PORTLAND, Ore.—Quan Jiang, 30, a Chinese national and former engineering student at Linn Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods, specifically fake and altered Apple iPhones. Jiang would import the counterfeit devices from Hong Kong and submit them to Apple in exchange for genuine warranty replacement phones to be sold on the Chinese market.

“Counterfeiting undermines commerce and inevitably leads to increased prices for goods enjoyed by millions of consumers,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “The investigators who worked this case and others like it provide an invaluable public service to American companies, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike in preserving a competitive market free of criminal interference.”

“Individuals who deal in counterfeit goods would have you believe that these are victimless crimes,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle. “Do not be fooled, they’re not. Not only do they hurt the economy and legitimate businesses, but they also impact consumers directly. HSI and our law enforcement partners will continue to fight counterfeiting across all industries.”

According to court documents, between January 1, 2016, and February 1, 2018, Jiang would regularly receive packages containing between 20 and 30 counterfeit iPhones from associates in Hong Kong. Using various assumed names, Jiang would submit each iPhone to Apple individually in person or online for a warranty replacement; he would then ship the genuine replacement devices he received back to China for resale. In exchange for his service, Jiang’s associate would pay Jiang’s mother, also residing in China, who would in turn deposit the money into Jiang’s bank account.

Jiang later admitted to investigators that he knew the devices were counterfeit and that it was illegal to submit them to Apple as genuine products still under warranty. In just over two years, Jiang imported more than 2,000 inoperable counterfeit iPhones. He ultimately obtained approximately 1,500 genuine replacement iPhones, each with an approximate resale value of $600.

Jiang faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a $2,000,000 fine or twice his proceeds, whichever is greater, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 28, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Anna J. Brown.

As part of the plea agreement, Jiang has agreed to pay $200,000 in restitution to Apple.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and prosecuted by Ryan W. Bounds, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

May 22, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7174, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Health advisory issued May 22 for water contact at D River Beach

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at D River Beach, located in Lincoln County.

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

https://bit.ly/2Hvf99v

May 22, 2019 - Salem, Oregon – For the 11th consecutive year, the Oregon Lottery has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The award is presented each year by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Oregon Lottery received the award for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, watershed enhancements, veteran services and Outdoor School.

###

The small town of Union, Oregon hasn’t had a local financial institution since the banks left town in 2012.

TIGARD, OR — (May 21, 2019) Old West Federal Credit Union has new friends in Union Oregon – a lot of them! 

The N.E Oregon-based, $172 million asset sized, credit union opened a branch in Union this month, a community that has not had a local bricks and mortar financial institution since Community Bank and Umpqua Bank left town seven years ago.

“The 2,000 people who live, farm, and own businesses in Union have been driving almost 30 miles round trip every time they need cash or need to make deposits,” said Ken Olson, Old West FCU President and CEO. “Now they have their own, local credit union. We’re so honored to bring financial services back to Main Street.”

He means that literally. The new branch is located at 539 Main Street. Old West purchased a former Community Bank branch building, remodeled it, and had a “soft launch” in early May.  The Grand Opening is scheduled for May 23, and Union residents and business owners are already welcoming their new Credit Union with open arms!

“In anticipation of Old West opening the branch here in Union, we opened several accounts at the La Grande branch,” said Charlie Morden, owner of the Historic Union Hotel. “It really does make life easier for us.”

Old West FCU’s commitment to Union is in alignment with the findings of an independent analysis by ECONorthwest, detailing Oregon credit unions’ $1.8 billion impact. The report, released early in 2019, documented how credit unions are financial services partners to consumers in both large metropolitan areas, and in small rural communities where out-of-state, for-profit financial institutions have closed branches.

Wait. There’s more.

With the opening in Union, Old West FCU now serves more than 12,000 members through a network of eight branches.

In each of the communities they serve, the credit union gives each full-time employee eight hours per month to volunteer. Employees donated more than 900 hours to volunteer for community organizations in the first quarter of this year alone.

“Good things happen because great people like Old West’s team members are willing to get involved,” said Bob Kavanaugh, VP, Business Development and Member Engagement. “They’re living our Power of Community brand, day in and day out.”

                                                                              <END>

The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing over 180 not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 7.3  million consumer members. Those members are served by a professional workforce of 18,700 professionals. According to an independent analysis by economists at ECONorthwest, Northwest credit unions drove a positive economic impact of $7.8 billion last year. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit: https://yourmoneyfurther.com

May 21, 2019

What: A hearing to take public comments on Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division’s proposal for the use of funds from the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant.

Agenda: Review of Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant proposal for October 2019 through September 2020. Public comment will be taken. Draft proposal will be posted at http://www.healthoregon.org/lhd.

When: June 4, 11-11:30 a.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 915, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland. A call-in option is available for remote attendance. Conference call number is 877-873-8017, participant code 767068#.

Program contact: Danna Drum, 503-957-8869, um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Danna Drum at 971-673-1223, 711 TTY or um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2Hw7XtV

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will honor some of their most dedicated volunteers this week at the agency’s 2019 Making a Difference National Volunteer Awards. Volunteers play a critical role in helping the BLM welcome millions of visitors annually to more than 245 million acres of public lands across the American West.

The annual awards, which recognize exceptional volunteer service on BLM-managed lands, will be presented during a special awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 22 at 1:00 p.m. EDT in Washington, D.C., and live via video teleconference on www.blm.gov/live. 

“It’s important to recognize and celebrate the contributions made by our dedicated volunteers,” said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. “I’m continually humbled and inspired by the enthusiasm and hard work of these outstanding individuals as each of you have made a lasting impact on our public lands. Thank you on behalf of the places you safeguard for all Americans, and thank you on behalf of the people whose lives you’ve touched through your generosity.”

In 2018, over 30,000 volunteers contributed nearly one million hours of service, providing the equivalent of more than $24 million in labor and enabling BLM to help more Americans experience their public lands. These hard-working volunteers help monitor trails, manage wild horses, keep campers safe, and provide environmental education, interpretation, and other visitor services.

“The BLM has only about 9,000 employees to sustainably manage hundreds of millions of acres of public lands for a range of multiple uses. While our employees are exceptionally dedicated, the support they receive from our volunteers is essential to helping our agency achieve its mission for the American people,” said Casey Hammond, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management, exercising the authority of the BLM Director. “It is a privilege to recognize these incredible people for their tireless efforts.”

The 2019 awardees and their BLM nominating offices are:

• Tracy Greenwood, Lifetime Achievement, Mother Lode Field Office (CA), for consistent management of the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Merced River Recreation Area since 2000.
• Walt & Kathy Horsfall, Lifetime Achievement, Safford Field Office (AZ), for their service to the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, collecting data on hundreds of miles of roads around the Gila Box Riparian NCA.
• Phil & Chriscinda Jamison, Lifetime Achievement, Northeastern States District (ES), for more than 15 years in support of the Wild Horse and Burro Program in the BLM Eastern States Office.
• Thomas Parkinson & Peter Kearns, Outstanding Achievement, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (AZ), for 400 hours of volunteer service in 2018, contributing to multiple programs on the Parashant.
• Pedal United Chapter of IMBA, Group Excellence, Billings Field Office (MT), for helping to develop more than 28 miles of mountain bike trails and a trailhead facility over the last four years.
• Blake Ramos-Manz, Sergio Ramos-Manz, & Dylan Brennan, Outstanding Achievement, Wild Rivers Recreation Area (NM), for helping to manage the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, including five campgrounds, 27 campsites, and over 36 miles of trail.
• Roy Thornton, Outstanding Achievement, Cottonwood Field Office (ID), for his volunteer service at  the BLM's Cottonwood Field Office recreation sites and campgrounds over the last eight years

A national panel of BLM specialists and partner organization representatives selected the winners for their exceptional contributions to conservation and management of public lands. 

For more information, please contact Linda Schnee, BLM National Volunteer Program Lead, at (202) 912-7453 or lschnee@blm.gov. 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.

The City of Richland will not have internet service for up to 12 hours due to a damaged fiber connection. This occurred when fiber was inadvertently cut during construction on a private development project in Richland's Central Business District. 

Crews are working to replace the vault and fiber that was damaged as soon as possible. 

During the outage, the City will be unable to process credit or debit card transactions. Cash or check payments can be processed, or alternate payment arrangements can be made by calling Customer Service at 942-1104. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

March 21, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7174, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Early results show fewer youth started smoking since Tobacco 21 took effect

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority announced promising short-term outcomes of Senate Bill 754, which raised the age of purchase for tobacco and vaping products in Oregon from 18 to 21 years.

OHA found a significant decrease in youth (aged 13-17) and young adults (aged 18–20) who have started using tobacco since the law took effect Jan. 1, 2018. The evaluation also shows a decrease in young adults’ perceived ease of access to tobacco and vaping products.

"Tobacco 21 was enacted to help prevent young people from starting to use tobacco, and it’s working," said Tom Jeanne, MD, deputy state health officer and epidemiologist. "With this and our strong Indoor Clean Air Act, Oregon is a national leader in protecting youth from tobacco use."

In August 2017 Governor Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 754, making Oregon the fifth state to increase the age to purchase tobacco. To ensure compliance with the law, businesses that sell tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems such as e-cigarettes must post signs prohibiting sales of these products to persons under the age of 21.

Ending youth access to tobacco is only a minor cost for retailers but a huge gain for reducing tobacco-related deaths and diseases in Oregon’s next generation, Jeanne says.

Fewer current youth tobacco users reported purchasing tobacco products from convenience stores, grocery stores, or tobacco or vape shops after the legislation went into effect. However, statewide requests for proof of age by retailers did not change significantly, especially outside the Portland metro area. This is, in part, because Oregon is one of only nine states that does not have tobacco retail licensure.

"Nicotine is a poison and tobacco is sweet, cheap and easy to get in Oregon," Jeanne said. "Enforcing Tobacco 21 is vital, and there are other actions we can take to keep our momentum going. For example, we know that raising the price of tobacco keeps kids from starting and encourages people to quit. Our Legislature is considering several bills this session to increase the price of tobacco, e-cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products."

The evaluation of Tobacco 21 assessed short-term outcomes of the law in communities throughout Oregon. OHA contracted with RMC Research, an independent evaluator, to conduct the evaluation through online surveys with youth and young adult tobacco users before and nine months after the law took effect.

The report is available as a PDF at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/TOBACCOPREVENTION/Documents/Oregon-Tobacco-21-Impact-Evaluation-Report.pdf.

# # #

https://bit.ly/2WXeGSV

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense against vacation scams. 

The kids are almost out of school, and the weather is warming up… definitely a good time to start planning your next escape out of town. It seems like it has never been easier to find the perfect space in the perfect place to take your family. Want to rent a condo for a few nights in the big city? A cottage in the woods? Or a bungalow by the beach? There are tons of options for every kind of possible vacation, and you can find them all with a few quick clicks on the keyboard. 

Our friends at the Federal Trade Commission, though, have some advice to help make sure that your quest for rest and relaxation doesn’t lead you to a rental scam. 

Here’s how it can work: you find a great house or apartment listed for rent on the internet. The photos look great, and the rates are somewhere between very low and reasonable. You make contact with the person you think is the owner, book a date and pre-pay some or all of your fee. In some cases, a fraudster may have just lifted the info and pictures from a real listing and re-posted them elsewhere. He changes the contact info so you come to him, not the owner, and now he’s making money. 

In other cases, the fraudster posts a phantom listing… the rental doesn’t really exist. He promises all kinds of amenities, and you think you’ve just snagged a great option at a low price. All he has to do is get you to pay up before you figure things out. 

Here’s how to protect yourself: 

• Be wary if the owner asks you to pay by wire transfer. This is like sending cash – you likely will never get your money back if there’s a problem. Use a credit card. 

• Watch out if the owner says he is overseas and wants you to send a deposit to a foreign bank. If you are traveling overseas, again, your best bet is to use a credit card. 

• Consider only using a reputable travel website to book your stay. Look for sites that use secure payment portals and/or those that don’t release the payment to the owner until you’ve checked in. 

• Use mapping apps – like Google maps or similar – to confirm that the property really exists. 

Remember - if you have been victimized by an online scam, you can report your suspicious contacts to the FBI. You can file an online report at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office. 

###

The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet via teleconference at 10 a.m. on June 3. A public listening room will be provided in Room 146 of the North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St. NE, Salem. Its agenda includes approval of Oregon Museum Grants and approval of minutes. Call +1 (646) 749-3122 and use access code 725-625-509.

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The mission of the Oregon Heritage Commission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity. For more information, contact coordinator Beth Dehn at 503-986-0696 or Beth.Dehn@oregon.gov

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via teleconference at 1 p.m. on June 7. Its agenda includes approval of Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grants. A public listening room will be provided in Room 146 of the North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St. NE, Salem. Call +1 (224) 501-3412 and use access code 549-452-845.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oregon.gov.

Commission meetings are open to the public and their agendas include opportunities for public comment. The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For more information about the commissions, visit www.oregonheritage.org

PASCO, WA – A new state school recognition system is honoring 14 schools in 7 districts across our corner of the state.  Over the past year, the State Board of Education (SBE), the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC) worked together to revise the Washington State school recognition system to more equitably recognize schools.  This new recognition system replaces the former Washington Achievement Awards.

Across the 23 school districts in Educational Service District 123’s region, the 7 districts recognized include College Place, Kennewick, North Franklin, Othello, Pasco, Richland and Walla Walla. (See the attached list of schools and their awards.)

The SBE, EOGOAC, and OSPI are phasing in the revisions to the recognition system over the course of three years.  In a press release issued by SBE, they stated, “The now outdated Washington Achievement Awards were based on measures, some of which are no longer computed, that tended to be highly correlated to the school Free and Reduced Price Lunch (FRL) rate. The SBE, OSPI, and EOGOAC all agreed that a change was needed.”

This spring, 216 schools across Washington are being recognized for demonstrated exemplary performance or who have made significant progress closing opportunity and achievement gaps in the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF) measures.  Two concurrent recognition events are scheduled for June 6 in both Olympia and Spokane.

To see the list of schools or to learn more about the new school recognition system, visit http://sbe.wa.gov/our-work/accountability/2017-2018-state-recognized-schools. 

###

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 Darcy Weisner 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.

FINLEY, WA – This week is National Emergency Services Week, and River View High School in Finley is participating in the World CPR Challenge on Tuesday, May 21.  River View High School will host an event from 10:15 AM to Noon with the goal of training the most number of students in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). The American Medical Response (AMR) CPR Challenge is a competition against local schools in partnership with local first responders serving as trainers.

During the high school’s CPR Challenge, RVHS hopes to train at least 200 students. The competition is based on the percentage of that school’s student body trained.  RVHS teacher Mrs. Jennifer Ward is coordinating the event with Finley’s FCCLA club.

All RVHS students are encouraged to attend the CPR training in the school gym and commons on May 21 between 10:15-12:00.  For more information, contact RVHS Principal Chris Davis at 582-2158.

###

PASCO, WA – The sudden passing of Russell Whiteaker late 2018 stunned those who knew him well.  His longtime service as a financial advisor to Southeastern Washington schools, coupled with his devotion to the Dream Builder’s Educational Foundation, will be sorely missed.

The Dream Builder’s Educational Foundation (DBEF) is the 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation of Educational Service District 123 in Pasco.  The foundation has taken formal action to establish a scholarship in Mr. Whiteaker’s memory.  The scholarship(s) will be awarded during spring of 2020 to students pursuing a career in education and attending any of the universities within Washington state.  Special consideration will be given to those who choose a STEM emphasis (science, technology, engineering and math).

If you would like to contribute to the Russell Whiteaker Memorial Scholarship, please do so by sending funds to the Dream Builder’s Educational Foundation at 3924 W Court St, Pasco, WA 99301.  As a donation to a non-profit, your contributions may be eligible for tax deduction.  For more information on the Foundation or the Russell Whiteaker Memorial Scholarship, please contact DBEF board members Beverly Abersfeller or Bruce Hawkins at 509-544-5771.

###

Salem, Ore .– The Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (ODHHS) Advisory Committee will hold a town hall in the large meeting room of the Medford Library, 205 S. Central Ave. in Medford, Oregon, from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 21.

The ODHHS Advisory Committee will also hold its full advisory committee meeting prior to the town hall from 2 to 4 p.m., May 21. The executive committee meeting will follow from 9 to 11 a.m., May 22, in the Carpenter Room at the Medford Library, 205 S. Central Ave., Medford, Oregon.

All three meetings are open to the public.

Agenda items for the full advisory committee and executive committee meetings will include: public comment, announcements, an update on the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities, brochures for the Advisory Committee and the ODHHS program, new membership discussion, retreat planning and discussion about bylaws.

Sign language interpreters, FM assistive listening devices and live captioning will be provided for each meeting. Those who are unable to attend in person may view real-time captioning at https://zoom.us/j/416452805 for the Advisory Committee meeting, https://zoom.us/j/795840168 for the Town Hall, and https://zoom.us/j/321918652 for the executive committee meeting.

For questions about these meetings, please contact: Barbara Robertson at 503-509-9550 or the ODHHS program at odhhs.info@state.or.us.

About the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committee

The committee assists the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (ODHHS) program by providing  issues affecting individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and those with additional disabilities.

# # #

WALLA WALLA - Walla Walla Public Schools has made a decision on the type of glass and paneling to be used for the Walla Walla High School renovation following a community survey and consultation with design experts.

There was overwhelming support for the frosted bottom panel, option E on the survey. It allows in natural light while obscuring sight inside along the portion of the window closest to ground level. There was a virtual tie between C and D for the top panels, the most tinted options. The district consulted with design experts following the survey results and selected panel D to break the tie based on natural light differences. Option D lets in nearly twice the amount of natural light compared to C, providing the best indoor experience for students and faculty.

The district will be replacing the original windows throughout the campus to improve energy efficiency and safety. The district assembled a demonstration mock-up featuring eight different window options, with varying levels of tinting and visibility for the community to weigh in on. Nearly 200 people participated in the survey.

“Safety experts recommended tinting the top panels and incorporating non-transparent bottom panels to improve safety,” said Superintendent Wade Smith. “We appreciate the feedback we received and are looking forward to replacing the windows with safer and more energy efficient models.”

###

Memorial Day is nearly here and for many Oregonians the holiday weekend is the start of their camping season in Oregon’s natural places. However, dry conditions are already present in many areas and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reminds visitors to enjoy their campfires responsibly.

“Regularly reviewing campfire safety practices, even if you’re a seasoned camper, is a good habit to get in to,” said Chris Havel, OPRD associate director. “It’s especially important if you’re camping with children or folks that are learning about responsible outdoor recreation.”

Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable campfire:

• Know before you go: research conditions for the area surrounding your campground. Fire restrictions may be in place at the park, county or state level.
• Maintain campfire flames at knee height, or roughly two feet high. This helps prevent ash or embers from becoming airborne, especially during the dry summer months. If you see wind stirring up embers from your fire, play it safe and extinguish it.
• Only build campfires in the existing fire ring in your campsite. Fire ring locations are carefully picked and park rangers clear vegetation around rings to create a safe buffer zone.
• Always keep plenty of water nearby to extinguish your campfire. To put out your fire, drown the flames with water and stir the embers to make sure everything is wet. The stirring step is important: ash and wood debris often maintain heat and embers unless they are drowned out.
• Beach campfires should be started on open sand, away from driftwood or vegetation. Use water to extinguish your beach fire, not sand. Covering the fire with sand will insulate the coals, keeping them hot enough to burn unsuspecting beachgoers hours or even days later.
• For propane fire rings, follow the same safety precautions you would with a log-based campfire. Propane fire rings should be placed in, on or directly next to installed park fire rings.
• Make sure everyone in your campsite, even children, is familiar with campfire safety. Always keep an eye on your campfire; many accidental fires are started because campers left their fire unattended for “just a minute.”

To reserve your stay at an Oregon state park, head to oregonstateparks.org.

###

May is Wildfire Awareness Month. During May, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, the Office of Emergency Management, Keep Oregon Green, the U.S. Forest Service, OPRD and other federal, state and local emergency and response agencies are promoting programs and messages encouraging the public to work together in their local communities to prevent the risk of wildfire.

Two separate committees will meet to score and rank applications for the Preserving Oregon and Diamonds in the Rough Grant programs. The recommendations from the committees will be forwarded to the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation for final review and approval on June 21 in Cottage Grove. Both meetings will be at the North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer Street, NE, and can also be accessed by phone.

The Diamonds in the Rough Grant committee will meet June 5, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in room 124A. Call in information is 1-877-402-9757, access code 4605348.

The Preserving Oregon Grant committee will meet June 10, 9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. in room 124A. Call in information is 1-877-402-9757, access code 4605348.

For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov . The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

Two Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adults in custody died recently. Both were incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, Oregon State Police have been notified.

Ovid John Teixeira died May 18, 2019. He entered DOC custody on January 9, 2018, from Linn County with an earliest release date of October 13, 2020. Teixeira was 55 years old.

Nickolas John Kasemehas died May 20, 2019. He entered DOC custody on November 13, 2014, from Multnomah County with an earliest release date of May 20, 2022. Kasemehas was 78 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses over 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including death row, disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

####

FINLEY, WA – River View High School in Finley is throwing a College Signing Day event on Wednesday, May 22 at 9:30 AM.  Signing Day celebrates our graduating seniors who have made the commitment to complete their education past high school, and we’re excited to make this celebration very special for our students.

During the May 22 Signing Day Assembly, RVHS students will be recognized for planning to attend any college, university, community college, other education or training program, or joining the military.  Recognizing students for choosing one of multiple pathways to graduation fits in perfectly with Washington State’s House Bill 1599.  College Signing Day was initiated by former First Lady Michelle Obama as part of the Reach Higher initiative.

Chris Davis, RVHS Principal, states, “Celebrating our seniors' success means more than just a school assembly; it means they know we are proud of their hard work, invested in their futures, and excited to see what they do next.”

The Finley community will rally around its seniors to show support at Senior Signing Day, taking place Wednesday, May 22 at 9:30 AM. For more information, contact RVHS Counselor Rebekah Duty at 582-2158.

###

May 20, 2019 - Salem, Ore. – Mark Bennett of Eugene hadn’t even won so much as free ticket while playing Oregon’s Game Megabucks – until last week when his monthly ticket purchase was worth $3.2 million.
“I like the game, but I had never won anything,” Bennett said. “I always get the 26 draws, then put the ticket away until it is up and get another one.” Players can purchase Oregon’s Game Megabucks tickets for up to 26 draw dates.
Bennett said he purchased a ticket in April from the Jasper’s on Coburg Road in Eugene, and put it away, until recently when he couldn’t sleep. Officials from Jasper’s said it was their first big win at that location.
"To hear one of our guests won the Megabucks jackpot was incredible news!” said Tezra Kong, Director of Operations for Jasper’s. “This will be something our team will be talking about for years to come.  We are very excited for our lucky guest, and his good fortune.  We look forward to sharing some of the seller's bonus with the team that provided the exceptional guest service at Sheldon Jasper's."
For selling the winning ticket Jasper’s will receive a 1-percent selling bonus, $32,000.
Bennett took the opportunity to bring the ticket to the Oregon Lottery for validation before he claimed his prize. A little-used option allows players to bring in a winning jackpot ticket to Lottery headquarters to have the ticket validated. The Oregon Lottery will then hold the winning ticket up to 60 days while the winner determines to the best option for them to claim the jackpot.
A few days later Bennett came back to the Lottery office after talking with his accountant. He took the bulk sum payment of $1.6 million. After taxes he took home $1.08 million.
“I am going to use the money to set up education funds for my grandchildren,” Bennett said.
During the 2015-17 biennium, more than $50 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement in Lane County, where Bennett lives and purchased the ticket. Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.
The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 are advised to contact the Lottery office and schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, Veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
 

Updated with call-in information

May 20, 2019

Media contact: Saerom England, 971-239-6483, om.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us">saerom.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon Opioid Taper Guidelines Taskforce to meet May 23 in Portland

What: Oregon Opioid Taper Guidelines Taskforce

Agenda: Welcome, taskforce purpose and outcomes, agenda review, introductions, background on formation of the Taskforce, principles for guidelines, key components for inclusion in the guidelines, next steps and summary

When: Thursday May 23, 2019 from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building (PSOB), 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland Oregon Conference Line: 1-888-278-0296 Public Meeting ID: 843163.

.For more information, please visit the Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Task Force website.

Program contact: Lisa Bui, 971-673-3397, ootg.info@dhsoha.state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Lisa Bui, 971-673-3397, 711 TTY, or ootg.info@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Update for news stations: Raw sound on tape and B-roll https://youtu.be/YRWZfA3iEF4

Spanish / Español

May 20, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7174, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Keep your family safe from the West Nile Virus this summer

As the weather continues to warm up, health officials say it’s important for people to protect themselves from disease-carrying mosquitoes. One of the illnesses to avoid is the potentially deadly West Nile virus.

About one in five infected people may show signs of West Nile virus. People at risk of serious illness include individuals 50 and older, and people with immune-compromising conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

West Nile symptoms may include fever above 100 degrees and severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis or rash. People should contact their health care provider if experiencing any of these symptoms.

Health officials are advising people to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. West Nile is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

"It’s very easy for people to prevent bites from mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus," said Dr. Emilio DeBess, public health veterinarian at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division. "Although the risk of contracting West Nile virus is low, people can take simple precautions to keep these insects at bay if they’re headed outdoors."

To prevent the spread of West Nile virus:

• Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This includes watering troughs, bird baths, clogged gutters and old tires.
• When engaged in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
• Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

In 2018, there were two human cases of West Nile virus in two Oregon counties: Harney and Clackamas. The virus was found in one bird, 58 mosquito pools — samples of about 50 mosquitoes each — and two horses. In 2017, seven humans, 92 mosquito pools, five horses and one bird tested positive for West Nile. The virus also can be found in chickens, squirrels and dogs.

Climate change, particularly effects such as increased temperature and changes in rainfall, have led to longer mosquito seasons and are contributing to the spread of West Nile virus, health officials say. They agree these and other climate change indicators must be considered to help people better prepare for future transmission of the disease.

Additional information about West Nile virus is available on the Oregon Health Authority website, and from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

# # #

https://bit.ly/2wbuwxv

West Nile virus overview from Dr. Emilio DeBess, OHA Public Health Veterinarian

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Saturday afternoon’s multi-vehicle fatal crash on 126W near Veneta. 

On May 18, 2019 at about 3:30 PM, OSP and first responders were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 126W near milepost 50.

Preliminary investigation revealed that several eastbound vehicles were stopped on 126W near the intersection of Lake Side Drive waiting for a vehicle to make a turn.  A Chevrolet pickup operated by Thomas HILL, age 39, from Eugene, was eastbound and failed to observe traffic coming to a stop.  The Chevrolet pickup rear ended a Dodge pickup, operated by Christopher STUART, age 29 from Florence.  The impact caused the Dodge pickup to go into the westbound lane where it crashed into a  Ford Focus operated by Jennifer STEPHENSON, age 37, from Noti. 

STEPHENSON suffered fatal injuries from the impact.  STEPHENSON’s passenger, Matthew MARCUERQIAGA, age 39, from Noti, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend.  STUART sustained critical injuries and was also transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. 

Highway 126W was closed for about two hours during the investigation.

OSP was assisted by Lane County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT and Veneta Fire. 

Photograph provided by OSP. 

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

For Immediate Release                                        

May 16, 2019

Contact:    Staci Yutzie
                 503-378-2426

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel for Phase 3 will hold a regular meeting on June 6, 2019 from 10:00a-2:00p.  The meeting will be held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Agenda Items:

I.   Welcome- Ryan Keck

II.  Basic Police Revision Overview- Ryan Keck and Staci Yutzie

1. Phase 1 & 2 Product
2. Phase 3 Goal
3. Phase 4 Plan

III.  Metrics- Dr. Stephen James

IV.  Advisory Panel Tasks

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 Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel 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.

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Friday morning’s two vehicle fatal crash on Territorial Highway and High Pass Road near Junction City. 

On May 17, 2019 at about 10:20 AM, OSP troopers and first responders were dispatched to a two vehicle fatal crash at the intersection of Territorial Highway and Highway Pass Road. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Chevy Cavalier, operated by Russell Lee NICKERSON, age 81, from Eugene was traveling westbound on High Pass Road when for unknown reasons he failed to stop at the intersection.  NICKERSON’s vehicle was struck by a  Ford Econoline Van, operated by Cary Allen RAMSAY (male), age 55, from Eugene. 

NICKERSON suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  RAMSAY was transported to Riverbend Hospital with serious injuries. 

Territorial Highway was closed for approximately four hours following the crash. 

OSP was assisted by Lane County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Junction City Fire and Lane Fire Authority.

Photograph provided by OSP.

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

190518-Z-PL933-0008-Visitors, current service members and military Veterans spend time interacting during the 23rd annual Living History Day held at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Oregon, May 18, 2019. This event is co-sponsored by the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Oregon and hosted by the Oregon Military Museum, Oregon's official military history repository and an award-winning museum located at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas. (U.S. National Guard photo by Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.)

190518-Z-PL933-0012-Visitors young and old enjoy the interactive displays during the 23rd annual Living History Day held at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Oregon, May 18, 2019. The Armed Forces Day celebration, hosted by the Oregon Military Museum, pays special tribute to those with military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, expanding public knowledge of the military's role in our communities, our nation, and the world. (U.S. National Guard photo by Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.)

190518-Z-PL933-0058-A restored WWI Ford Model-T Ambulance on display from the Vancouver Barracks Military Association is presented to the public at the 23rd annual Living History day at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore. May 18, 2019. The Armed Forces Day celebration, hosted by the Oregon Military Museum, pays special tribute to those with military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, expanding public knowledge of the military's role in our communities, our nation, and the world. (U.S. National Guard photo by Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.)

190518-Z-PL933-0070-Visitors young and old enjoy the interactive displays during the 23rd annual Living History Day held at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Oregon, May 18, 2019. The Armed Forces Day celebration, hosted by the Oregon Military Museum, pays special tribute to those with military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, expanding public knowledge of the military's role in our communities, our nation, and the world. (U.S. National Guard photo by Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.)

190518-Z-PL933-0086-Rory Jensen, from Camas, Wash, displays his WWII-era camera again this year during the 23rd annual Living History Day held at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Oregon, May 18, 2019. His camera from last year has been sold in order to buy this more historically accurate model used by the United States Army throughout WWII. The Oregon Military Museum held the 23rd Annual Living History Day as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations throughout the country. (U.S. National Guard photo by Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.)

190518-Z-PL933-0101-Visitors and military Veterans spend time interacting during Living History Day held at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Oregon, May 18, 2019. The Oregon Military Museum held the 23rd Annual Living History Day as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations throughout the country. (U.S. National Guard photo by Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.)

190518-Z-PL933-0129-Visitors to the 23rd annual Living History Day held at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Oregon, May 18, 2019 got to see how military equipment, in this case a boat, is loaded on and off of a truck. The Armed Forces Day celebration, hosted by the Oregon Military Museum, pays special tribute to those with military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, expanding public knowledge of the military's role in our communities, our nation, and the world. (U.S. National Guard photo by Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.)

Hi-res photos available on our Flickr account at:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/oregonmildep/1hE1MX

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2019

Find farm stands & u-picks with Oregon’s Bounty

Use a smartphone to easily find farm stands, u-pick fields, on-farm events with Oregon’s Bounty at www.OregonFB.org. 

Strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, mushrooms, salad greens — along with bedding plants, flowering baskets, and fresh-cut flowers — are just a few favorites of Oregon’s agricultural bounty in spring.

But outside of the local farmers market, where can you buy these things directly from a farm or ranch?

“Everyone knows where their local farmers market is. But what about roadside farm stands, u-pick fields, and on-farm events out in rural areas? That’s where Oregon’s Bounty comes in,” said Anne Marie Moss, Oregon Farm Bureau communications director.

Oregon’s Bounty at www.OregonFB.org is a searchable directory of nearly 300 family farms and ranches that sell food and foliage directly to the public.

Oregon’s Bounty allows visitors to do keyword searches for specific agriculture products — such as blueberries, cucumbers, honey, or eggs — and/or search for farms within a specific region of the state. Visitors can also do a keyword search for “u-pick” or “events” to find farms that offer those activities.

“Oregonians love farm-fresh food. Thanks to the diversity of agriculture in this great state, we can buy an enormous variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, foliage, meat, and nuts directly from the families who grew it,” said Moss.

“Each of the farms listed in Oregon’s Bounty are owned and operated by Farm Bureau members who are proud to share what they’ve raised with the public,” said Moss. “Spring is a great time to take a trip into the beautiful countryside and experience Oregon agriculture firsthand.”

###

Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1001835

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) has discovered a security breach involving 8,013 online contractor accounts. Unauthorized individuals gained access to some contractors’ usernames and related password information. The incident occurred between October 27, 2018 and October 29, 2018, and was discovered on April 12, 2019, during a routine audit conducted by the Enterprise Security Office of the agency’s information technology databases.

Unfortunately, personally identifying information in 466 of these accounts was accessible, and the CCB determined this constitutes a data breach for that subset of accounts.

Upon detection of the issue, the CCB took immediate steps to determine the scope of the problem and then to remediate the problem. This work included closing the pathways used by the unauthorized individuals to gain access to the contractor accounts. The CCB is also enhancing its password protection security and is requesting that each affected account holder reset his or her password.

The compromised information included the email, name, address, and password hash (the code that protects the password) of the affected individuals. Of those compromised accounts, 466 also included an ID number such as state ID or driver license. At this time, there is no evidence that the information has been misused.

In addition to asking that all affected account holders reset their passwords, the CCB is sending letters to all affected account holders. These letters advise account holders that CCB is offering identity theft protection and fully managed ID theft recovery services to each of them for one year. Information on how to access these free services is included in the letters being mailed.

The Construction Contractors Board is committed to protecting the privacy and security of its licensees, and its systems are frequently reviewed and audited. 

###

About the CCB

The Construction Contractors Board regulates more than 40,000 licensed contractors. The agency also promotes contractor education and protects consumers by preventing and resolving construction contracting problems. Learn more about the CCB at www.oregon.gov/ccb.

Good morning all,

Please see the attached release regarding one of our elementary schools receiving State recognition.

Saturday June 1 is State Parks Day and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites Oregonians outdoors for a day of free camping, free parking and special events at Oregon’s state parks.

Several state parks are holding free events that day, and camping is free at all tent, RV and individual horse campsites. Day-use parking will be free June 1 and 2 at the 25 parks that charge a day-use fee.

“State Parks Day is our way each year of thanking Oregonians for their commitment to our state parks,” said Lisa Sumption, OPRD director. “We invite people to discover a new park or revisit an old favorite.”

State Parks Day is organized by OPRD and has been held annually since 1997.

Oregon Lottery returns as an event sponsor this year and they’re providing support for events at six state parks: Champoeg State Heritage Area, Fort Stevens State Park, Tumalo State Park, The Cove Palisades State Park, Wallowa Lake State Park and Silver Falls State Park.

Oregon Lottery is also sponsoring a new addition to State Parks Day: commemorative State Parks Day pins. The limited-edition pins will be available for free at more than two dozen state parks on June 1. See the full list of parks distributing the pins at the end of this release. Note: parks have a limited supply of pins and they will be given away first come, first served.

In total, 11 state parks will host free events June 1:

Willamette Valley

• Champoeg State Heritage Area
• Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area
• Silver Falls State Park

Coast

• Fort Stevens State Park
• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

Cascade Range and Central Oregon

• The Cove Palisades State Park
• Prineville Reservoir State Park
• Tumalo State Park

Portland Metro Area

• Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Southern and Eastern Oregon

• Collier Memorial State Park
• Wallowa Lake State Park

Events include disc golf, living history, outdoor concerts, ranger-led programs and more. Full details about events at each park are on the official State Parks Day webpage. 

To guarantee a campsite for State Parks Day, reserve online at oregonstateparks.org or call (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. While campsite rental is free, an $8 non-refundable transaction fee is required at the time of the reservation. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of your stay. Approximately half of state park campgrounds accept reservations.

List of state parks giving away State Parks Day pins on June 1

Coast

• Bullards Beach State Park
• Cape Arago State Park
• Cape Lookout State Park
• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
• Crissey Field State Recreation Site
• Fort Stevens State Park
• Humbug Mountain State Park
• Shore Acres State Park
• Sunset Bay State Park
• William M. Tugman State Park

Columbia River Gorge

• Ainsworth State Park
• Guy W. Talbot State Park

Willamette Valley

• Champoeg State Heritage Area
• Dexter State Recreation Area
• Elijah Bristow State Park
• Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area
• Silver Falls State Park
• Thompson's Mills State Heritage Area

Cascade Range and Central Oregon

• LaPine State Park
• Prineville Reservoir State Park
• The Cove Palisades State Park
• Tumalo State Park

Southern and Eastern Oregon

• Clyde Holliday State Park
• Cottonwood Canyon State Park
• Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area
• Farewell Bend State Recreation Area
• Hat Rock State Park
• Lake Owyhee State Park
• Minam State Recreation Area
• Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Site
• Wallowa Lake State Park

Armed Forces Day Event Honors Veterans, History  

23rd Annual Living History Day Honors All Service Men and Women

CLACKAMAS, Oregon – The 23rd Annual Living History Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 18th, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore., from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The event celebrates Armed Forces Day, a nationally recognized holiday held on the third Saturday each May.  Visitors of all ages can explore military displays, vehicles, and historic buildings.  This free event is co-sponsored by the Oregon Military Museum and the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Oregon (MVCCO).

The Armed Forces Day celebration pays special tribute to those with military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, expanding public knowledge of the military’s role in our communities, our nation, and the world.  

“This annual event helps us fulfill our mission to inspire and educate visitors about Oregon's military heritage and legacy, to include the National Guard, the early militia, and all branches of the Armed Forces,” explains Tracy Thoennes, curator of the museum. “We showcase military equipment and capabilities throughout the past two hundred years.  Visitors have the opportunity to see, touch, and experience first-hand our military past and learn more about today’s military.” 

Displays include multi-era historical artifacts as well as current operational military equipment.  A few examples include:  U.S. field artillery from 1841 through today, exhibits in two circa 1911 rescued and relocated historic buildings, and many military vehicles from ambulances, trucks, and tanks to amphibious, tactical, and utility vehicles.  Food and beverage for purchase or by donation will be available.

Drivers will be required to show a valid driver’s license to enter Camp Withycombe.  The address is 15300 SE Minuteman Way, just off Interstate 205 and Highway 212, near SE 102nd Avenue.  

For more information about Living History Day, please call the Oregon Military Museum at (503) 683-5359. 

The Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Oregon is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of military vehicles and related equipment.  Monthly meetings are held at Camp Withycombe, and members participate in parades and community events throughout each year. 

The Oregon Military Museum is Oregon’s official military history repository and an award-winning museum located at Camp Withycombe.  The museum is currently undergoing major renovations.  

Photo Caption:

Rory Jensen from Camas, Washington, dressed in his vintage WWII-era uniform, holds a WWII-era Speed Graphic camera during Living History Day held at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Oregon, May 19, 2018. The Oregon Military Museum will once again host the 23rd Annual Living History Day as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations throughout the country on May 18, 2019. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
 

May 16, 2019

Commission votes on two proposals regarding chronic pain coverage

The Health Evidence Review Commission (HERC) today voted unanimously to update Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage for neck and back pain, by removing requirements for opioid tapering. The change will be effective October 1.

Meanwhile, the HERC unanimously declined to cover treatments for the five chronic pain conditions that had been under consideration since 2017, citing a lack of evidence of clinical effectiveness for both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for those conditions.

The five conditions under consideration were: chronic pain due to trauma, post-procedural chronic pain, chronic pain syndrome, other chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.

In 2017 OHA convened the Chronic Pain Task Force to explore whether OHP should cover these five chronic pain conditions. Currently, they are not intended to be covered by OHP. The proposal that was informed by the task force garnered considerable concern and attention from advocates, providers and experts across the country, prompting deeper dives into the evidence and revisions to the proposal. Most recently, OHA commissioned a third-party review by Washington-based Aggregate Analytics Inc. (AAI) to appraise the evidence under consideration for these chronic pain conditions.

"The HERC is often faced with important decisions with limited clinical evidence available," said Dana Hargunani, M.D., chief medical officer at OHA. "We want to thank the members for their thoughtful deliberations. We are committed to reviewing new forthcoming evidence ahead."

Previously in 2016 the HERC expanded OHP coverage for neck and back pain, newly approving non-pharmacological services such as physical and occupational therapy, chiropractic care, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture and yoga. The benefit package had also required opioid tapering neck and back pain patients from long-term opioid therapy.

Today the HERC voted to remove the tapering requirement if not clinically indicated. The neck and back pain coverage will be further revisited this winter, with a focus on opioid coverage.

"Pain is complicated and different for everyone," said Kevin Olson, M.D., HERC chairman. "We heard loud and clear that pain treatment and opioid tapering should be individualized based on the patient-clinician relationship. I am pleased that we were able to align the neck and back coverage with these principles."

About the HERC

The Health Evidence Review Commission reviews medical evidence to prioritize health spending in the Oregon Health Plan and to promote evidence-based medical practice statewide through comparative effectiveness reports, including coverage guidances and multisector interventions, health technology assessments and evidence-based practice guidelines.

The commission consists of 13 governor-appointed and senate-confirmed volunteer members, including five physician representatives (one of whom must be a doctor of osteopathy and another a hospital representative), a dentist, a public health nurse, a behavioral health representative, a provider of complementary and alternative medicine, a retail pharmacist, an insurance industry representative and two consumer representatives.

# # #

http://bit.ly/2w54BY4

The FBI has chosen eight cases - including one from Oregon - to highlight during the national Police Week events honoring those officers killed and injured in the line of duty. The Oregon case focuses on fugitive David Anthony Durham who is wanted in connection with the 2011 attempted murder of a Lincoln City Police officer.

On Thursday, May 16th, the FBI highlighted the Durham case on its website (www.fbi.gov) and will showcase Durham across its national social media platforms including www.Facebook.com/FBI and @FBIMostWanted on Twitter.

Background Information 

At approximately 11:00 p.m. on January 23, 2011, a Lincoln City Police officer pulled over an SUV for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Durham, shot the officer multiple times and critically wounded him. Durham then fled the area. A police chase ensued, and Durham exchanged gunfire with officers before abandoning his vehicle in Waldport, Oregon. Durham disappeared, and there have been no confirmed sightings since. 

"This was a well-known, outstanding, veteran police officer who was ambushed during a traffic stop,” said Lincoln City Police Chief Jerry Palmer of the injured officer. “He will never be the same.” Palmer stressed that it remains a priority of the department to find Durham.

Local authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Durham in Lincoln County on January 27, 2011, charging him with dozens of counts - including four counts of attempted aggravated murder. The FBI obtained a federal arrest warrant on January 29, 2011, charging Durham with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution (a federal fugitive warrant.) Since that time, the FBI has assisted the Lincoln City in the fugtive hunt - providing resources, following up on potential leads and assisting with publicity efforts. 

Durham is known to possess survival skills. He was wearing full green camouflage at the time of his disappearance, as well as tan or dark boots, and a dark-colored beret. In the past, he has expressed a desire to travel or is believed to have traveled to California, the Caribbean, and Thailand. 

The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of Durham. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, by submitting a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov or calling the nearest FBI office.

###

The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs welcomes our news and media partners to consider sharing with your audiences the following Memorial Day message from Director Kelly Fitzpatrick:

Every year, I’m struck by the powerful — and often, opposing — emotions that Memorial Day stirs.

We celebrate our freedoms, and yet, we mourn the cost that they required. We look ahead to a bright future, while we remember the trials and challenges of the past. We honor those who served, but we grieve their loss.

Celebration, and sadness. Gratitude, and remorse. Hope, and helplessness. Memorial Day is unique in evoking such a broad spectrum of feeling, because it is this holiday that speaks most keenly to our highest ideals, as well as the steep price we are willing to pay for them.

Sadly, it is also a day that, for many, has lost its significance. President George W. Bush would often tell the story of asking schoolchildren what the meaning of Memorial Day is, only to have them respond, “That’s the day the pool opens!”

For many Oregonians, Memorial Day is primarily the unofficial start of the summer recreation season, a chance to enjoy our amazing forests and beaches, rivers and lakes and mountain trails.

We should enjoy all that our state has to offer, but we should also keep in mind the words of another president, John F. Kennedy: “A nation reveals itself not only by the citizens it produces but also by the citizens it honors, the citizens it remembers.”

We must remember the fallen because the courage, the strength, the selflessness and the sacrifice of each one of these brave warriors is the ideal to which we all should aspire.

On this Memorial Day, I think of Bob Maxwell, a great American and Oregonian whom we lost earlier this month. Bob was a World War II combat soldier, and until his death, the only Medal of Honor recipient still living in our state. While he did not die fighting for our country he fearlessly faced death in a way few Americans ever have.

He earned that medal — the U.S. military’s highest decoration for valor — for the courage he showed during a battle in September 1944, when a live German hand grenade was tossed in the midst of his squad. Without a second thought, he hurled himself upon it, shielding his comrades from the blast with nothing but a blanket and his unprotected body.

Maxwell cheated death that day, though he carried shrapnel in his body for the rest of his life.  It was a life he dedicated in humble service to the veteran community, and to the memories of his brothers in arms, who never got the chance to come home.

We must never forget the true cost of war. It is a price paid not in dollars and cents, but with the blood of our heroes. They were nothing less than the best America had to offer, those who answered the call when their nation needed them, who paid the ultimate price to protect us and our way of life.

The stories of their sacrifice are forever woven into the fabric of our nation and its history. They gave their lives on the foreign soils of Europe, the black sands of the South Pacific, the frozen reaches of Korea, in the sweltering jungles of Vietnam, the scorching deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq, and in many other places across the globe.

The United States lost more than 400,000 of its sons and daughters in World War II — 2,826 from Oregon. 54,246 American service members gave their lives in Korea (287 Oregonians); 58,209 in Vietnam (791 from our state).

In Iraq and Afghanistan, we lost 6,713 American service members — 142 Oregonians. Each one of their names is etched on slabs of granite that form the heart of the Afghan/Iraqi Freedom Memorial, located just a few steps from the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs office building. Each one of their names is read aloud each year at our Memorial Day ceremony, as we seek to honor and remember their sacrifice.

Each one represents the loss of a bright and shining light in the lives of their families, a pain that they feel each and every day — not just on Memorial Day. We remember and honor their sacrifice as well. They, too, paid a great price for the freedoms we now enjoy.

On behalf of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, I urge all Oregonians to take a moment this Memorial Day, to remember our fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to our nation, and say, “Thank you.”

Kelly Fitzpatrick is a U.S. Army veterans and the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs.

May 16, 2019:  At 1:16 pm PDT today, Superintendent, Dr. Jack Irion, was notified from the Washington State Board of Education that five schools in the Yakima School District are being honored in June as "State-Recognized Schools" for closing gaps and demonstrating improvement among student groups identified for support. 

Congratulations to:

A.C. Davis High School, Ryan McDaniel, Principal

Gilbert Elementary, Stephanie Rosbach, Principal 

Hoover Elementary School, Julio Sanchez, Principal

McClure Elementary, Deb Lavis, Principal

Nob Hill Elementary, Erin Thomas, Principal

These schools will be honored at a School Recognition Event on June 6th with simultaneous ceremonies in Olympia and Spokane.

Recognition criteria

SBE, OSPI, and EOGOAC are recognizing schools who have demonstrated performance along a continuum of improvement, closing opportunity gaps in the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF) measures. Measures for the first year include both academic indicators (proficiency, growth, graduation rate, English language progress) as well as school quality and student success measures (dual credit participation, regular attendance, and ninth grade on track rates).

May 16, 2019

Nurse Staffing Advisory Board meets May 22

What: The quarterly public meeting of the Nurse Staffing Advisory Board.

Agenda: Review of minutes from Feb. 27 meeting; status updates on surveys, complaints and waivers; committee updates, overtime documentation discussion; nurse staffing complaint discussion; emerging issues in nurse staffing; and public comment. The agenda is available on the OHA’s nurse staffing website.

When: May 22, 1-5 p.m. There will be a public comment period at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building Room 1E, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland. By conference call at 877-336-1829, access code 2075141.

Background: The Nurse Staffing Advisory Board advises the Oregon Health Authority on the administration of Oregon’s nurse staffing laws; identifies trends, opportunities and concerns related to nurse staffing; makes recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the basis of those trends, opportunities and concerns; and reviews the enforcement powers and processes under Oregon’s nurse staffing laws.

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

Program contact: Matt Gilman, 971-673-2317, matt.s.gilman@state.or.us.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Matt Gilman at 971-673-2317, 711 TTY or matt.s.gilman@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2EeQUuh

The original release included an incorrect address for the meeting location. The address is now updated (DPSST - 4190 Aumsville Highway SE).

--------------------

The State Interoperability Executive Council (SIEC) will meet Tuesday, May 21, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Hall of Heroes (Room A) at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, located at 4190 Aumsville Highway SE in Salem. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken from those attending in person and via audioconference.

The SIEC was created under the State Chief Information Officer to be the statewide interoperability governing body and serve as the primary steering group for the Oregon Statewide Interoperability Communications Plan (SCIP). The SIEC’s mission is to develop and maintain the SCIP, develop recommendations and guidelines for policy, identify technology and standards, and coordinate intergovernmental resources to facilitate statewide public safety communications interoperability.

The meeting agenda and handouts are posted on the council’s website. Instructions for those who wish to attend over the phone are outlined in the meeting agenda.

• SIEC website: https://www.oregon.gov/siec/Pages/Meetings.aspx
• SIEC May 21 agenda: https://www.oregon.gov/siec/Documents/Meetings/2019/2019-05-21_SIEC_Agenda.pdf

WALLA WALLA - Walla Walla Public Schools Director of Fiscal Services Nancy Taylor has been named School Business Official of the Year by the Washington Association of School Business Officials. Taylor oversees the district’s budget operations, accounts payable, payroll and numerous compliance regulatory functions linked to district business procedures. The award includes a trip to the National School Business Official's conference in Maryland.

"There are so many talented School Business Officials across the state that I consider it an honor to be considered among them,” said Taylor. “I appreciate my team and others for nominating me."

Taylor was nominated by Business Office employees Melinda Gee and DeeDee Delaney. Her application packet included letters of recommendation from Superintendent Wade Smith, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Christy Krutulis and Administrative Assistant Kim Locken. Taylor was honored at the Washington Association of School Business Officials awards ceremony May 9.

"Nancy works diligently on her own tasks, but she does not hesitate to drop what she's doing to help others and put them first,” said Gee. “She is committed to her duties and is dedicated to the staff. Her extensive knowledge on all aspects about Washington State school finance makes her an outstanding leader."

The Washington Schools Business Officials Association coordinates monthly fiscal user group meetings, trainings, certification programs and an annual professional development workshop and awards program.

###

PASCO, WA – With the conclusion of the 2019 legislative session, Educational Service District 123 received confirmation of a major expansion to our ECEAP Preschool program. ESD 123 has managed the Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP) since 2014. The new award of an additional 152 slots means ESD 123 will be serving more than 500 preschool students across 15 different school districts starting in the 2019-20 school year.

ESD 123’s ECEAP Preschool currently serves children ages 3-5 in Columbia (Burbank), Finley, North Franklin (Mesa and Connell), Pasco, Othello, Touchet, and Waitsburg/Prescott/Dixie School Districts, as well as at two subcontractor sites in Kennewick and Benton City. The 2019 expansion brings services to Moses Lake, College Place, Walla Walla, and Prosser School Districts.

“We have a strong team, full of people with good backgrounds and experience in early learning,” says Matt Bona, ESD 123 Director of Early Learning. “That helps districts feel confident in our work and want to partner with us.”

ECEAP provides free preschool services to qualifying families, as well as nutritious meals and snacks, health screenings, and family support. Families looking to apply for the 2019-20 school year or receive more information are encouraged to contact the ESD 123 ECEAP office at 509.544.5704 or the regional recruiter at 509.637.2312. For more information on the ECEAP preschool expansion, contact Molly Curtiss, Director of Communications, at tiss@esd123.org">mcurtiss@esd123.org or 509.544.5787.

###

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 Darcy Weisner 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.

The Richland City Council is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on its Public Facilities District Board. The term of the appointment is four years, from July 16, 2019 through July 15, 2021. Interested citizens must submit an application and resume.

Details are available on the city’s website at www.ci.richland.wa.us/bccvacancies or by calling the city at 942-7388. The application deadline is May 28, 2019.