SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street, which is part of Oregon Heritage, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, announced its 2023 “Excellence on Main” award winners during the annual Main Street conference on October 4^th in Independence. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding accomplishments, activities, and people making a difference in historic downtowns and traditional commercial neighborhoods across the state. A total of nine projects, activities and people were recognized with an Excellence on Main Award and four certificates were given in recognition of volunteer service. Videos of the award winners can be found at the links below. 

The nine individuals, projects, activities, and businesses honored are:

• Business of the Year: Sybaris Bistro, Albany
• Bricks and Mortar Award: The Woodburn Museum and Bungalow Theater, Woodburn
• Resiliency Award: Buoy Beer, Astoria
• Leadership on Main Award: Stephanie Gutierrez, Albany
• Economic Vitality: Mr. Ed’s, Port Orford
• Open Door Award: Kit’s Apothecary, Astoria
• Outstanding Promotion: Boba Dash, Beaverton
• Outstanding Special Project: Reedsport Main Street Open House, Reedsport
• Main Street Executive Director of the Year: Harv Schubothe, Bandon

In addition, four individuals were acknowledged with a Standout Volunteers recognition certificate for their above and beyond contributions to their communities. These individuals are:

• Tommy Wood, Downtown Estacada Commission
• Josh Johnson, Beaverton Downtown Association
• Richard Barney, Medford Downtown Association
• Nicole Felty, La Grande Main Street Downtown

The wide range of Oregon Main Street’s Excellence on Main awards is reflective of the comprehensive Main Street Approach™ to downtown revitalization developed by the National Main Street Center. This model is used by the communities participating in the three-tier Main Street Track of Oregon Main Street Network.

"We are thrilled to announce the exceptional achievements celebrated through our 2023 'Excellence on Main' awards,” stated Sheri Stuart, State Coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “These honorees, ranging from businesses to outstanding projects, reflect our commitment to revitalizing historic downtowns and nurturing vibrant communities across the state." 

Oregon Main Street strengthens community networks, bolsters local economies, generates tax revenues, and fosters social connections across the state. OMS leads a network of local Main Streets that oversee a wide range of programmatic efforts to build community, support local businesses, and create an attractive and vibrant environment for workers, visitors, and residents. The Oregon Main Street network generates significant value for local communities and for the State of Oregon overall. Learn more about the impact of the Oregon Main Street program by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Media Hotline: 503-813-5050 

The California Climate Credit deposits into Pacific Power customers’ utility bills this October

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 4, 2023) — This month, Pacific Power customers’ utility bills will include a credit called the California Climate Credit. A credit of $404.27 will apply to the utility bill of each Pacific Power residential and small business customer in October. This variable climate credit is paid twice a year at a flat rate and is part of the state's efforts to fight climate change.

This credit is a provision of the California Cap-and-Trade Program, which requires power plants, fuel providers and extensive industrial facilities that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution allowances. The credit on Pacific Power bills is designed to help utility customers during the transition to a low-carbon future. Proceeds raised by the Cap-and-Trade Program generate the Climate Credit and fund additional programs that cut pollution, create jobs and invest in cleaner energy and transportation.

For more information about additional programs funded by the California Cap-and-Trade Program to reduce carbon pollution, improve public health and the environment and provide meaningful benefits to the most disadvantaged communities, visit www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/.

Customers can call Pacific Power at 888-221-7070 for their bill information and learn more about the California Climate Credit at the California Public Utilities Commission’s website.

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About Pacific Power 
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in 243 Oregon, Washington, and California communities. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving nearly two million customers in six western states as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net. 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet on Oct. 18 and 19 for a planning retreat. The annual retreat offers the board and department leadership to connect with the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon and explore tribal engagement in a government-to-government space. No public comment or testimony will be accepted during the retreat. The public can attend in-person at Jackson County Health & Human Services Building, 2nd floor Conference room, 140 S. Holly St., Medford, OR 97501 or observe both days of the retreat via a livestream on the department’s YouTube page.

During this informal annual retreat, board members will continue their work on creating the next generation Vision for Oregon’s Forests, formerly Forestry Program for Oregon (FPFO). They will focus on:

• Strategic planning document for policy decisions
• Review of the board policy manual draft
• Discussion of the 2024 meeting calendar, cadence, and reflection on 2023 events

View the agenda and retreat details. 

On Oct. 18, as part of the planning retreat, the department will host an evening community spotlight and board social to bring together collaborative partners to discuss fire management and landscape resiliency in Southwest Oregon. This informal event is open to the public and can be attended in-person at the gardens of the Voorhies Mansion, 2310 Voorhies Rd., Medford, OR 97501. An RSVP is not required, but a courtesy as spacing and parking is limited. RSVP to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Read more information about the board.

Note: A Spanish version of this press release is attached.

Se adjunta una versión en español del comunicado de prensa.

SALEM – The latest data for Paid Leave Oregon is on the Oregon Employment Department’s dashboard. The data, through Oct. 2, shows more than 10,000 applications have been approved since Aug. 14.

Applications have increased significantly in recent weeks. About 20,400 benefits applications have been received since Aug. 14.

So far, almost $15 million in benefits have been paid. Benefit payments started going out to Oregon workers with approved claims on Sept. 13.

Paid Leave Oregon Director Karen Humelbaugh said people can speed up their claims by:

• Informing their employer about their leave before they apply
• Using the What You Need to Apply for Benefits Checklist and making sure they upload the correct documents for their type of leave
• Checking their Frances Online account regularly for action notices and messages
• Making sure to put the employer's name on their claim as it appears on their W2 or paystub

Claims that have incorrect information or where the employer wasn’t notified may be delayed. 

Paid Leave Oregon sped up its claim processing time in recent weeks, with a 162% increase since the program started. Staff are working hard to get through claims, but with any new program, there is a learning curve as well as programmatic adjustments.

“This is the first program of its kind in Oregon, and that means there will be bumps along the way,” Humelbaugh said. “However, we are working hard to make sure staff are trained and able to provide a good customer service experience.”

Paid Leave Oregon covers paid family leave, medical leave, and safe leave for working Oregonians. Employees apply through Frances Online.

Detailed information for employees, including eligibility requirements, tutorial videos, a benefits calculator, and much more, is on the Paid Leave website at paidleave.oregon.gov.

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. Everyone has a right to use OED programs and services. OED provides free help. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, braille, large print, audio and other formats. If you need help, please call 971-673-6400. TTY users call 711. You can also ask for help at OED_Communications@employ.oregon.gov.

PR 15 23                                                                    

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
                                                                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023
                                                                                  CONTACT: Nick Quinata, BPA, 360-982-9205
                                                                                                                                            or 503-230-5131

BPA makes 40th straight Treasury payment, aided by financial policies

Portland, Ore. – On Oct. 3, the Bonneville Power Administration made its annual payment to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for the 40th consecutive year on time and in full, bringing cumulative payments to approximately $34.6 billion over this period. The total payment for fiscal year 2023 was $1.02 billion. Despite facing an energy crisis at the turn of the century, two major economic downturns and a significant drop in electricity market prices for several years in the mid-2010s, BPA has consistently made this payment on time and in full for four decades running.

In a year marked by dry conditions and high market prices for power purchases, BPA ends the fiscal year in a healthy financial position due to cost management and agency financial policies, such as the Financial Reserves Policy.

“Completing the annual U.S Treasury payment for the 40th year in a row is a significant milestone that demonstrates BPA’s ongoing ability to meet all of its financial obligations,” said Marcus Harris, BPA’s chief financial officer. “Prudent decisions guided by our financial reserves policy framework have set us up to weather these recent challenging market conditions and remain financially strong.”

This year’s payment includes $740.7 million in principal and $218.2 million in interest. The principal includes $424.2 million of additional federal debt payment associated with the Regional Cooperation Debt phase 2 program and the FY 2022 Reserves Distribution Clause. The remaining $62.4 million covers a variety of other costs, including irrigation assistance payments that BPA provides to help irrigators repay their share of certain Bureau of Reclamation projects.

BPA is a self-financed power marketing administration that receives no annual appropriation funding from Congress. Instead, BPA recovers its costs primarily through the sale of electric power and transmission services.

Each year, BPA pays back to the U.S. Treasury a portion of the taxpayers' investment in the Federal Columbia River Power System, which includes the federal hydropower dams that produce renewable electricity and the transmission system. BPA sets its rates to maintain an annual 97.5 percent probability of making this payment.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer in the U.S. Department of Energy that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

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FIRE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELED

For Immediate Release

October 4th, 2023

Contact: Julia Budlong (503) 509-9668

Notice of Meeting Cancelation

The Fire Policy Committee (FPC) of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (Board) meeting scheduled for November 29th, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. has been canceled due to lack of agenda items.

The next Fire Policy Committee meeting is scheduled for February 28th, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.

SALEM, Ore. — The Forestry Program for Oregon Subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The subcommittee’s agenda includes:

• Vision for Oregon’s Forests (“FPFO”) content development
• Prep for Oct. 19 Board of Forestry topic

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

Subcommittee purpose: Collaborative work forum for board and agency leadership to advance efforts to jointly develop a modern Forestry Program for Oregon (FPFO). The subcommittee will serve until completion of the conceptual FPFO, targeted for December 2023. Read more information about the subcommittee.

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Wright at (503) 378-2191 or shelby.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov.

The meeting will be live-streamed on the DPSST Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon/ 

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

     Approve minutes from the July 27, 2023, Meeting

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Brian Henson, Deputy Director

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

A. Dakota Brotherton, DPSST #42387; Junction City Fire Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 23, 2023.

B. Scott Durocher, DPSST #42128; Lakeview Fire Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 23, 2023.

C. Andrew Lawrie, DPSST #42329; Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 23, 2023.

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Matthew English, Chair

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

A. Steven Larsen, DPSST No. 49075; Morrow County Sheriff’s Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

B. Troy Page, DPSST No. 58639; Linn County Sheriff’s Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote with 1 (one) recusal, to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 8, 2023.

C. Peter Robinson, DPSST No. 48227; Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office– No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

D. Maria Sanchez, DPSST No. 26550; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility – Revoke

7 (seven) to 3 (three) vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 8, 2023.

E. Aaron Smith, DPSST No. 44175; McMinnville Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

F. Dennis Viereck, DPSST No. 36201; Scappoose Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

G. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

   Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

H. Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Nomination; Joseph W. Johnson, DPSST No. 48952 - Nyssa Police Department

Determine eligibility for addition to Oregon’s Law Enforcement Memorial Wall

I. Committee Appointments

Telecommunications Policy Committee

- Gary Bell – Oregon Association Chief’s of Police Representative, Appointment to the TPC, 1^st term effective October 28, 2023.

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Chris Brodniak, Professional Standards Division Director

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

A. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0025, 259-060-0060, and 259-060-0136

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 15, 2023.

B. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-061-0005 and 259-061-0240

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 15, 2023.

c. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 259 Division

             Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 15, 2023.

             Presented by Jennifer Howald

8. Agency Updates - Agency Director, Phil Castle

9. Next Meeting Date: January 25, 2023, 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 Board members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power's Blue Sky participants receive national recognition for green power sales

PORTLAND, Ore. (Oct 3, 2023) — Thanks to Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program participants, the popular Blue Sky renewable energy program ranked first in overall green pricing sales in a national study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

NREL recently released its ranking of leading utility green power programs based on 2022 data and recognized the top ten outstanding green power programs. For the 21st consecutive year, PacifiCorp’s Blue Sky program – which includes participation by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power customers – is being recognized. 

“Blue Sky participants are making an impact by supporting additional renewable energy and local community projects,” said Cory Scott, vice president of customer & community solutions. “We’re proud of our Blue Sky participants for their continued commitment to renewables that helped achieve this national recognition.

“Our Blue Sky participants voluntarily support this program and continue to bring renewable energy awareness into the forefront of everyday life and lead the way toward a more robust renewable energy future while making meaningful changes in our communities,” said Scott. 

PacifiCorp scored first in the top 10 list for green power sales based on December 2022 data. 

How Blue Sky works

Blue Sky allows participants to match their energy usage with the purchase of renewable energy credits. It’s an effortless way for participants to support renewable energy in the West, above and beyond Pacific Power’s substantial and growing commitment to renewables.

In addition to supporting renewable energy in the West, funds from Blue Sky participants’ support have allowed Pacific Power to partner with community organizations to fund more than 145 local renewable energy projects over the years. These projects have helped community organizations save money on electricity costs and reinvest those funds to support their missions in the communities Pacific Power serves. 

Pacific Power customers who want to participate in Blue Sky can call toll free at 1-888-221-7070 or visit Blue Sky Renewable Energy.

The top 10 utility green pricing program listing is compiled by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the following categories: total sales of renewable energy, total number of customer participants, customer participation rate, green power as a percentage of overall sales, price premium and percentage of solar energy.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory green power rankings are available at www.nrel.gov. 

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About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in 243 communities across Oregon, Washington and California. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving nearly two million customers in six western states as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

Salem, Oregon – Awards totaling $1,382,696 will be distributed to 171 Oregon arts organizations through the Oregon Arts Commission’s Operating Support Program for fiscal year 2024. 

Ranging from $3,000 to $25,000, the unrestricted awards are available to nonprofit organizations with arts at the core of their mission and budgets of more than $150,000. The Arts Commission determines awards based on number of applications and available grant funds.

“Operating support is crucial to organizations as these funds can be used at their discretion to sustain artistic programming," said Arts Commission Chair Subashini Ganesan-Forbes. “Grant recipients (and their peers) also see this grant as a sign of our trust in their vision, capacity and importance to the Oregon arts ecosystem.” 

There are 13 organizations new to the program this year, as the number of eligible organizations has grown.

FY2024 Operating Support Grants by region:

Central

BendFilm, Bend: $6,963

Cascades Theatrical Company, Bend: $3,000 

Central Oregon Symphony Association, Bend: $3,781

High Desert Chamber Music, $3,781

Scalehouse, Bend: $4,466

Sisters Folk Festival, Inc., Sisters: $10,047 

Sunriver Music Festival, Sunriver: $4,128 

The High Desert Museum, Bend: $25,000

The Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs: $7,163 

Tower Theatre Foundation, Inc., Bend: $13,380

Greater Eastern – North

Arts Council of Pendleton, Pendleton: $9,215 

Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts, Pendleton: $4,575 

Oregon East Symphony, Inc., Pendleton: $4,128

Greater Eastern – South

Painted Sky Center for the Arts, Canyon City: $4,835

Portland Metro

45th Parallel, Portland: $4,128 

Advance Gender Equity in the Arts, Portland: $3,781

Alberta Abbey Foundation, Portland: $5,180 

All Ages Music Portland, Portland: $6,401

All Classical Public Media, Inc., Portland: $18,656

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland: $13,896

Arts Action Alliance Foundation, Oregon City: $7,045

A-WOL Dance Collective, Inc., Clackamas: $4,128 

Bag & Baggage Productions, Inc., Hillsboro: $6,933 

Beaverton Arts Foundation, Beaverton: $16,461

BodyVox Inc. , Portland: $11,394 

Bosco-Milligan Foundation, Portland: $4,580 

Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Tigard: $14,648

Caldera, Portland: $18,977 

Cappella Romana Inc., Portland: $7,275 

Chamber Music Northwest , Portland: $14,548 

Children's Healing Art Project, Portland: $4,594 

Clackamas Repertory Theatre, Oregon City: $4,128 

CoHo Productions Ltd, Portland: $4,128

Corrib Theatre, Portland: $4,128

Cracked Pots, Inc, Portland: $3,000 

Curious Comedy Productions, Portland: $5,610 

Echo Theater Company, Portland: $4,736 

Film Action Oregon dba Hollywood Theatre, Portland: $14,140 

Friends of Chamber Music, Portland: $7,753 

Hand2Mouth, Portland: $4,128 

Imago the Theatre Mask Ensemble, Portland: $5,463 

In a Landscape, Portland: $5,614 

Independent Publishing Resource Center Inc., Portland: $6,177 

Japanese Garden Society of Oregon, Portland: $25,000

Lakewood Theatre Company, Lake Oswego: $12,829 

Literary Arts Inc., Portland: $22,017 

Live Wire Radio, Portland: $7,335 

Metroarts Inc, Portland: $4,635

MetroEast Community Media, Gresham: $12,522 

Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland: $8,781

Michael Allen Harrison’s Play It Forward, Beaverton: $5,477 

Miracle Theatre Group, Portland: $17,573 

Music Workshop, Portland: $4,128 

My Voice Music, Portland: $5,771

North Pole Studio, Portland: $4,411 

Northwest Children's Theater & School Inc., Portland: $15,165 

Northwest Professional Dance Project, Portland: $9,476 

Old Church Society, Inc., Portland: $7,220

Open Signal, Portland: $21,188 

Opera Theater of Oregon, Portland: $5,047

Oregon Arts Watch, Portland: $3,781

Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland: $15,411 

Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras, Portland: $12,044 

Oregon Center for Contemporary Art, Portland: $9,278 

Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, Portland: $5,154 

Oregon Children's Theatre Company, Portland: $16,655 

Oregon Repertory Singers, Gladstone: $4,550 

Oregon Society of Artists, Portland: $3,781

Oregon Symphony Association, Portland: $25,000 

Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, Portland: $4,889

Outside the Frame, Portland: $5,552 

Pacific Youth Choir, Portland: $6,330 

PassinArt: A Theatre Company, Portland: $3,781

PHAME Academy, Portland: $7,852 

PlayWrite, Portland: $4,803

Polaris Dance Company, Portland: $6,601 

Portland Actors Conservatory, Portland: $4,128 

Portland Art Museum, Portland: $25,000 

Portland Baroque Orchestra, Portland: $9,806 

Portland Center Stage at The Armory, Portland: $25,000 

Portland Columbia Symphony, Portland: $4,128 

Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble, Portland: $4,128 

Portland Gay Men's Chorus Inc., Portland: $6,584 

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland: $15,202

Portland Jazz Festival, Inc. dba PDX Jazz, Portland: $7,645 

Portland Opera Association, Portland: $25,000 

Portland Piano International, Portland: $5,428 

Portland Playhouse, Portland: $12,175 

Portland Revels, Portland: $4,835

Portland Street Art Alliance, Portland: $5,273 

Portland Youth Philharmonic, Portland: $9,331 

Profile Theatre Project, Portland: $6,565 

Regional Arts & Culture Council, Portland: $25,000 

Resonance Vocal Ensemble, Portland: $4,492 

SCRAP Creative Reuse, Portland: $7,506

Shaking the Tree Theatre, Portland: $4,148 

Stumptown Stages, Lake Oswego: $4,128 

The Portland Ballet, Portland: $7,303 

The Red Door Project, Portland: $7,812 

Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Portland: $4,396 

Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Portland: $7,256 

triangle productions, Portland: $5,206 

Tualatin Valley Creates, Beaverton: $4,635

Vibe of Portland, Portland: $4,128 

Western Alliance of Arts Administrators Foundation, Portland: $6,134 

White Bird, Portland: $11,299

Willamette Writers, Portland: $3,781 

Write Around Portland, Portland: $8,277 

Young Audiences of Oregon, Portland: $13,476 

Young Musicians & Artists, Portland: $4,140 

Youth Music Project , West Linn: $11,394

Mid-Valley

Chehalem Center Association, Newberg: $7,642 

Children's Educational Theatre, Salem: $4,128 

Enlightened Theatrics, Salem: $3,781 

Historic Elsinore Theatre Inc., Salem: $9,546 

Salem Art Association, Salem: $9,922 

Salem Multicultural Institute, Salem: $5,959 

Willamette Art Center, Salem: $4,128 

Willamette University/Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Salem: $8,468

North Central 

Columbia Center for the Arts, Hood River: $5,858

North Coast

Coaster Theatre Playhouse, Cannon Beach: $5,002

Hoffman Center for the Arts, Manzanita: $3,781

Liberty Restoration Inc., Astoria: $11,443

Northeast

Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center Inc., Baker City: $4,128 

Eastern Oregon Regional Arts Council, Inc., La Grande: $4,128 

Fishtrap Inc., Enterprise: $5,857 

Friends of the Opera House, Elgin: $3,792

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $4,128

South Central

Ross Ragland Theater, Klamath Falls: $10,791

South Coast

Artula Institute for Art and Environmental Education, Bandon: $5,623

Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay: $4,717

Umpqua Valley Arts Association, Roseburg: $5,391

South Valley/Mid Coast

Ballet Fantastique, Eugene: $6,395 

Chamber Music Amici, Eugene: $3,000 

Community Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene: $6,030 

Comunidad y Herencia Cultural, Springfield: $4,604

Corvallis Arts Center Inc., Corvallis: $5,687 

Corvallis Youth Symphony Association, Corvallis: $4,128 

Cottage Theatre, Cottage Grove: $7,914 

Delgani String Quartet, Eugene: $4,216 

Eugene Ballet Company, Eugene: $12,656 

Eugene Concert Choir Inc., Eugene: $5,342 

Eugene Opera, Eugene: $3,000 

Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestras, Eugene: $4,472

Eugene Symphony Association, Inc., Eugene: $19,159 

Joint Forces Dance Company, Eugene: $4,461 

Lane Arts Council, Eugene: $15,787 

Lincoln City Cultural Center, Lincoln City: $4,814 

Maude I. Kerns Art Center, Eugene: $4,128 

Maxtivity, Philomath: $3,781

Newport Symphony Orchestra, Newport: $4,128 

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Newport: $10,015

Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Eugene: $5,891 

Shedd Institute for the Arts, The John G. , Eugene: $14,460

Siletz Bay Music Festival, Lincoln City: $3,781 

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis: $9,300 

The Very Little Theatre, Eugene: $4,128 

University of Oregon Foundation – Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene: $16,834

Whiteside Theatre Foundation, Corvallis: $3,781

Wordcrafters in Eugene, Eugene: $3,781

Southern

Anima Mundi Productions, Phoenix: $3,781

Collaborative Theatre Project Inc., Medford: $4,128

Grants Pass Museum of Art, Grants Pass: $4,128 

Oregon Shakespeare Festival Association, Ashland: $25,000 

Peter Britt Gardens Arts and Music Festival Association, Medford: $20,949

Rogue Valley Art Association, Medford: $5,316 

Rogue Valley Chorale Association, Medford: $4,128 

Rogue World Music, Ashland: $4,128 

Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, Ashland: $4,128 

Southern Oregon University/ Chamber Music Concerts, Ashland: $4,128 

Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, Medford: $4,128

Region and counties key: 

Central (Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook Counties)

Greater Eastern North (Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Wheeler and Grant Counties)

Greater Eastern South (Harney and Malheur Counties)

Portland Metro (Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties)   

Mid-Valley (Yamhill, Polk and Marion Counties) 

North Central (Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties)

North Coast (Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties) 

Northeast (Wallowa, Union and Baker Counties)

South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties) 

South Coast (Douglas, Coos and Curry Counties) 

South Valley/Mid-Coast (Lincoln, Benton, Linn and Lane Counties) 

Southern (Josephine and Jackson Counties) 

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

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

Regional Fire Fighters Train in South Richland

Today until 4:00 p.m. at the 1400 block of Rimrock in South Richland firefighters from around the region are participating in a training exercise in Leslie Canyon. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to get some live footage and speak to instructors nearby. 

The training course which includes firefighters from around the region, includes both classroom and field training in urban and wildland response. The course is designed to provide a consistence understanding of safety, command and control, and strategy and tactics to use when fighting wildland fires in urban areas.

This will be a non-fire training exercise with personnel, and fire apparatus and equipment. 

Contact on site: Richland Fire - Scott Clemenson.

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has been upgrading major components of its engineering lab thanks to a generous $200,000 investment from Doug and Julia Hamrick.  

The Hamricks’ gift is providing much-needed equipment, including 3D printing machines used for prototyping, a Charpy impact tester (measures the energy level required to fracture material), and digital hardness testers and laser cutters required in today’s manufacturing processes. 

The Hamrick’s support builds on a $50,000 investment by Battelle, the operation managers of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), which initiated momentum for the upgrades by funding an automated, computerized-numerical-control (CNC) lathe. In addition, leading WSU philanthropists Gene and Linda Voiland made a gift of $55,650 for the purchase of a CNC mini mill and other equipment. All together, these gifts provide $305,650 toward the upgrade.

“Julia and I have seen WSU Tri-Cities answer the area’s growth with talented, well-prepared graduates,” said Hamrick, “and this lab will elevate WSU’s game.” 

Presently, nearly 25% of the student body at WSU Tri-Cities use the lab, and the upgrades will enable them to take on more complex projects. Last year, capstone projects ranged from a portable solar emergency communications system to a beehive monitoring system. Campus leaders are eager to see what future projects spring from the minds of creative students when they have access to state-of-the-art facilities.  

The upgrades and renovations will be completed in the spring. 

Educating students makes a local impact

Hamrick didn’t have a degree when he began working at the Hanford Site in the Tri-Cities area in the 1970s. Although he advanced to supervisor his tenth year, his boss told him he couldn’t go any further without an engineering degree.

So at the age of 31, in 1982, Hamrick began the arduous process of taking evening courses at Columbia Basin College and then WSU Tri-Cities while continuing to work full-time. In 1990, he completed his degree in mechanical engineering.

“It was a lot of hard work,” said Hamrick, “but I was motivated. And I had some great teachers, many of whom were engineers at Hanford.”

Having worked in remediation at high-hazard facilities as well as in chemical weapons facilities, Hamrick understands the power of education in preparing students to tackle some of the most challenging problems society faces. Moreover, the Hamricks—who are Kennewick residents—have seen the local impact of the Hanford clean-up and the resulting growth of Tri-Cities. 

The net-zero carbon economy

Their decision to invest in the lab renovation was shaped by conversations with WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes and Changki Mo, academic director and associate professor of mechanical engineering. 

Haynes’ vision is to better prepare WSU Tri-Cities students with the problem-solving skills needed by industry while also deepening the relationships between WSU, Hanford contractors, and PNNL, one of the leading research centers in the nation focused on energy. 

“In the past, much of our economy has been focused on the Hanford clean-up, and this work remains important. However, the future is about developing clean-energy technologies for our state and the nation,” said Haynes. “Naturally, we’re investing in our lab.”

This past summer, the DOE named WSU Tri-Cities a grand prize winner in the highly competitive final phase of the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize, which came with a $250,000 award.

“This award is central to our strategy of serving our students by preparing them for jobs in a clean-energy economy while addressing environmental justice issues,” said Haynes, who notes that half of the students enrolled at WSU Tri-Cities are first-generation. In addition, nearly half are Latinx or other underrepresented groups, and many are nontraditional students.

“We have not only educated some of the state’s top engineers, scientists, and business professionals, but we also serve the most diverse student body of all the WSU campuses. This puts us in a unique position to educate a new American workforce that will develop energy and environmental solutions and lead us into a net-zero-carbon economy.”

“Test kitchen”

During a tour of the lab with Mo this past February, Hamrick was struck by the fact that the equipment was nearly the same as when he was a student decades before. 

“The more Professor Mo talked about how the lab would be a kind of ‘test kitchen’ or ‘problem-solving lab’ allowing students to turn their ideas into innovative porotypes for all kinds of projects, the more Julia and I knew this is where we wanted to give,” said Hamrick.

In joining Battelle and the Voilands in upgrading the lab, the Hamricks know their gift is not just an investment in WSU but also in the Tri-Cities community.  

It’s a gift,” said Julia Hamrick, “that will help move Tri-Cities into an exciting future.”

OREGON - The FBI is announcing the results of Operation Not Forgotten, which dedicated over 40 FBI Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, Staff Operations Specialists, and Victim Specialists to 10 FBI Field Offices whose designated regions support women and children in indigenous communities, including the FBI Portland Field Office. During Operation Not Forgotten, over 220 cases were handled by investigators during the resource surge. During the operation, resources were added to FBI Portland's Bend Resident Agency to focus on Indian Country in Oregon. 

Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to combating crime in Indian Country, investigative personnel and victim specialists collectively deployed to tribal areas to examine cases and focus resources on seeking justice for women and children who have been victims of crime.

“The FBI’s efforts in Indian Country in the state of Oregon are ever present. Operation Not Forgotten amplified our existing commitment to the indigenous communities in our area by serving as a force multiplier to investigate cases of missing women and children in Indian Country,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “The increased effort resulted in several arrests, including that of a fugitive who had been on the run for years. However, the true measure of success is seeing justice brought to families in conjunction with the FBI’s surge in resources.”

“Operation Not Forgotten reflects the FBI’s relentless and continued commitment to ensuring the safety and security of women and children in indigenous communities,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “By expanding our presence in Indian Country and working closely with tribal law enforcement agencies and community advocates, the FBI aims to achieve meaningful and impactful progress in solving these cases and bringing justice for victims and their families and loved ones.”

This initiative, along with the FBI's broader Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) strategy, emphasizes the FBI’s continued dedication to address the violence impacting indigenous communities. The FBI is committed to maintaining close collaboration with tribal law enforcement agencies, tribal governments, and community members to build safer communities and protect the rights of all individuals. 

FBI field offices that received dedicated personnel: 

• Albuquerque
• Detroit
• Denver
• Minneapolis
• Oklahoma City
• Omaha
• Phoenix
• Portland
• Seattle
• Salt Lake City

Individuals with any relevant information are encouraged to visit tips.fbi.gov to submit an online tip or contact their local FBI office. 

Resources: 

FBI Indian Country Crime - https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/indian-country-crime

FBI Indian Country in Judicial Districts - https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/indian-country-in-judicial-districts.pdf/view

FBI Victim Services - https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services 

FBI Indian Country News - https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/indian-country-crime/indian-country-news

EDITORS: OHA and ODHS experts will be available to answer reporters’ questions about the LUBGWMA outreach, education and testing campaign during a virtual media availability at 11 a.m. today (Tuesday, Oct. 3). Interested reporters can join the availability via Zoom at this link. 

October 3, 2023

Media contacts: 

Jonathan Modie, OHA, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Sherryll Hoar, ODHS, 504-779-9317, em.odhs@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Domestic well water awareness and testing campaign in Umatilla and Morrow counties increases well testing, information in region 

More than 50% of domestic well users in Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area issued testing voucher following 6-month campaign

PORTLAND, Ore.— Following a directive from Gov. Tina Kotek, a coalition of state, local and community partners had met its goal of meaningfully offering water testing to all 3,300 identified domestic well-using households in Morrow and Umatilla counties within the Lower Umatilla Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA).

The goal of the effort – in which state agencies partnered with local public health departments and community organizations on an intensive bilingual canvassing, outreach and communications campaign – was to increase awareness about the risk of exposure to high nitrate levels in domestic well water and the availability of free water testing. For households with well water testing above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter of water, the state is paying for bottled water delivery and, where effective, free in-home water treatment systems.

Groundwater in the LUBGWMA contains elevated levels of nitrate. High levels of nitrate consumption can be harmful to human health, especially for infants and pregnant women.

At Gov. Kotek’s request, the Oregon Legislature allocated funding through June 2025 to support testing, water provisioning and treatment systems, as well as continued outreach and education by state and local public health authorities and community-based organizations. Residents will be offered free repeat nitrate testing of their private well water and continued delivery of free drinking water to those whose nitrate levels test higher than 10 mg/liter. 

The campaign, which kicked off in March, focused on quickly increasing information in the LUBGWMA about the dangers of drinking water that is high in nitrate levels and how residents can receive a voucher for free laboratory testing from the state.

“This campaign has been so important to increase awareness about the public health risks for all residents, and especially pregnant women and babies” said Sandra Hernandes, Ph.D., executive director of Doulas Latinas International. “It’s been a huge value to work with other community-based organizations, local county public health, and the state to quickly spread the word and educate our communities in various languages, such as Spanish, Mam, Quiche', and English about health risks and how to access free resources.

“Bringing teams to canvass all neighborhoods, going door-to-door and making sure everyone in the Lower Umatilla Basin is given an opportunity for well testing has been a great support resource from the state,” said Robin Canaday, Morrow County Public Health director. “Now that we have a sense of which households are testing above the recommended limit, we’re able to understand where we need to re-test moving forward and what communities still need additional information.”

A coalition of state agencies, local public health authorities and community-based organizations that have been involved in the campaign will continue to provide educational information about health risks from nitrates in domestic well water in the LUBGWMA and encourage domestic well users to get their water tested.

The state will continue to advertise access to free water testing, water delivery and treatment, and to help residents with applying for testing, collecting water samples, delivering samples to a lab for analysis, and supporting Morrow and Umatilla counties’ public health departments in signing up people for water delivery if nitrate levels in their well water test above 10 mg/L.

So far, the drinking water of 235 households has tested above 10 mg/L; 341 households are receiving water delivery; and treatment systems have been installed in 28 homes. We expect this number to increase significantly in the next couple of weeks, as we work through the backlog and check the results for validity. Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) TestMyWell.Oregon.gov website will continue to be updated with the most recent metrics as they are available.

Well users in Morrow County have been receiving water deliveries since before the state’s campaign began, after the county issued a domestic well emergency declaration in June 2022 and tested 500 wells. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) provided funding for county water delivery to households with nitrate over 10 mg/L.

Taking lessons from the COVID-19 campaign, this awareness effort included:

• Bilingual social media and digital advertising.
• Print media advertisements in local publication.
• Partnerships with local community-based organizations for outreach and events, including: Doulas Latinas International, Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living, Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides, and Oregon Rural Action.
• Two contaminated domestic well open house community forums, attended by 400 residents and tabling by partners at more than two dozen community events.
• Direct door-to-door canvassing of all LUBGWMA residents outside areas served by public water systems.
• A contract with 211 for residents to get help completing a testing voucher application and schedule an appointment for well water collection and delivery to a state-contracted laboratory.
• Outreach materials designed with community input and provided to partners, including posters, yard signs, tabling event banners, educational magnets, water bottles, and more.

Outreach metrics of note include:

• 5,400 visits to addresses, including repeat visits to households where residents were not home.
• Health information provided at all 5,400 attempted contacts. Door hangers with contact information left when residents were not home.
• 1,000 water samples collected throughout the campaign.
• 1,200 households that were inaccessible (no trespassing signs or hostile dogs) identified for follow-up via specialized mailing campaigns.
• Identified 3,291 residences dependent on domestic wells in the LUBGWMA.

Communications metrics of note include:

• Three direct-mail postcards to all households in the LUBGWMA.
• 3,030,688 impressions on paid digital communications.
• 15,379 website visits to OHA’s English and Spanish websites.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality designated the LUBGWMA in 1990 under Oregon’s Groundwater Quality Protection Act of 1989 due to regional nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in groundwater that exceeded 7 mg/L.

LUBGWMA nitrate level health information

Households in the LUBGWMA that rely on domestic well water for drinking and cooking, and with nitrate test results above 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of water, are eligible to receive water deliveries. Households with test results between 10 mg/L and 25 mg/L of nitrate can get vouchers for in-home water treatment systems. End-of-tap treatment systems are not effective when nitrate levels are above 25 mg/L.

Water with nitrate levels up to 10 mg/L is considered safe for all uses, including drinking, cooking and toothbrushing. Water with more than 10 mg/L is safe for other uses, such as bathing, washing dishes, laundry and garden irrigation, and also for toothbrushing by adults and older children who can brush without swallowing water.

Well users in the LUBGWMA can schedule a free well water test appointment by calling 211. Well users also can apply for a voucher online, by email, or by phone to get a free well water testing voucher for nitrate. OHA is also paying on a one-time basis for other recommended domestic well contaminants (arsenic, bacteria, lead), as well as hardness, iron and manganese to inform treatment system decisions. OHA will pay for repeat testing of nitrate in the future as needed:

• Online: https://testmywell.oregon.gov 
• Email: Wells@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Phone: 211 for help completing a voucher and setting as appointment for the state to collect a water sample and deliver it to the laboratory.

For more information, contact the OHA Domestic Well Safety Program at 971-673-0440 or Domestic.Wells@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Canvassers went door-to-door across the Lower Umatilla Basin to identify households that depend on domestic well water. OHA and ODHS consider this total to be “the ground-truthed" number of residences that rely on domestic wells in the Lower Umatilla Basin; previous to the campaign this information was unavailable. This number is subject to change in the future as informal residences may be identified.

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SALEM, Ore. – Oct. 3, 2023 — Oregon is home to several fault lines that cause dozens of earthquakes every year. The most known earthquake threat is the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 700-mile fault located off the Pacific coast that puts Oregon at risk for a 9.0+ magnitude earthquake. A quake of that size could cause five to seven minutes of shaking, followed by a tsunami that would devastate coastal areas. October features several events reminding Oregonians to prepare and protect themselves before the ground starts shaking.

Wireless Emergency Alerts
“One of the most important steps people can take is to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, on their cell phones,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon. “WEA are short emergency messages sent to your phone to warn of an impending natural or human-made disaster, like an earthquake. WEA messages can provide immediate, life-saving information.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is conducting a nationwide WEA test on all consumer cell phones at 11:20 a.m. on Oct. 4. People will see a message on their phones that reads “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.” 

At the same time, FEMA will also test the Emergency Alert System (EAS) that broadcasts on radios and televisions. The message will read, “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”

ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning Notifications
People in Oregon, Washington and California who’ve opted into WEA automatically receive ShakeAlert earthquake early warning notifications for earthquakes in their area with a magnitude of 4.5 or greater, which can offer critical seconds of warning to seek cover from falling objects and brace themselves. ShakeAlert uses science and technology to detect significant earthquakes quickly and sends an alert to people on their cell phones. The alert makes a distinctive sound and displays a text message reading, “Earthquake detected! Drop, cover, hold on. Protect yourself.” This message is also available in Spanish for phones set to receive alerts in that language. Some cell phones with text-to-voice capability may read out the message text.

Great Oregon ShakeOut
An effective and no-cost way for individuals and families to practice earthquake safety is to register for The Great Oregon ShakeOut, a self-led earthquake drill taking place at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19. Nearly half a million Oregonians have already registered, pledging to Drop, Cover and Hold On for at least 60 seconds as if a major earthquake was occurring at that moment.

“Knowing what to do when the earth starts shaking helps people reduce their risk and better protect themselves to prepare for earthquakes,” said Director McMahon. “Most emergency management experts and official preparedness organizations agree that Drop, Cover and Hold On is the appropriate action to reduce the chance of injury from falling objects and flying debris during earthquakes. When people practice these simple steps, it becomes a routine that allows instincts to kick in when shaking starts.”

When the ground starts to shake, or you receive an earthquake alert on a cell phone:

• Drop immediately onto hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to a nearby shelter. If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels.
• Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If there is no nearby shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows. Remain on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
• Hold On until the shaking stops. If under a shelter, hold onto it with one hand and be ready to move with the shelter if it shifts. If there is no shelter, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.

If you're near the ocean and feel a large earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking stops. Then walk inland and up to high ground. Do not wait for an official warning, as a tsunami could come ashore in a few minutes. Learn more about earthquake preparedness on OEM’s website.

ORAlert and Be 2 Weeks Ready
OEM also encourages people in Oregon to sign up for local emergency alerts from their county or tribe at ORAlert.gov; be informed and knowledgeable about the hazards where they live; and have an emergency plan and enough food, water and supplies to survive for at least two weeks following any disaster. The agency’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program offers several resources in multiple languages to help people prepare.

Learn more at oregon.gov/oem.

# # #
 

OEM Geological Hazards Program Coordinator Althea Rizzo is available for interviews on Oct. 3. Please contact Chris Crabb to make arrangements.

Richland Energy Services staff will be in the lobby of Richland City Hall on Wednesday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., to celebrate Public Power Week and meet with citizens.

Come learn about the programs and incentives our electric utility provides. There will be refreshments and giveaways too!

City Hall is located at 625 Swift Boulevard in Richland.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting public comment on proposed updates to the rules for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit violations, including endangering the safety of visitors and staff (OAR 736-010-0020 and 736-021-0040). 

The Exclusion Rule Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the mental health community, attorneys, agency safety staff and park hosts, developed a set of recommendations to update the exclusion rules during a series of three public meetings.

The proposed updates will clarify the process for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit rule violations that endanger the safety of visitors, staff or park resources; provide clear information on how excluded individuals may request an appeal and how the appeals will be processed.

OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. Nov. 3, 2023, and they can be made online, at a public hearing, in writing or via email:

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

Virtual Public Hearing:  2 p.m. Oct. 30. Must register in advance to receive conference link. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eWNdOpNMSlqyK1hWS2RExg

Individuals who require special accommodations for the meeting should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at Helena.KESCH@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.

[YAKIMA, WA] South Central Washington STEM Network encourages students from across the region to join us for our 2023 “Pathway to the Top" College and Career Expo, taking place tomorrow, October 3, 2023, at the Yakima Valley SunDome. This day-long event is designed to provide invaluable resources and guidance for students as they embark on their future planning endeavors.

In collaboration with universities, industry tech schools, apprenticeship programs, and military representatives, the "Pathway to the Top" College and Career Expo is tailored to address the unique needs and aspirations of our region's students. The event will be divided into two sessions, catering to the diverse interests and circumstances of attendees.
 

The AM Session, spanning from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., is packed with meaningful presentations and interactive workshops covering essential aspects of future planning. Attendees can expect sessions on financial aid, scholarships, resume building, interview skills, and college application assistance. 
 

The PM Session, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., will focus on providing GED assistance and resources, aiding students in their pursuit of educational advancement. Complementing this, there will be informative presentations on resume building and interview skills, offering essential guidance to students stepping into the world of career opportunities.

"We are eager to host the 'Pathway to the Top' College and Career Expo and to provide a platform for students to explore their potential and chart their course towards a successful future," said Shelly O’Neill, Career Connected Learning/CTE Graduation Pathways Coordinator  at ESD 105. "This event aims to empower students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their educational and professional pathways."

Students, parents, educators, and community members are encouraged to participate in this enriching event. For any inquiries or further information about the event, please contact Shelly O'Neill at (509) 571-5651 or shelly.oneill@esd105.org.

About ESD 105:

ESD 105 supports 25 public school districts and more than 20 state-approved private and tribal schools in South Central Washington.  The agency serves the expressed needs of those schools in coordinating and conducting cooperative programs to benefit the approximately 68,000 K-12 students who are served in Kittitas and Yakima counties and portions of Grant and Klickitat counties.  As one of nine ESDs in the state, ESD 105 carries out liaison activities between local school districts, the Washington State Office of Public Instruction, and the State Board of Education.

UPDATE-

The Oregon State Police major crimes section is providing an update to the active officer involved shooting investigation in Polk County.

The suspect vehicle was occupied by the following:

              Isaac Ivan Ocegueda (18) of Carlton- Declared deceased at the scene.

              Jose Manuel Coral Zavala (20) of Salem

              Female Juvenile (17)

The Polk County Deputy has been identified as Deputy Mike Smith; an 8 year veteran of the agency, who has been placed on administrative leave per SB111 protocols.

During the investigation, limited information is available for release in order to preserve the investigation itself. 

OSP Investigating Officer Involved Shooting- Polk County

The Oregon State Police major crimes section is actively investigating an officer involved shooting at the request of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office- in accordance with SB111 protocols.

On Saturday, September 30, at approximately 1:30 A.M., an Independence Police Officer initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle fled.  The pursuit ended after officers deployed spike strips, disabling the vehicle, and the suspect fled on foot. Law enforcement officers responded to the area and located the suspect as he attempted to flee the area in another vehicle. The suspect opened fire on responding officers, striking a Polk County Deputy and law enforcement officers discharged their weapons in response. 

As a result of the gunfire exchange, one suspect is deceased, another is injured, and the original suspect has been arrested. 

There is no reason to believe there is any danger to the public at this time.

Due to the on-going investigation, further details are currently unavailable.  All future releases will come from the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

PASCO, WA – Educational Service District 123 is bringing together workforce and economic development leaders, K-12 and higher education members, and various Tri-Cities community leaders to learn from and collaborate with bestselling author Mark Perna. On October 10, Mark Perna will keynote a full-day event at the Tri-Tech Skills Center in Kennewick, Washington.

“Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations” begins at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, October 10. International speaker Mark Perna invites participants to discover the game-changing strategies that are shifting the education and employment paradigm nationwide. His message is a call to action for educators and the workforce to tap into the vast creativity, intelligence, and potential of the next generation through purpose-driven education and training.

Jim Kindle, ESD 123 Regional Career Connected Learning Coordinator, is spearheading the event, thanks to the partnership and collaboration of Pasco School District, the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council, Tri-Tech Skills Center (Kennewick School District), and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“Mark emphasizes that purpose-driven education and relevant training are essential for our young adults' workforce development,” says Jim Kindle.  “Our youth hold immense potential to change the world, but it's crucial to provide them with opportunities.”

Mark Perna’s book Answering WHY reshapes thoughts and perceptions about Millennials and Gen Z, whom Perna calls “one of the most talented, resourceful, and tenacious generations to come down the pike.”

Registration is open and the media is invited to join ESD 123 and Mark Perna from 8:30-10:30 AM and 12:30-2:30 PM on October 10 at the Tri-Tech Skills Center in Kennewick. For more information, contact ESD 123 Director of Communications Molly Curtiss at tiss@esd123.org">mcurtiss@esd123.org or 509.544.5787.

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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.

Salem, Ore. –  Oregonians have a chance to win the fourth largest Powerball jackpot in history with tonight’s drawing estimated at $1.04 billion.

A $50,000 winning Powerball ticket was purchased in Tillamook in Saturday’s drawing, but no one claimed the top prize. Since the current jackpot run up began on July 22, Oregon has seen 439,688 winners and more than $4.7 million in total Powerball game winnings. This is the first time two consecutive jackpot runs have produced billion dollar jackpots in the Powerball game.

In this latest run, the Oregon Lottery has sold $18.49 million in tickets. Approximately a third of sales from the game will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more. 

Retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. 

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The largest prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. 

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have a year to claim their prize. 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

Pasco, WA, October 2, 2023 - Columbia Basin College (CBC) is one of 11 Washington Community and Technical Colleges awarded funds from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to support programs that train students for high-demand careers. In a press release on September 28, SBCTC, noted that CBC will receive $73,824 for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.  

CBC’s focus on comprehensive curriculum development, leveraging the High Demand funds, has allowed us to deliver a high-quality educational program. We have invested in state-of-the-art equipment and resources, ensuring that our students receive the most current, industry-relevant training. The combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on practical training has been well received by the students. The launch of this program has also enabled us to attract highly qualified faculty members with diverse backgrounds in the nursing field. Their expertise has been instrumental in developing a rigorous, relevant curriculum and creating a supportive learning environment for our students. We have also made strides in embedding equity and diversity within the program. We are striving to make nursing education accessible to all students, with a particular focus on providing opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Kim Tucker, Director for Nursing Programs, said “funds like this support CBC’s mission of student success, learning, and completion. The core purpose of the LPN to BSN program is to equip Licensed Practical Nurses with a BSN, thus increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in our region.” CBC is proud to offer a high quality of curriculum and state of the art hands-on training to our students. “Many CBC students remain in our community, we know that nurses are a valuable asset to our continued growth in the Tri-Cities. And we are proud to support that,” said Douglas Hughes, Dean for Health Sciences.

# # #

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are offered in Applied Management, Applied Management in Agriculture or Healthcare Administration, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Information Technology, Health Physics, Teacher Education and Project Management. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Frank Ali Abdul-Rahmaan, died the afternoon of September 30, 2023. Abdul-Rahmaan was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a local hospital while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Abdul-Rahmaan entered DOC custody on June 27, 1986, from Multnomah County with an earliest released date of September 30, 2043. Abdul-Rahmaan was 75 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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SALEM, Ore— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) proposes updates to rules for collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine reserves and marine protected areas (OAR 736-021-0090).

Updates to Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan earlier this year changed regulations and management practices in certain protected areas. The department’s proposed rule changes will allow for collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine protected areas if allowed under management plans for the area. 

Proposed rules also eliminate outdated requirements for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon to seek a permit before collecting marine plants along the ocean shore. 

OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. Nov. 3, 2023, and they can be made online, at a public hearing, in writing or via email.

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
   
• Virtual Public hearing: Thursday, October 26, 2 PM: Registration required at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RVGhrw-KR9eYDdaTobepew 
   
• In writing: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn.: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
   
• Email: D.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

After reviewing public comments, agency staff plan to present a final amended rule for consideration by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission at its November 2023 business meeting.

The full text of the amendment to Oregon Administrative Rule 736-021-0090 is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx.

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SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Dept. of Forestry is now seeking nominations for its new Oregon Climate Smart Award. The award will recognize landowners, land managers, researchers, operators, or other forestry professionals who use climate change-adapted practices, or develop innovative methods for carbon capture, retention, or reduced carbon release. Nominations are due by Dec. 31, 2023.

“The goal of this award is to encourage, improve, and recognize climate and carbon practices,” says ODF State Forester Cal Mukumoto. 

In March 2020, Governor Brown signed an executive order that highlighted that the state is experiencing an increase in frequency and severity of wildfires that endangers public health and safety and damage rural economies. The order directed agencies, including ODF, to prepare and plan for the impacts of climate change and to take actions to encourage carbon sequestration and storage. 

“From that executive order the Oregon Board of Forestry in the fall of 2021 adopted ODF’s Climate Change and Carbon Plan. The idea for an awards program arose in response to that plan,” says Mukumoto. 

Christine Buhl is a member of the selection committee that will review nominations. In her work as a forest entomologist she already sees signs of stress on trees in Oregon forests from extreme heat waves and prolonged droughts. She said, “With these awards, we hope to encourage reductions in emissions and help forests and communities adapt and become more climate resilient.”

Buhl said specific actions that will be considered for recognition under the award program include:

• Efforts to improve the climate resilience of forestlands and restore ecological functions
• Climate Smart forestry practices in growing and maintaining trees
• Wildfire management, response, and fire or smoke adaptation
• Carbon reduction or capture in forest operations, such as logging or thinning
• Innovative research or products that reduce emissions or increase climate resilience

Buhl’s co-lead on the selection committee is ODF Monitoring Specialist Emily Martin. Martin said nominees may include universities, educators, consulting and research agencies, fabricators, forest operators, and private industry firms working on non-federal lands across the state. “Anyone can be nominated who’s doing climate-related mitigation and adaptation work or research, and anyone can nominate them.”

Find details and the nomination form here.

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comment now on a proposed rule change that would remove the description of ATV classes from the rule due to frequent updates to that information, which require a rule change process for each change. 

Instead of describing each class in OAR 736-004-0015, the rule would refer to the definition of ATV (All-Terrain Vehicles) in the Oregon Vehicle Code. The definitions are listed under ORS.801.190; ORS.801.193 and ORS.801.194.

The proposed change would allow the agency to maintain a greater level of accuracy in its rules. It was also inspired by the most recent change in ATV definitions adopted by the Legislature in Senate Bill 899.

Public comments will be accepted now through 5 p.m. November 3, 2023, and can be submitted:

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

There will be no public hearing. Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in November for possible adoption.

SALEM, Ore. – As we usher in fall, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon fire service want to remind everyone of the importance of fire safety when cooking. Each year, October is designated as Fire Prevention Month in Oregon, with four weeks dedicated to learning about fire safety. 

This year's theme for Fire Prevention Month is "Cooking Safety Starts with You. Pay Attention to Fire Prevention."

The importance of cooking fire safety for all Oregonians should be top of mind. It's the number one cause of home fires in our state. In 2022, of the 2,924 reported residential fires in Oregon, 537 were connected to cooking. 

"In Oregon, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and causes on average $5.4 million in losses to homeowners annually," Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. "This October, we're raising awareness and asking Oregonians to take action to prevent kitchen disasters."

There are a few simple steps home chefs can take to keep their food edible and avoid a kitchen fire: 

• Keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. 
• Never leave cooking unattended. 
• Clear the cooking area of things that can burn, like dish towels, food packaging, oven mitts, etc. 
• Create a three-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the cooking area. 
• Have a lid or cookie sheet within reach while cooking (to smother flames) in case of a fire. 
• Don’t put water on a grease fire. 

For more information about Fire Prevention Month and cooking safety resources, visit our website. 

At 3:11 pm on October 1, 2023, multiple callers reported a fire at one of the carts located in The Bite food cart lot, 19860 7th Street in Tumalo.  While enroute, a significant column of smoke was observed and the incident was upgraded to a structure fire response.  On arrival, a working fire was found at the Rogue Chef cart, with flames through the roof.  The fire was quickly knocked down by Bend Fire & Rescue, but the cart is a total loss, with a replacement value estimated at approximately $100,000.  

Upon investigation, it was found that the fire originated in the ductwork of the kitchen hood due to an accumulation of grease.  While there was a kitchen hood suppression system in place, the fire originated above the level of the suppression system, rendering it ineffective in holding the fire in check.  

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the public that many kitchen fires are preventable.  Keep combustibles away from hot surfaces, clean surfaces regularly to prevent grease accumulation, and never pour water on a grease fire.  Slide a lid onto the pan (a cookie sheet will work too) and turn off the heat.  Leave the lid in place until the pan is cold.  For more kitchen safety tips, visit our website at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/safety-tips-emergency-preparedness/year-round-safety-tips

Spokane, WA – The Ferry County Hospital District agreed to pay a $15,000 Controlled Substances Act penalty and to institute corrective actions in regards to opioid prescribing practices at Republic Drug Store, a pharmacy in Republic, Washington, that Ferry County Hospital District purchased in January 2021 and has continued to operate since that time, announced Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 

To protect the public, the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations place legal responsibilities on medical professionals to ensure that opioid medications and other controlled substances are prescribed, dispensed, and used for medically-appropriate purposes and in a safe manner.  The responsibility for the proper prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances is upon the prescribing practitioner, but a corresponding responsibility rests with the pharmacist who fills the prescription to ensure that prescriptions are legitimate, safe, and medically appropriate. This responsibility includes addressing and resolving “red flags”, that is, indications that a particular prescription may be unsafe or medically inappropriate, by obtaining additional information before filling the prescription. 

In the settlement announced today, Ferry County Hospital District admitted that, between October 2017 and November 2021, Republic Drug Store and its pharmacists and employees did not always appropriately exercise their corresponding responsibility in filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances.  Ferry County Hospital District admitted that Republic Drug Store filled prescriptions that contained “red flags”, i.e., indications of possible fraud, drug-seeking, lack of medical necessity, potential for abuse or health risk, or potential for drug diversion into the community, without appropriately resolving those red flags prior to dispensing. Ferry County Hospital District further admitted that these red flags included: (1) numerous patients for whom Republic Drug Store filled prescriptions for a dangerous and medically-inappropriate combination of drugs known as the “holy trinity” (an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant taken in tandem), as well as other dangerous combinations; (2) high doses of opioids, including patients prescribed opioid doses far in excess of guidelines promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); (3) fraudulent prescriptions purportedly issued by physicians who were no longer practicing medicine or who had their licenses suspended or revoked; (4) early refill prescriptions that Republic Drug Store filled with no explanation of why the patient had exhausted the prior month’s supply more than a week early; and (5) prescriptions written by naturopathic doctors who did not have the medical authority to prescribe controlled substances. 

“Pharmacies, such as Republic Drug, play a critical role in keeping our communities safe and strong,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Pharmacies serve a vital gatekeeper function in keeping our residents safe and healthy, preventing the diversion of dangerous drugs, and combatting addiction.  I’m grateful that Ferry County Hospital District accepted responsibility and has entered into a robust agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to ensure that it complies with its gatekeeper function and obligations going forward.”

In addition to the $15,000 civil penalty, Ferry County Hospital District has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DEA concerning Republic Drug Store.  Under the MOA, Republic Drug Store agreed to resolve all “red flag” prescriptions prior to dispensing any controlled substances.  Republic Drug Store is also required to conduct quarterly physical inventory audits and provide those to the DEA.  These audits must be performed by a team that includes a licensed pharmacist.  Additionally, Republic Drug Store is required to provide training for its employees on how to detect and prevent filling of fraudulent or medically inappropriate prescriptions.  Finally, Republic Drug Store further agreed to review and update its controlled substance policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Controlled Substances Act going forward.   

“This resolution would not have been possible without the exceptional investigative work by DEA Seattle Field Division’s Diversion Group, and I am grateful for our longstanding and continuing partnership,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref.  “We are committed to working hand-in-glove with DEA Diversion Group and our law enforcement partners to protect our communities and public health and safety.” 

“DEA’s core mission is to protect Americans and we need our partners in the healthcare community to help us by following the rules.  When they do not, we hold them accountable, not to punish, but to encourage their cooperation and ensure that they are doing their part to keep people safe,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “We deeply appreciate our partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Washington, without whom this success would not have been possible.”

The settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and DEA’s Seattle Field Division, Diversion Group.   Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Tyler H.L. Tornabene handled this matter on behalf of the United States.

UPDATE: This release includes updated information about where they are believed to be. They are now to be in the Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; or Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Salem) – Declan Colby Duckett, a newborn, went missing with his mother Markishia Duckett and her partner Declan Harris from Portland on Sept. 5. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division still believes that he may be at risk and is searching for Declan Colby Duckett to assess his safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Declan Colby Duckett. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of him or his parents should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). 

They are believed to be in the Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; or Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Name: Declan Colby Duckett
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Aug. 31, 2023
Height: 20 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Hair: Black
Eye color: Brown
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2000188

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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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
 

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, at approximately 8:00 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a crash involving two commercial motor vehicles on Interstate-84, near milepost 226, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Ruslan Basarab (49) of Renton (WA), was traveling in the slow lane when it struck the rear-end of Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Francisco Rivera Atilano Jr. (20) of Hermiston.  

The primary commercial motor vehicle caught fire as a result of the collision and burned so badly it was unidentifiable. The operator was removed from the vehicle and later declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital. 

The operator of the Peterbilt was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, and ODOT.

SALEM, Ore. – Sept. 29, 2023 – Today, the Oregon Senate confirmed Erin McMahon as Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM). McMahon was appointed to the position by Governor Kotek in August.

A retired general officer for the Oregon National Guard and retired brigadier general for the U.S. Army, McMahon has two dozen years of experience advising state and national leaders on emergent and active emergencies requiring operational and civilian support. At the National Guard Bureau and the Oregon National Guard, she coordinated with other military and federal departments while working directly with all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia to provide military support when requested in support of declared emergencies and disasters.

McMahon's team supported every major disaster and national incident that impacted the nation – from wildfires to the pandemic to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. Throughout that time, she progressed from an action officer to a division chief to the chief of staff, culminating as the principal deputy general counsel for the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

“My experiences these past 24 years have culminated in this moment, with this opportunity to take OEM to the next level of efficiency and excellence; a level that captures our team’s experience and commitment and better integrates it with the expertise provided by our local, city, county and tribal partners,” said McMahon. “Together, we’ll advance our networks, update our systems, improve our preparedness and strengthen our lines of communication. My top priority is to continue supporting OEM’s mission to help the state better serve all Oregonians as emergencies become more frequent and destructive.”

One of McMahon’s first actions was onboarding Patence Winningham as OEM’s new deputy director. Winningham previously served as Lane County Emergency Manager since 2019 after having worked with the City of Eugene as an emergency management specialist for more than a decade. She has extensive experience in disaster preparedness, including leading Lane County’s response and communication with the state Emergency Coordination Center during a historic winter storm, flooding, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire and the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. She has also supported emergency planning efforts for multiple Olympic Trials and the World Athletics Championship.

“I’m honored to serve in this position at an agency I’ve worked so closely with on many emergencies,” said Winningham. “I believe my passion for helping the community and connecting with individuals and partners will help fulfill OEM’s mission and increase Oregon’s readiness and resiliency.”

Deputy Director Winningham’s extensive local knowledge will complement Director McMahon’s federal experience, providing the relatively new department with a strong executive leadership team. OEM transitioned from a division of the Oregon Military Department to a stand-alone cabinet-level department reporting directly to the governor in July 2022.

“Patence will be critical in supporting me as we work together to improve partnerships to enhance coordination for the delivery of essential services across the state in times of crisis and in preparation for our worst days,” said McMahon. “She is a capable and experienced leader, communicator, problem-solver and collaborator who has earned the respect of other emergency managers statewide. She’s also a tireless activist for disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation and other initiatives to reduce risk across the state.”

A portrait of Director McMahon can be viewed and downloaded here; Deputy Director Winningham’s portrait can be viewed and downloaded here. Learn more about OEM at www.oregon.gov/oem.
 

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Photo Captions
Oregon Emergency Management Logo
Erin McMahon is confirmed by the Oregon Senate as OEM Director.
Patence Winningham is appointed OEM Deputy Director.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Media Hotline: 503-813-5050 

Tips for a safe fall season at home

PORTLAND, Ore. (September 29, 2023) — Fall season brings on the return of pumpkin spice-everything while the leaves change across the Pacific Northwest.  Many of us consider fall the start of the holiday season. And the holidays often bring an increase in outdoor activity, whether it be from trick-or-treaters skipping up the porch steps or relatives stopping by for a Thanksgiving dinner. That’s why we should take extra care and precaution when maintaining the structures and landscaping around our home. 

“Now is a great time to prune any trees that could cause trouble once the storms start coming in,” said Joe Cissna, Pacific Power’s health and safety manager. “Winter storms bringing down branches are a big cause of power outages. Check around your property to see if any trees or branches could harm power lines if they fell. Some preventive work now could save more headaches and power outages later.

“Use caution when pruning trees. Don't use pruning tools or ladders near power lines. Always keep yourself and anything you're handling at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Never try to remove a branch that is tangled or lying across a power line. Instead, call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070. We'll be happy to remove it for you.

Some additional tips for fall safety:

• Treat all electric lines with caution.
• Use only wooden and fiberglass ladders. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Never use electrical equipment or tools near a pool or other wet areas. Additionally, make sure outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, designed to automatically disconnect if the tool comes into contact with water.
• Be aware and steer clear of overhead electrical wires when installing, removing, cleaning or repairing gutters.
• Have help when installing or adjusting a satellite dish or antenna. Make sure you’re working at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Plant trees and shrubs away from meters, switching cabinets and boxed transformers. Vegetation that blocks electrical equipment makes repairs and maintenance challenging and sometimes dangerous for utility workers.
• Underground power lines are just as dangerous as overhead ones. If your project involves digging, make sure the locations of underground power lines are marked. Call 811 to have underground utilities located and marked for free.

For more safety tips or to order free Pacific Power safety materials, call toll free at 800-375-7085 or visit pacificpower.net/safety.

SALEM, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is closing some campground operations on the Clatsop, Tillamook, and Santiam state forests as it does each year as part of its transition to winter operations. On Oct. 2 all seasonal developed campgrounds will be closing, followed by the closure of all seasonal Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) campgrounds on Oct. 31. One exception to the closure plan will be Northrup Creek Horse Camp Campground in the Clatsop State Forest, which will remain open until Dec. 1. 

The closures are primarily done for public safety and are impacted by seasonal staffing levels. “As we move into fall, keeping Oregonians safe in the forest is important. With snowfall, high winds, and heavy rainfall it’s essential that we close some campgrounds as conditions change and many become inaccessible,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Operations Manager.

Even with the closures, some camping opportunities will remain open and available through the winter months.

Tillamook State Forest

• Closing Oct. 2
  • Jones Creek Campground
  • Nehalem Falls Campground
  • Morrison Eddy Campground
  • Gales Creek Campground
  • Reehers Camp Campground
• Closing Oct. 31
  • Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground
  • Jordan Creek OHV Campground
• Open Year-Round
  • Keenig Creek Campground
  • Elk Creek Campground
  • Diamond Mill OHV Campground
  • Stagecoach Horse Campground

Clatsop State Forest

• Closing Oct. 2
  • Spruce Run Campground – Loops B & C
  • Beaver Eddy Campground
• Closing Dec. 1
  • Northrup Creek Horse Campground
• Open Year-Round Season
  • Spruce Run Campground – Loops A & D
  • Gnat Creek Campground
  • Viewpoint OHV Campground

Santiam State Forest

• Closing Oct. 2
  • Santiam Horse Camp
  • Rock Creek Campground

More information on recreation opportunities at State Forest campgrounds can be found on our website, ODF Campgrounds. 

EUGENE, Ore.—On September 28, 2023, a Baker County, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history, who fled from a traffic stop at more than 100 mph and threatened a shootout with police, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms.

Zachary Charles Persicke, 38, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in late September 2021, as part of an investigation of Persicke for dealing drugs and illegally possessing firearms, Baker County law enforcement obtained a state search warrant for Persicke’s person and an associated residence. Law enforcement observed Persicke in a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. While fleeing from police and reaching speeds of more than 100 mph, Persicke called 911, told the dispatcher he had a weapon, and threatened to engage in a shootout. After driving over a spike strip placed by law enforcement, Persicke pulled over and surrendered without incident. In a search of Persicke’s vehicle, officers located and seized more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and an assault-style rifle.

On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Persicke with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On April 5, 2023, Persicke pleaded guilty to a two-count superseding criminal information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Baker City Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Oregon State Police and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on November 1, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Wright at (503) 378-2191.

The Telecommunications Policy Committee meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon/

Agenda Items

1. Introductions

2. Approve March 16, 2023, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

      Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

a. Renee Elizabeth Heidy; DPSST No. 43198

    Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Telecommunicator; Basic Emergency Medical Dispatcher; and Instructor Certifications

b. Teonna Johnson; DPSST No. 56804

    Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications

4. Applicant Review Committee Member Nominations

      Presented by Chris Brodniak

5. Program Manager Updates

6. Agency Updates

7. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: February 7, 2024, 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.

September 29, 2023

Media contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA seeks input on Oregon beaches to monitor in 2024 & 2025

Public comment on proposed beach locations welcome through October 13.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) invites public comment on a list of proposed beaches to monitor for health risks in 2024 and 2025.

The list was created based on established criteria such as high recreational use, nearby pollution hazards, previously measured high bacteria levels and public input.

OBMP is a multi-agency effort with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to monitor the waters along Oregon's coastline for the presence of fecal bacteria and report elevated levels to the public. Through this program, DEQ regularly samples marine water and freshwater at 20 beaches along Oregon’s 360 miles of coastline between May and September. To protect public health, OHA issues advisories at beaches where bacteria levels are high.

This year, DEQ used the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) environmental justice screening tool to assess the potential for the OBMP efforts to benefit vulnerable and underserved populations. With this in mind, OBMP is also asking for the public to comment on the extent to which information generated from the proposed beach monitoring would serve vulnerable and underserved communities.

OHA and DEQ routinely reevaluate beaches and sampling locations to direct available resources most effectively toward public health protection. The proposed list includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon, beaches where the program has previously found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns. Based on OBMP’s evaluation criteria and preliminary environmental justice screening, OHA and DEQ propose sampling the following beaches for the 2024/2025 monitoring season:

Clatsop County

• SEASIDE BEACH – Seaside
• CANNON BEACH  – Cannon Beach
• TOLOVANA SP BEACH – Cannon Beach

Coos County

• BASTENDORFF BEACH  –  Coos Bay
• SUNSET BAY SP BEACH  –  Coos Bay

Curry County

• HUBBARD CREEK BEACH – Port Orford
• HARRIS BEACH SP – Brookings
• MILL BEACH – Brookings
• CRISSEY FIELD RECREATION SITE – Brookings (new for 2024/2025)

Lane County

• HECETA BEACH  – Florence

Lincoln County

• D RIVER SP BEACH   – Lincoln City
• BEVERLY BEACH – Newport
• AGATE SP BEACH – Newport
• NYE BEACH – Newport
• SEAL ROCK SP BEACH – Seal Rock
• SILETZ BAY – Lincoln City (new for 2024/2025)
• ONA BEACH (Brian Booth – Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock (new for 2024/2025)

Tillamook County

• SHORT SAND SP BEACH – Arch Cape
• MANZANITA BEACH – Manzanita
• ROCKAWAY BEACH – Rockaway
• TWINS ROCKS BEACH– Twin Rocks
• OCEANSIDE – Oceanside
• CAPE KIWANDA – Pacific City
• NESKOWIN SP BEACH – Neskowin

Note: Beaches marked with ‘’ refer to those with potential environmental justice communities that may be likely to recreate at the beach.

To add beaches to the list and continue to operate within available OBMP resources, DEQ would need to reduce sampling locations at other beaches. If  locations are removed from the list, it would be only locations where historical data show low risk. The three beaches proposed for addition to OBMP, which are included in the list above, are:

• ONA BEACH
• CRISSEY FIELD RECREATION SITE
• SILETZ BAY

OBMP will accept public comments and suggestions on the proposed 2024/2025 beaches through Oct. 13. Contact OBMP by email at each.Health@oha.oregon.gov">Beach.Health@oha.oregon.gov or call 971-673-0400 to submit input.

For more information about OBMP, visit the program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

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(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Nearly 250 doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants at all eight Legacy Health hospitals across Oregon and Washington are headed towards a union election. 

An overwhelming majority of Legacy Health’s hospital doctors and advanced practice providers filed union authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Sept. 29.  Health care professionals at Legacy are unionizing to improve patient care and ensure providers at the bedside have a voice in decisions that impact patient care, community health and their colleagues' working conditions. 

“The hospital works best when physicians have a strong voice. Legacy truly needs our help running the hospital and fixing its many systemic issues. Forming a union gives us the best means to do so,” said Dr. Rob Morgan, an internal medicine physician at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. “I love working at Legacy and I love our team. It's my sincerest hope to work here for the rest of my career in medicine. Through our union, I hope we can build a strong long-term relationship with hospital leadership that prioritizes our wellbeing and necessary resources for providing safe, sustainable, high-quality patient care now and in the future.”

The providers include frontline doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants at: 

• Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland
• Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland
• Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland
• Legacy Unity Center for Behavioral Health in Portland
• Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center in Tualatin
• Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham
• Legacy Silverton Medical Center in Silverton
• Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, WA

The group will be represented by the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA)—a physician and advanced practice provider union represented by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT Local 6552) and serviced by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).  

“Our pursuit in medicine has always been to deliver high-quality, equitable care to the members of our community. The climate of health care is changing and our mission is increasingly difficult to achieve. With changes to benefit infrastructure and hour requirements, it is our duty to ensure these changes are progressive and consistent with the ideals surrounding patient safety, care quality, and physician wellbeing,” said Dr. Eduardo Serpa, an internal medicine physician at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. “We are unionizing to have a significant seat at the table and to prioritize meaningful engagement regarding changes to how we operate and deliver care. Our unified voice strengthens our advocacy and in turn galvanizes our resolve towards a better future for physicians and our patients.”

The providers will meet with the NLRB in the coming weeks to confirm unit details and schedule an election date. If approved, they will join the nearly 700 ONA union nurses and mental and behavioral health professionals working in the Legacy Health system and add to the list of recent physician and advanced practice provider unionization wins in Oregon including successful organizing efforts at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and Providence Women’s Clinics in the Portland metro area; Providence Home Health and Hospice professionals who work throughout the Portland metro, North Coast, Yamhill County and the Columbia River Gorge areas; and Providence Medford Medical Center in Southern Oregon. 

Although unionized nurses have been advocating for better patient care and working conditions in Oregon for more than 100 years, new groups of Oregon health care workers are now joining or forming their own unions in large numbers. Twenty years ago, few US physicians were part of a union, but as health care systems have become larger and more corporate, doctors see collective bargaining as the best way to ensure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their profession and their patients.

• Click here for a Union 101 Fact Sheet

Legacy Health is a private nonprofit health system which operates eight hospitals and more than 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington. It recently made news after unlawfully attempting to close the Family Birth Center at Legacy Mt. Hood, the horrific acts of violence in the workplace at Legacy Good Samaritan, and its announced intent to merge with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

During the pandemic, Legacy collected more than $400 million in profits between 2020-2022 including nearly $100 million in taxpayer bailouts via the CARES Act. Prior to 2020, Legacy’s hospital profits averaged between $44 million to $79 million per year. Legacy also owns a significant $1 billion + investment portfolio. 

The Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) started as the first hospitalist-specific labor union in the United States. PNWHMA is affiliated with AFT Nurses and Health Professionals—the fastest-growing healthcare union in the country—which represents more than 200,000 members in 100 locals in 18 states and territories. 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 16,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.

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September 28, 2023

Media Contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Ross Island Lagoon Sept. 28

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Ross Island Lagoon in Multnomah County. As of today, there are no other advisories in place for the Willamette River.

OHA first issued the advisory for Ross Island Lagoon on Aug. 9.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in the Ross Island Lagoon are below recreational guideline values for people.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Be aware that only a fraction of waterbodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria Harmful Algae Bloom website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people and especially small children and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving behind the toxins released. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.

Please see attached flyer for details. Open House event, Saturday, October 14th from 10am-2pm, 63377 Jamison Street, Bend. Fun for entire family. Contact Melissa is you need more details from the flyer. 

Expect up to 20-minute delays along OR Highway 86 (Baker-Copperfield Hwy) tonight and tomorrow night (Sept. 28 and 29) to accommodate an oversized load being transported from Baker City to the Idaho border. The shipment will travel down the center of the road at times due to its extreme weight and size. Traffic will be stopped with flaggers and pilot cars until it is safe to pass. The shipment will travel to the Idaho border the first night, then return towards I-84 on the second night. Please plan extra travel time along this route and be patient while this equipment is transported to one of the Snake River dams in Idaho. The shipment does not contain any hazardous materials. 

Check TripCheck.com for update information.

(Salem) – Orange Shirt Day is a day for truth and reconciliation highlighting the effects of the Indian boarding school system. It opens the door for a global conversation about all aspects of the Indian boarding school system which caused Indigenous populations to lose their cultural identities through policies of forced assimilation. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the legacy of these schools on Indigenous communities.

On Sept. 29, staff at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will wear orange to honor the survivors and victims of the federal Indian boarding school system. Orange Shirt Day falls on the final day of the annual ODHS Tribal-State ICWA Conference in Grande Ronde. The conference, held from Sept. 27-29, focuses on training and education related to ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) and ORICWA (Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act).

ODHS’ commitment to dismantling all forms of systemic racism is led by reconciliation and collaboration with all Tribal communities within Oregon and is strengthened by our Equity North Star, which is our agency wide vision that leads to a more equitable Oregon for all.

“Orange Shirt Day represents a powerful Indigenous movement throughout the United States and Canada,” said Adam Becenti, ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs Director. “Orange Shirt Day is a call to action and awareness, but more importantly an opportunity to honor the lives taken and those who survived this atrocity.”

“We will be wearing orange to honor the survivors and victims of the Indian boarding school system and to recognize the trauma it caused for generations of Tribal families and children,” said Aprille Flint-Gerner, ODHS Child Welfare Director. “In Oregon, our Child Welfare Division’s Vision for Transformation commits us to doing the work of dismantling oppressive practices that contribute to disparate and disproportionate outcomes for Tribal children. Our commitment is to repair, improve and move forward in partnership with the Nine Tribes of Oregon.”

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s 2022 investigation report, between 1819 and 1969, the federal Indian boarding school system operated more than 400 schools across 37 states or then-territories. During this time thousands of Indigenous children were separated from their families and placed in the school system, many did not survive. The investigation identified marked and unmarked burial sites at approximately 53 different schools across the school system.

The federal Indian boarding school system deployed systematic militarized and identity-alteration methodologies in an attempt to assimilate American Indian and Alaska Native children through education, including but not limited to renaming Tribal children English names; cutting the hair of Tribal children; discouraging or preventing the use of Tribal languages, religions and cultural practices; and organizing children into units to perform military drills.

As early as 1874, a boarding school was built at Warm Springs in Oregon, and others were later constructed at Siletz, Grand Ronde, Klamath, and Umatilla. Today, Chemawa Indian School, located in Salem, Oregon is an accredited high school that serves American Indian and Alaska Native students. Chemawa is the oldest continuously operated off-reservation boarding school in the United States.

For Orange Shirt Day press kit materials and stories from Indigenous Oregonians, go to the ODHS Tribal Affairs web page. 

About the ODHS Office Tribal Affairs

The Office of Tribal Affairs within the ODHS Director’s Office is a team committed to all Oregon Tribal communities thriving mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Tribal Affairs works with all five ODHS programs to create and provide Tribally appropriate programming, services, policies and support. Through Tribal consultation with Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, ODHS ensures programming, services, and policies meet the needs of Oregon Tribal communities.
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September 28, 2023

Media contacts: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Tolovana State Park health advisory lifted Sept. 28

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Tolovana State Park, located in Clatsop County.

The health authority issued the advisory Sept. 26, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and avoiding runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

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

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

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SALEM, Ore.— The Small Forestland Grant Program received $2.5 million through House Bill 5020 to help reduce wildfire risks for owners of small forestland acreage and people can now apply for the grants.

“The Small Forestland Grant Program is offering funding for projects that reduce wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels (vegetation),” said Jenna Trentadue, Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) state initiatives grant coordinator.

The grant program is taking applications now through Nov. 3. Projects must support “small forestland owner(s)” defined as an individual, group or federally recognized Indian tribe in Oregon, who owns up to 160 acres west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains or up to 640 acres east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains.  The funding is a new allocation continuing work described in Section 24 of Senate Bill 762.

“The projects may treat multiple private ownerships as long as each owner receiving treatment meets the small forestland owner’s definition,” said Trentadue.  “It is beneficial to work together with other landowners or with a sponsor for the application, selection of a contractor, and final reporting requirements.”

Like all government grant submissions, eligibility requirements must be met for this program, here are some of the main ones:

• Projects must reduce the risk of high severity wildfire by treating hazardous fuels and at least 75 percent of project costs must go towards this.
• Total other expenses for the project, including indirect and service costs, are not to exceed 25 percent.
• Requested funding is more than $10,000 and up to $300,000.
• 25 percent leverage is strongly suggested. Sponsor in-kind expenses, landowner labor rates, fuels mitigation, and other state funds are eligible with the exception of the Landscape Resiliency Grant Program. 
• All project work would need to be completed by May, 2025.
• Project does not generate net revenue.
• Equipment costs (Equipment is considered a single item over $5,000) are applicable if it meets the intent of the grant to support small forestland owners in reducing wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels on the owners’ property, prescribed fire equipment is applicable, however fire suppression equipment is not. 

For a complete application package and all requirements visit the ODF small forestland grant website.

“Projects covered by these grants are a major step toward protecting people, their homes, and natural resources in Oregon by making private forestland healthier and more resilient in the face of changing climate and wildfire environment,” said Trentadue. “I highly encourage people to apply and take advantage of this grant program.”

A special section of the Oregon Historical Society’s Oregon Historical Quarterly highlights sea otter history in the Pacific Northwest

Portland, OR — Oregon’s nearshore waters were once the homeland to thousands of sea otters, an iconic species in the history of what is now known as Oregon. Sea otters have held a special role in the cultural, spiritual, and economic life of coastal Native American communities, with oral traditions documenting the species’ significance. Their lustrous pelts brought great wealth in late eighteenth- and nineteenth-century China, motivating Euro-Americans to broker some of the earliest contact and trade between themselves and Native American people along the Oregon coast. Over a century of zealous hunting and trading of sea otters, by Native people and Euro-Americans, eliminated the species from Oregon’s coastal waters over 100 years ago.  

In a special section of the Fall 2023 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly (OHQ), “Sea Otters in Oregon,” local scholars explore the existence and significance of the species in the region, drawing on academic work, archival records, archaeological findings, and Native oral tradition to trace the history of this now-absent ecological and cultural keystone species. Although most accounts of the extirpation of sea otters from the Oregon coast focus on the well-documented international maritime fur trade of the late eighteenth and early twentieth centuries, the authors reveal historical records that demonstrate sea otters persisted much later. 

In “Glimpses of Oregon’s Sea Otters,” Cameron La Follette and Douglas Deur introduce the history of Oregon’s now-extinct sea otter population, describing the emergence of the Chinese market that created and sustained the hunt, the British discovery of potential profits of trading sea otter pelts, and the rise of American traders. 

Douglas Deur, Peter Hatch (Hanis Coos, Siuslaw), and Hannah Wellman explore the complimentary lines of evidence of sea otters’ significance among Native oral tradition and archaeological findings in “The House Full of Otters: Recalling Human-Sea Otter Relationships on an Indigenous Oregon Coast.” Native oral traditions recall a rich history of human encounters with sea otters and speak of the species’ ubiquity, significance, and sentience. Archaeological evidence of sea otter use, found on sites along the Oregon coast, further attest to this longstanding relationship. 

In “The Invisible Slaughter: Local Sea Otter Hunters on the Oregon Coast,” Cameron La Follette, Richard Ravalli, Peter Hatch, Douglas Deur, and Ryan Tucker Jones uncover a long-ignored history of sea otters continuing to inhabit the Oregon coast, although in diminishing numbers, much later than the early nineteenth century, when well-documented accounts associated with international maritime history place their drastic decline and regional extirpation. Their research suggests that sea otter extinction on the Oregon coast (and Washington and California as well) resulted from household-scale hunting by Native Americans and Euro-American settlers from the mid-nineteenth century until around 1910. 

Many of the authors of the special section are board members or advisors of the Elakha Alliance, a nonprofit organization with a mission to “restore a healthy population of sea otters to the Oregon coast and to thereby make Oregon’s marine and coastal ecosystem more robust and resilient.” Elakha (ee-LAK-uh), a Chinook word for sea otter, was resurrected in 2018 after some inactive years by tribal, nonprofit, and conservation leaders who are aware that the sea otter is considered a keystone species, and that Oregon’s nearshore marine ecosystem has suffered as a result of their absence. 

As the journal of record for Oregon history, the Oregon Historical Quarterly publishes well-researched, well-written history about Oregon and the Pacific Northwest for both scholars and general readers. Nearing its 125th volume year, OHQ amplifies knowledge and perspectives that traditional scholarship has often silenced and sparks relevant conversations about history.

The Fall 2023 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly is now available for purchase in the Oregon Historical Society’s Museum Store for $10, and a subscription to OHQ is a benefit of Oregon Historical Society membership. Abstracts for the articles featured in this special issue are available online. 

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 objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, 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. 

SALEM, Ore. – The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 in the John Day Unit office, 415 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845. 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:

• Operator of the Year selection
• Review forest practices technical guidance – Working group debrief
• Division updates

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.