident Response – 6 personnel 
• Springfield Fire Department and Eugene Fire Department  

OSP would like to thank area law enforcement agencies for their partnership and response to this incident. 

_______________________________________________________________________________

LANE COUNTY, Ore. 15 April 2024 – At approximately 10:00 a.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to I-5 southbound at milepost 194 in Eugene to reports of protesters blocking the interstate. Protesters blocked all southbound traffic lanes near the Barlow Bridge. 

Throughout the incident, demonstrators were given continuous lawful orders to disperse before dozens of people were arrested for disorderly conduct. At least one individual was discovered to be in possession of a firearm.

The interstate traffic was stopped for approximately 45 minutes. Southbound lanes are now open; however, law enforcement remains on the scene while observers continue to gather along the highway. 

Oregon State Police supports an individual’s right to lawfully protest and express concerns over world events. However, today’s actions put Oregon’s motorists in danger as well as the protestors who blocked the roadway.

At this time, future comments will be limited due to the ongoing criminal investigations. 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

At 1244 am on April 14, 2024, Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 21910 Rickard Rd.  Initial reports were of a barn fire that was spreading to a nearby residence.  On arrival, crews found an approximately 1,400 square foot shop/storage building fully involved in fire, with extension to nearby trees, vegetation, and the exterior of a small house nearby.  The fire was quickly knocked down, with crews taking a defensive stance on the shop and protecting nearby structures.  The shop and contents were a complete loss.  The fire had extended to the exterior of the small house, and while it did not do significant damage to the interior, the structure was not livable due to the damage.  The occupant declined Red Cross assistance.  Total damage is estimated at $200,000.  

UPDATE:

Due to the severity of the damage to the shop building, the exact cause of the fire could not be determined.  The damage estimate remains at approximately $200,000 and includes damage to the exterior of small residential structure, the shop/storage building, one small tractor, one passenger car, two pickup trucks, and two small travel trailers, along with personal belongings stored in the building.  

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that working smoke alarms save lives.  In this case, only a single smoke alarm was present in the home, the other having been removed when it malfunctioned recently. Fortunately, the occupant was awakened by the fire when they heard what sounded like a large object falling outside, but a working smoke alarm is still the best way to get an early warning and have time to safely evacuate.  Not sure if yours work?  Check them today, and if they're more than 10 years old, replace the entire alarm.  For more information on home fire safety, visit our website at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/safety-tips-emergency-preparedness.

Yakima, WA:  At 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa R. Waldref, ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais, Yakima Police Chief Matthew Murray, Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell, as well as additional federal, state, and local law enforcement, anticipate holding a joint press conference to make a significant law enforcement announcement relating to Eastern Washington and elsewhere.    

The press event is scheduled to take place in front of the William O. Douglas Federal Courthouse, located at 25 S. 3rd St., Yakima, WA 98901.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office anticipates being able to release additional information immediately prior to the press conference.

SALEM, Ore. — The names of two fallen law enforcement officers were added to the Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial during an engraving ceremony on Tuesday, April 16. An honor guard stood watch as the names of Jared J. Miller of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Joseph W. Johnson of the Nyssa Police Department were added to the memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

The additions of Sergeant Miller, end of watch Dec. 9, 2021, and Reserve Corporal Johnson, EOW April 15, 2023, were approved for addition to the state memorial by the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training. The memorial honors Oregon officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

Sergeant Miller, Reserve Corporal Johnson and 194 previously fallen officers will be honored during the annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Tuesday, May 7 at 1 p.m. at the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Highway SE in Salem.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations.

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Basic Parole & Probation Curriculum Workgroup

Meeting Scheduled

Notice of Scheduled Meeting

The DPSST Basic Parole & Probation Curriculum Workgroup will hold a scheduled meeting on April 18, 2024, at 2:00p.m., at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Brie Murphy at 503-689-6054.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Review Curriculum

     a) Topics that are good

     b) Topics that can be tailored down

     c) Topics that can be replaced

     d) Topics we are missing

     e) Topics that are not currently relevant

3. Next steps for next meeting

4. Next Workgroup Meeting –TBD

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and will be recorded in the form of minutes.

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. May 16, 2024, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Samantha Kossa at (971) 209-8235.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training will be live streaming all public meetings via YouTube. Meetings will no longer be streamed on Facebook. To view the Police Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

1. Introductions

2. Approve the February 22, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

    a) Steven Bellshaw; DPSST No. 22870
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, Management, and Executive Police Certifications

    b) Emigdia Camas; DPSST No. 51141
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police and Basic and Intermediate Corrections Certifications

    c) Anthony Christensen; DPSST No. 55811
        Basic Police Certification

    d) Summer Danneker; DPSST No. 58025
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications

    e) Travis Grindle; DPSST No. 43070
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Police Certifications

    f) Matthew McCandless; DPSST No. 55017
        Basic and Intermediate Police Certifications

4. Andy Ashpole; DPSST No. 47945; Newport Police Department
   Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

5. Katelyn Bailey; DPSST No. 56238; Wasco County Sheriff’s Office
   Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

6. Matthew Barbee; DPSST No. 47086; Tigard Police Department
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

7. Carl Bell; DPSST No. 55552; Gladstone Police Department
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

8. Shawn Carnahan; DPSST No. 39921; Columbia County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

9. Sean Considine; DPSST No. 64682; Central Point Police Department
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

10. Robert Gorman; DPSST No. 36970; Oregon State Police
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

11. Sterling Hall; DPSST No. 58719; Pendleton Police Department
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

12. Paul Johnson; DPSST No. 39931; Klamath Falls Police Department
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

13. Kevin Lanier; DPSST No. 57215; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

14. Quinn Lindley; DPSST No. 56901; Monmouth Police Department
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

15. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0500
     Agency Name Change Correction
     Presented by Jennifer Howald

16. Agency Update

17. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – August 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

Notice of Meeting Cancellation

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for April 24th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., has been cancelled.
 

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for May 22nd, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

SALEM, Ore. – April 18, 2024 – On April 13, President Joe Biden approved Governor Tina Kotek’s request for a federal major disaster declaration for severe winter storms, straight-line winds, landslides, and mudslides that occurred throughout the state from Jan. 10-22 (view a GIS StoryMap of the event).

The declaration will provide supplemental grant funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program, a reimbursement program for public infrastructure damage and response costs to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in designated counties impacted by the event. This disaster declaration covers Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook, and Wasco counties and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

FEMA Public Assistance is a supplementary financial assistance program for emergency work and the repair or replacement of public facilities and infrastructure damaged by the winter event. Financial assistance is available on a cost-sharing basis; reimbursement is 75% federal share of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration costs and 25% is the applicant's responsibility. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM) administers the Public Assistance program in the state.

All eligible applicants with eligible projects within the designated counties and tribes can apply for public assistance. Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal governments, special districts, state agencies, and certain private nonprofits that have incurred costs for response activities or sustained facility damage as a direct result of the January event. Private nonprofits are those entities that provide a governmental type of service and have a 501(c), (d) or (e) tax exception status (see page 43 of the FEMA Public Assistance Program and Guide regarding eligible facilities and required documentation). Certain private nonprofits with damage to their facilities should apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration loan first.

ODEM and FEMA will work with each applicant to develop their projects, scope and costs that can be reimbursed. Potential applicants in the designated counties must complete a Request for Public Assistance in the FEMA Grants Portal by May 13.

The Major Disaster Declaration does not provide FEMA Individual Assistance and will not reimburse funds for repair or replacement costs by individuals to their property.

Learn more about the Public Assistance program at https://www.oregon.gov/oem/emresources/disasterassist/Pages/Public-Assistance.aspx.

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Captions

2024 January storm damage clean up in Linn County (courtesy Linn County).
2024 January storm damage to trees and power lines in Lane County (courtesy Lane Electric).
Oregon Department of Emergency Management Logo (white background).
Oregon Department of Emergency Management Logo (no background).
FEMA Logo (Horizontal).
FEMA Logo (Vertical).

SALEM, Ore. – April 15, 2024 – This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, an annual event that honors the essential role emergency response coordination professionals play in keeping the nation’s communities safe and secure. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed April 14-20 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the state and encouraged all Oregonians to join in the observance.

Oregon has 43 standalone 911 centers known as Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) that serve as the first and single point of contact for people seeking immediate relief during an emergency. Nearly 800 dedicated telecommunicators across the state answer at least 2 million emergency calls annually for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services. These 911 professionals respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance during intense personal crises and community-wide disasters.

“Oregon’s 911 telecommunicators are heroes devoted to public safety and helping others. They work long hours, remaining calm in all types of situations and quickly constructing plans of action based on limited information,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management State 911 Program Manager Frank Kuchta. “These individuals are lifelines in an emergency, and this annual observance honors their skills, dedication and commitment to helping Oregonians.”

Many 911 professionals are certified as Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD) and receive training on how to process requests for medical assistance and how to dispatch medical providers. Some go on to receive specialty training in crisis intervention, law enforcement support and tactical dispatching, while others receive intermediate and advanced certifications and become leaders in the field. All 911 professionals work diligently behind the scenes to help people during emergencies ranging from mental health crises, car accidents, missing person reports, burglaries and domestic violence disturbances. 

Since early 2020, Oregon’s public safety telecommunicators have had the added responsibility of serving throughout a pandemic, historic wildfires, heatwaves, winter storms, floods and severe staffing shortages.

“On any given day, our public safety dispatchers have an incredibly stressful job; during the last several years, that’s been compounded as they’ve responded to unprecedented disasters in which they were the first to answer the call,” said Kuchta. “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week brings well-deserved attention and recognition to these invaluable professionals.”

The critical work of Oregon’s public safety telecommunicators directly supports the operations of federal, state and local government agencies, including emergency management, highway safety, and search and rescue. Oregon’s 911 program was established by the 1981 Oregon Legislature and is managed by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Learn more at oregon.gov/OEM.

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Photo Caption: Oregon's 911 telecommunicators serve as the first and single point of contact for people seeking immediate relief during an emergency. (Oregon Department of Emergency Management)

Photo Caption: Oregon Governor Kotek proclaimed April 14-20 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the state and encouraged all Oregonians to join in the observance. (Oregon Department of Emergency Management)

BURNS, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry recently hosted the 2024 Rangeland Fire Protection Association Summit in Burns, Oregon. The annual summit provides a forum for the 28 Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) to meet with each other and partners in the spirit of helping each other be more effective at fighting wildfire on Oregon’s range. 

RFPAs are an integral part of the complete and coordinated wildfire protection system in Oregon. Oregon’s 28 rangeland associations across eastern Oregon provide initial attack response to wildfires on nearly 17.5 million acres of public and private ownership. Association members have a unique interest in suppressing wildfires since the lands they protect impact their livelihoods and those of their neighbors. 

During the summit the rangeland associations share information such as current membership, planned prevention and mitigation strategies, and lessons learned from the previous year’s wildfires. 

“The summit is an invaluable resource for association members and partners to advance wildfire suppression capability on Oregon’s rangeland, cropland, sage grouse habitat, and livestock forage that are crucial to the local economy,” said Allison Rayburn, ODF’s Rangeland Fire Coordinator.

An important part of the summit is the presentation of the Outstanding Neighbor Award, given to association members who are instrumental in supporting and growing their association. This year’s Outstanding Neighbor Award was presented to John O’Keeffe, president of the Warner Valley RFPA. O’Keeffe has represented local land interests and worked on ecological issues locally as a member of Oregon’s Wildfire Programs Advisory Council and the Oregon Cattleman’s Association, and nationally as a member of the Public Lands Council and National Wildland Fire Mitigation Management Commission.

“The people in this room are what makes this work. We want to have another generation, and another generation after that on the landscape and advocacy in far-away places is a large part of making that happen. I’ve been fortunate to have the local support to participate,” said O’Keeffe.

The history of RFPAs in Oregon started with legislation enacted in 1963 that allowed the formation of associations. In 1964, the Ironside RFPA was formed in northern Malheur County. For many years they were the lone association in the state. However, in 1998, a new era of RFPA interest emerged. Between 1998 and 2001, five additional RFPAs were formed and new associations have continued to form since then. There are currently 28 associations with over 1,200 volunteers. Association partner agencies include ODF, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon’s Office of the State Fire Marshal, Oregon State University Extension Service, county emergency managers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 19 in the Screen Shop, at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 3561 Klindt Dr., The Dalles. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• ODF updates and member training requirements
• Updates and informing post-disturbance harvest rulemaking
• HCP update
• Planning and priority for guidance development
• Forest Practice Technical Guidance comment review

The public may attend in-person or online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by emailing estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic, and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Alyce Butrick.  

Alyce Butrick, age 15, is a child who went missing from Tigard on April 9. She was found April 16.  

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child. 

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.  

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(Salem) – This year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month theme, Doing Things Differently: Moving from the Challenge to the Change, emphasizes the importance of innovative prevention-based approaches to supporting children and families. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to advancing programs that address poverty and other challenges families face that could put children at risk. 

As Governor Tina Kotek’s proclamation states, “Child abuse is a preventable public health issue, and Oregon's children and families deserve intentional, sustainable investments in their health and wellbeing.” 

Prevention-based approaches link families in Oregon to voluntary assistance programs from community organizations and ODHS such as food benefits, cash assistance and services for domestic violence survivors. The goal of prevention is to keep children safe by providing support that stabilizes families and prevents unnecessary child welfare involvement.  

To expand the agency’s child abuse prevention efforts, ODHS is working with the Doris Duke Foundation to establish the Opt-in for Families initiative in Oregon which will be supported by a $9 million investment by the foundation. The grant will help develop and test a pilot program serving families who have been the subject of reports to the ODHS Child Abuse Hotline but whose circumstances are not considered child abuse as defined in Oregon statute. Opt-in for Families will refer these families to voluntary programs for economic and other supports, evaluating their effectiveness in improving child safety and family stability. Similar programs that support families’ economic stability are being piloted in Klamath Falls and are being introduced throughout the state.  

As a result of these and other efforts, the number of children in foster care in Klamath County has dropped by 60 percent with a 72 percent drop in Tribal children in the system.  

April also marks the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline’s (ORCAH) fifth anniversary. ODHS centralized ORCAH in 2019 to change the former model of localized child abuse reporting, multiple hotline numbers and lack of operational coordination to an updated model based on national best practices. The new model has improved child safety, screening consistency and coordination with law enforcement, as well as employee retention.  

With centralization of the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline, wait times to report abuse reduced by an average of one minute, 59 seconds, down from the 2022 average wait time of two minutes, 42 seconds. The hotline team answered 6 percent more calls compared with 2022. Timely answering of calls ensures rapid response and Child Protective Services assessment to ensure child safety. Other key improvements related to child safety are detailed in the recent 2023 ORCAH annual report. 

In addition to centralizing the hotline, ODHS initiatives to prevent and address child abuse include family coaching programs and improved tracking of caseload ratios to ensure caseworkers have adequate time to connect families to prevention-related services. For more information on 2023 work to support children in families in Oregon, see the Oregon Child Welfare Assessment Findings Report published by Public Knowledge. 

Oregon needs everyone to contribute to preventing child abuse. Children and families are stronger when communities come together to support them before they reach crisis.  

“As individuals and as a community, we play a part in preventing child abuse. We encourage everyone to make a commitment this month to learn new ways to strengthen child and family well-being,” ODHS Child Welfare Director Aprille Flint-Gerner said. “Together, we can make a difference.” 

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, ODHS asks everyone in Oregon to be aware of help available to families to meet their basic needs which is critical in preventing conditions that can result in child abuse. This includes sharing information about food banks, unemployment benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) availability, and educational resources. ODHS values its collaboration with community organizations to prevent child abuse and ensure families in Oregon know about the resources available to help them.  

If you suspect a child is being abused, please contact the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  

More information for resources and support: 

• To learn more about food resources including SNAP visit NeedFood.Oregon.gov. 
• 211info.org (also by dialing 211) offers connection to local and regional resources for food banks, housing assistance, and mental health services. 
• Lines for Life, a nonprofit dedicated to substance abuse and suicide prevention: call or text 988. 
• Friends and neighbors can help break the social isolation some parents may experience or encourage parents to seek support when needed by calling the Oregon parent helpline: 971-221-5180. 
• Oregon Child Abuse Solutions: https://oregoncas.org/ 
• Prevent Child Abuse Oregon: https://preventchildabuseoregon.org/ 
• Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries: https://www.oregonreliefnurseries.org/ 

Other resources 

• ODHS Family Preservation information.    
• Summary of 2023 Child Welfare accomplishments.
• Announcement of Doris Duke Foundation grant.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services 

The mission of ODHS is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity. 

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Alyce Butrick, age 15, a child in foster care who was last seen in the Tigard area of Washington County on April 9, 2024, at 9 p.m. She may be with a person named Danny. She is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Alyce Butrick and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.  

Alyce may be in the Portland-metro area, near NE 82nd Avenue. 

• Name: Alyce Butrick (sounds like “Alee-see”)
• Preferred Pronouns: she/her
• Date of birth: June 27, 2008
• Height: 5-foot-7-inches
• Weight: 150 pounds
• Hair color: Black
• Eye color: Brown
• Other identifying information: no known tattoos; she is Tongan and Alaskan Native
• Tigard Police Department (may be Washington County Sheriff's Office) case #24-0007162
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2017024

Alyce is supposed to be taking medications but does not have them with her.

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

Salem, OR—Midnight tonight, April 15, 2024, is the deadline to file tax year 2023 state and federal personal income tax returns and the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers of the tools available to make the experience easier for both those who haven’t yet filed their 2023 return and those who have.

Through April 14, Revenue has processed 1.67 million of an expected 2.2 million returns and issued nearly 1.4 million refunds.

Free filing options

Revenue reminds those who haven’t yet filed, that filing electronically is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund. Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.

New this year, the department is also offering Direct File Oregon, which allows taxpayers to file their Form OR-40 through Revenue Online. Direct File Oregon is not currently linked with the IRS Direct File. Taxpayers will need to file a separate federal return with the IRS before filing an Oregon return with Direct File Oregon through Revenue Online.

Information about other available free tax preparation tax preparation software is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free or reduced cost assistance.

What’s My Kicker? calculator

In 2024 Oregon is returning $5.61 billion in surplus revenue to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. Taxpayers will receive their kicker as part of their refund, or the kicker can reduce the tax they owe.

Taxpayers, who have not filed their 2023 return, should not guess at their kicker amount. They can determine the amount of their kicker using the What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the tool, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2022 and 2023.

Where’s my refund? tool and video

Taxpayers wondering about the refund on their 2023 tax year return, can use the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check its status and, if they want more information, watch a video outlining the refund timelines to better understand the process.

Doug, the new virtual assistant

The agency’s new virtual assistant Doug is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Revenue Online to answer general tax questions. 

Doug, an avatar Oregon fir tree, is located in the upper right hand corner of the Revenue Online homepage.  With just a few clicks of the keyboard, users will be able to access instant, helpful, insightful answers. It's important to note that Doug does have some limitations. The virtual assistant is pre-programmed with answers to common questions, therefore, users with detailed questions pertaining to their unique circumstances are encouraged to consult their tax preparer or contact the department directly.

If you file a paper return

Taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2023 return and file a paper return should make sure it’s post-marked by today or place it in one of the drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Gresham, Eugene, Medford, and Bend.

DOR staff will be on hand in the atrium of the Salem headquarters building today until 5 PM to accept and stamp tax returns as having been filed timely.

Filing an extension. 

Individuals who are not able to file by midnight can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to October 15, 2024.

Taxpayers should only request an Oregon extension if they:

• Don’t have a federal extension.
• Owe Oregon taxes.
• Can’t file your return by April 15, 2024.

Remember that having a filing extension is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers who can’t pay the full amount they owe, should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.

First quarter 2024 estimated payments due today

Today is also the due date for first quarter estimated payments. In most cases, taxpayers must make estimated tax payments for tax year 2024 if they estimate their tax after withholding and credits (including refundable credits) will be $1,000 or more when they file their 2024 Oregon return. Taxpayers can make their payments on Revenue Online or mail their payment with a voucher. Taxpayers mailing their payment should mail it separately from their return or other correspondence. Oregon Estimated Income Tax Instructions, Publication OR-ESTIMATE, can be found on the Revenue website. 
 

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 17, 2024

CONTACT INFORMATION:
umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist 
(971) 301-3771
Video and Audio available at 10 a.m.
David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 1,400 in March

In March, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1,400 jobs, following a revised gain of 2,800 jobs in February. March’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+2,400 jobs); government (+1,000); and wholesale trade (+600). Monthly declines were largest in construction (-2,300 jobs); retail trade (-600); and manufacturing (-600).

Hiring trends diverged during the first three months of the year. Several major industries expanded by at least 1,500 jobs, while others contracted. Health care and social assistance continued its rapid growth of the past two years with gains totaling 3,300 jobs during January, February, and March. Administrative and waste services added 2,700 jobs during those three months, which was an abrupt shift following this industry’s loss of 4,600 jobs during 2023. Government added 1,500 jobs so far this year as it continued its recovery and expansion of the past three years.

The industry that dropped the most during the first three months of the year was construction, which dropped by 3,300 jobs, following a relatively flat year in 2023 when it gained only 900 jobs. Meanwhile, accommodation and food services dropped 1,900 jobs so far this year, which nearly erased its gain of 2,000 jobs last year. 

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in both February and March. Its rise from a record low of 3.4% in May 2023 is a sign of a loosening labor market. Another indicator of a loosening labor market was the rise in the number of Oregonians employed part time for economic reasons, which rose to 73,000 in March from a low of 48,200 in September 2022. 

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Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the March county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, April 23, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for April on Wednesday, May 15.

The Oregon State Marine Board will conduct its annual marine law enforcement training on Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County between April 22 and May 3. This intensive training is designed for new or seasonal marine law enforcement officers to train them in boating laws, boat handling and water safety fundamentals. 

“Oregon has huge a diversity in waterways for boaters, making it imperative that Oregon’s Marine Law Enforcement Officers are well trained and “at the ready” to help in their time of need,” said Edward Persichetti, Marine Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board. 

Throughout this intense, nine-day marine academy, a broad range of skills are developed that help officers save lives and promote safe boating. Persichetti added, “We’ve been returning to Jefferson County for several years and are grateful for the community’s hospitality. The Madras Aquatic Center and the amenities on Lake Billy Chinook are first rate, and the environment allows us to cover a variety of scenarios the officers may encounter around the state on their patrols.” 

The training includes accident investigation, boating under the influence (BUII) detection and apprehension, as well as other types of boater compliance with equipment, boating safety education cards, or waterway access permits. Students will develop their basic boat-handling skills and participate in real-world scenarios emphasizing safety, courtesy, enforcement tactics, and accident prevention.

The marine academy is hosted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office along with highly skilled deputies from around the state, taking an active role as instructors. 

Learn more about the Marine Board’s law enforcement partnerships with 31 county Sheriff’s Offices and the Oregon State Police. 

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The Oregon State Marine Board will convene its quarterly meeting in Astoria on April 24, 2024. The meeting will be held at the Astoria Public Library Flag Room, 450 10th Street, beginning at 8:30 am. Preceding the board meeting, agency staff and board members will take a boating facility tour of nearby access, first visiting the recently completed Westport Park mixed-use boating facility and ending with the Columbia River Maritime Museum. 

The Board agenda includes the following items:

• Director’s Report
• Key Performance Measures (KPMs) Update for the Legislature
• Agency Budget Overview
• Legislative Concepts
• Facility Grants for Board Approval

Public comments for this meeting will be accepted in writing or by attending the public comment portion at the beginning of the hybrid meeting. To provide oral testimony, register with Jennifer Cooper no later than 5 pm on April 21, 2024. Public comments will also be accepted in writing until the end of the day on April 21, 2024. Register to speak or send written comments t.cooper@boat.oregon.gov">o jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Oregon State Marine Board, Attn: Jennifer Cooper, 435 Commercial St NE Ste 400 Salem, OR 97301. 

To view the agenda and board materials and for a link to the meeting live stream, visit the agency’s Public Meetings page. Meetings are conducted using Microsoft Teams and viewing may require the installation of a free Teams app for mobile devices.

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Salem, Oregon - The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will meet at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the Council’s website.

What:    Meeting of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council  

When:   Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Microsoft Teams (Click here to join the meeting)

Meeting ID: 259 221 087 88 Passcode: JyPqSX

Who:     State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council 

The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council is established by Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council. 

The purpose of the Council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness education, and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the State’s policies, goals, and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively. The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies, and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Meetings of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council are open to the public. 

Public comment may be made during the meeting.  Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Monday, April 22 at noon. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office, 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301 or online.

Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.

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Links

State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/eis/Pages/ai-advisory-council.aspx

Executive Order 23-26: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/eo/eo-23-26.pdf

Meeting link: (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_NDRmZjdkY2QtNTk0My00ODcxLWE3NjMtNTczODQwYmVlM2Uy%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%252234556cff-59ab-4761-8d66-f5c4ccec23c6%2522%257d&data=05%7C02%7CJessica.MADDOX%40das.oregon.gov%7Cd6650f0adfa94351bfa108dc5d6ca6ac%7Caa3f6932fa7c47b4a0cea598cad161cf%7C0%7C0%7C638487968427705959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=piNCX%2BUreNnFcpCHLpY%2FtoJul%2FVU7OgApUabPW8teuM%3D&reserved=0)

Sign-up for public comment: https://forms.office.com/g/8NPeQbXRrA

Online comments submission:https://forms.office.com/g/5ecMVUWbbi

PORTLAND, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that it will join 10 other U.S. Attorney’s Offices in establishing a multi-agency task force to address carjacking, an important public safety threat impacting communities in Oregon and beyond.

“We are pleased to join our Justice Department colleagues from across the country in taking this important, targeted step to address carjacking, a dangerous, violent crime. We thank all our law enforcement partners for their ongoing commitment to protecting Oregonians through this and other violent crime reduction efforts.” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“The Justice Department has no higher priority than keeping our communities safe. We do so by targeting the most significant drivers of violent crime and by acting as a force multiplier for our state and local law enforcement partners. We’re seeing results — with violent crime declining broadly nationwide,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today, we are launching seven new carjacking task forces across the country to build on the success of task forces in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Tampa, where available data shows that carjacking rates are now falling. When prosecutors, officers, agents, and analysts come together to crunch data, share intelligence, and apply best practices, we can make real progress in the fight against all forms of violent crime, including carjacking.”

In keeping with the Justice Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, the District of Oregon carjacking task force will focus federal resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals responsible for committing carjackings and related crimes throughout the state. 

Carjacking task forces have proven to be an effective part of successful violent crime reduction strategies by focusing on a significant driver of crime and taking violent offenders off the streets. For example, carjackings in Philadelphia declined by 31 percent from 2022 to 2023, and armed carjackings are down 28 percent in the District of Columbia so far this year compared to the same period in 2023. In Chicago, carjackings decreased 29 percent from their high in 2021 through the end of 2023.

Local efforts to combat carjacking have already produced positive results. On Tuesday, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging, Raheim Carter, 41, a Portland resident, with carjacking, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On March 15, 2024, Carter and an accomplice are alleged to have stolen a vehicle at gunpoint from a North Portland resident. Carter and the accomplice are alleged to have approached the victim while he was unloading groceries from his vehicle, demanded he hand over his keys at gunpoint, and drove off with the vehicle. The case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau with assistance from the FBI.

The newly formed carjacking task forces will be led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with state and local law enforcement partners.

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The City of Richland (City) is excited to launch the search for our next Chief of Police. With the position now posted, we're eager to welcome a dynamic and visionary public safety leader to join our community.

The City has teamed up with Mosaic Public Partners, a distinguished consulting firm specializing in public sector recruitment and organizational development. Mosaic's wealth of experience and strategic approach will be instrumental in identifying the ideal candidate to lead our police department.

Anticipated Timeline: 
• Open Recruitment – Applications accepted beginning Friday, April 12, 2024
• First Review of Applications – May 13, 2024
• Finalists Selected for Interviews – May 20, 2024
• Finalists Announced – Early June 2024 (bios of finalists to be shared with public)
• In-Person Interviews & Public Engagement – Mid-June 2024 (date to be announced)
• Background Investigation – July 2024 
• Candidate Announcement – August 2024

Community members are encouraged to actively participate in the selection process by attending a community engagement event (date to be announced). The event will allow citizens to meet the finalists, share insights, and help shape the future of the Richland Police Department. The feedback will be invaluable in ensuring the best candidate is identified to serve Richland.

Under RCW 43.101.095, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation. This process is essential to ensuring the integrity and suitability of our future Chief of Police.

City Manager Jon Amundson states, “Mosaic Public Partners has a demonstrated ability to recruit top candidates, specifically law enforcement executives. I am confident their energy and industry experience will assist in identifying our next Chief of Police. I encourage members of the public who wish to meet our finalists to attend the community engagement event and provide feedback as we make this important decision.”

Interested candidates can view the application and further details at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.

For inquiries about the hiring process or recruitment, please contact the City of Richland Human Resources Director at lpaulsen@ci.richland.wa.us or 509-942-7719.
 

PASCO, WA – Educational Service District 123 invites the public to visit the 2024 Regional Middle School Art Exhibit, which is on display April 15 through May 10, 2024 at the ESD 123 building in Pasco. Now in its sixth year, this year's exhibit features 129 pieces of art created by students in 6th-8th grade, representing eight middle schools across southeast Washington. 

A total of 97 middle schoolers are showing off their artistic talents by participating in the 2024 exhibit. These students will be joined by their families, friends, and art teachers at the exhibit’s opening reception at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, April 17.  Sponsored by STCU, the reception is an opportunity to bring together families, friends, and community members to recognize the talented young artists.

The 2024 Regional Middle School Art Exhibit opens Monday, April 15 at ESD 123, located at 3924 W Court St in Pasco. The public is encouraged to visit during the ESD’s operating hours on Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, as well as on Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Additional information about ESD 123 art exhibits is available at www.esd123.org/services/art-show. For questions or media inquiries, please contact Molly Curtiss at 509.544.5787 or tiss@esd123.org">mcurtiss@esd123.org.

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About ESD 123:  Educational Service District 123, based in Pasco, WA, is one of nine ESDs in Washington. Dedicated to delivering collaborative solutions that promote learning, ESD 123 serves 23 school districts in seven counties of Southeastern Washington. Under Superintendent Steve McCullough and its board of directors, this legislatively mandated, not-for-profit educational organization provides efficiency of educational systems and equity of learning opportunities for over 70,000 Washington students. For more information about ESD 123, please call 509-544-5700 or 888-547-8441 or visit www.esd123.org.

Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule