Office of State Fire Marshal Public Information Officer Rich Hoover will be out of the office from 12:30 p.m. Friday, September 3, 2010 through 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 17, 2010. During this period, you may contact the OSFM back-up PIO Anita Horsley at 503-934-8249 (office), or 503-370-0033 (pager).

Thank you.

Structural task forces from Multnomah and Washington Hood River counties are being demobilized from the D. Harris Conflagration due to the decreasing threat to structures in the area. The Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team will turn control of the fire back to the local fire district for structural protection today at 6:00 p.m.

The D Harris Fire began August 18 in the Juniper Flat Fire Protection District. The fire is located approximately five miles southwest of the City of Maupin, Oregon and estimated to be 3,800 acres.

Residents in Maupin should remain on alert for possible evacuation should conditions worsen.

Governor Kulongoski invoked the Oregon Conflagration Act to allow State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire. The request to invoke the conflagration act came from Wasco County Assistant Fire Defense Board Chief Jay Wood.

Additional resources on surviving wildfires may be accessed at:
• Wildfire…Evacuation Readiness http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/wildfire_evac.doc
• After the Wildfire… http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.doc


###

The D Harris Fire began yesterday 8/19/2010 in the Juniper Flat Fire Protection District. At present, members of the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office Red Incident Management Team are assessing the extent of the fire and reports of destroyed structures.

The fire is located approximately five miles southwest of the City of Maupin, Oregon and estimated to be 3,800 acres. However, a more accurate estimate will be available later in the day.

The fire is burning in grass, juniper, and pine tree stands with dramatic rates of spread yesterday afternoon due to warm temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds. Weather for today is expected to produce similar conditions as Thursday.

Residents in Maupin are on a level 1 evacuation alert advising them to prepare for possible evacuation should conditions worsen.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal Office Red Incident Management Team is assigned to the incident and has assumed Command early Friday morning. Task Forces from Hood River, Multnomah, and Washington counties are assigned to the incident.

The structural incident command post and base camp is located at Maupin High School. The incident information officer will be making contact with members of the community today to address any concerns.

Additional resources on surviving wildfires may be accessed at:
• Wildfire…Evacuation Readiness http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/wildfire_evac.doc
• After the Wildfire… http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.doc

###

Salem, OR—Governor Theodore Kulongoski has declared the D. Harris fire 8 miles west of Maupin as a conflagration. The declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire. The request to invoke the Oregon Conflagration Act was made by Wasco County Assistant Fire Defense Board Chief Jay Wood.

The fire started around 2 p.m. August 19. Dry fuel conditions of grass and juniper, along with significant winds have caused the fire to move rapidly with extreme fire behavior. The fire is threatening the Wasco County town of Maupin.

The Office of State Marshal's Red Incident Management Team and one structural task force are en-route. A second structural task force is scheduled to deploy the morning of August 20th.

Oregon's conflagration act may be invoked only by the Governor and allows the State Fire Marshal to dispatch structural firefighters and equipment to help local resources provide structural protection.

More information on Conflagration is available here: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Conflagration_Information_2007.shtml#Conflagration_FAQs
More Emergency Mobilization information is available here: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Oregon_Mob_Plan.shtml

Additional resources on surviving wildfires may be accessed at:
• Wildfire…Evacuation Readiness http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/wildfire_evac.doc
• After the Wildfire… http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.doc

###

A Missoula, Montana man was arrested Tuesday by an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper during a speed-related traffic stop west of Hines when the trooper found approximately 3 lbs. of marijuana and a quarter pound of hashish. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation.

According to Sergeant Brian Williams, on September 7, 2010 at approximately 1:40 p.m. an OSP senior trooper from the Burns office stopped a 1992 Isuzu Rodeo for traveling 72 mph in a 55 mph speed zone and fail to drive within a traffic lane on Highway 20 about nineteen miles west of Hines. The lone occupant was identified as driver RICHARD KNIGHT, age 44, from Missoula, Montana.

Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop led to the discovery of approximately 3 lbs. of marijuana, four ounces of hashish, digital scales and other related evidence. The marijuana (estimated value $7500) and hashish (estimated value $2500) were being transported in a large cooler inside the vehicle.

KNIGHT was arrested without incident for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of over an Ounce of Marijuana and lodged in the Harney County Jail.

Photograph Sources:
Knight photo - Harney County Sheriff's Office
Marijuana / Hashish photo - Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Richard Knight , 2010-09/1002/38163/090710.hwy20mp110.mj.JPG

A Labor Day holiday weekend traffic stop by an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper about eleven miles south of Klamath Falls led to the arrest of a Yakima, Washington man after the trooper found approximately 104 lbs. of marijuana inside the vehicle. An OSP Drug Enforcement Section detective is continuing the investigation.

On September 5, 2010 at approximately 2:15 p.m. an OSP trooper was patrolling northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 284 following a 1996 Ford Explorer displaying Washington license plates when the trooper saw the vehicle travel about 3 feet over the center line into the southbound lane. The trooper stopped the vehicle for failure to travel within a traffic lane and contacted the lone occupant/driver OSCAR DELACRUZ CRUZ, age 29, from Yakima, Washington.

Subsequent investigation related to the traffic stop led to the discovery of approximately 104 lbs. of marijuana inside three large bags located in the rear cargo area. The seized marijuana has an estimated value in excess of $250,000.

CRUZ was arrested and lodged at the Klamath County Jail for Unlawful Possession, Distribution and Manufacturing of Marijuana.

OSP traffic stops this summer have led to significant drug seizures including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. This is the third OSP traffic stop during the last 90 days leading to arrests after troopers found 100 pounds or more of marijuana. The other two traffic stops were:

* On August 7, 2010 at approximately 1:20 a.m. an OSP trooper stopped a 2004 Ford Expedition displaying California license plates for traffic violations northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 145 south of Rice Hill. Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop involved an OSP drug detection canine and led to the seizure of approximately 100 lbs. of marijuana in three large boxes with an estimated value of $250,000. A California man was arrested after he fled on foot and was overtaken by the trooper.

* On July 20, 2010 at approximately 4:38 a.m. an OSP trooper stopped a 2005 GMC pickup displaying California license plates for a speed violation northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 32. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of approximately 102 lbs. of marijuana concealed under a blanket on the pickup's back seat with an estimated value in excess of $250,000. Two men, one from Washington and the other from California, were arrested.

Photograph Sources:
Cruz photo – Klamath County Sheriff's Office
Marijuana photo – Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-09/1002/38154/090510.hwy97mp283.mj.1.JPG , Oscar Delacruz Cruz

Preliminary information indicates one person died on Oregon roadways during the 2010 Labor Day holiday 78-hour period as Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers, along with county deputies and city officers, wrapped up an extended national DUII and traffic safety enforcement effort. Since August 20th, Oregon law enforcement agencies teamed together with others around the country as part of the national campaign, "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest." that ran through the Labor Day Holiday weekend ending September 6th.

Since 1970, ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) has been tracking major holiday traffic fatality statistics. According to those numbers, an average of 7 people die each year during the 78-hour Labor Day Holiday extended weekend which historically is the second deadliest major holiday of the year. Last year, 2 people died in Oregon traffic crashes and the year before there were 11 traffic-related deaths. The highest number of traffic fatalities for this holiday period was in 1978 when there were 17 deaths.

According to FARS statistics, this the third time in the last 40 years that there has been only one fatality during the Labor Day Holiday period. This year's known fatality happened early Sunday morning when a 20-year old Forest Grove man was hit by another vehicle after the man had gotten out of the car he was riding in on Tualatin Valley Highway. The Washington County Sheriff's Office is the lead investigating agency.

Historically, the Labor Day Holiday weekend is the second deadliest major holiday weekend in Oregon. Alcohol is a known contributing factor in over half of holiday traffic fatalities. During this year's Labor Day Holiday weekend, OSP troopers reported 67 DUII arrests, slightly down from 72 arrests reported last year. The Springfield Area Command office made a quarter of the OSP arrests reporting 17 DUII arrests. Other OSP offices reporting 3 or more DUII arrests were:

* Tualatin Work Site – 7
* Portland Area Command - 6
* Coos Bay Area Command – 3
* Grants Pass Work Site – 3
* Albany Area Command – 3
* Lakeview Work Site – 3
* The Dalles Area Command - 3

In addition to increased DUII enforcement efforts, OSP troopers worked with several county and city agencies targeting hazardous traffic violations. During the holiday weekend, preliminary enforcement statistics for OSP troopers show nearly 1,100 speed-related citations, more than 200 safety restraint citations and warnings, and 397 disabled motorists assisted. Troopers also responded to nearly 100 traffic crashes on Oregon freeways and secondary state highways, none of which were fatalities.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Photograph Source: Klamath County Sheriff's Office

Oregon State Police (OSP) detectives arrested a 22-year old Klamath Falls woman after she was discharged from a local hospital on charges related to a Thursday night double fatal traffic crash in Klamath Falls. OSP troopers and detectives, with the assistance of the Klamath County District Attorney's Office, are continuing the investigation into the alcohol-involved crash that resulted in the death of a Dorris, California couple and critical injuries to their great-grandson.

On September 3, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. OSP Detective John Mogle and Detective Chris Kaber arrested CARRIE AMES, age 22, for two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, DUII, Assault in the Second Degree, and Assault in the Third Degree. She was lodged in the Klamath County Jail pending a circuit court arraignment. Questions regarding any court appearances or grand jury hearing should be directed to District Attorney Edwin Caleb at (541) 883-5147.

AMES' arrest is associated with an ongoing OSP investigation into a September 2, 2010 double fatal traffic crash at approximately 7:02 p.m. A 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by AMES was eastbound on the Southside Bypass near Washburn Way when it veered across the center line and collided head-on with a westbound 2000 Dodge Stratus driven by BILLY DON BARTON, age 66, from Dorris, California.

BILLY DON BARTON and his wife, DONNA BARTON, age 62, were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their 6-year old great-grandson, DABA PHILLIPS, also from Dorris, was critically injured. The victims were using safety restraints and the car's airbags deployed. DABA was in a child booster seat in the right rear seating location. He was transported by air ambulance to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland.

AMES and passenger JACKIE MANKINS, age 18, from Klamath Falls, were transported by ground ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center with minor injuries. Both were using safety restraints and the car's airbags deployed.

OSP patrol troopers and Criminal Investigations Division detectives from Klamath Falls and Central Point area command offices are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Klamath County District Attorney's Office.

Klamath County Sheriff's Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Fire District 1, and ODOT assisted at the scene. California Highway Patrol assisted OSP with next of kin notification.

Police officers in Oregon and around the country started stepping up impaired driving enforcement efforts August 20, and are keeping the pressure on through the holiday weekend, September 3 - 6. Coinciding with efforts to remove impaired drivers off the road is a statewide effort running August 30 through September 12 monitoring safety belt usage, with an emphasis on child passengers.

Labor Day holiday-related safety information and reminders were previously provided in a news release sent August 31. This release is available on our website at:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/08_31_2010_pre_labor_day_holiday.shtml.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Carrie Ames

The following news release was issued Friday morning by Klamath County District Attorney Edwin Caleb. Questions regarding this update should be directed to his office at (541) 883-5147:

The Klamath County District Attorney's Office today charged CARRIE AMES, age 22, from Klamath Falls, with the crimes of two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree for the vehicular homicides of BILLY DON BARTON, age 66, and his wife, DONNA BARTON, age 62, both from Dorris, California. In addition, charges of DUII, Assault in the Second Degree (for injuries to DABA PHILLIPS, age 6, a passenger in the BARTON's car) and Assault in the Third Degree for injuries to JACKIE MANKINS, age 18 (a passenger in AMES's vehicle) will be filed.

The defendant, CARRIE AMES, is currently at Sky Lakes Medical Center with minor injuries but will be arrested and jailed when released. The matter will be set for Grand Jury next week.

***

(Below is an earlier OSP news release with information regarding the double fatal traffic crash)

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and detectives are continuing the investigation into a Klamath Falls-area Thursday evening fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of a Dorris, California couple and critical injuries to their great-grandson. The offending driver and a passenger received minor injuries and alcohol is being investigated as a contributing factor. This crash is a reminder of why police officers in Oregon and around the country are stepping up enforcement efforts this holiday weekend to prevent crashes and remove impaired drivers from the road.

According to OSP Lieutenant Jason Westfall, on September 2, 2010 at approximately 7:02 p.m. a 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by CARRIE AMES, age 22, from Klamath Falls, was eastbound on the Southside Bypass near Washburn Way when it veered across the center line and collided head-on with a westbound 2000 Dodge Stratus driven by DON BARTON, age 66, from Dorris, California.

DON BARTON and his wife, DONNA BARTON, age 62, were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their 6-year old great-grandson, DABA PHILLIPS, also from Dorris, was critically injured. The victims were using safety restraints and the car's airbags deployed. DABA was in a child booster seat in the right rear seating location. He was transported by air ambulance to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland.

AMES and passenger JACKIE MANKINS, age 18, from Klamath Falls, were transported by ground ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center with minor injuries. Both were using safety restraints and the car's airbags deployed.

OSP patrol troopers and Criminal Investigations Division detectives from Klamath Falls and Central Point area command offices are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Klamath County District Attorney's Office.

Klamath County Sheriff's Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Fire District 1, and ODOT assisted at the scene. California Highway Patrol assisted OSP with next of kin notification.

Police officers in Oregon and around the country started stepping up impaired driving enforcement efforts August 20, and are keeping the pressure on through the holiday weekend, September 3 - 6. Coinciding with efforts to remove impaired drivers off the road is a statewide effort running August 30 through September 12 monitoring safety belt usage, with an emphasis on child passengers.

Labor Day holiday-related safety information and reminders were previously provided in a news release sent August 31. This release is available on our website at:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/08_31_2010_pre_labor_day_holiday.shtml.

No photographs available at this time.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Subsequent investigation with the medical examiner into August 25th's fatal traffic crash along Interstate 84 in the Corbett area confirmed the positive identification of a deceased driver as a 66-year old Stockton, California man. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation.

On August 25, 2010 at approximately 9:37 p.m. a 2003 Honda Pilot displaying California license plates driven by JOSE L. HERNANDEZ, age 66, from Stockton, California was westbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 23 when it traveled off the north side of the freeway into a viewpoint parking area. The sport utility vehicle crashed into the left rear side of a parked semi-trailer and caught fire.

The truck's driver, RICHARD CLAY, age 30, from Effingham, Illinois was inside the truck's sleeper berth when he felt the impact and noticed the fire. CLAY was able to unhook the truck from the trailer and move it as the fire developed. He and others who stopped to help were unable to get to HERNANDEZ because of the fire.

Fire personnel from Corbett Fire Department and Multnomah County Rural Protection Fire District #14 responded and extinguished the fire that caused significant damage to the Honda Pilot and the rear third of the semi-trailer loaded with grocery products.

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and ODOT assisted at the scene. Lanes in both directions were closed about an hour during fire suppression efforts. Eastbound lanes and one westbound lane were opened about 10:45 p.m.

The viewpoint parking lot remained closed during the night to coordinate scene clean up work.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37822/082510.fatal.i84mp23.JPG

(Note: Correction to Captain Samuels phone number to read 934-0221)

A Bend-area Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division trooper known by his supervisor as "one of the most diligent troopers I have ever met in locating and apprehending criminals", received the division's 2009 "Fish & Wildlife Division Officer of the Year" award. Senior Trooper James Hayes, age 36, was presented the award Tuesday by Captain Jeff Samuels, OSP Fish & Wildlife Division director, and his supervisor, Sergeant David Pond, during a presentation at the OSP Bend Area Command office.

This is the fourth annual presentation of the division's award based on criteria including professionalism, dedication to citizens and natural resources of our State, and work ethic. Nominations were received from around the State and reviewed by regional and General Headquarters staff before the announcement of the award recipient.

A member of the Central Oregon Team, a nine-member OSP F&W team selected today to receive the "2009 Fish & Wildlife Division Team of the Year" award; Hayes has been assigned in the F&W Division for seven of the 11 years he has worked for OSP. Pond noted that Hayes' work is an example of his well-rounded approach to keeping an eye out for people committing any type of crime or traffic offense.

During 2009, Senior Trooper Hayes investigated and successfully concluded a variety of cases including:

* A lengthy investigation into criminal fish & wildlife crimes in Oregon and Idaho that ultimately uncovered video tapes featuring at least four suspects involved in illegal taking of wildlife, and the seizure of taxidermy mounts of bear, deer, cougar, and moose. The suspects were charged with multiple crimes in Oregon and Idaho.
* While patrolling a highway east of Bend using Patrol Division overtime grant funds, Hayes stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and noted a small amount of blood on the passenger door and an odor of fresh meat. Subsequent investigation revealed the two occupants had 3 antelope and a deer. Each faced charges for Illegal Possession of Antelope and Illegal Possession of Deer.
* Receiving a report from US Forest Service employees of two subjects putting deer meat into a vehicle, Hayes responded from over 100 miles away to investigate and asked two deputies to contact the subject until he could arrive. Using the meat's temperature obtained with a thermometer, Hayes determined the two bucks were killed at separate locations and were not road struck deer as had been first claimed. The suspects were charged with numerous fish & wildlife offenses.

Hayes joined OSP in 1999 when he was assigned in the Patrol Services Division at the Gilchrist work site. He transferred to the Fish & Wildlife Division at the Bend Area Command office in 2005.

Previous honorees were Trooper Marc Boyd from the Springfield Area Command office (2008), Sergeant Todd Hoodenpyl from the Tillamook work site (2007), and the award's first recipient in 2006, Luke Schwartz who is now assigned as a Patrol Sergeant at the Tualatin work site.

The primary responsibility of the Fish & Wildlife Division is enforcement of fish, wildlife, and commercial fishing laws and protection of natural resources. The members of the Fish and Wildlife Division also enforce traffic, criminal, boating, livestock and environmental protection laws in addition to responding to emergency situations.

Photograph of Senior Trooper Hayes – Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37947/Hayes.2009FWTprofYear.JPG

(Team Photo left to right:
Top row – Senior Trooper Lindberg, East Region F&W Lt. Randy Scorby, Trooper Travis Ring, Senior Trooper Greg Love, Senior Trooper Rich Young, and Senior Trooper Andrew Menlow
Bottom row – Senior Trooper Mark Prodzinski, Senior Trooper James Hayes, and Sergeant David Pond
Not pictured: Senior Trooper Amos Madison)

(Correction to Captain Samuels phone number to read 934-0221)

****

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife (OSP F&W) Division recognized the exceptional work of troopers from the Central Oregon Team (COT) today when Captain Jeff Samuels announced today they were the recipients of the Division's Team of the Year award for 2009. This is the fourth presentation of the award since the OSP F&W Division implemented a new program celebrating and recognizing the outstanding teamwork by our troopers in protecting Oregon's natural resources.

Supervised by Sergeant David Pond, the nine-member Central Oregon Team is comprised of one sergeant and 8 troopers assigned to OSP offices in Bend, Madras and Prineville. Challenged by diverse natural resource enforcement issues in this fast growing area of the state, COT members work closely with members of neighboring fish & wildlife enforcement teams and are very involved in their communities with local user groups and the media. Team members maintain a cooperative working relationship with the Warm Springs Tribe, US Forest Service, BLM, and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, and are very active with the local Oregon Hunter's Association Chapters giving presentations on enforcement and protection efforts.

In making the surprise announcement to COT members at the OSP Bend Area Command office, Samuels said "this award reflects your teamwork, leadership, work ethic, commitment and overall professionalism."

Ranging from 5 to 28 years of OSP service, the following OSP F&W Central Oregon Team members have a total of 129 years of law enforcement experience:

* Sergeant David Pond (OSP Bend)
* Senior Trooper James Hayes (OSP Bend)
* Senior Trooper Greg Love (OSP Bend)
* Senior Trooper Andrew Menlow (OSP Bend)
* Trooper Travis Ring (OSP Bend)
* Senior Trooper Mark Prodzinski (OSP Madras)
* Senior Trooper Chuck Lindberg (OSP Madras)
* Senior Trooper Amos Madison (OSP Prineville)
* Senior Trooper Rich Young (OSP Prineville)

Some of the year's highlights involving the Central Oregon Team were:

* Senior Trooper James Hayes received a report of a person that shot a 4x4 buck at Oatman Flats. Thinking it was strange that the person would drive over irrigation pipes to retrieve the shot buck, the complainant video taped the person leaving providing important evidence to help identify the vehicle. Hayes provided the vehicle's description to OSP patrol troopers in the Oakridge area who spotted and stopped the vehicle, finding a large 4x4 buck and the weapon used to shoot it. Hayes responded to the stop location and developed further information that led to a search warrant being served at the suspect's residence where troopers later found evidence of four unlawfully taken blacktail deer bucks, seizing deer meat, antlers, and other evidence. The suspect was charged with Theft in the First Degree (3 counts), Unlawfully Taking Deer (4 counts), Unlawfully Taking Elk (2 counts, and Theft of Lost, Mislaid Property.
* Assigned to work the lower Deschutes River from May through November, Senior Trooper Chuck Lindberg works closely with BLM and the Warm Springs Tribe to provide enforcement protection on this 100 mile wild and scenic stretch. Lindberg is very active on the river with fish & wildlife, criminal and traffic enforcement, wild and scenic waterway rules, and Marine Board enforcement. OSP receives consistent praise from area partners and the Lower Deschutes River Managers Group for its enforcement efforts and work to maintaining a family atmosphere on the river.
* Senior Trooper Andrew Menlow, an OSP pilot assigned to the Fish & Wildlife Division, frequently assists other trooper and partner agencies with flight needs, and is called upon to assist local law enforcement with search & rescue operations and aerial searches.
* As part of an investigation involving the illegal possession of a deer, the COT team developed suspects and learned one of them had bragged about killing a cow elk with a bow and arrow without having the required elk tag. A search warrant was obtained and led to recovering evidence of the illegally taken elk. Upon the investigation's conclusion, the suspects were facing several charges including Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Deer, and Taking Elk without a Valid Tag.

Last year's recipient was the Mid-Coast Team comprised of six troopers working out of Tillamook, McMinnville and North Plains.

To learn more about the OSP Fish & Wildlife Division, including a link to monthly newsletters highlighting the work of your OSP Fish & Wildlife troopers, go to our website at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/FW/index.shtml .

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

The Oregon State Police is a full-service public safety agency providing diverse services to the citizens of Oregon. Our mission is to enhance livability and safety by protecting the people, property, and natural resources of the state. To realize our vision and accomplish our mission our objectives are to BE THERE (be ready and able to respond to the increasing needs of Oregonians); PREVENT HARM (engage in vigilant enforcement of laws and regulations while making Oregon's roadways safe and reducing our citizen's exposure to crime, fire and disasters); and, SUPPORT OREGON COMMUNITIES (providing specialized services and assistance throughout Oregon in support of the statewide public safety infrastructure).

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37946/2009FWTeamofYear.COT.JPG

(Note: Media requests for ride-alongs or interviews should be directed to your local OSP office. A list of OSP office numbers is available in the Regional Contact Information link on our website)

***

Impaired driving is a serious problem, one that law enforcement officers in Oregon and around the country will continue to target through the Labor Day holiday weekend as part of a national campaign, "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.". This is one of two national traffic safety campaigns aimed to prevent and reduce injuries and deaths on our highways around the holiday weekend.

Police officers in Oregon and around the country started stepping up impaired driving enforcement efforts August 20, and are keeping the pressure on through the holiday weekend, September 3 - 6. Coinciding with efforts to remove impaired drivers off the road is a statewide effort running August 30 through September 12 monitoring safety belt usage, with an emphasis on child passengers.

Last year during the national crackdown period, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers reported a 13 percent increase in the number of DUII arrests as compared to the previous year. The highly publicized enforcement efforts by Oregon police officers may have had an impact as the Labor Day holiday weekend approached. Prior to the holiday weekend OSP troopers reported a 60 percent jump in the number of reported DUII arrests, but during the holiday weekend reported DUII arrests dropped 18 percent drop compared to the 2008 Labor Day holiday period.

Fatal crash statistics tracked by ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) indicate the Labor Day holiday period is historically the second deadliest on Oregon roads. Since 1970, an average of seven traffic-related deaths happens in Oregon each year during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Last year, two people died on Oregon roads during the 78-hour reporting period, September 4 – 7. One victim was the lone occupant in a single vehicle rollover crash in Josephine County and the second was a pedestrian who died five days after being struck in Klamath County.

OSP Captain Joel Lujan, Patrol Services Division director, pointed out that while it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher in every state, impairment may start with the first drink, particularly when mixed with other substances.

"All too often, innocent people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of a loved one due to this careless disregard for human life. We continue our commitment to stopping this carnage, intensifying enforcement efforts and being especially vigilant during high-risk nighttime hours when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads," said Lujan.

The Transportation Safety Division (TSD) of ODOT supports Oregon's law enforcement agencies as they work together to crackdown on impaired drivers.

"We applaud all of our officers and those who support their enforcement efforts by planning ahead and pledging not to drink and drive. Everyone wins when our roads are safer," said Troy E. Costales, TSD administrator.

The Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation offer the following safety reminders for holiday travel:

* Be watchful for emergency vehicles and workers. MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
* Get plenty of rest before starting out. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Be aware that ODOT is in the midst of the busiest highway construction season ever. Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Know before you go. When traveling anywhere, plan ahead and take know routes if possible. Visiting TripCheck.com on the Internet provides information on road and weather conditions, incidents and traffic delays, and links to numerous cameras along major routes.
* Buckle up every trip, every time. Be sure to use child safety seats correctly.
* Don't drink and drive.

Lujan urged everyone to play an important part in keeping our highways and city streets safe by immediately reporting aggressive, dangerous, and intoxicated drivers to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37940/OSP.Badge.jpg

An Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop for violation of Oregon's cell phone law led to the seizure of approximately 2 lbs. of marijuana and the arrest of an Olympia, Washington man Monday afternoon on Highway 26 west of Sandy.

On August 30, 2010 at approximately 12 noon an OSP trooper stopped a black Nissan Frontier pickup displaying Washington license plates for unlawful use of a mobile communication device (cell phone) on Highway 26 near Kelso Road. The driver, ZACHARY JOHN-RICHARD STOCKERT, age 26, from Olympia, Washington was displaying signs of impairment and the trooper noted an overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from inside the pickup.

Initial check with Oregon DMV indicated STOCKERT's driving privileges were suspended in Oregon. Subsequent further investigation led to his arrest for DUII-Drugs and the seizure of approximately 2 lbs. of marijuana inside two backpacks and a jar. The marijuana has an estimated value of $5,000.

STOCKERT was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail for DUII-Drugs and Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana. He was also cited for Driving While Suspended, Driving Uninsured, and Unlawful Use of a Mobile Communication Device.

Photograph Source: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Stockert

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a Sunday afternoon two vehicle head-on crash on Highway 22 five miles west of Detroit that resulted in the death of a Detroit-area man.

On August 29, 2010 at approximately 3:40 p.m. a 2009 Toyota Avalon driven by RONALD DUANE GALBRAITH, age 73, from Detroit, was eastbound on Highway 22 near milepost 40 when, for an unknown reason, it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a westbound 2004 Dodge Ram pickup driven by CHRISTOPHER D. BOND, age 38, from Albany. Shortly after the crash, an on-duty OSP Fish & Wildlife trooper drove upon the scene and began coordinating emergency response.

GALBRAITH was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was using safety restraints.

CHRISTOPHER BOND was accompanied by his wife CHRISTY BOND, age 37, and their 8-year old son. All three were using safety restraints. CHRISTOPHER was transported by an OSP Fish & Wildlife Division trooper to Santiam Hospital for a medical evaluation but he was not admitted. His wife and son were not injured.

OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are investigating. Gates Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Highway 22 was restricted to one lane of traffic for about 2 1/2 hours during the scene investigation.

Crisis Chaplaincy Services helped with next of kin notification.

No photographs available at this time.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into the cause of a Friday afternoon two vehicle fatal traffic crash on Highway 30 near Woodson Road about five miles west of Clatskanie. A 57-year old Camas, Washington man was killed in the crash and the other driver was critically injured.

According to OSP Senior Trooper Randy Fargher, on August 28, 2010 at approximately 5:54 p.m. a 1978 Ford Courier pickup driven by JEFFERY KIMBALL, age 60, from north Portland, was westbound on Highway 30 near milepost 68 when it crossed the centerline and crashed into an eastbound 1989 Honda Accord four-door driven by HANS SUNDQVIST, age 57, from Camas, Washington.

SUNDQVIST was pronounced deceased at the scene. Washington State Patrol troopers assisted OSP with next of kin notification.

KIMBALL was transported by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital with critical injuries.

Safety restraint use information pending investigation confirmation.

The highway was closed for four hours during the investigation by OSP troopers from the St. Helens and Astoria offices.

Clatskanie Police Department, Clatskanie Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.

No photographs available for this release.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Oregon State Police was notified Friday that former Eugene mayor, RUTH BASCOM, died Thursday night from injuries she sustained in an August 11th traffic crash fifteen miles north of Burns. OSP is continuing the investigation involving the crash in which here husband was driving their car and he received minor injuries.

Initial investigation indicates on August 11, 2010 at approximately 4:30 p.m. a 2009 Toyota Prius driven by JOHN BASCOM, age 85, from Eugene, was southbound on Highway 395 near milepost 56 when he reportedly fell asleep. The car traveled across the northbound lane, off the highway and struck several road side boulders and trees. Passenger RUTH BASCOM, age 84, was seriously injured and taken by ambulance to Harney District Hospital in Burns, before being transferred by air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center for further treatment.

RUTH BASCOM died Thursday night, August 26, from her injuries.

JOHN BASCOM was transported by ambulance to Harney District Hospital with minor injuries.

Both individuals were using safety restraints.

RUTH BASCOM was the first woman mayor of Eugene, serving their community as mayor from 1993 – 1996.

No photographs or other information is available for release.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Friday afternoon's serious injury crash involving a commercial truck and a Jeep Wrangler southbound on Interstate 5 north of the Boone Bridge in the Wilsonville area. Three people were transported to a Portland area hospital and the freeway was completely closed about one hour before being open to one lane and then later fully re-opened.

According to OSP Trooper Shelly Squibb, on August 27, 2010 at approximately 1:30 p.m. a southbound 1986 Peterbuilt commercial truck driven by CHARLES K. JEPSON, age 53, from north Portland, was southbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 283 when it was involved in a collision with a southbound 2004 Jeep Wrangler with three occupants. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

JEPSON was not injured. He was using safety restraints.

The Jeep's driver, MELISSA C. CAWLEY, age 36, from Pendleton, and two passengers, KHOAL COLLINSWORTH, age 10, and DANIEL B. BURTON, age 40, both also from Pendleton, were transported to Oregon Health Sciences University with serious injuries. CAWLEY and BURTON were transported by ground ambulance. COLLINSWORTH was transported by LifeFlight helicopter. All were using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Tualatin work site are continuing the investigation. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37877/082710.i5mp283.1.JPG , 2010-08/1002/37877/082710.i5mp283.2.JPG , 2010-08/1002/37877/082710.i5mp283.3.JPG

For the third year, the Oregon State Police - Missing Children Clearinghouse will hand out free Children Identification Kits, available in Spanish and English, during the 2010 Oregon State Fair in Salem. In addition to handing out kits on two separate dates mentioned below, State Police employees will also offer to take and print photographs of a child to place inside the kit to take home. The Child ID Kits will be made available on the listed dates at the Oregon State Police table located near the amphitheater.

During the last two years, 14,000 free Children Identification Kits and 3,200 brochures were handed out by OSP at the state fair. The ID Complete Child Identification and DNA kits contain the cheek swab for DNA collection, and the kits only take a few minutes to fill out with valuable information useful to police in the event that a child is missing.

"As of today there are approximately 800 kids under the age of 18 listed in LEDS/NCIC as missing by Oregon law enforcement area agencies of which over 92 percent are runaways 4 - 5 percent are victims of custodial interference, and the remaining are missing under unknown circumstances," says Judy Hayes of the Oregon State Police Missing Children Clearinghouse. "These kits continue to be a wonderful proactive method to be prepared in case your child ever becomes missing, and they are also a great way to help open up communication lines with your children regarding child safety."

The free child ID Complete kits will be available on the following dates and times:

* Monday, August 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
* Wednesday, September 1st, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The child ID Complete kits were purchased with money raised during the annual Oregon State Police Missing Children Golf Benefit held in Salem last month, raising $12,500 which was the second highest amount in the benefit's twelve years. This year's golf benefit fundraiser will help purchase approximately 18,000 ID Complete Kits available for distribution through the Missing Children Clearinghouse.

Parents and families not attending the Oregon State Fair may obtain a child ID Complete kit from the Oregon State Police - Missing Children Clearinghouse at (503) 934-0188 or outside Salem at 1-800-282-7155 or e-mail child.idkits@state.or.us. Please provide your name, address, number of kits needed and a call back phone number when making a request.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37846/CompleteIDkit.front.JPG , 2010-08/1002/37846/CompleteIDkit.open.JPG , 2010-08/1002/37846/CompleteIDkit.back.jpg

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning's fatal traffic crash on Highway 20 just west of Blodgett involving an unloaded log truck and passenger vehicle. The crash resulted in the death of a 57-year old Redmond-area man.

According to OSP Lieutenant Mark Cotter, on August 25, 2010 at approximately 9:50 a.m. a 2007 Honda Ridgeline driven by DUANE ASLE HAUGEN, age 57, from Redmond, was eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 37 when it crossed the centerline and collided with an unloaded westbound 1984 Peterbilt truck. HAUGEN was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was using safety restraints and his vehicle's airbags deployed.

Truck driver MICHAEL BROWN, age 57, from Philomath, was transported by REACH air ambulance to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis with non-life threatening injuries. Safety restraint use is pending investigation confirmation.

OSP troopers were assisted at the scene by Benton County Sheriff's Office, Corvallis Police Department, Philomath Fire Department, Blodgett Fire Department, and ODOT. NW Firefighters Environmental responded to handle a diesel spill at the scene.

Highway 20 was closed for three hours until it was open to one lane for both directions. ODOT remained on scene coordinating clean up efforts until the highway was completedly open this afternoon.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37796/082510.fatal.hwy20mp37.2.JPG

(Note: OSP was advised PAULSEN flown by air to St. Aphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, not St. Charles in Bend as noted in the earlier news release)

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from the Burns worksite are continuing the investigation into Tuesday evening's serious injury traffic crash on Highway 20 sixteen miles east of Burns involving a sport utility vehicle and a farm tractor.

On August 24, 2010, at about 8:44 p.m. a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven MICHAEL PAULSEN, age 19, from Vale, collided with a John Deere tractor as both vehicles traveled eastbound near milepost 148. The collision sheered off the tractor's left side dual tires. The tractor's driver, DEAN NIKKEL, age 24, from Burns, moved it off the roadway after the collision.

The Jeep came to rest in the eastbound lane and caught fire with PAULSEN trapped inside. Burns and Hines volunteer firefighters responded and extinguished the flames before they were able to reach PAULSEN to extricate him. PAULSEN was initially transported to Harney District Hospital and later was taken by air ambulance to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho.

Oregon State Police troopers, with assistance from an OSP Collision Reconstructionist from the Ontario Area Command office, is investigating alcohol as a possible contributing factor for PAULSEN.

ODOT, Harney EMS, and volunteer fire departments from Burns and Hines assisted at the scene.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37784/082410.hwy20mp148.1.jpg , 2010-08/1002/37784/082410.hwy20mp148.2.jpg , 2010-08/1002/37784/082410.hwy20mp148.3.jpg

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from the Roseburg Area Command office are continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning's two vehicle fatal traffic crash on the Highway 42 overpass over Interstate 5 at exit 119 near Winston.

According to OSP Lieutenant Doug Ladd, on August 25, 2010 at approximately 8:45 a.m. a white 1997 Nissan Altima four-door driven by KINDALL S. BAKER, age 25, from Winston, was driving on the overpass to enter northbound Interstate 5 when it was struck head-on by a black 1990 Acura Integra two-door driven by JUSTIN M. BURKETT, age 21, from Roseburg. The Acura exited northbound Interstate 5 on a sweeping curve, crossed the double solid center line and crashed head-on into the Nissan.

BURKETT was not using safety restraints and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

BAKER was using safety restraints and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg with non-life threatening injuries.

Troopers and an OSP collision reconstructionist were assisted at the scene by Douglas County Sheriff's Office, ODOT and local emergency responders. The Highway 42 overpass was closed about three hours during the investigation.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37793/082510.fatal.hwy42.i5.jpg

Salem – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski announced the appointment of Chris P. Brown to the position of Superintendent of the Oregon State Police effective September 1, 2010 pending State Senate confirmation. Brown will assume the Department's leadership following the retirement of Superintendent Timothy McLain.

"Deputy Superintendent Chris Brown will provide the continuity of leadership needed for the Oregon State Police during these difficult economic times," Governor Ted Kulongoski said. "Chris also brings a valuable perspective from outside of the agency with his previous experience as a local Chief of Police and County Sheriff."

Superintendent McLain announced his retirement in July following over 31 years with the Oregon State Police, including nearly four years as the executive and administrative head of the Department since being appointed by Governor Kulongoski in 2006.

"Superintendent McLain has dedicated his career to the Oregon State Police and has been an exemplary Superintendent in challenging times," Governor Kulongoski said. "He has always put the safety of our citizens first and never lost touch with the troopers who put their lives at risk everyday for the safety of our communities."

Upon receiving Superintendent McLain's resignation, the Governor launched a recruitment process that included input from a variety of public safety stakeholders. Given the unique challenges that come with this uncertain economic time, as well as his diverse experience at the local, county and state levels, there was consistent and broad support for Brown to assume the role as the next Superintendent.

"During the last three years, Chris proved every day that he was a trusted advisor and leader during a time we faced, and continue to face, significant challenges," said McLain. "I leave at a time knowing that Governor Kulongoski's selection is putting the Department in very good hands. I have been proud to serve the Governor, the citizens of Oregon, our law enforcement partners, and the men and women of this proud agency."

Chris Brown had served as the Public Safety Service Bureau Commander for the Oregon State Police beginning in 2008. McLain appointed Brown as Deputy Superintendent in 2009 with responsibility for overall operations, policy and administration of the Department. Brown also previously served as Chief of Police for the City of Roseburg and as Sheriff of Douglas County.

Brown holds an Executive Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, graduated from Northwest Christian College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management, and served on numerous board and committees at the state and national levels. He is a certified instructor in professional subjects including leadership and supervision, ethics, and traumatic incident intervention.

Brown will be the 11th Superintendent in the Department's history since formation in 1931. A link to past Superintendents can be found at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/past_superintendents.shtml

***

The Oregon State Police is a full-service public safety agency providing diverse services to the citizens of Oregon. Our mission is to enhance livability and safety by protecting the people, property, and natural resources of the state. To realize our vision and accomplish our mission our objectives are to BE THERE (be ready and able to respond to the increasing needs of Oregonians); PREVENT HARM (engage in vigilant enforcement of laws and regulations while making Oregon's roadways safe and reducing our citizen's exposure to crime, fire and disasters); and, SUPPORT OREGON COMMUNITIES (providing specialized services and assistance throughout Oregon in support of the statewide public safety infrastructure).

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Superintendent Chris Brown

A three vehicle crash on Highway 281 involving a Hood River County Sheriff's Office (HRSO) patrol car led to the arrest by Oregon State Police (OSP) of a 19-year old Odell-area resident for Reckless Driving.

On August 21, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. a white 1997 Honda Civic operated by JAIME LACHINO LOPEZ, age 19, from Odell, was northbound on Highway 281 approximately nine miles south of Hood River. A 1997 Ford Crown Victoria police car driven by HRSO Deputy MARK SMITH was driving southbound followed by a 2005 BMW motorcycle operated by ROCCO PISTO, age 50, from Hood River.

As the vehicles approached each other, LOPEZ, who had been driving at a high rate of speed, lost control of the Honda Civic and crossed into the southbound lane where it struck Deputy SMITH's patrol car. The HRSO patrol car came to a stop blocking the northbound lane and the following motorcycle was forced to drive off of the west side of the highway and down an embankment to avoid being struck by the Honda Civic.

Neither SMITH, age 37, nor LOPEZ was injured, but PISTO received minor injuries not requiring transport to a hospital for treatment. The involved vehicles sustained major damage and were towed from the scene.

Investigating OSP troopers arrested LOPEZ for Reckless Driving and transported him to NORCOR in The Dalles where he was lodged.

Highway 281 was closed in the area of the crash while the scene was investigated and the roadway cleared. HRSO, ODOT, Odell Fire Department and Hood River Fire Department all assisted with traffic control and scene safety.

OSP troopers from The Dalles Area Command office are continuing with the investigation.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37706/082110.hwy281.hrso.1.JPG , 2010-08/1002/37706/082110.hwy281.hrso.2.JPG , 2010-08/1002/37706/082110.hwy281.hrso.3.JPG

Oregon State Police (OSP) were advised that an 18-year old Milwaukie girl critically injured August 5th when she was struck by a vehicle on Highway 99E at SE Roethe Road died Thursday night from her injuries. OSP troopers are continuing the investigation.

According to OSP Trooper Kimberly Long, on August 5, 2010 at approximately 3:05 a.m. a 2002 Ford Mustang driven by WAYNE A. LEACH, age 25, from Milwaukie, was southbound in right lane when it struck a female pedestrian in the middle of his lane. The pedestrian, AMANDA JEAN LAMB, age 18, from Milwaukie, was transported to Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) with critical injuries.

LAMB died Thursday night at OHSU.

LEACH and his 54-year old male passenger were not injured. Both were using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Portland Area Command office were helped at the scene by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Clackamas Fire District #1, and AMR ambulance.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Oregon State Police (OSP) Sergeant Seth Cooney confirmed next of kin notification was completed for a Molalla-area man who died Saturday night in a fatal motorcycle crash westbound on Interstate 84 about eleven miles west of Pendleton. OSP troopers are continuing the investigation and have not determined a cause of the crash.

On August 14, 2010 at approximately 10:15 p.m. emergency responders were dispatched to a report of a motorcycle crash on near milepost 196. Preliminary investigation indicates there were no witnesses to the crash and a passing motorist found the victim on the gravel shoulder. For an unknown reason, the 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by ROBERT CODY SCHOONOVER, age 47, from Molalla, traveled off the roadway and along the gravel shoulder where SCHOONOVER lost control. The motorcycle slid and rolled before coming to rest on the gravel shoulder.

SCHOONOVER, who was operating the motorcycle with a suspended license, was wearing a protective helment. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

OSP troopers from the Pendleton Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Local emergency responders assisted at the scene.

Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to call Trooper Sharp at (541) 278-4090.

No photographs available for this release.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

An individual wanted on a felony warrant is still being sought following a Sunday afternoon attempt to elude that started in Washington and ended in a crash and a several hour search near the banks of the Columbia River in The Dalles area. Information and a photograph of the wanted man are provided to help locate and arrest him.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Sergeant Pat Shortt, on August 15, 2010 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Klickitat County, Washington Sheriff's Office (KCSO) attempted to stop a brown GMC pickup driven by TRAVIS BARKER, age 21, from The Dalles, near Dallesport. BARKER, who is wanted on a felony Oregon Parole Violation warrant, attempted to elude the deputy southbound on Highway 197 and as they were about to cross the Oregon/Washington border KCSO ended their pursuit of the pickup.

BARKER continued driving across the Highway 197 bridge into Oregon, and about three-quarters of the way across he lost control and collided with a northbound Subaru Baja station wagon.

After the crash, BARKER and an unidentified white adult male passenger fled on foot. Officers from OSP, KCSO, Wasco County Sheriff's Office, Sherman County Sheriff's Office, The Dalles Police Department, and a tracking dog from Skamania, County Sheriff's Office searched the surrounding area but didn't find either of the two men.

BARKER is described as a white male, 5'9", 160 lbs, greens eyes and dark hair described as a buzz cut. He was last seen wearing a white shirt and khaki shorts.

The unidentified passenger is described a white male adult, short blond hair, last seen wearing dark pants and no shirt. This person may have an injury to one of his arms.

The crash closed bridge traffic for one hour and then restricted it to one lane for two more hours. ODOT handled traffic control while OSP investigated the crash that injured the Subaru's driver, SAMANTHA ANDERSON, age 19, from Dallesport, Washington. She was transported by ambulance to Mid-Columbia Medical Center where she was treated and released for minor injuries.

Anyone with information regarding BARKER's location is asked to call 9-1-1 or OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.

Photograph Sources:
Barker - Wasco County Community Corrections
Crash Scene - Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Barker , 2010-08/1002/37561/081510.hwy197.1.JPG , 2010-08/1002/37561/081510.hwy197.2.JPG , 2010-08/1002/37561/081510.hwy197.3.JPG

Nine Oregon State Police (OSP) recruit troopers will graduate with 27 other law enforcement agencies' recruit officers Friday, August 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) basic police training program.

The eight men and one woman OSP recruit troopers will be reporting to their assignments at:

* Recruit Trooper William Bush, age 32 – St. Helens Work Site (Patrol Services Division)
* Recruit Trooper Nicholas Cederberg, age 25 – McMinnville Area Command Office (Patrol Services Division)
* Recruit Trooper Graham Chapman, age 30 – McMinnville Area Command Office (Patrol Services Division)
* Recruit Trooper Sabrina Criswell, age 24 – Klamath Falls Area Command Office (Patrol Services Division)
* Recruit Trooper Nicholas Hagedorn, age 25 – Gilchrist Work Site (Patrol Services Division)
* Recruit Trooper Joshua Nugent, age 32 – Central Point Area Command Office (Fish & Wildlife Division)
* Recruit Trooper Luke Pospisil, age 31 – Portland Area Command Office (Patrol Services Division)
* Recruit Trooper Timothy Reich, age 52 – Springfield Area Command Office (Patrol Services Division)
* Recruit Trooper Donald Rummer, age 41 – Albany Area Command Office (Patrol Services Division)

The Basic Police Class No. 319 started sixteen weeks of Basic Police Training April 26 and is the 28th fully-integrated basic police class facilitated by DPSST. The thirty-six new officers graduating represent:

* Oregon State Police (9)
* County sheriff departments (6)
* City police departments (20)
* Oregon Health Sciences University police (1)

Starting January 2007, OSP recruit trooper training incorporated Department specific training and the 16-week DPSST training program with newly hired city and county officers at the Oregon Public Safety Academy. In addition to OSP specific training they receive before and after Basic Police Training, OSP recruit troopers' also go through a two to three month field training program with veteran OSP trooper.

The graduation ceremony is at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, 4190 Aumsville Highway, in Salem where DPSST provides statutorily-required basic training to newly hired city police officers, county sheriff's deputies and OSP troopers.

Anyone interested in becoming an Oregon State Police Trooper may obtain more information on the OSP web site in the "Now Hiring" section. Starting April 1, 2010, the OSP recruit trooper application process went paperless with the activation of our online application process. The OSP recruiting website, www.osptrooper.com has a link to the application and additional OSP information, the application process, and who to contact with questions.

Questions regarding DPSST can be directed to DPSST Director Eriks Gabliks at (503) 378-2332.

****

The Oregon State Police is a full-service public safety agency providing diverse services to the citizens of Oregon. Our mission is to enhance livability and safety by protecting the people, property, and natural resources of the state. To realize our vision and accomplish our mission our objectives are to BE THERE (be ready and able to respond to the increasing needs of Oregonians); PREVENT HARM (engage in vigilant enforcement of laws and regulations while making Oregon's roadways safe and reducing our citizen's exposure to crime, fire and disasters); and, SUPPORT OREGON COMMUNITIES (providing specialized services and assistance throughout Oregon in support of the statewide public safety infrastructure).

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37556/OSPBadge.jpg

The following is a news release from Clackamas County Sheriff's Office:

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce the missing 12-year-old has been located in Hood River, Oregon. She is reported to be safe and is expected to reunite with her family soon. An alert Hood River County Sheriff's Patrol Deputy spotted the described pickup parked just off Interstate 84 on Cascade Avenue in Hood River. The vehicle and two occupants were located at 9:42 p.m. without incident.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is sending patrol personnel to this location with the expectation of taking the child into the care and temporary custody of the attending patrol personnel and reunites this child with her family.

Investigating Clackamas County deputies will also interview with the driver of this vehicle and attempt to determine what occurred during the time the child was in the company of the female driver.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is grateful to the media for their prompt attention and valuable service broadcasting information concerning this missing child.

### END ###


Attached Media Files: Shambaugh

Contact:
Pacific Power media hotline, 800-570-5838 Aug. 25, 2010
Clark Satre, 509-575-3190 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media advisory

Open houses set for proposed Vantage to Pomona Heights transmission line
Proposed route options have changed for line between Selah and Vantage; public involvement encouraged

YAKIMA, Wash. — Interested local residents are encouraged to attend either of two upcoming public open houses to learn more about Pacific Power's plans to build a new 230-kilovolt transmission line between substations near Vantage and Selah, Wash . The new line, about 60 miles long, is projected to be completed in 2013 and will ensure continued reliability of local electrical service and strengthen the regional transmission system.

Since this project was first discussed with the public more than two years ago, the originally preferred options crossing federal land have been fully explored and eliminated. That elimination requires consideration of route options crossing mostly private lands to the east and south of the U.S. Army Yakima Training Center. The final preferred path for the line has not yet been determined. Landowner and public input is encouraged and will help determine the final line route.

The open houses are scheduled for:

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Red Lion/Yakima Center
607 East Yakima Avenue
Yakima, Wash.

Thursday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Desert Aire Multi-Purpose Building
504 Clubhouse Way West, Lower Level
Mattawa, Wash.

Pacific Power is working with local landowners, community leaders, local and state agencies, tribes and others who may be affected to help determine the preferred final route for the line and in doing so treat all fairly while minimizing community and environmental impacts.

More information is available at www.pacificpower.net/transmission, in the Vantage to Pomona Heights section. Comments or questions also can be directed to the project hotline toll-free at 1-877-620-7678, or to ConstructionProjects@pacificorp.com

###

About Pacific Power
In 2010, Pacific Power celebrates 100 years serving customers and communities. From our beginnings -- serving 7,000 customers in four Northwest communities -- Pacific Power now provides electric service to almost 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity, for another 100 years. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.7 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

Pacific Power media hotline: August 13, 2010
1-800-570-5838 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Six ways to beat the heat
Tips from Pacific Power to stay cool, use less energy and save money

PORTLAND, Ore. —With triple-digit temperatures forecast throughout the Northwest, Pacific Power wants to remind customers how to beat the heat, use less energy and save money.

1. Be air conditioner smart
• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees. Cooling your house below that temperature can increase your air conditioning bill as much as 8 percent.
• Don't turn off the air conditioner when you're gone; instead set it at 85 degrees. That setting allows your air conditioner to use less electricity to cool the house than if the air conditioning has been off all day.
• Use an air conditioner timer; set it to start bringing your home's temperature from 85 degrees down to 78 degrees no more than 30 minutes before you get home.
• Replace air conditioner filters once a month.
• Don't place lamps or televisions near the thermostat; they will impact its accuracy.
• Your air conditioner will operate most efficiently if you trim foliage to allow adequate air flow around the unit.
• Don't block inside distribution vents with furniture or other objects.

2. Don't let the sun shine in
• On warm days, close blinds and drapes, especially in south-facing windows which allow in the most heat.

3. Open windows in the evening and circulate cool air
• Open windows in evening and early morning to let in cool air. Be aware, however, of any safety or security issues.
• Use fans to bring in and circulate cool air. Ceiling and window fans use less electricity than an air conditioner when the compressor is engaged. Running an air conditioner in fan-only mode can also be effective as outside temperature drop.

4. Reduce the heat inside
• Use heat-using appliances like ovens, dishwashers and dryers in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Grill outside or use a microwave or toaster oven. A toaster oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a regular oven and releases less heat into the home.
• Turn off heat-generating devices when not in use, including lamps, televisions and computers.

5. Think for the long term
• Plant deciduous trees to shade the south side of your house. Well-placed trees can reduce cooling needs as much as 20 percent, and an air conditioner operating in the shade can use as much as 10 percent less electricity.
• Insulate floors, walls and attics to keep cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Seal and insulate air conditioning ducts that run through unconditioned spaces.
• Get your air conditioner tuned up annually.
• Consider a new air conditioner and other appliances — new models are more efficient and may lower your electric bill. Look for ENERGY STAR appliances.

6. Try these additional simple steps
• Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs, which use about one-quarter the energy of an incandescent bulb and last seven to 10 times as long.
• Switch your energy usage to off-peak hours (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) whenever possible; use the dishwasher, washer and dryer in the early morning or late evening.
• Unplug items not in use, including cell phone and other chargers – even if they're not charging an item, they're drawing energy.
• Finally, check out Pacific Power's energy- and money-saving tips and programs at www.pacificpower.net.


-30-

About Pacific Power
Pacific Power is headquartered in Portland, and provides electric service to more than 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. It is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the U.S., providing approximately 1.7 million customers with reliable, efficient energy. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. For more information, visit the Web site at www.pacificpower.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Tom Gauntt, Pacific Power
503-813-7291


Pacific Power receives highest rating in customer satisfaction
National survey of industrial customers gives utility its highest score ever

PORTLAND, Ore. – Aug. 13, 2010 – For the second consecutive year, large industrial customers of Pacific Power, an operating utility of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, have contributed the most to MidAmerican's ranking of No. 1 in the U.S. in overall customer satisfaction, according to TQS Research.
Pacific Power had the highest score among all the operating utilities in the U.S. with 97.5 percent of customers polled saying they were very satisfied, the highest score the company has achieved in the poll's history. This achievement contributed to the No. 1 ranking of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company.
TQS Research is an Atlanta-based independent research firm that polls large commercial and industrial customers of electric utilities for overall satisfaction. The annual TQS benchmark survey of the 60 largest utilities measures performance in critical areas, such as energy efficiency, account management, reliable power, price, handling customer contacts and company image.
Pacific Power's two sister utilities, Rocky Mountain Power and MidAmerican Energy Company, also scored high in the TQS Research, at 91.8 percent and 91.5 percent, respectively.
"The extraordinary effort of our employees who work with industrial customers is the reason for our success," said Pat Reiten, president of Pacific Power. "These employees understand the utility business and the specific needs of our larger customers that often require unique and creative solutions to serve customers well.
"Developing and maintaining excellent communication and customer service with all of our customers is a continuing goal for the company."– more –



Customer Satisfaction/Page 2

Greg Abel, president and CEO of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, said, "In today's challenging economic environment, our customers rely on us to go above and beyond with customer service. The latest TQS results demonstrate that those efforts are recognized by our customers. Our employees deserve the credit for delivering exceptional customer service and high satisfaction levels. We are honored that a high percentage of our industrial customers are pleased with the service we provide."
Reiten added that Pacific Power strives to promote innovation and works with customers and communities to increase the visibility of renewable energy generation technologies through education and community outreach.

About Pacific Power
Pacific Power is headquartered in Portland, Ore., and provides electric service to more than 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. As part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the U.S., Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power provide more than 1.7 million customers in six Western states with reliable, efficient energy. PacifiCorp works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment and was recently recognized as the second largest utility owner of wind power capacity in the nation.

About MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is a global provider of energy services. Through its energy-related business platforms, MidAmerican provides electric and natural gas service to more than 6.9 million customers worldwide. These business platforms are Pacific Power, Rocky Mountain Power and PacifiCorp Energy, which comprise PacifiCorp; MidAmerican Energy Company; CE Electric UK; Northern Natural Gas Company; Kern River Gas Transmission Company; and CalEnergy. Information on MidAmerican is available at www.midamerican.com.

# # #

Pacific Power media hotline: Aug. 12, 2010
1-800-570-5838 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pacific Power installing automated meters in Yakima area
More accurate reads, less bother for 121,000 customers by end of year

YAKIMA, Wash. — Pacific Power has been using human eyes and foot power to read customer electric meters for a century. An extensive effort is underway to replace existing meters with new, more efficient automated meters that can be read by a company vehicle driving down the street.

Automated electric meters will be installed on the homes and businesses of more than 121,000 Yakima and Sunnyside area customers beginning in late August. Customers will be notified by mail when the work will start in their area. This exchange should be transparent to most customers – although a short interruption to power will occur. The meter installations are expected to be completed by year end.

"Automated meter reading is a proven technology that is in place across the country, and has become more efficient, accurate and cost-effective than traditional meter reading practices," said Clark Satre, regional community manager. "This is part of our continuing effort to increase efficiency in our operations, provide excellent customer service and maintain our position as a low-cost electricity provider. It's also safer for our employees."

The new automated meters are equipped with a radio transmitter and will enable Pacific Power to remotely read the electric meter. As company vehicles drive through an area, the meter number and usage data will be transmitted to a receiver in the vehicles and uploaded to Pacific Power's billing system.

Pacific Power's sister utility, Rocky Mountain Power, has already installed more than 670,000 automated meters in Utah and Wyoming communities. The automated meters realize their highest effectiveness in areas with higher customer concentrations.

Utility Partners of America is implementing the meter installations for Pacific Power and will be identified via employee badges and trucks stating, "Utility Partners of America, a contractor for Pacific Power."

For more information about their new meter, customers can call 1-800-221-7070 or visit www.pacificpower.net/amr.


-###-
About Pacific Power
In 2010, Pacific Power celebrates 100 years serving customers and communities. From our beginnings -- serving 7,000 customers in four Northwest communities -- Pacific Power now provides electric service to more than 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity, for another 100 years. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.7 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

Years of hard work have paid off for tsunami response on the Oregon coast. The Uniform Tsunami Warning
signal is now in place and local communities have up to five years to transition to the new standard signal. Risk to lives will be reduced by applying a uniform siren signal to inform the public of an approaching tsunami on the Oregon coast.

"Due to the recent earthquake events around the world, it has been clear the general public is uncertain how our alerting systems will work," said Althea Rizzo, Oregon Emergency Management Tsunami and Earthquake specialist.

Taking lessons learned from the States Amber Plan and working with local broadcast mediums, a work group, together since 2006, has worked toward the goal of creating a standardized warning system.

Under the direction of Oregon Emergency Management (OEM), a team of specialists has reviewed existing research and best practices on tsunami warning systems and decided on a uniform state signal that provides the necessary consistency to reduce potential conflicts and confusion. The new standard signal is the up-and-down wail that lasts for three minutes.

The siren test time is designed to roughly coincide with the weekly National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio tests. Tsunami warning sirens will be tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

Based on Oregon Senate Bill 557, Section 2 the uniform tsunami warning signal administrative rules must specify type of signal, duration of signal, volume of signal and location of delivery device.

100828-A-6947H-001: Attendees of the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility honor the colors during the playing of the National Anthem during the building's dedication ceremony, in Salem, Ore., Aug. 28. From right to left are: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski; Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army; Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon; and Lt. Col. (ret.) Keith D. Bauder, Division Chief of the Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction Division, National Guard Bureau. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-002: Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (right), presents Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a photo of the newly-dedicated building named in his honor, at the facility's dedication ceremony, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. Deibert, a former member of the Oregon Army National Guard, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, among other recognition, for heroic actions as a reconnaissance pilot during the Vietnam conflict. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-003: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski, (center left), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center), and Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center right), stand among other guests and attendees for the ribbon cutting portion of the dedication ceremony for the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-004: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (center), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center right), Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center left), Lt. Col. (ret.) Keith D. Bauder, Division Chief of the Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction Division, National Guard Bureau (right), and Warrant Officer-1 David McPherson, cut the ceremonial cake during the dedication ceremony for the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-005: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (left), stands with Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and his wife Suzanne, during the dedication ceremony of a new facility named in honor of Deibert, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility replaces an older building located just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).


To read the citation for the Distinguished Service Cross which was awarded to Deibert, visit: http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=5208.

To view a video biography of Deibert's life, produced by the Oregon Military Department, visit: http://videos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/08/vietnan_veteran_larry_deibert.html.


Attached Media Files: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (left), stands with Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and his wife Suzanne, during the dedication ceremony of a new facility named in honor of Deibert, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The Charles L. , Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (center), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center right), Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center left), Lt. Col. (ret.) Keith D. Bauder, Division Chief of the Combat , Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski, (center left), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center), and Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center right), stand among other guests and attendees for the ribbon cu , Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (right), presents Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a photo of the newly-dedicated building named in his honor, at the facility’s dedication ceremony, Aug. 28, in Salem, , Attendees of the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility honor the colors during the playing of the National Anthem during the building’s dedication ceremony, in Salem, Ore., Aug. 28. From right to left are: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski; Charles L. D

Salem, Ore –- Governor Kulongoski has proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month (NPM), announced Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) today. NPM is held each September and is designed to raise awareness and promote action surrounding emergency preparedness among citizens, businesses and communities.

"NPM 2010 is focused on helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready, which includes putting together an emergency kit, making a family plan, being informed and getting involved," said Brigadier General Michael Caldwell, interim director of OEM. "OEM and other agencies around the state are encouraging citizens to take steps now to ensure that their family and community are prepared to care for each other during the next emergency."

OEM is a member of the National Preparedness Month Coalition and will be participating in emergency preparedness activities across the state. Membership is open to all public and private sector organizations. Groups and individuals can register to become members by visiting http://www.ready.gov/, and clicking on the National Preparedness Month banner.
To see a list of more than 3000 national, regional, tribal, state and local businesses and organizations which have pledged their support and joined the 2010 National Preparedness Month (NPM) Coalition please visit http://www.ready.gov/america/npm10/index.html

For more information on the Ready Campaign and NPM, please visit http://www.ready.gov/ or http://www.listo.gov/. Information is also available by phone at 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO. For information on Citizen Corps, to download the study and to find the over 2,300 local communities who have created Citizen Corps Councils to strengthen collaboration between government and civic leaders and to educate, train, and involve the public, please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/.


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/962/37767/NatlPreparedness0910.pdf , 2010-08/962/37767/news_release_NPM_draft.doc

SALEM, Ore. -- The Fairchild Air Force Base Commissary is hosting an On-site Sale at the National Guard Armory in LaGrande, Oregon.

Location:
National Guard Armory (Airport)
404 12th Street
LaGrande, OR 97850-2802

Date:
Friday, Aug. 20th; Saturday, Aug. 21st; and Sunday, Aug. 22nd

Sale Hours:
9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

The sale is open to all National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, active-duty military service members, and dependents. The sale is sponsored by the Fairchild Commissary.

The sale brings the benefit of commissaries to areas with military populations not served by a nearby commissary or post exchange. Sale items may include paper products, soap and cleaning products, canned goods, sodas, sport drinks, water, laundry detergents, and a variety of other products. Please check the local store information page for specific sale items.

Commissaries operated by the Defense Commissary Agency provide groceries at cost to military personnel, retirees, and their families at U.S. military installations around the world. Shoppers save of an average 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices.

Customers must present an appropriate Department of Defense ID card that authorizes commissary privileges in order to shop. Cash, checks, debit cards and credit cards are accepted for payment.

SALEM, Ore --An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter, called in to support the Wallawa County Sheriff's Office in a search effort for a missing hiker who was found late this morning in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, airlifted and transported the 80-year-old man to the Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande, Ore. at 11:23 a.m. today.

The hiker's medical condition is unknown at this time.

The UH-60 launched from the Salem Flight Facility at approximately 7 a.m. this morning to assist in the search for a 80-year-old hiker who was reported missing at 8 p.m. Friday evening by another hiker in the area.

The Union County Sheriff's Department helped coordinate the search efforts along with the Oregon National Guard.

The Wallawa County Sheriff's Department is the lead agency who coordinated all search efforts.

For the Army Fact File on the UH-60 Black Hawk go to:
http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/aircraft/blackhawk.html.

High resolution photos can be obtained at:
http://dvidshub.net/image/308556/capt-john-w-brown-armory-dedication-ceremony


Attached Media Files: Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, talks with men who had served with Capt. John W. Brown, at the dedication ceremony of the CPT John W. Brown Armory, Ontario, Ore. August 11. The newly constructed armory was dedicated to and named a , Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski (right), Joe Dominick, Mayor of Ontario, Ore. (center), and Congressman Greg Walden, Oregon Representative, discuss the highlights of the CPT John W. Brown Armory, Ontario, Ore. The newly constructed armory was dedicated to , Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, Mrs. Geraldine Brown, widow of Capt. John W. Brown, and a Soldier from 3 Battalion, 116 Cavalry, cut the cake at the dedication ceremony of the CPT John W. Brown Armo , Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, and Mrs. Geraldine Brown, widow of Capt. John W. Brown, among other military and state honored guests line up for the ceremonial ribbing cutting during the dedication , From left; Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, Joe Dominick, Mayor of Ontario, Ore, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, Mrs. Geraldine Brown, widow of Capt. John W. Brown, and other family members of Capt. Brown, unveil commemorative phot

*** PHOTO RELEASE ***

100810F-1639C-426.JPG
Brig. Gen. Mohd Habibur Rahman Khan, Commandant of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), speaks with Oregon Air National Guard Lt. Col. Mark Crosby (center), and Maj. Dan Schilling (right), at MIST headquarters, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 10. Schilling, who is the director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, and Crosby, who is the Chief of Public Safety and Security for the Portland International Airport, met with senior academic and administrative leadership at MIST as a follow up to an Oregon visit by school administrators, and officials from Bangladesh's transportation sector in April. Crosby will take over as director of Oregon's program in November, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100810F-1639C-465.JPG
Col. Moin Uddin (center), who is Dean of Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), highlights one of the school's electrical testing units for Oregon Air National Guard Maj. Dan Schilling (left), and Lt. Col. Mark Crosby, in the electrical engineering lab at MIST, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 10. Schilling, who is the director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, and Crosby, who is the Chief of Public Safety and Security for the Portland International Airport, met with senior academic and administrative leadership at MIST as a follow up to an Oregon visit by school administrators, and officials from Bangladesh's transportation sector in April. Crosby will take over as director of Oregon's program in November, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100810F-1639C-500.JPG
Group Captain Nepal Chamdra (center), Senior Instructor for Aeronautical Engineering at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), greets Oregon Air National Guard Maj. Dan Schilling (left), and Lt. Col. Mark Crosby (lower left), in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 10. Schilling, who is the director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, and Crosby, who is the Chief of Public Safety and Security for the Portland International Airport, met with senior academic and administrative leadership at MIST as a follow up to an Oregon visit by school administrators, and officials from Bangladesh's transportation sector in April. Chamdra is one of two Aeronautical Engineering instructors from the Indian Army teaching at MIST. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100810F-1639C-541.JPG
Oregon Air National Guard Maj. Dan Schilling (right center), and Lt. Col. Mark Crosby, tour one of the computer engineering classrooms at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 10. Schilling, who is the director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, and Crosby, who is the Chief of Public Safety and Security for the Portland International Airport, met with senior academic and administrative leadership at MIST as a follow up to an Oregon visit by school administrators, and officials from Bangladesh's transportation sector in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

NOTE: A National Guard Bureau Fact Sheet on the State Partnership Program can be found at: http://www.ng.mil/media/factsheets/SPP.pdf

Oregon Military Department's press release on the March Bangladesh visit can be viewed at: http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/PressRelease/2010/03-09-10Press.shtml


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/962/37399/100810F-1639C-541.JPG , 2010-08/962/37399/100810F-1639C-500.JPG , 2010-08/962/37399/100810F-1639C-465.JPG , 2010-08/962/37399/100810F-1639C-426.JPG

SALEM, OR— Applications for the 2010 Oregon Sustainability Awards are now being accepted by Business Oregon on behalf of the Governor and the Oregon Sustainability Board.
Oregonians have always put great value on the long-term health of the environment in which they live, work and play, and therefore take the long view when making investments in economic development. Sustainability is an integrated concept in the strategic planning of most Oregon organizations and companies, but some are truly moving to the head of the pack. Governor Ted Kulongoski created the Sustainability Awards to recognize those outstanding efforts.

The Oregon Sustainability Awards are intended to promote and advance the inclusion of sustainable practices in government and the private sector. Any private, public, or non-profit organization is eligible to apply. Awards will be given based on merit, but organizations may be grouped by size and/or type in order to make comparing applicants more efficient and appropriate.

Winners must show a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond compliance with regulatory requirements. They will be innovators in their fields and show that becoming more sustainable is not in conflict with achieving the organization's core mission, whatever that may be. The Awards broadly defines sustainable practices as those that strive to optimize an organization's financial, environmental and social performance.

Last year's winners were Harry and David, Truitt Brothers, Duro-Last Roofing, Gingerich Farms, Washington County (Clean Water Services), the Gladstone School District and TEAM Klamath.

For more information and a downloadable application, please visit: www.oregon4biz.com/Sustainability/. Applications must be received by 5 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2010. Applicants should expect a response approximately two months after the deadline.

For additional information, please contact Business Oregon's Mark Brady at 503.229.5223 or mark.brady@state.or.us.


# # #


The Oregon Business Development Department works to create, retain, expand and attract businesses that provide sustainable, living-wage jobs for Oregonians through public-private partnerships, leveraged funding, and support of economic opportunities for Oregon companies and entrepreneurs. Visit www.oregon4biz.com for more information on doing business in Oregon.

For Immediate Release
September 8, 2010

Contact: Deb Vaughn, (503) 986-0085, deborah.vaughn@state.or.us
Christine D'Arcy, (503) 986-0087, christine.t.darcy@state.or.us

Governor Kulongoski Proclaims Arts in Education Week

Governor Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed the week of September 12-18, 2010 "Arts in Education Week," recognizing the vital role arts education plays in the social, physical and creative growth of Oregon students. His proclamation acknowledges passage of a July 26 US House of Representatives resolution designating the second week in September as "Arts in Education Week." That resolution confirms that arts education comprises a rich array of disciplines, including dance, music, theatre, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students. The proclamation is available online at the arts commission's website: www.oregonartscommission.org.

"The arts enrich life. They are important in their own right," said Oregon State School Board Chair Duncan Wyse. "They are critical for nurturing creativity and achieving a broader set of education goals in core academic areas. "

The Arts Commission encourages Oregonians to mark the role of the arts in their communities and schools during the week of September 12, 2010 and to be active advocates for arts education for all students, even at a time when many school arts programs are being reduced or eliminated.

"The arts create a unique and valuable springboard for transforming the educational environment, both through integration with other core subjects and through the pursuit of discipline-specific studies. As the school year starts, this week offers schools and communities the opportunity to celebrate the role of the arts," said Deb Vaughn, Arts Education Coordinator for the Oregon Arts Commission.

Some activities to mark Arts in Education Week have already been announced:
Oregon Ballet Theatre: "Fall.ART.Live," Director Park, Portland, Sep. 12, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Oregon Symphony: "Symphony Storytime" and instrument petting zoo, Beaverton Public
Library, Sep. 15, 10:30 am -11: 30 am
John G. Shedd Institute: "Welcome Back to [Music] School," Eugene, Sep. 10, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Right Brain Initiative: "Show and Tell" mobile, multimedia exhibit,
Portland Public Schools Blanchard Education Service Center, Sep. 9-10, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sep. 13, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Portland Children's Museum, Sep. 14 – Oct. 3, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tues. – Sun.

More events are listed on the Arts Commission's arts education online forum: www.oregonartscommission.org/oaec/forum.
Americans for the Arts will coordinate activity on a national level and will host an Arts Education blog salon, http://blog.artsusa.org, featuring guest posts by Sarah K. Collins, a University of Oregon graduate student.
Additionally, AFTA encourages citizens to "pledge" to testify before their local school board about the importance of arts education. Anyone can "pledge" at http://artsactionfund.org/page/s/artsedweek10. Twitter users can join the #artsed chat on Twitter every Thursday at 4 pm PT to offer suggestions about promoting local events tied to Arts in Education Week.
More online resources are available:
National Arts Education Partnership http://aep-arts.org/artsineducationweek.html
Arts USA http://artsusa.org/networks/arts_education/001.asp

* * * * * * * * * * *
Sponsored by Congresswoman, Rep. Jackie Speiers (D-California), the resolution states many important advocacy messages that the arts education field has been touting for years including:
"Whereas arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, music, theatre, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students…
Whereas arts education enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate, and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success across the curriculum as well as personal growth outside the classroom;

Whereas the nonprofit arts sector is an economic engine and plays a significant role in the economic health of communities large and small with direct expenditures of wages and benefits as well as goods and services;
Whereas attracting and retaining the best teachers is vital and can be achieved by ensuring that schools embrace the arts, becoming havens for creativity and innovation…"
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 (Oregon Business 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 and the Oregon Cultural Trust.


Attached Media Files: A student at Parris Middle School in Salem reads his poetry at an Art and Poetry Exhibit. Credit: Frank Miller , A student photographs a mural on NE Alberta Street in Portland. Credit: Sabina Samiee

The Oregon Arts Commission will hold a series of Open Forums to inform the next update of the strategic plan for the arts in Oregon. Oregon artists, arts organization representatives, arts supporters, advocates and elected officials are invited to participate in the discussions with Arts Commissioners and staff.

"The Arts Commission is holding these open arts forums to hear first-hand about the successes achieved by Oregon arts groups, as well as what challenges they're encountering. We are inviting the statewide arts community and residents at large to talk with us about their accomplishments, barriers to success, and other issues they feel need attention. We also want to hear from arts supporters about how the arts add value to their communities," said Christine D'Arcy, Executive Director of the Arts Commission. The forums are intended to solicit ideas from the art and culture community and the general public to help the Commission develop policies that strengthen the arts across Oregon. "As we plan for the future, we are reaching out to Oregon's arts stakeholders for ideas and advice," said D'Arcy.

The forums will be held:
Tuesday, Sept 14, 10 am – noon Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State Street, Salem 97301

Wednesday, Sept 15, 10 am – noon Newport Performing Arts Center, 777 West Olive Street, Newport 97365

Wednesday, Sept 15, 3:30 pm – 5 pm The Hult Center, Studio, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene 97401-2670

Wednesday, Sept 22, noon – 1:30 pm The Art Center, 700 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis 97333

Sunday, Sept 26, 3:30pm – 5 pm Sisters Art Works, 204 W Adams Street, Sisters 97759

Tuesday, Sept 28, 10 am – noon Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 North Main Street, Pendleton 97801

Dates and locations for open forums in Portland and Southern Oregon will be announced at a later time.

Selected forums will allow participation by teleconference. For information, contact Kat Bell, kat.bell@state.or.us or (503) 986-0082.

* * * * * * * * * * *
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 (Oregon Business 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.

Oregon Cultural Trust Presents Third Annual
Oregon Days of Culture Friday, October 1 – Friday, October 8, 2010
OregonDaysofCulture.org Invites Cultural Confessions

August 13, 2010 – Salem, ORE. The third annual Oregon Days of Culture takes place Friday, October 1 through Friday, October 8, the 8th anniversary of Oregon's unique and powerful cultural tax credit. Presented by the Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Days of Culture celebrates the vibrancy of Oregon heritage, humanities and arts.

The eight-day week showcases everyday culture in every Oregon community. Whether it's taking in a quilt display at the farmer's market, reading the latest bestseller at the library, imagining pioneer life at a historic cemetery or listening to an opera in a bar, the searchable, interactive website – www.oregondaysofculture.org – makes it easy to sample Oregon culture and encourages donations to support it.

The website opens to the public on Tuesday, August 24. That's when people can begin searching for Oregon Days of Culture activities as well as post events to the site. The site will accept event postings through Friday Sepetmber 17. Posted events may be public like author readings, exhibitions, performances and screenings; or private, such as knitting group meetings, cultural confession challenges or fundraising parties. The searchable database includes free and ticketed events, community gatherings and volunteer opportunities. Friday, October 8, 2010 is Oregon's statewide in-service day when many families will be looking for activities for their children. When they search www.oregondaysofculture.org, they'll find plenty of choices anywhere in Oregon.

This year, www.oregondaysofculture.org invites Oregonians to make cultural confessions …to reveal through a blog post what their secret cultural passion might be. This is part of Oregon Days of Culture's intent to reveal the secret cultural currents that inform our lives. A medical researcher, a fisherman, or a small town mayor may also be a tap dancer, a poet or a plein air painter. Who knew? When they make their cultural confessions, we all will. And we'll all share in the unexpected, intriguing, stimulating and delightful nature of cultural expression in Oregon.

October is a time of many celebrations -- National Arts & Humanities Month, National Archives Month, Archaeology Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and many, many others. It also kicks off the fall fundraising season, not just for the Cultural Trust but for Oregon's 1,300 cultural nonprofits. That's why Oregon Days of Culture invites people to Celebrate!Participate!Give! to Oregon culture.

October 8 is the anniversary of the cultural tax credit and, in 2010, the Cultural Trust's eighth birthday. In 2009, the celebration was expanded from a single day to an eight-day week to be more inclusive and to reflect cultural programming available in Oregon communities.

OregonDaysofCulture.org includes Cultural Trust Facebook and Twitter feeds and allows users to post photos and videos of their cultural confessions. It lists proclamations, speaking engagements, and media coverage; it includes a speakers bureau, sample letters to the editor and a downloadable toolkit for those posting Oregon Days of Culture events. All to make it easy to participate in the celebration and to proclaim support of Oregon culture throughout October 1 through 8.

An innovative public-private fundraising and grantmaking program, the Oregon Cultural Trust relies on donations to create the funds for its annual grant cycle. The Trust recently announced $1.47 million in statewide grants benefiting 57 cultural nonprofits, 40 county and tribal coalitions and five state cultural partners. Those grants are made possible entirely by donors who gave to the Trust and to any number of Oregon's 1,300 cultural nonprofits (searchable at http://tinyurl.com/cv9nqo) to earn Oregon's unique cultural tax credit. The cultural tax credit makes Trust gifts free and gives donors the power to create grants that benefit the cultural nonprofits they already value.

The Cultural Trust invests in community by funding Oregon humanities, arts and heritage. Many cultural nonprofits – libraries, heritage societies, art centers – are the heart of community life and learning. Oregon Days of Culture celebrates the value of Oregon culture and encourages Oregonians to support it by giving. Most event pages at www.oregondaysofculture.org include links to cultural nonprofits' donations pages.

The Trust's cultural confession: more donations = more grants, benefiting arts, humanities and heritage nonprofits in every Oregon county.

- 30 -


Attached Media Files: High School Student Paris Confesses Culturally That She's a Photographer Photo Julie Keefe

Salem, Oregon – Oregonians who paid money to American Trade Association Inc. (ATA) or several affiliated companies that were selling illegitimate health insurance plans have until August 31 to file any unpaid claims with the Tennessee-based liquidator who is shutting down the operation. The other companies are Smart Data Solutions LLC (SDS) and Serve America Assurance Ltd (SAA). ATA may also go by American Trade Association LLC.

A Proof of Claim form and instructions for what must be submitted with the form can be found here: www.americantradeliquidation.com. No payments will be made on any policy claims until all "Proof of Claim" forms are reviewed and the court approves a plan of distribution. Creditors are owed far more than is available from the assets.

An estimated 400 Oregonians purchased health insurance – or thought they did – through a group of illegitimate companies that marketed themselves through Internet advertising and fax blasts. The Oregon Insurance Division recently filed a cease and desist order to immediately disallow any insurance transactions in this state by ATA, SDS and SAA. You can find the order here: http://insurance.oregon.gov/admin_actions/actions_2010/producer_2010/10-06-005cd.pdf

Tennessee regulators allege that ATA and SDS engaged in the unlicensed, unauthorized sale of nonexistent insurance coverage, taking premium payments from thousands of consumers when there was no licensed insurance company to fund claims. They said that SAA paid a relatively small number of claims, which contributed to the deception.

The incident is a reminder that anyone buying insurance over the phone or Internet or as the result of an unsolicited letter or fax should proceed with caution. To find out if a company or agent is legitimate in Oregon, call the Insurance Division's consumer advocates at 503-947-7984 or toll-free at 1-888-877-4894 or visit insurance.oregon.gov/insurer/insurer.html.


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

(Salem) – "Speak Up!" from the director's chair and promote young worker safety and health in a 45-second public service announcement. High school students across Oregon are invited to enter the third annual video contest. The top three entries will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500 and will earn a matching amount for their school.

The Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]), Oregon OSHA, SAIF Corporation, American Society of Safety Engineers, the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology (CROET), and the DHS-Public Health Division are sponsoring the contest.

The contest is designed to increase awareness about safety on the job for young people, with the overall theme of "Save a Friend. Work Safe." Specific video guidelines are outlined in the contest rules. Students are encouraged to use humor, get creative, and use the message "Speak Up!" while emphasizing ways to protect themselves at work. Submissions will be judged on the following:

•A teen worker health and safety message based on the concept of "Speak Up!" as the main focus of the video (See rules for more specific details)
•Creativity and originality
•Overall production value (video and audio quality)
•Youth appeal

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 1, 2011.

Contest winners will be unveiled at a screening event to be announced in the spring, and winning entries will be posted on YouTube. For detailed contest information including contest tips, rules, and entry forms, go to www.orosha.org/psacontest/.

###

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to www.orosha.org.


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1073/37606/OyesLogo.jpg

Salem, Oregon – Federal officials today approved Oregon's $1 million grant proposal to bolster the review of health insurance rate requests through more detailed analysis and stronger consumer feedback.

"This grant gives us better tools to address rising health insurance costs and provides more information to consumers," said Cory Streisinger, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS).

The grant to Oregon is part of a five-year, $250 million national program established in the new federal health reform law to help states start or improve rate reviews. Federal officials set aside $1 million per state for 2010.

The DCBS Insurance Division, which reviews rates for small employer, individual, and portability health plans, will use the funds to:

• Increase the scrutiny of rate filings by looking more closely at how a rate increase affects a range of consumers and auditing the numbers insurance companies submit as questions arise.
• Bolster public input into rate reviews by providing funding to a consumer group to provide in-depth comments on rate requests.
• Develop a process to address large group rates to avoid unreasonable increases. The department does not currently review rates for large employer groups (more than 50 employees).
• Provide consumers better information about what drives health insurance premiums by requiring insurers to provide a detailed breakdown of medical costs (such as hospital care versus prescription drugs versus doctor fees) and posting the information online. Computer system changes will make it easier for consumers to read about rate requests on the division's website, as well as help the division better collect and report data about insurance rates and medical costs to federal officials and consumers.

Oregon already has a strong rate review law, thanks to its own reform efforts. Since April, the division has been able to consider such factors as a company's overall profitability, surplus, and investment earnings when reviewing a rate request. The April reforms also established a 30-day public comment period once a rate request is filed.

The changes are part of a larger effort by Oregon to address the rising cost of health care. Because health care costs drive insurance rates, any effort to increase the affordability of insurance will not succeed until health care costs are brought under control.

For more on the department's grant proposal, go to: http://insurance.oregon.gov/consumer/federal-health-reform/rate-review-grant.html

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

The Oregon Board of Forestry today recognized Simon Babcock, the forestry instructor at Philomath High School, for excellence in forestry education. During the Board's meeting in Salem, Babcock received the Mary Rellergert Forestry Education Award, which honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to public education and understanding of forestry in Oregon.

Babcock, now in his seventh year as forestry instructor at Philomath High School (PHS), received the award based upon his enthusiastic and inspirational teaching style, his ability to engage his school and the wider community in creative and fun forestry education projects, and the positive effects his teaching has had on his students. Babcock has also been an active leader in the Associated Oregon Forestry Clubs.

Pete Tuana, recently retired superintendent from Philomath Public Schools, described Babcock as "tireless, bold and creative" in his forestry education work in the school and in the community.

"Simon's unyielding desire to provide positive educational opportunities for all students has promoted the standing of the Forestry program to equal standing with all the typical science courses of Philomath High," Tuana said.

The award honors Oregon Department of Forestry's former Tillamook State Forest Education Coordinator, Mary Rellergert, who passed away in February 2004. Rellergert was a highly regarded forest education leader and founder of the Tillamook State Forest Education Program, which provides high quality forest learning experiences for K-12 students at the Tillamook Forest Center.

The 2010 Mary Rellergert Forestry Education Award winner was selected by a panel of forestry educators from the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program at the Oregon State University College of Forestry, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and past recipients of the award.


NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of the recipient receiving his award—and of him in action conducting forest education programs—are available. Contact Doug Decker, 503-701-0236, ddecker@odf.state.or.us


Attached Media Files: Philomath High School teacher Simon Babcock received the Mary Rellergert Forestry Education Award on Sept. 8

The Oregon Board of Forestry honored eight Oregonians for their commitment to community tree care today at its business meeting in Salem. The 2010 Urban Forestry awards recognize individuals, groups and businesses that have made outstanding efforts to enhance and maintain healthy community forests.

Winners in the eight award categories include:

Citizen volunteer and civic organization: White Oak Committee
Roberta Schwarz of West Linn was honored for her work with the White Oak Committee that raised more than $1 million to purchase and preserve part of a rare Oregon white oak savanna property.

Development: Pringle Creek Community
The Pringle Creek Community of Salem successfully preserved more than 80 percent of the existing trees on a site it developed into a sustainable community that aims to integrate green building, energy efficiency and respect for the natural environment.

Oregon Tree City of the Year: City of McMinnville
The City of McMinnville was honored for its efforts to encourage residents to plant, protect and maintain trees in the northwestern Oregon community. City government staff worked to assure that this historic town retained its charm and livability by caring for its trees.

Business: Ascending the Giants
Cutting-edge photography and video work promoting the ecological importance of champion trees garnered an Urban Forestry award for the firm, "Ascending the Giants." Arborists Brian French and Will Koomjian are conducting a series of expeditions to climb and measure the largest tree of each species.

President's Award: Ed Jensen, OSU
Ed Jensen, an associate dean at Oregon State University's College of Forestry, was recognized for his long record of accomplishment in forestry education, outreach and advocacy. Jensen co-authored the popular handbook, "Trees to Know in Oregon." He develops, runs and evaluates natural resource education programs at the college.

Professional: Nancy Buley, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
As marketing and communications director for J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., one of Oregon's premier nurseries, Nancy Buley has been a tireless advocate for trees. Earlier this year she visited all of Oregon's congressional and senate offices in Washington, D.C. to encourage support for tree-planting legislation.

Government: Clean Water Services, Randy Lawrence
Randy Lawrence and Clean Water Services launched the "Tree for All" program in the Tualatin River Watershed. The program is currently ahead of schedule in working toward its goal to plant 2 million trees in the watershed in 20 years.

Professional: Jennifer Wilson and The Wetlands Conservancy
Jennifer Wilson of Tualatin and The Wetlands Conservancy planted more than 15,000 native wetland shrubs and trees in spring 2010. She also excels in teaching children about the natural world.

Oregon Community Trees, a conservation organization that promotes healthy urban and community forests, jointly hosted the presentation of the Urban Forestry awards with the Board of Forestry at the meeting held at Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, 2600 State St., in Salem.

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Tuesday – September 7, 2010.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:

No new fires 10 acres in size or larger on ODF-protected lands were reported to the Salem Coordination Center during the past 72 hours.

The Birch Creek Road fire 8 miles east of Pendleton was battled by resources from the ODF Pendleton Unit on early Saturday morning. The fire began about 2:00 am Saturday due to a lightning strike but was held to 16.4 acres in size following a swift response from the Milton-Freewater Rural Fire District and ODF. Fire was fully contained by Saturday morning.

Breaking news about wildfires on lands protected by ODF can be found on the Web at: wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:

The View Lake Fire Complex consists of several lightning-caused fires in the Olallie Lake Scenic Area, the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, and Bull of the Woods Wilderness on the Mt. Hood and Willamette National Forests, 45 miles east of Estacada. The latest mapping shows the total size of the Complex to be 4,757 acres with containment at 35 percent. On Sunday, management of the View Lake Complex was taken over by the Portland National Incident Management Organization team. More information on the fire is available at: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2088/

The Scott Mountain fire, burning in the Willamette National Forest 14 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge, is at 3,454 acres and 35 percent contained. Additional information is available at: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2082/

The Oak Flat fire continues to burn in the Rogue River National Forest in Josephine County about 20 miles southwest of Grants Pass, but command of the fire is expected to shift from the federal Oregon-California (ORCA) incident management team to a local team at 6:00pm today. The fire is currently estimated at 7,494 and is 95 percent contained, and full containment is expected later today. Cause of the fire is under investigation. A road, trail, and campground closure is still in effect. Updates on the fire are available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on other ongoing wildfires in other jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, http://www.nwccweb.us/ and to the national Incident Information System website at http://www.inciweb.org/state/38.

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one land ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work together closely.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

Effective September 7, 2010:
January 1, 2010 through today:

Lightning-caused fires: 182 fires burned approximately 754 acres
Human-caused fires: 374 fires burned approximately 5,156 acres
Total: 556 fires have burned approximately 5,910 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year):
Lightning-caused fires: 293 fires burned approximately 20,844 acres
Human-caused fires: 588 fires burned approximately 4,586 acres
Total: 881 fires burned approximately 25,430 acres

FIRE INFORMATION
News media may contact the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters office for fire information, (503) 945-7200, weekdays during business hours. After business hours and on weekends, media may obtain fire info by calling the duty PIO pager (503) 370-0403. The duty officer will return media pages promptly.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION
Carelessness can destroy Oregon's beauty. Learn what you can do to prevent wildfires. Visit the Keep Oregon Green Association on the web at http://www.keeporegongreen.org/.

Kevin Weeks
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Friday, September 3, 2010.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS
No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported during the past 24 hours on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON
The View Lake Fire, burning on the Mt. Hood National Forest, is 4,523 acres and 35 percent contained. More information on this fire is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2088/ .

The Oak Flat Fire, burning 10 miles northwest of Selma on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, is 6,850 acres and 73 percent contained. More information on this fire is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/ .

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on other ongoing wildfires in other jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, http://www.nwccweb.us/ and to the national Incident Information System website at http://www.inciweb.org/state/38

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one land ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work together closely.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

January 1, 2010 through September 3, 2010
Lightning-caused fires: 178 fires burned approximately 753 acres
Human-caused fires: 362 fires burned approximately 5,154 acres
Total: 540 fires have burned approximately 5,907 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year)
Lightning-caused fires: 282 fires burned approximately 20,741 acres
Human-caused fires: 573 fires burned approximately 4,572 acres
Total: 854 fires burned approximately 25,313 acres

September 3, 2010

A joint announcement of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Safe Harbor Agreement Advances Northern Spotted Owl Conservation, Offers Regulatory Assurances and Financial Incentives to Private Forest Landowners


Federal and state agencies have reached a landmark agreement that assures private forest landowners can continue to manage for long-term, sustainable timber harvests while also enhancing northern spotted owl habitat.

The entirely voluntary statewide Safe Harbor Agreement features conservation efforts coupled with federal financial incentives and technical assistance to landowners. This is the broadest effort in Oregon to enhance the contribution of non-federal lands to spotted owl recovery since the Pacific Northwest forest raptor was listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1990. The agreement is a coordinated effort among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Landowners who enter into the Safe Harbor Agreement will be able to develop or conserve spotted owl habitat, with the assurance that if the property eventually attracts owls, timber harvest or other activities could continue, as long as the land is managed to provide a net conservation benefit to the species. The agreement is intended to encourage landowners to pursue conservation values while also deriving the economic return they need to continue to manage their land for a range of benefits.

"This Safe Harbor has the potential to be a pivot point in the northern spotted owl's recovery in the State of Oregon," said Paul Henson, State Supervisor of the Fish and Wildlife Service's Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office. "Inviting more involvement from citizens and non-federal partners is just one way we're addressing one of the Northwest's biggest conservation challenges with pragmatic approaches to endangered species recovery."

"This agreement gives much greater assurance to forestland owners and managers in Oregon's spotted owl territory and will serve to increase participation, enhance protection, and stimulate productivity on these landscapes," said Johnny Sundstrom, forest landowner and past President of the Oregon Association of Conservation Districts. "Surely this is a win-win for all of us who care about these private, working-land forests and their crucial importance to our state."

The three agencies will provide technical assistance to private forest landowners as they establish a balance between timber harvest to support local communities and the unique requirements of sustainable spotted owl habitats in the Northwest.

Working with local staff, landowners also have the opportunity to apply for financial incentives to support selected forest practices. Participation in Safe Harbor on Oregon forestlands is accomplished through development of a stewardship agreement between the landowner and ODF. A stewardship agreement is a voluntary written plan where a landowner agrees to meet the natural resource protection standards of the Oregon Forest Practices Act through alternate practices.

"Oregon's policy is to promote a balance of environmental, economic, and social benefits from our forests," said Marvin Brown, Oregon State Forester. "Safe Harbor supports that balance. It allows landowners to protect owl habitat, with the assurance that they can also continue to manage their land for other benefits."

NRCS' Healthy Forest Reserve Program is a voluntary conservation program under the 2008 Farm Bill established for the purpose of restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems. In Oregon, the focus of this program is to support private forest landowners to manage their land for sustainable, profitable timber harvests while promoting habitat for the threatened northern spotted owl. Participating landowners will receive assurances under the Safe Harbor Agreement and are compensated for enrolling forests in permanent easements and agreeing to manage those lands using sustainable forest practices. The program has been implemented in only eight states across the nation, with Oregon added in 2009.

"Private landowners and the lands they manage are critical for the recovery of the northern spotted owl," said Ron Alvarado, State Conservationist with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. "In order to involve landowners, they must be able to effectively make a living on those lands. This agreement allows landowners to manage their lands sustainably while also protecting an iconic western species, resulting in a positive outcome for Oregonians."

Covering the range of the spotted owl throughout the state, the Safe Harbor Agreement is focused on forest landowners with 5,000 acres or less and has a 50-year duration. In addition to special incentives provided under ODF and NRCS land stewardship programs, those who participate gain formal assurance from the Fish and Wildlife Service that they will not face future regulatory restrictions on the use of the land enrolled if they agree to improve its habitat value for spotted owls.

Here's how it works: the voluntary agreements would encourage long-term conservation benefits such as extended timber harvest rotations, forest management strategies that develop spotted owl habitat characteristics, and maintenance of owl habitat conditions for the duration of the agreement and possibly beyond. The agreement helps implement several recovery actions identified in the 2008 Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Plan related to encouraging habitat conservation on non-federal lands to benefit the owl.

Toward the end of the agreement period in 2060, participating landowners have the option of continuing their conservation measures on the enrolled land, returning it to baseline conditions that existed at the beginning of the agreement, for example, by increasing commercial logging activities, or anything in between.

The main threats to the spotted owl are habitat loss and competition from barred owls, which are native to eastern North America but moved into the range of the spotted owl over the last century. The most recent analysis of data on spotted owl demographics such as occupancy, survival, reproduction, and movement indicates that the owl continues to decline in seven of 11 study areas in Washington, Oregon, and California (populations are stationary in the other four). The overall rangewide spotted owl population is declining at an average rate of nearly 3 percent per year.

There are currently three other Safe Harbor agreements for the spotted owl: one signed in 2002 with Forster-Gill, Inc. covering 236 acres near the town of Blue Lake in northern California; a second signed in 2009 with the non-profit Pacific Forest Trust, a land conservation group that manages the 2,200-acre Van Eck Forest in Humboldt, Calif.; and a third, for the owl and the threatened marbled murrelet, signed in 2009 with Port Blakely Tree Farms covering 45,000 acres in Lewis and Skamania Counties in southwestern Washington.

Further information about the program is available from ODF at www.oregon.gov/odf. For additional information regarding assistance from the NRCS contact your local USDA Service Center or visit www.or.nrcs.usda.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov and in Oregon, http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/

NRCS—Helping people help the land.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people
conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. For additional information, please visit the Oregon NRCS website at: www.or.nrcs.usda.gov

The Oregon Department of Forestry serves the people of Oregon by protecting, managing, and promoting stewardship of Oregon's forests to enhance environmental, economic, and community sustainability. For additional information, please visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/

*** Frequently Asked Questions / Safe Harbor Agreements ***

What is a Safe Harbor agreement?

A Safe Harbor agreement is a voluntary conservation tool for private landowners who wish to support recovery of plants and animals listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Safe Harbors are area- and species-specific agreements, though they are sometimes developed for more than one species with similar habitat needs. They also can be specific to a single property owner or multiple landowners in a certain region. For the latter, they are usually called programmatic Safe Harbor agreements.

What is the purpose of a Safe Harbor agreement?

Safe Harbor agreements are just one tool for enhancing endangered species conservation on private lands (other common tools advanced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are Habitat Conservation Plans and Partners for Fish and Wildlife projects). Safe Harbor agreements can contribute significantly to the recovery of Endangered Species Act-listed species. The most common threat to listed species is habitat loss and degradation. More than two-thirds of all listed species in the country spend all or part of their lives on privately owned land.

How do Safe Harbor agreements work?

Under the program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with a landowner (along with other partners to the Safe Harbor agreement) to identify "baseline habitat conditions" for the property he or she wishes to enroll. The Fish and Wildlife Service and landowner develop a management plan for the enrolled property, allowing for mutually agreed-upon uses that ultimately provide a "net conservation benefit" to the listed species.
In exchange for the landowner's commitment to those conservation measures, the Fish and Wildlife Service provides formal assurance that the landowner will not be restricted from the uses identified in the management plan if the listed species is attracted to the enrolled property as a result of improved habitat conditions (though the landowner must maintain at least the baseline habitat conditions). This means that some incidental take of individual listed species may potentially occur in return for the long term conservation benefit to the species overall. The Fish and Wildlife Service carefully considers the potential level of incidental take when making the "net conservation benefit" determination at the onset of the agreement.
Toward the end of the agreement term, the landowner has the option of continuing their conservation measures on the enrolled land, returning it to baseline conditions that existed at the beginning of the agreement, or anything in between.

Who is eligible to enroll in a Safe Harbor agreement?

Any non-federal landowner can be a party to a Safe Harbor agreement. Existing agreements involve individual families, states, state agencies, tribes, county agencies, conservation organizations, businesses, and universities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service often implements a Safe Harbor agreement in partnership with another government agency or organization that works directly with landowners on a local basis.

How long do Safe Harbor agreements last?

Safe Harbor agreements have different durations, such as 10, 25, 50, or even 100 years, depending on the amount of time required to achieve conservation benefits for the particular species and habitat covered. A Safe Harbor agreement also can be renewed for as long as the landowner and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mutually agree.

What happens if land enrolled in a Safe Harbor agreement is sold or ownership is transferred? Does the agreement go with the sale or transfer?

If a landowner proposes to sell or give away lands enrolled in a Safe Harbor agreement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can allow the agreement and associated permit to continue to be in effect, providing the new owner agrees to become a party to the original agreement.

How many Safe Harbor agreements are there?

Since the first Safe Harbor agreement was signed in 1995, more than 400 landowners in 23 states and one U.S. territory have enrolled more than 4.3 million acres in 80 Safe Harbor agreements, benefitting 75 species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

###

September 2, 2010

As the last holiday weekend of the summer is here and outdoor adventurers are preparing for fall hunting seasons, don't let the cooler weather fool you! Recent rains and cooler temperatures have not eliminated the risk of wildfire throughout Oregon, especially in the southern Cascade Range.

"September is typically when we get east winds blowing very dry air over the Cascades into the western side of the state," said Lena Tucker, District Forester for the Oregon Department of Forestry's South Cascade District in Springfield. "These dry winds are notorious for bringing abandoned campfires back to life."

Local Oregon Department of Forestry fire managers are asking fall campers and hunters to do their part to make their outings enjoyable and fire-safe.

Campfires - Unattended campfires that spread to adjacent vegetation account for many of the human-caused wildfires each year. A campfire should be kept small and the surrounding area cleared of vegetation. Don't build a campfire where overhanging tree limbs could catch fire. And while it may seem obvious, never build a fire atop exposed or shallow tree roots. The heat can ignite the roots and start a "sleeper fire." This smoldering, smokeless blaze may go unnoticed, and then flare up days later. Never leave a campfire unattended and completely drown the fire before leaving. Most landowners prohibit campfires on their property, so be sure and seek their permission ahead of time.

Off-road riding - Driving or riding motorized vehicles off of improved roads can also cause fire in the forest. Four-wheel-drives, motorcycles and quads pose a common risk from the heat and sparks they can generate. Oregon law requires a muffler, and on cycles and ATVs, a spark arrester is recommended. On full-size vehicles, be sure the exhaust pipe, catalytic converter and muffler are free of grass and twigs that could ignite.

Smoking - Discarded cigarettes rank high among the causes of wildfire year after year. Smoke only in open areas free of tall grass and vegetation, and make sure cigarettes and matches are completely extinguished before discarding.

Fire prevention restrictions are subject to change on short notice during the transition into fall weather, so it's a good idea to call your local Oregon Department of Forestry office or visit the ODF web site at -- http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/precautionlevel.shtml -- for current restrictions before heading out into the great outdoors!

You can follow wildfire activity across Oregon this summer on the Wildfire Blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry – check out the Blog at http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/

###

Audio files are by Kevin Weeks, public information officer for ODF


Attached Media Files: Kevin Weeks ODF3 , Kevin Weeks ODF2 , Kevin Weeks ODF1

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Thursday, September 2, 2010.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS
No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported during the past 24 hours on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON
The View Lake Fire, burning on the Mt. Hood National Forest, is 4,478 acres and 35 percent contained. More information on this fire is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2088/ .

The Scott Mountain Fire is burning 15 miles west of Sisters in the Mt. Washington Wilderness Area on the Willamette National Forest. The fire is 3,454 acres and 30 percent contained. Responsibility for this fire has transitioned from the Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3 to a local interagency incident management team as of September 1. More information on this fire is available on Inciweb at:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2082/ .

The Oak Flat Fire, burning 10 miles northwest of Selma on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, is 6,515 acres and 70 percent contained. More information on this fire is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/ .

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on other ongoing wildfires in other jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, http://www.nwccweb.us/ and to the national Incident Information System website at http://www.inciweb.org/state/38

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one land ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work together closely.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

January 1, 2010 through September 2, 2010
Lightning-caused fires: 176 fires burned approximately 753 acres
Human-caused fires: 361 fires burned approximately 5,155 acres
Total: 537 fires have burned approximately 5,908 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year)
Lightning-caused fires: 281 fires burned approximately 20,741 acres
Human-caused fires: 569 fires burned approximately 4,565 acres
Total: 850 fires burned approximately 25,306 acres

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Friday, August 30, 2010.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported during the past 72 hours on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:

The View Lake Fire, burning on the Mt. Hood National Forest, is approximately 5,876 acres and 30 percent contained. An accurate containment estimate is in the process of being determined. At 6 a.m. on Thursday, August 26, the interagency Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of this fire. More information is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2088/.

The Scott Mountain Fire is burning approximately two miles northeast of Scott Mountain, 15 miles west of Sisters, and 14 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge in the Mt. Washington Wilderness Area on the Willamette National Forest. The fire is approximately 3,454 acres and 30 percent contained. The interagency Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3is managing this fire and more information on is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2082/ .

The Oak Flat Fire, burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Josephine County two miles northeast of the junction of the Illinois River and Briggs Creek, about 20 miles southwest of Grants Pass, is currently estimated at 6,350 acres and is 70 percent contained. The interagency Oregon-California (ORCA) Incident Management Team is assigned to this fire and more information is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/.

The White Lightning Fire, burning on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands 15 miles north of the city of Warm Springs, is currently estimated at approximately 33,732 acres and 90 percent contained. The interagency Northwest Oregon Incident Management Team was released from this fire on August 28, and the fire was turned back over to the Warm Springs Fire Management fire team. More information is available on InciWeb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2075/ .

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on other ongoing wildfires in other jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, http://www.nwccweb.us/ and to the national Incident Information System website at http://www.inciweb.org/state/38

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one land ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work together closely.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

Effective August 30, 2010:

January 1, 2010 through today:

Lightning-caused fires: 175 fires burned approximately 726 acres
Human-caused fires: 353 fires burned approximately 5,226 acres
Total: 528 fires have burned approximately 5,953 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year):

Lightning-caused fires: 276 fires burned approximately 20,478 acres
Human-caused fires: 552 fires burned approximately 4,521 acres
Total: 828 fires burned approximately 24,999 acres

The Oregon Board of Forestry and Oregon Community Trees, a conservation organization, will present the annual State Urban Forestry Awards at the board's next regular meeting on Sept. 8 in Salem. Eight recipients will be recognized for their work to promote urban forests.

Other items on the board's agenda include:
* Stream monitoring update – The Riparian Function and Stream Temperature (RipStream) monitoring project is designed to measure the effectiveness of stream protection rules as prescribed for state-owned forests and private forestlands. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Oregon State University College of Forestry staff will provide a progress report.
* Oregonians' values and beliefs about forestry and forest issues – Results of surveys and focus groups conducted in spring 2010 will be presented.
* Oregon indicators of sustainable forest management – Board members will receive an update on the 19 indicators, including a first report on the indicator, "Compliance with forestry regulations."
* 2011 Forestry Program for Oregon –ODF staff will seek board approval to initiate a 90-day public comment period on the draft update of the board's strategic planning document.
* Mary Rellergert Forestry Education award – The board will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to public education and understanding of forestry in Oregon with the Mary Rellergert Forestry Education award. The award is given annually in honor of former Tillamook State Forest Education Coordinator Mary Rellergert, who died in February 2004.
* State Forests planning – ODF staff will present a background paper describing how other Oregon state government natural resource agencies adopt management plans and measure their performance.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters office, in the Tillamook Room, Building C, 2600 State St., in Salem.

The meeting is open to the public, and comments will be received on forestry-related items not included in the agenda during a general comment period shortly after 8 a.m. Members of the public wishing to comment on specific agenda items will have an opportunity to address the board during the time each item is scheduled.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services or assistance can be arranged by calling the department's Agency Affairs Office at least 48 hours before the meeting, 503-945-7200, text telephone 503-945-7213.

More information on the Board of Forestry can be found at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD/. Background information on the Sept. 8 meeting agenda items is available through the "2010 Meeting Schedule" link on the website.

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Friday, August 27, 2010.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
No new fires 10 acres or larger were reported during the past 24 hours on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
Picnic Creek Fire: The John Day Unit, Central Oregon District, of the Oregon Department of Forestry provided mutual aid on the Picnic Creek Fire, 8 miles west of Mt. Vernon (south of Highway 26). The fire, at approximately 20-30 acres on the jurisdiction of the Mt. Vernon Rural Protection District, started Thursday night, August 26, at approximately 5:21 PDT. High winds pushed the fire near the vicinity of 20 structures; one confirmed outbuilding, possibly two outbuildings, were destroyed. Resources on the fire Thursday night included five engines, one tender, two dozers, and one helicopter from the Oregon Department of Forestry, one engine from the U.S. Forest Service, and all of Mt. Vernon Rural Protection District resources. The Grant County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, State Fire Marshall's Office, and Oregon Department of Transportation also contributed to the effort. The fire spread has been stopped this morning and the fire is fully lined. The cause is under investigation by the Oregon State Fire Marshal's office.

Phoenix Wildland Fire, Crater Lake: Interagency fire crews and engines are continuing to manage this Phoenix Wildland Fire burning in timber and timber litter seven miles southeast of Diamond Lake, Oregon inside the Crater Lake National Park boundary on the east flank of Timber Crater. The fire, currently estimated at 200 acres, was ignited by lightning on the afternoon of August 17. No structures are currently threatened and no evacuations have been reported at this time. The Phoenix Wildland Fire is being managed to allow fire to serve its natural role in the ecosystem and reduce hazardous fuel accumulation. It is burning on land immediately adjacent to the Fremont-Winema National Forests. Fire crews are building a control line to prevent the fire from spreading onto National Forest land. Any ignitions that occur outside of the Crater Lake National Park boundary will be immediately suppressed. For more information, please contact the National Park Service at (541) 594-3062.

NOTE: Many of the following fires have significant active closure notices for roads, scenic areas, trails, and campgrounds in place that have been recently updated, added, or revised. For the most current information, visit the fires' Inciweb sites where the most recent notices and maps of closure areas are posted.

The View Lake Fire, burning on the Mt. Hood National Forest, is approximately 3,037 acres. An accurate containment estimate is in the process of being determined. At 6 a.m. on Thursday, August 26, the interagency Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of this fire. More information is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2088/.

The Scott Mountain Fire is burning approximately two miles northeast of Scott Mountain, 15 miles west of Sisters, and 14 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge in the Mt. Washington Wilderness Area on the Willamette National Forest. The fire is approximately 2,559 acres and five percent contained. The interagency Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3is managing this fire and more information on is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2082/ .

The White Lightning Fire, burning on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands 15 miles north of the city of Warm Springs, is currently estimated at approximately 33,016 acres and 40 percent contained. Effective at 6 a.m. on Friday, August 27, the Deschutes River was re-opened to recreationists. The interagency Northwest Oregon Incident Management Team is assigned to this fire and more information is available on InciWeb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2075/ .

The Oak Flat Fire, burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Josephine County two miles northeast of the junction of the Illinois River and Briggs Creek, about 20 miles southwest of Grants Pass, is currently estimated at 5,708 acres and is 60 percent contained. The interagency Oregon-California (ORCA) Incident Management Team is assigned to this fire and more information is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on other ongoing wildfires in other jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, http://www.nwccweb.us/ and to the national Incident Information System website at http://www.inciweb.org/state/38

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one land ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work together closely.

This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

Effective August 27, 2010:

January 1, 2010 through today:

Lightning-caused fires: 176 fires burned approximately 726 acres
Human-caused fires: 333 fires burned approximately 4,936 acres
Total: 509 fires have burned approximately 5,662 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year):

Lightning-caused fires: 269 fires burned approximately 20,456 acres
Human-caused fires: 531 fires burned approximately 4,448 acres
Total: 806 fires burned approximately 24,904 acres

SAFETY TIPS
For firefighter safety tips, go to
http://www.nifc.gov/sixminutes/dsp_sixminutes.php

FIRE WEATHER
For current fire weather information, go to
http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/fire.shtml

WILDFIRE SMOKE FORECASTS
For current smoke information:
www.odf.state.or.us/DIVISIONS/protection/fire_protection/Daily/wfsmoke.htm

FIRE INFORMATION
News media may contact the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters office for fire information, (503) 945-7200, weekdays during business hours. After business hours and on weekends, media may obtain fire info by calling the duty officer pager (503) 370-0403. The duty officer will return media pages promptly.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION
Carelessness can destroy Oregon's beauty. Learn what you can do to prevent wildfires. Visit the Keep Oregon Green Association on the web at http://www.keeporegongreen.org/


Jeri Chase, Agency Web Coordinator/
Public Affairs Representative
Oregon Department of Forestry
2600 State Street
Salem, OR 97310
PH: 503-945-7201
FAX: 503-945-7212
e-mail: jchase@odf.state.or.us

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Thursday, August 26, 2010.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
Western Lane District, ODF: The Whittaker Creek Fire, was reported at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 25, burning in steep terrain on ODF-protected lands near Whittaker Creek in Lane County. Currently estimated at 15 acres, the fire has been 100 percent lined, is contained and firefighters are continuing with mop-up. The cause of this fire remains under investigation.

SPECIAL NOTICE:
OHV trails in the Tillamook State Forest RE-OPEN. Effective Thursday, August 26, 2010, the off-highway vehicle trails in the Tillamook State Forest are RE-OPEN. This includes off-highway vehicle trails in the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek, Diamond Mill, and Trask off-highway vehicle areas, and the BLM Upper Nestucca Riding Area. Fire Season Regulated Use Precautions are still in effect.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
There are a number of fires burning in the Cascades and several smoke columns have become and will continue to be visible.

The 950-acre Scott Mountain Fire is burning approximately two miles northeast of Scott Mountain, 15 miles west of Sisters, and 14 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge in the Mt. Washington Wilderness Area. The interagency Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3 has assumed command of this fire. Smoke from the Scott Mountain Fire has impacted and will continue to impact central Oregon and was being reported yesterday as far away as the lower Santiam Canyon area just east of Salem. More information on closures and fire status is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2082/ .

The White Lightning Fire, burning on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands 15 miles north of the city of Warm Springs, is currently estimated at 29,073 acres and 30 percent contained. Portions of the Deschutes River have been re-opened to recreationists – stretches of the river from Warm Springs Boat Launch to Trout Creek Campground (River Mile 88) and downstream from Harphan Flat (River Mile 56) are now open. The remaining 32-mile closure remains in effect. The interagency Northwest Oregon Incident Management Team is assigned to this fire and more information, including Deschutes River closures, is available on InciWeb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2075/ .

The Oak Flat Fire, burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Josephine County two miles northeast of the junction of the Illinois River and Briggs Creek, about 20 miles southwest of Grants Pass, is currently estimated at 4,760 acres and is 75 percent contained. The interagency Oregon-California (ORCA) Incident Management Team assigned to this fire was planning to turn it back over to the forest on Saturday morning, although per a special update issued at 7 p.m. last night (August 25), high temperatures and low humidity created conditions for extreme fire behavior Wednesday afternoon, and the fire crossed over the containment line on the north side and was being wind-driven to the north. The estimated containment date has now been pushed back two more days to August 30, and additional resources (crews and helicopters) were ordered. The weather is forecast to cool some beginning today, which should moderate fire behavior, allowing firefighters to re-establish control lines. More information on closures and fire status, is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/.

Mt. Hood National Forest. Due to fire activity from the View Lake Fire, currently estimated at approximately 776 acres, the Olallie Lake Scenic Area, access to Breitenbush Lake, and portions of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area are closed. More information is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on other ongoing wildfires in other jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, http://www.nwccweb.us/ and to the national Incident Information System website at http://www.inciweb.org/state/38

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one land ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work together closely.
This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

Effective August 26, 2010:

January 1, 2010 through today:

Lightning-caused fires: 176 fires burned approximately 753 acres
Human-caused fires: 330 fires burned approximately 4,952 acres
Total: 506 fires have burned approximately 5,677 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year):

Lightning-caused fires: 269 fires burned approximately 20,456 acres
Human-caused fires: 531 fires burned approximately 4,319 acres
Total: 800 fires burned approximately 24,775 acres

Butler Aircraft Co. will take a brief time out from firefighting this Saturday to demonstrate how a retardant drop is done at the Airshow of the Cascades in Madras. Presenting sponsor of the annual aviation event, the Redmond-based firm will fly a DC-7 tanker plane over the Madras Airport and release its 3,000-gallon payload for spectators.

Butler flies three of the retardant bombers under contract with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), fighting wildfires wherever they occur in the state. The aviation firm has flown for ODF since 2004, providing crucial air attack on fires that break out on private and state forestlands.

While air tankers are a highly visible element of Oregon's wildfire suppression force, Butler president Travis Garnick is quick to note that "firefighting is a team effort. It's not just about Butler Aircraft."

Wife Nan Garnick, company vice-president and general manager, adds, "Our function is in support of the troops on the ground who really put out the fires."

In an era of supersonic jets, the lumbering propeller-driven planes seem more at home in a museum than on the fire line. But their high maneuverability and modest airspeed suit the mission perfectly. Flying low and slow over rugged terrain, the converted airliners drop their red-dyed retardant to cool hotspots and slow a fire's progress. This buys time for ground firefighters to arrive on scene and engage the fire directly.

The Garnick's are proud of the work they do as well as the contribution their company has made to the industry.

"Aviation is not just our profession but our passion," Travis Garnick said. "Butler started in 1946 training pilots. We've trained a lot of pilots over the years, and they've gone into various flying occupations, from commercial to military."

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Wednesday, August 25, 2010.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
Western Lane District, ODF: The Whittaker Creek Fire was reported at 3:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, August 25, burning in steep terrain on ODF-protected lands near Whittaker Creek in Lane County. Currently estimated at 18-20 acres, there are 10 engines, 3 crews, 2 tenders, and 2 dozers assigned to the fire which is under investigation.

Forest Grove District, ODF: The Masonville Fire, burning in a straw field at Masonville Road and Highway 18 in Yamhiill County, was reported on ODF-protected lands on Tuesday afternoon, August 24. ODF resources, including four engines, responded, containing the fire by mid-afternoon at approximately 11 acres, and it was turned back over to the landowner for further fire watch.

OHV trails in the Tillamook State Forest are CLOSED. Due to increased fire danger, effective at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2010, the off-highway vehicle trails in the Tillamook State Forest are CLOSED. Off-highway vehicle activity in the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek, Diamond Mill, and Trask off-highway vehicle areas will be limited to operation on maintained forest roads only.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
Southwest Oregon District, ODF, Mutual Aid: The Oregon Department of Forestry assisted Ashland Fire and Rescue late yesterday afternoon and into the evening (August 24) on a fire that burned on City of Ashland jurisdiction that ultimately destroyed 11 homes and damaged 2 others. There have been no reports so far of any injuries. ODF resources on the fire included two helicopters from the Medford Tanker Base, numerous engines, and a dozer. The Rogue Valley Structural Fire Department also assisted on the fire.

The fire started at approximately 4:45 p.m. in a grassy field on the west side of I-5 near a freeway interchange for South Ashland. Winds at that time were gusty and the fire jumped the freeway, crossing over to the east side, where it then burned in scrub and oak up a hill, and into the residential area. As of about 8:30 p.m. last night, ODF resources were released and the fire remains in the primary jurisdiction of Ashland Fire and Rescue. More information on this fire is available on the City of Ashland's website at http://www.ashland.or.us/index.asp .

Tillamook District, ODF, Mutual Aid: The Cabin Fire, burning on U.S. Forest Service lands near Cape Kiwanda and Sand Lake, was reported at approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24. The fire burned 2.1 acres, and originally possibly threatened the near-by Thousand Trails Campground and some structures in the area. ODF resources, including a helicopter, engines, and crews, responded, as well as U.S. Forest Service resources and local Rural Fire Districts. The fire is 100 percent lined and in mop-up. All ODF resources have been released and the fire has been completely turned over to the U.S. Forest Service.
The 600-acre Scott Mountain Fire is burning approximately two miles northeast of Scott Mountain, 15 miles west of Sisters, and 14 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge. The fire was ignited by lightning during last week's storm, but did not become active until warm winds influenced it on Monday, August 23, when it started running, spotting, crowning, and torching, growing from approximately five to 200 acres in three hours. A closure area is in effect that includes Forest Service roads east of Highway 126, many of which access trailheads into the Mt. Washington wilderness. Additionally, Scott Lake and Alder Springs campgrounds are closed and visitors have been required to leave, and several trails in the area have also been closed. The interagency Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3 has assumed command of this fire this morning. More information on t his fire is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2082/ .

The White Lightning Fire, burning on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands, is currently estimated at 29,073 acres and 30 percent contained Monday. The Deschutes River is closed to rafting from Warm Springs to Maupin. The Northwest Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team is assigned to this fire and updates are available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2075/ .
The Oak Flat Fire, burning on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Josephine County two miles northeast of the junction of the Illinois River and Briggs Creek, about 20 miles southwest of Grants Pass, is currently estimated at 4,760 acres and is 75 percent contained. The interagency Oregon-California (ORCA) incident management team assigned to this fire is planning to turn it back over to the forest on Saturday morning. A road, trail, and campground closure is still in effect. Updates on the fire are available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/
Mt. Hood National Forest: Due to fire activity, the Olallie Lake Scenic Area, access to Breitenbush Lake, and portions of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area are closed. More information is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on other ongoing wildfires in other jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, http://www.nwccweb.us/ and to the national Incident Information System website at http://www.inciweb.org/state/38

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one land ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work together closely.
This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

Effective August 25, 2010:

January 1, 2010 through today:

Lightning-caused fires: 178 fires burned approximately 727 acres
Human-caused fires: 324 fires burned approximately 4,935 acres
Total: 502 fires have burned approximately 5,662 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year):

Lightning-caused fires: 268 fires burned approximately 20,455 acres
Human-caused fires: 525 fires burned approximately 4,316 acres
Total: 793 fires burned approximately 24,771 acres

This is the Oregon Department of Forestry Daily Fire Update for Tuesday, August 24, 2010.

FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS:
Central Oregon District – John Day Unit: The Long Box Fire, reported on August 23, 2010, six miles east of Dayville and north of Highway 26, is 100 percent lined, with containment expected today. Agencies involved included the Mt. Vernon Rural Fire Department, State Fire Marshall's Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Aircraft and engine crews responded as private land and the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife was threatened, including one residence and three other structures. The fire spread was stopped at about 6:30 p.m. on August 23, at 48 acres, with retardant and helicopter bucket drops. An engine patrolled the fire overnight for hot spots, and two engines and a 20-person hand crew are currently conducting mop-up activities, as well as continuing to patrol for hot-spots. Unless the situation changes, this will be the only report on this fire.

OHV trails in the Tillamook State Forest are CLOSED. Due to increased fire danger, effective at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2010, the off-highway vehicle trails in the Tillamook State Forest are CLOSED. Off-highway vehicle activity in the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek, Diamond Mill, and Trask off-highway vehicle areas will be limited to operation on maintained forest roads only.

FIRES ON OTHER LANDS IN OREGON:
The 200-acre Scott Mountain Fire is burning approximately two miles northeast of Scott Mountain, 15 miles west of Sisters, and 14 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge. The fire was ignited by lightning during last week's storm, but did not become active until warm winds influenced it on Monday, August 23, when it started running, spotting, crowning, and torching, growing from approximately five to 200 acres in three hours. The interagency Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3 has been ordered to assume management of this fire.

A closure area is in effect that includes Forest Service roads east of Highway 126, many of which access trailheads into the Mt. Washington wilderness. Additionally, Scott Lake and Alder Springs campgrounds are closed and visitors have been required to leave, and several trails in the area have also been closed. More information on this fire is available on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2082/.

The White Lightning Fire, burning on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands, is currently estimated at 24,397 acres and 10 percent contained Monday. The Deschutes River is closed to rafting from Warm Springs to Maupin. The Northwest Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team is assigned to this fire and updates are available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2075/
The Oak Flat Fire continues to burn in the Rogue River National Forest in Josephine County two miles northeast of the junction of the Illinois River and Briggs Creek, about 20 miles southwest of Grants Pass. The fire is currently estimated at 4,363 acres and is 65 percent contained. The interagency Oregon-California (ORCA) incident management team is assigned to this fire. A road, trail, and campground closure is still in effect. Updates on the fire are available through InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2066/
Mt. Hood National Forest: Due to fire activity, the Olallie Lake Scenic Area, access to Breitenbush Lake, and portions of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area are closed. More information is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/.

OTHER FIRE INFORMATION:
For information on other ongoing wildfires in other jurisdictions within Oregon, go to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, http://www.nwccweb.us/ and to the national Incident Information System website at http://www.inciweb.org/state/38

ABOUT THIS UPDATE:
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for fire protection on private and state-owned forestland, and on a limited amount of other forestlands, including those owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in western Oregon. However, because fires starting on one land ownership type may spread to others, and because of the need to share firefighting resources, agencies commonly work together closely.
This update focuses primarily on firefighting activity on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, and on the department's role as a partner in fighting major fires that start on land protected by other agencies.

FIRE STATISTICS:
Fire statistics for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

Effective August 24, 2010:

January 1, 2010 through today:

Lightning-caused fires: 179 fires burned approximately 727 acres
Human-caused fires: 314 fires burned approximately 4,918 acres
Total: 493 fires have burned approximately 5,645 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year):

Lightning-caused fires: 267 fires burned approximately 20,455 acres
Human-caused fires: 520 fires burned approximately 4,159 acres
Total: 787 fires burned approximately 24,613 acres

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Distribution: Major Media
August 20, 2010 Contact: Gary Lettman, 503-945-7408
10-42


A struggling economy, reflected in weak housing and nonresidential construction, drove Oregon's 2009 timber harvest to historic lows. The harvest of 2.748 billion board feet is 20 percent lower than the already depressed 2008 harvest and the lowest since the Great Depression-level harvest of 2.622 billion board feet. Timber harvest information to-date for 2010 shows harvest levels slowly increasing, but a major recovery in harvests is not forecast until 2011 or beyond according to Oregon Department of Forestry economist Gary Lettman. "Oregon's forest industry infrastructure, although much reduced in recent years, remains intact," said Lettman. "There have been numerous recent temporary mill shutdowns, but few mills are being permanently shuttered."

Most of the timber harvest decline was in western Oregon, declining from 3.079 billion board feet in 2008 to 2.403 billion board feet in 2009. Even though the eastern Oregon timber harvest volume has been decreasing every year since 2005, the decline in harvest is slowing. Eastern Oregon harvest volume had dropped 45 percent from 2004- 2008, but dropped only 5 percent from 2008-2009.

Douglas County jumped in front of Lane County as having the highest volume harvested during 2009, with 384 million board feet. Lane County, the top 2008 producer of timber volume, dropped 22 percent in 2009 to 338 million board feet. In western Oregon, Yamhill was the only county that harvested more timber in 2009 than in 2008, with an increase in harvest of 581 thousand board feet. Klamath County once again harvested the most timber in eastern Oregon, with a cut of 77 million board feet – a 14 percent increase from 2008.

Most timber harvested in Oregon comes from forest industry landowners and those harvests declined significantly in 2009, with the change between 2008 and 2009 representing the largest change in timber harvest by ownership class. Cutting 2.583 billion board feet in 2008, the forest industry accounted for 75 percent of Oregon's total volume removed. In 2009, the forest industry's volume harvested decreased by 597 million board feet, a 23 percent drop to 1.986 billion board feet. Most of this decline occurred in western Oregon, where 2009 forest industry harvests decreased in every county. Forest industry timber harvests in eastern Oregon decreased by only 6 percent. The forest industry harvested more timber in 2009 than in 2008 in Klamath, Jefferson, Morrow, and Wasco counties.

"Even in a struggling timber economy, Oregon's Native American Tribes and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management were able to increase timber harvests in 2009," Lettman said. Tribal timber harvests increased 13 percent for 2009 to a total of 65 million board feet. The Bureau of Land Management increased harvest from 2008 by 26 percent to a total of 147 million board feet, making 2009 that agency's highest timber harvest since 1999.

For more information please contact Gary Lettman, Principal Forest Economist, at 503-945-7408 or glettman@odf.state.or.us.

This information and more is available in the recently released Oregon Department of Forestry 2009 Annual Timber Harvest Report – a compilation of statewide data pertaining to timber harvests.

The 2009 report, as well as previous years' annual reports, is available online on the department's website at www.oregon.gov/ODF/STATE_FORESTS/FRP/annual_Reports.shtml.


###

Rising temperatures and falling humidity have elevated wildfire danger across Oregon. Firefighters battling existing blazes are experiencing the worsening conditions first-hand as they cope with soaring flame lengths and rapid fire spread. These weather-induced flare-ups test fire lines and require extra firefighting resources.

Lightning is predicted to occur on Tuesday and Wednesday, raising the specter of multiple fire starts in the forest. Whenever thunderstorms bearing little or no rain sweep over the region during a hot, dry period, scores of new fires are likely to be left in their wake. Firefighters must race against time to suppress these lightning starts, which often burn in remote forested areas with difficult access.

While lightning is an ever-present threat, people cause about two-thirds of the wildfires in a typical year. In recent weeks federal, state and local fire agencies have tightened fire safety rules in the forest. Most areas currently prohibit campfires, driving/riding motorized vehicles off of major roadways, and smoking outside of a closed vehicle. Other restrictions are in place as well.

"We ask the public to be very careful and cautious when they are in the woods or the wildland-urban interface," Oregon Department of Forestry's (ODF) Travis Medema said. "Under these conditions fires can explode in minutes."

The deputy chief of ODF's Protection Division also urged recreationists who see a fire to report it immediately by calling 911.

"Early detection can help us get firefighting resources on a fire quickly while it is still small," he said.

Before traveling to the forest, recreationists are encouraged to contact the appropriate land management agency to learn the current fire restrictions. The rules are subject to change on short notice during this period of high fire danger.

Many private forest landowners have closed their lands to the public due to the volatile conditions. Current access status of corporate forestlands can be found at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/corporate_closure.shtml.

Fires on Oregon Dept. of Forestry-protected lands:
The 74-acre Garrish Valley Fire reported Saturday evening in Oregon Dept. of Forestry's (ODF) Forest Grove District in northwestern Oregon has been contained. Firefighters mopped up the blaze on Sunday evening and will patrol the site today. At the peak of the suppression action, resources on the fire included: seven ODF fire engines, 10 rural fire district engines, five South Fork Forest Camp inmate hand crews and four water tenders.

Breaking news about wildfires on lands protected by ODF can be found on the Web at: wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com

Fires on other forestlands in Oregon:
The Oak Flat Fire on the Wild Rivers Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has grown to an estimated 500 acres. Yesterday's burning conditions led to a series of runs up the steep slopes of the Briggs Creek drainage approximately 20 miles west of Grants Pass, with firebrands sparking spot fires up to a half-mile ahead of the main fire front. Today firefighters will work to establish both direct and indirect fireline, scout for additional containment opportunities, and improve access to the fire area.

Four heavy-lift helicopters will be used to cool the fire's edge and provide assistance to the hand crews as they construct containment lines. Additional crews, aircraft, fire engines and other firefighting equipment have been ordered and are expected to be deployed today. The ORCA Type 2 Incident Management Team will assume management of the fire at 6 p.m. The Incident Command Post will be located at Lake Selmac.

Visit Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/state/38/ for information on active/contained fires on forestlands in Oregon.

FIRE STATISTICS
Fire statistics for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 15.8 million acres of forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry:

January 1, 2010 through today
Lightning-caused fires: 125 fires burned approximately 212 acres
Human-caused fires: 272 fires burned approximately 4,922 acres
Total: 397 fires have burned approximately 5,134 acres

10-year average (January 1 through the present date in the year)
Lightning-caused fires: 244 fires burned approximately 19,880 acres
Human-caused fires: 480 fires burned approximately 3,455 acres
Total: 724 fires burned approximately 23,335 acres

A group of commissioners from counties that in the past deeded forestland to the state for management will meet on Friday, Aug. 27, in Salem.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee's (FTLAC) agenda includes: Discussion of high-conservation areas. An update on the work of a broad-based coalition that is formulating ideas for a sustainable funding base for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).

Additional agenda items include:

- Update on Swiss Needle cast, a tree disease seen on state-owned forestlands very near the coast.
- State forest timber-sale revenue forecast.
- Ongoing discussion of proposed changes to the Greatest Permanent Value rule, the standard that is used to manage state forests for broad benefits.
- Update on legislative initiatives.
- Overview of topics for the Sept. 8, 2010 Oregon Board of Forestry meeting relating to the forest management planning rule and land exchanges.

The meeting will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Santiam Room of the Department of Forestry's operations building, 2600 State St. FTLAC meetings are open to the public, and an opportunity for public comment will be provided at 11 a.m.

The FTLAC is a legally mandated committee of county commissioners representing counties that deeded lands to the state. The committee advises the Board of Forestry on matters where counties may have a responsibility related to forestland managed by ODF. Planning and policy decisions made by the board and department can affect revenues received by the counties with forest trust lands managed by ODF, which are located in the Tillamook State Forest and elsewhere.

Counties depend on revenue generated from management activities on these lands. The revenue is used primarily for local schools, and also helps fund county government and local taxing districts.

FTLAC is made up of seven members that represent the 15 counties that have state forest land within their county boundaries. The 15 trust counties are Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Douglas, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Washington.

The schedule of upcoming meetings will be available in the near future.

It takes a lot to get a geologist to look up from the ground, let alone get him airborne, but that's what's happening this weekend as geologists from the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and the Oregon Civil Air Patrol team up in an exercise to simulate reconnoissance efforts following a major earthquake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

"The coastal hazards and landslide exercise currently underway with the Oregon Civil Air Patrol is simulating the response to a major earthquake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, with the potential to trigger a significant tsunami on the coast and potentially widespread landslide activity in the Coast range, which would shut down major highway corridors that connect the Willamette Valley to the coast," said DOGAMI scientist Jonathan Allan.

"The Oregon Civil Air Patrol, the US Coast Guard, and DOGAMI staff, will be conducting aerial surveillance of the coast, along the Columbia River, Highway 20 and 34 corridors and in southern Oregon for the purposes of collecting pre-event digital imagery as baseline data to prepare for when the next event occurs." said Allan.

DOGAMI is one of the lead State agencies focused on defining and preparing for dealing with natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and extreme storms. Post-event documentation of potential natural disasters provides DOGAMI and other scientists with valuable information about the cause and effects of such events. This type of work results in improved hazard maps and information that can be used to safe-guard the environment, people and vulnerable infrastructure, like roads, bridges, utility lines and communications.

As the official civilian, volunteer auxiliary of the USAF, the U.S. Civil Air Patrol performs over 95% of all air search and rescue missions across the country as tasked by the Air Force utilizing the world's largest fleet single engined aircraft.

The Oregon wing is comprised of adult and teenaged members who participate in monthly training missions in support of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management as well as local jurisdictions who request assistance. For more information, please visit the national CAP website at www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com. or visit the Oregon CAP website at http://orwg.uscap.us/

Sept. 2, 2010

Oregon Public Health issues advisory for North Fork Reservoir

High algae levels found in Clackamas County North Fork Reservoir

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in North Fork Reservoir, located seven miles south of Estacada on Highway 224, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Clackamas County Health Department officials.

Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. These algae levels are likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals.

Drinking water from North Fork Reservoir is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other North Fork Reservoir visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters.
People who draw in-home water directly from North Fork Reservoir are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective in removing algae toxins. However, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. If people on public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

Oregon Public Health recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Additionally, public health officials advise that people should not eat crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from North Fork Reservoir while this advisory is in effect.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit North Fork Reservoir and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.

For local information contact Portland General Electric at 503-630-8233.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or Clackamas County Health Department at 503-655-8386.

####

Sept. 2, 2010

Health officials issue recommendations to coaches and school to prevent similar injuries

After investigating the illnesses that affected the McMinnville High School Football Team in August, Oregon Public Health officials concluded that multiple factors were likely the cause. They also are issuing recommendations to prevent similar injuries from happening to other athletes.

"There is not one factor that we can pinpoint as the cause. Rather, it appears that multiple factors including the type of exercise, the hot day and not enough water for some of the players contributed to their illnesses. Our goal is to prevent similar injuries in our state's young athletes," said Katrina Hedberg, M.D., M.P.H., Oregon state epidemiologist.

Specific factors contributing to the illnesses included the intense, short-duration, repetitive burst of resistance exercise on Sunday, Aug. 15, which focused on the upper body including the arm muscles, as well as bodily stress from heat and unrecognized dehydration. Water was available and coaches encouraged consumption. However, most team members did not drink water while inside in the wrestling room, where an upper arm workout session was held.

During the week of August 15, 43 football team members participated in a pre-season varsity football camp. Of those players, three had triceps compartment syndrome requiring surgery; five members had rhabdomyolysis with muscle pain and creatine kinase levels 100 times the upper limit of the normal range, according to the laboratory limits; and 14 others had muscle pain and creatine kinase levels between 10 and 100 times the upper limit of normal. Compartment syndrome is characterized by abnormally high pressures in an enclosed muscle compartment that impedes blood flow and requires surgery. Rhabdomyolysis is muscle injury that can lead to kidney failure. Creatine kinase is a blood test marker of muscle injury.

Football team members did not report use of illicit or performance-enhancing drugs. Blood tests for creatine levels were inconclusive because the tests do not distinguish creatine supplementation from naturally occurring creatine levels.

Facilities assessment of the gym and wrestling room did not find any evidence that other environmental factors, including water quality, carbon monoxide, or other possible toxins contributed to illness. There was no evidence that infections or contaminated food or drinks were associated with illnesses.

Oregon Public Health Division began its investigation in coordination with the Yamhill County Health Department on August 23. Health officials interviewed 40 of the 43 team members and met with coaches, school administrators, hospital administrators, and Willamette Valley Medical Center physicians who treated the players. Health officials also reviewed the team's hospital medical records and they systematically assessed symptoms and exposures. The state public health team included two epidemiologists, a public health intern, an industrial hygienist, the state epidemiologist, a medical epidemiologist and the manager of the injury prevention and epidemiology section.

Public Health officials began investigating to confirm the diagnoses and to identify the factors that led to the illnesses to help ensure the safety of people participating in sports and to prevent similar illnesses from recurring.

Based on this preliminary report, public health officials recommend for exercise programs that:
1. Oregon coaches, trainers, school administrators, health professionals, parents and recreational athletes recognize that intense, short-duration, repetitive resistance exercise involving a single muscle compartment can lead to serious health complications.
2. Both during and outside of the official sports season, Oregon coaches, trainers, and school administrators routinely and explicitly assess potential health and safety hazards to student-athletes, and implement appropriate countermeasures as warranted, such as activity modification, rest breaks, and hydration.

The full report is public and is available on the : http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/ipe/index.shtml

# # #

Sept. 1, 2010

Testing shows fecal bacteria levels have subsided at Lincoln County beach


A health advisory for contact with marine water at D River State Park Beach in Lincoln County was lifted today by the Oregon Public Health Division in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

The advisory was issued Aug. 25, after water samples at D River State Park Beach showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in the marine water. Subsequent testing showed the contamination had subsided and the water did not pose a higher-than-normal risk associated with water-contact activities.

State officials encourage recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect.

Since 2003 state officials have used a federal Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are Oregon Public Health, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For more information contact the Beach Monitoring program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/beach; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767.

####

Aug. 30, 2010

Health advisory lifted for water contact at Harris Beach State Park:
Testing shows fecal bacteria levels have subsided at Curry County beach

A health advisory for contact with marine water at Harris Beach State Park in Curry County was lifted today by the Oregon Public Health Division in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

The advisory was issued Aug. 12, after water samples at Harris Beach State Park showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in the marine water. Subsequent testing showed the contamination had subsided and the water did not pose a higher-than-normal risk associated with water-contact activities.

State officials encourage recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect.

Since 2003 state officials have used a federal Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are Oregon Public Health, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For more information contact the Beach Monitoring program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/beach; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767.

####

Aug. 30, 2010

Oregon Public Health issues advisory for Sru Lake:
High algae levels found in Coos County Sru Lake

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Sru Lake, located 21 miles southeast of Powers on Forest Service Road 3348-080, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Coos County Health Department officials.

Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. These algae levels are likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals.

Drinking water from Sru Lake is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other Sru Lake visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters.

People who draw in-home water directly from Sru Lake are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective in removing algae toxins. However, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. If people on public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

Oregon Public Health recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Additionally, public health officials advise that people should not eat crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from Sru Lake while this advisory is in effect.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit Sru Lake and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.

For local information contact the Powers Ranger District, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest at www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogue-siskiyou or 541-439-6200.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767.

###

Aug. 26, 2010

Oregon Public Health issues advisory for Blue Lake:
High algae levels found in Multnomah County Blue Lake

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Blue Lake, located 20 miles east of Portland on NE Marine Drive, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Multnomah County Health Department officials.

Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. These algae levels are likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals.

Drinking water from Blue Lake is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters.

People who draw in-home water directly from Blue Lake are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective in removing algae toxins. However, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. If people on public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

Oregon Public Health recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Additionally, public health officials advise that people should not eat crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from Blue Lake while this advisory is in effect.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit Blue Lake and enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.

For local information contact Clyde Keebaugh, Columbia District supervisor, Metro Parks and Environmental Services, 503-665-6918.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or Jon Kawaguchi, Multnomah County Health Department at 503-988-3400 ext 28260.

####

Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2010

Media Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Cathy Kaufmann (DHS), 503-569-4514

Governor Launches New Campaign with School and Community Coaches to Educate Families about Healthy Kids:
Governor joined by US HHS Secretary Sebelius to issue larger challenge to all states to enroll all eligible kids in the Children's Health Insurance Program

(Portland) —Governor Ted Kulongoski today was joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to launch a new Healthy Kids Sports Campaign, bringing parents, coaches, schools and community partners together to educate families about the availability of the Healthy Kids Program for uninsured children of all income levels.

The campaign is part of Oregon's response to Secretary Sebelius' "Connecting Kids to Coverage Challenge," which calls upon leaders in all levels of government, public agencies, community-based groups, health and human services providers, the faith community and others to reach out and enroll the 5 million uninsured children who are eligible for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program but are not enrolled.

Nearly 54,000 of Oregon's 80,000 uninsured children have enrolled since the plan was created by Governor Kulongoski and passed during the 2009 legislative session.

"I am proud of this achievement – especially during this difficult economic time when parents have enough to worry about. Ensuring their child has access to quality, comprehensive health care when they need it shouldn't be one of those worries," Governor Kulongoski said.

Today, while speaking with Secretary Sebelius at an event at a Portland high school, Governor Kulongoski said it is time to go the rest of the way and enroll all eligible but uninsured children into the state's health coverage program. The state is on schedule to meet the goal of enrolling 80,000 uninsured children by the end of 2010, which means 95 percent of all Oregon children will have health insurance.

"While we have been successful in enrolling children, we still have a population of children from birth to 19 years old who are eligible for the program and not enrolled. That is not acceptable to me – and it shouldn't be acceptable to any Oregonian," said the Governor.

The Governor called on all Oregonians to spread the word about Healthy Kids, particularly school and community sports coaches. Because children who play sports need a physical exam and health coverage to play, the state is partnering with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to implement a statewide campaign aimed at coaches.

"So please, coaches across Oregon, join us in this effort. Your victories on the field are important, but the greatest victory for Oregon will be when all of our children have the health coverage they need," said the Governor.

Healthy Kids provides several options for families to obtain health insurance for their children, depending on income level.

No Cost: The plan provides free coverage through the Oregon Health Plan for children in families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (or $44,100 for a family of four).

Low-Cost: The program offers a cost-share model to assist Oregon's middle-class families earning too much to qualify for the Oregon Health Plan, but too little to purchase private insurance on their own. On a sliding scale, these families share in the cost of a new state-sponsored private insurance plan called Healthy KidsConnect.

Families who qualify for either No Cost or Low-Cost coverage may opt to get assistance to pay for their child's coverage through their employer-sponsored plan instead.

Full Cost: For children in families with incomes above 300 percent of the federal poverty level (or $66,000 for a family of four), parents may buy into Healthy KidsConnect at full cost.

No child is turned away for a preexisting medical condition. Parents can learn more about Healthy Kids and apply online at www.oregonhealthykids.gov or by calling 1-877-314-5678.

-30-

Aug. 24, 2010

Oregon Public Health issues advisory for South Umpqua River near Lawson Bar:
High algae levels found in Douglas County South Umpqua River near Lawson Bar

A health advisory prompted by concern for high algae levels in the South Umpqua River, Lawson Bar off Interstate 5 Exit 102 near Canyonville, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Douglas County Health Department officials.

Water testing for the presence of blue-green algae is underway following the death of a pet dog in the area and visual observation of algae scum. Such tests will show if toxin concentrations are present at levels that can be harmful to humans and animals.

Public health officials advise that swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals.

Drinking water from Umpqua River near Lawson Bar is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other visitors to the Umpqua River near Lawson Bar that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping style filters.

People who draw in-home water directly from the Umpqua River near Lawson Bar are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective in removing algae toxins. However, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. If people on public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

Oregon Public Health recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Additionally, public health officials advise that people should not eat crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from the Umpqua River near Lawson Bar while this advisory is in effect.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit the Umpqua River near Lawson Bar and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or Jerry Meyer at the Douglas County Health Department at 541-440-3578.

####

Aug. 24, 2010

Oregon Public Health issues advisory for Whetstone Pond:
High algae levels found in Jackson County Whetstone Pond

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Whetstone Pond in the Denman Wildlife Area, located six miles north of Central Point, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Jackson County Health Department officials.

Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. These algae levels are likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals.

Drinking water from Whetstone Pond is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other Whetstone Pond visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters.

People who draw in-home water directly from Whetstone Pond are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective in removing algae toxins. However, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. If people on public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

Oregon Public Health recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Additionally, public health officials advise that people should not eat crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from Whetstone Pond while this advisory is in effect.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit Whetstone Pond and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.

For local information, contact Dan Van Dyke or Clayton Barber at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 541-826-8774.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767.

####

August 24, 2010

Oregon Health Authority and Policy Board to hold public meetings in September

The Oregon Health Authority and Policy Board are taking the next steps in developing a plan to lower costs, increase access and improve the quality of health care. Public meetings are scheduled across the state in September, providing an opportunity to learn more about the plan for health improvements and health care reform, and to share your input.

Recommendations for Oregon's plan for health reform were developed over the past year. Options are being considered now for the health insurance exchange, which will serve as a central marketplace for individuals and small businesses to purchase health insurance. The Oregon Health Policy Board is looking for citizen input on the plan. Individuals can learn more about the plan for health and health care improvements in Oregon and tell the state how the health insurance exchange will work best for them.

Join us:

September 1, 6 – 8 p.m.
Benton County Fairgrounds
Guerber Hall
110 SW 53rd St.
Corvallis

September 7, 6 – 8 p.m.
Baker County Public Library
2400 Resort Street
Baker City

September 9, 6 – 8 p.m.
Florence Events Center
715 Quince Street
Florence

September 13, 6 – 8 p.m.
University Place
Columbia River Ballroom
310 SW Lincoln St
Portland

September 15, 6 – 8 p.m.
Red Lion Inn
Crater Lake Room
200 N. Riverside Ave.
Medford

September 16, 6 – 8 p.m.
Central Oregon Community College
Campus Center Building, Wille Hall
2600 NW College Way
Bend

The Oregon Health Authority is a leader in the effort to innovate for quality and affordable health care in Oregon by improving the health of Oregonians and working to lower the cost of care so it is affordable and accessible to everyone. A nine-member citizen-led group called the Oregon Health Policy Board oversees the Oregon Health Authority. To learn more about OHA, visit www.oregon.gov/OHA. Connect with us at www.Facebook.com/OregonHealthAuthority and www.Twitter.com/OHAOregon.

###

Aug. 23, 2010

Reduced blue-green algae levels confirmed

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Fish Lake, located 30 miles east of Medford, was lifted today by Oregon Public Health and Jackson County Health Department officials.

The advisory went into effect Aug. 9.

Water monitoring has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.

These reduced levels are not likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Oregon Public Health advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert to signs of algae blooms. People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water.

For local information contact the High Cascades Ranger District office at 541-560-3400 or 541-865-2700.

For health information, contact the Oregon Public Health Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-676.

###

Aug. 23, 2010

Reduced blue-green algae levels confirmed

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Fish Lake, located in the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness, was lifted today by Oregon Public Health and Douglas County Health Department officials.

The advisory went into effect July 19.

Water monitoring has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.

These reduced levels are not likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Oregon Public Health advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert to signs of algae blooms. People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water.

For local information contact the Tiller Ranger District office at 541-825-3100 or
www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua/.

For health information, contact the Oregon Public Health Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or Terry Westfall, Douglas County Health Department at 541-440-3569.

# # #

Aug. 19, 2010

Oregon Public Health issues advisory for Gerber Reservoir:
High algae levels found in Klamath County Gerber Reservoir

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Gerber Reservoir, located 42 miles east of Klamath Falls, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Klamath County Health Department officials.

Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. These algae levels are likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals.

Drinking water from Gerber Reservoir is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other Gerber Reservoir visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping style filters.

People who draw in-home water directly from Gerber Reservoir are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective in removing algae toxins. However, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. If people on public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

Oregon Public Health recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Additionally, public health officials advise that people should not eat crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from Gerber Reservoir while this advisory is in effect.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit Gerber Reservoir and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.

For local information contact the Bureau of Land Management Klamath Falls field office at
541-883-6916.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or Delbert Bell, Klamath County Health Department 541-883-1122.

####

April 19, 2010

Oregon Public Health lifts advisory for Willow Lake in Jackson County:
Reduced blue-green algae levels confirmed

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Willow Lake, located 24 miles east of Medford, was lifted today by Oregon Public Health and Jackson County Health Department officials.

The advisory went into effect April 21, 2010.

Water monitoring has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.

These reduced levels are not likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Oregon Public Health advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert to signs of algae blooms. People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water.

For local information contact Steve Lambert, Jackson County Parks program manager, at
541-774-6303.

For health information, contact the Oregon Public Health Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767.

####

Salmonella cases prompt recall of Umpqua Dairy milk, juice and drink products:
Roseburg, Ore., company is working with state agencies to ensure safe milk and juice products

Oregon Public Health officials today want to make sure consumers are aware of a recall of certain milk and drink products by Umpqua Dairy Products Co. sold in Oregon, southwest Washington and northern California. Umpqua, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., instituted the milk products recall today after salmonellosis cases were linked to milk produced at its Roseburg plant.

Milk, half and half, cream and buttermilk as well as Umpqua Dairy brand gallon orange juice and fruit drinks are part of the recall. Ice cream and other dairy products, including sour cream and cottage cheese, are not being recalled.

Umpqua Dairy has temporarily suspended operation while it is working with public health officials and the Oregon Department of Agriculture to review their processing systems so the company can ensure its products are safe for public consumption.

The recall comes after 23 people, all in Oregon, have been laboratory-confirmed with matching DNA patterns of Salmonella Braenderup. Two people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Public health officials have been investigating the outbreak since the first cases were reported in October 2009.

"This outbreak has unfolded slowly and it was just recently that we were able to confirm the matching Salmonella strain in the Umpqua milk plant. We want to tell consumers that if they have any Umpqua milk at home, they should discard it or ask for a refund from the store where it was purchased. The risk to consumers is very low. We have had approximately one illness reported for every million containers that Umpqua has sold during this period," said Paul Cieslak, M.D., Oregon Public Health Division.

All Umpqua Dairy products are pasteurized. The pasteurization process is effective at removing Salmonella. Recent testing at the Roseburg Dairy, however, identified this type of Salmonella on several different surfaces.

The following numbers of people from these counties have been infected with this Salmonella: Douglas, 6; Marion, 3; Jackson, 3; Lane, 3; Linn, 3; Josephine, 2; Coos, 1; Deschutes, 1; and Klamath, 1. The median age of those sickened is 13 years.

Umpqua also sells under the labels: Cascade, Great Value, Lady Lee, Market of Choice and Sherm's. The company also supplies milk to Dairy Queens in Oregon and Washington. Those products that should be discarded or returned have a plant code 41-62 stamped on them. The recall affects milk, purchased on or prior to Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 or earlier or with an expiration date of Sept. 5, 2010 or earlier; buttermilk with an expiration date of Sept. 10, 2010, or earlier; orange juice and fruit drink with an expiration date of Sept. 15 or earlier.

Retailers and wholesalers that have any of the recalled products should call 888-672-MILK (6455) or visit the company website.

Salmonellosis is an acute bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Symptoms usually develop within one to five days after eating contaminated food. Most cases resolve without the need for medical attention, and antibiotics are not advised for people with
uncomplicated illness. People who have consumed any Umpqua Dairy products and developed severe symptoms should discuss this exposure with a health care provider.

For more product information please visit www.umpquadairy.com.

# # #

Aug. 13, 2010

Oregon Public Health officials offer hot weather safety tips:
Prevention is the best defense for people and their pets

With high temperatures hitting much of Oregon in the next several days, Oregon Public Health officials remind people to take precautions to avoid getting sick from extreme heat and be careful when swimming in Oregon's lakes, streams and the ocean.

Very high temperatures can create serious health problems. Pets are also affected by the higher temperatures.

"Prevention is the best defense," said Mel Kohn, M.D., M.P.H., director of Oregon Public Health. "Drinking plenty of water, staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, knowing the warning signs of heat-related illness and taking precautions when swimming are a few important steps people can take."

Kohn added: "We have had hot weather in the past, but with the climate change we are likely to have high temperature days in Oregon."

The first symptoms of health problems from the heat can include headache, dizziness and weakness. In extreme cases heat-related illness can cause convulsions and sudden loss of consciousness and can be fatal. Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to 4 years of age, people 65 and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications, as well as those who work outdoors.

As the air gets warmer many people seek relief in Oregon's many waterways. Health officials warn that many of Oregon's water bodies pose risks to swimmers due to water temperature and currents. Swimmers can experience hypothermia in cold water, or even cold shock that can cause involuntary gasping and can lead to drowning. Also, cold water can cause a severe decrease in the body's muscle performance, or "swim failure," which also can cause drowning. Alcohol use increases the risk of drowning. To be safe around water health officials advise the public to use life jackets; actively supervise children; never swim alone; and not mix swimming and alcohol consumption.

Here are some other tips to help you keep cool and avoiding a serious heat condition or water-related injury:
• Never leave children in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Use the buddy system if you are working outside. Monitor the condition of your coworkers and have someone do the same for you.
• If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on that person at least twice a day.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, which add heat to your body.
• Avoid exercising outdoors during the heat of the day.
• Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.
• Limit sun exposure during midday hours.
• Draw all shades, blinds and curtains in rooms when exposed to direct sunlight.

Pets can be particularly affected by the high temperatures, according to Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., M.P.V.M., Oregon public health veterinarian.

Here are some tips to help pets:
• Provide shade. Ensure that your pet has protection from the heat and sun — a dog house does not provide relief from heat. Bring your pet inside during the hottest part for the day.
• Provide fresh water. Animals do not sweat like humans. They need fresh, clean water at all times. Refill with cool water often during the heat of the day if the animal must be kept outside.
• Limit exercise during the hottest hours of the day. Exercise your pet in the early morning or in the evening. When possible, walk your dog on the grass. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Never leave your pet in a parked car. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle with the windows slightly open can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. Overheating can result in irreversible organ damage and even death.

To learn more about hot weather safety tips, please visit:
www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/spotlight/heatsafety.shtml.

###

Aug. 11, 2010

West Nile virus, a mild flu-like disease spread by mosquitoes, has been found at a site near Irrigon in northeast Oregon's Morrow County, according to Oregon Public Health officials.

Health officials advise people in Morrow County to take precautions against mosquitoes in order to avoid the risk of infection.

"The risk of contracting West Nile virus is low but we do encourage people to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites," said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., M.P.V.M., Oregon Public Health veterinarian.

This is the first case of West Nile virus in Oregon this year. Washington State and California have had West Nile virus mosquito activity since early summer.

Mosquito traps are set at night in various locations throughout the county. The trapped insects are sorted by species and tested for the virus.

Humans and animals can be infected by virus-carrying mosquitoes. Health officials recommend mosquito bite protection especially in the evening hours.

Eighty percent of people infected with West Nile virus exhibit no symptoms. Of the remaining 20 percent most have very mild symptoms such as fever, headaches and nausea lasting from three to six days. In a few cases, more severe symptoms occur including convulsions or disorientation. The central nervous system also may be affected resulting in fever-related headache, aseptic meningitis or encephalitis.

DeBess says simple precautions can prevent the spread of West Nile virus:

• Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, birdbaths, clogged gutters and old tires.
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or Picardin and follow the directions on the container.
• Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

Additional information about West Nile virus is available at: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/acd/diseases/wnile/wnile.shtml.

Aug. 11, 2010

High algae levels found in Lane County Dexter Reservoir

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Dexter Reservoir located 22 miles southeast of Eugene, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Lane County Health Department officials.

Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. These algae levels are likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals.

Drinking water from Dexter Reservoir is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other Dexter Reservoir visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping style filters.

People who draw in-home water directly from Dexter Reservoir are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective in removing algae toxins. However, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. If people on public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

Oregon Public Health recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Additionally, public health officials advise that people should not eat crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from Dexter Reservoir while this advisory is in effect.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit Dexter Reservoir and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.

For local information contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Willamette Valley Recreation Office, 541-942-5631.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767.

####

SALEM -- The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) has announced their ORVETS home loan program is currently offering loan interest rates approaching historical lows.

Qualified veterans may now get a fixed rate mortgage for as low as 4.00 percent with a 1.375 percent loan origination fee and a 0.125 percent discount charge, or a 4.125 percent fixed rate with a 1.375 percent loan origination fee with a 0.375 percent credit to the borrower.

The ORVET home loan program is a state of Oregon veteran benefit and is separate from the federal VA home loan guaranty program. Even if a veteran has purchased a home using the federal VA program, they may still be eligible for an ORVET home loan.

"Our agency's new reduced rates may allow some veterans to take advantage of a great opportunity for home ownership," said Jim Willis, Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs. "Oregon veterans always deserve the very best we can offer them. They have served our country with distinction."

One requirement of the ORVET program is that honorably discharged veterans must apply before they reach the 30-year anniversary of their military discharge date.

The current maximum loan amount for veterans using the ORVETS home loan program is $417,000. Federal rules prohibit ODVA from refinancing most existing mortgages.

For more ORVET home loan information, contact a local mortgage lender or ODVA at 1-888-673-8387 or 503-373-2051, or visit the website: http://www.oregon.gov/ODVA/HOMELOANS/.
###

SALEM -- After losing his son to the Iraq war, George Lutz wanted to do something that would honor and remember not only his son, but also all of America's fallen warriors. Lutz created the Honor and Remember Flag and has been traveling the nation encouraging states to officially adopt the flag.

Lutz will be in Salem on August 24 to present Oregon's Honor and Remember Flag at the Afghan-Iraq Freedom Memorial on the grounds of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs, 700 Summer St. N.E., at 10 a.m.

Lutz said in America's 234-year history there has never been an official national symbol that recognizes in gratitude and respect the ultimate sacrifice made by members of the United States military in service to our nation.

"My heart aches for each family as I am able to touch lives in this most special and unique way. I do not think that the general public quite understands the enormity of what this flag and its symbolism means to so many," he said.

"It is only when one experiences the event and speaks to the families that the importance and significance unfolds."

For information visit Lutz' website: http://www.honorandremember.org/index.php/
###


Attached Media Files: Honor and Remember Flag , Honor and Remember Flag

Salem - The Oregon Employment Department and the National Agricultural Statistics Service are conducting a joint survey of employment in Oregon's agriculture sector. The results of the survey will provide the first comprehensive picture of employment in agriculture compiled by the Oregon Employment Department in more than ten years. The information collected in this survey will provide three significant benefits to Oregon:

1. Oregon's agricultural businesses will find it easier to hire workers with the skills they need.
2. Oregon's training providers will be better suited to develop programs of training specifically geared toward meeting the needs of agricultural employers.
3. The Oregon Employment Department will be able to more accurately estimate current and future employment in Oregon's agriculture sector; information that is valuable to a wide range of customers.

The survey is designed to count the total number of jobs employed in the sector and identify which occupation each individual works in. The survey will also identify skills that agricultural employers have difficulty finding when hiring workers.

The survey will ask employers to identify which, if any, of the jobs at their establishments are green jobs. Employers will be asked to provide information about the types of licenses and certificates they value, what tools and technologies are utilized at their establishment, and what types of sustainable job activities their employees engage in. Finally, employers that indicate they do have green jobs will be asked to identify how the skills required for those green jobs differ from other jobs at their establishment.

Survey forms will be mailed to employers in the farming, ranching, forestry, and fishing industries. The survey period will begin during the week of August 16, 2010 when survey forms are mailed to respondents and will end within three months. The results of the survey will be published online at www.QualityInfo.org/Green no later than February 2011.

The survey is one of the requirements of a U.S. Department of Labor grant awarded to the Oregon Employment Department in December 2009. Funds for this grant come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Oregon's Employment Situation: July 2010

Oregon's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 10.6 percent in July, essentially unchanged from 10.5 percent in June. The rate has been between 10.5 and 10.7 percent for the most recent nine months. Oregon's unemployment rate was 11.4 percent in July 2009.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in both June and July.

In July, Oregon's seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment dropped by 3,000, following a gain of 1,800 (as revised) in June.

Industry Payroll Employment (Establishment Survey Data)
In July, three of the major industries had large seasonally adjusted job declines: government ( 5,200 jobs), educational and health services (-2,600), and financial activities (-900). These losses were partially offset by notable gains in several industries: construction (+3,500 jobs), professional and business services (+700), and manufacturing (+500).

There was a substantial upward revision to the June payroll employment numbers. The originally reported seasonally adjusted totals showed a drop of 3,600 between May and June. Revised numbers show a gain of 1,800 jobs. The upward revisions were concentrated in government and professional and business services.

Government shed 32,900 jobs in July at a time of year when a loss of 27,700 is expected due to seasonality. The ending of work for 1,839 intermittent Census workers reduced both federal government and total government for July, subtracting from the 3,792 individuals who were working for the Census in June.

Local government dropped by 25,500 jobs in July as local schools employed fewer workers during summer school break. Local education employment was 83,000 in July, which was 4,100 below its year-ago level.

Educational and health services cut 5,200 jobs in July, when a loss of only 2,600 is the normal seasonal pattern. This sector has experienced an unusual period of job losses since the start of the year, compared with relatively steady growth over the prior 20 years. In the first seven months of the year, educational and health services has shed 3,500 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis.

In July, the component industry showing the biggest job loss for the month was social assistance, which plunged by 2,600 jobs to a total of 27,600. Much of the drop here was due to summer breaks in child day care services.

Financial activities was flat at a time of year when a gain of 900 jobs is expected due to seasonal factors. This major industry continues to gradually decline over the past 12 months, with all of its published components below their July 2009 levels.

Construction showed a strong gain in July, adding 5,200 jobs, when a gain of only 1,700 is the normal seasonal movement during this summer month. Gains were widespread with all published components adding jobs over the month.

Seasonally adjusted construction employment, at 69,100 in July, is now well above its low point of 64,000 in February and has added jobs in each of the past five months. Despite the recent growth in construction activity, the industry is still below its year-ago figure of 73,400 jobs.

Professional and business services added 1,900 jobs, when a gain of 1,200 is the normal seasonal pattern. Services to buildings and dwellings added 500 over the month; it took a beating during the economic downturn, but seems to be clawing back with over-the-year job losses narrowing to 700 in July.

Employment services was revised sharply higher for its June reading. The latest estimates peg June jobs at 28,600 and July at 29,700, putting July 400 above the year-ago level. The recent, tentative rebound in employment services is watched closely as a leading indicator of future overall employment patterns.

Unemployment (Household Survey Data)
In July, Oregon's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained essentially unchanged at 10.6 percent compared with 10.5 percent in June.

Oregon's civilian labor force was close to 1,984,000 in both July 2009 and July 2010. During that 12-month period, the number of unemployed has dropped by 11,361, while the number of employed grew by 10,789, thus keeping the number of individuals in the labor force nearly unchanged.

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the July county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, August 24th and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for August on September 14th.

— end —

For the complete version of the news release, including tables and graphs, visit: www.QualityInfo.org/pressrelease.

If you need this release in the Spanish language, please contact Loretta Gallegos at 503-947-1794.

For help finding jobs and training resources, visit one of the state's WorkSource Oregon Centers or go to: www.WorkSourceOregon.org.

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

For Immediate Release

September 2, 2010

Contact: Mariana N. Crawford, 503-986-0968 or Aria Seligmann, 503-986-0983

Oregon Tax Credit Exchange Program Preserves Nearly 300 Units of Affordable Housing

Salem--Oregon Housing and Community Services, the state's housing finance agency, has successfully contributed to preserving more than 270 affordable housing units under the Tax Credit Exchange Program (TCEP).

Funds were used to rehabilitate affordable housing developments, which included the preservation of 200 units of project-based rental assistance. Research shows that preserving affordable housing is much less expensive than building new projects, and families are more secure when they are stable.

"The TCEP funding has helped some of Oregon's most vulnerable populations, from children to seniors on fixed incomes, who would have otherwise been displaced from their communities where they've lived all their lives," said OHCS Tax Credit Programs Manager Mariana Crawford.

TCEP, along with the Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP), were implemented through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and were designed to be used as cash gap fillers on Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects affected by disruptions in the financial market at the end of 2008. TCAP dollars are awarded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and TCEP dollars are awarded through U.S. Treasury.

By the time the Oregon program fully draws to a close, it will have served 272 households, retaining or creating more than 300 new jobs and assisting seven different rural communities in the state.

"We are pleased to have had access to a program that in Oregon has been well-designed and efficient," said OHCS Director Victor Merced. "It is our intention to use federal assistance wisely and effectively, and to speedily aid those Oregonians who can be supported through such funds."

Allotted funds:
Seacrest, a 20-unit project in Bandon: $1,655,486
Cedar Grove Apartments, a 42-unit project in North Bend: $1,989,157
Linnhaven and Stonebrook, a 51-unit project in Sweet Home: $3,074,985
Crest Butte Apartments, a 52-unit project in Bend: $3,825,731
Sandhill Villa, a 32-unit project in Seaside: $2,502,406
Hewitt Place, a 44-unit project in Troutdale: $2,734,664
Parkside Village, a 36-unit project in Roseburg: $4,760,164


Attached Media Files: 2010-09/1810/38018/09-02-10-NewsRelease.pdf

For Immediate Release

September 2, 2010

Contact: Mariana N. Crawford, 503-986-0968 or Aria Seligmann, 503-986-0983

Oregon Tax Credit Exchange Program Preserves Nearly 300 Units of Affordable Housing

Salem--Oregon Housing and Community Services, the state's housing finance agency, has successfully contributed to preserving more than 270 affordable housing units under the Tax Credit Exchange Program (TCEP).

Some of the affordable housing projects used the funds for project-based rental assistance and others for substantial rehabilitation efforts. Research shows that preserving affordable housing is much less expensive than building new projects, and families are more secure when they are stable.

"The TCEP funding has helped some of Oregon's most vulnerable populations, from children to seniors on fixed incomes, who would have otherwise been displaced from their communities where they've lived all their lives," said OHCS Tax Credit Programs Manager Mariana Crawford.

TCEP, along with the Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP), were implemented through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and were designed to be used as cash gap fillers on Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects affected by disruptions in the financial market at the end of 2008. TCAP dollars are awarded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and TCEP dollars are awarded through U.S. Treasury.

By the time the Oregon program fully draws to a close, it will have served 272 households, retaining or creating more than 300 new jobs and assisting seven different rural communities in the state.

"We are pleased to have had access to a program that in Oregon has been well-designed and efficient," said OHCS Director Victor Merced. "It is our intention to use federal assistance wisely and effectively, and to speedily aid those Oregonians who can be supported through such funds."

Allotted funds:
Seacrest, a 20-unit project in Bandon: $1,655,486
Cedar Grove Apartments, a 42-unit project in North Bend: $1,989,157
Linnhaven and Stonebrook, a 51-unit project in Sweet Home: $3,074,985
Crest Butte Apartments, a 52-unit project in Bend: $3,825,731
Sandhill Villa, a 32-unit project in Seaside: $2,502,406
Hewitt Place, a 44-unit project in Troutdale: $2,734,664
Parkside Village, a 36-unit project in Roseburg: $4,760,164


Attached Media Files: 2010-09/1810/38015/09-02-10-NewsRelease.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Michael Kaplan, Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative Division Administrator, 503-986-2079, mike.kaplan@state.or.us


Oregon Receives Another Round of Foreclosure Prevention Assistance

(Salem) U.S. Treasury announced on Wednesday that Oregon will receive another $50 million in "Hardest Hit" funds for foreclosure prevention activities. This additional funding will be dedicated to helping unemployed homeowners maintain homeownership with mortgage payment assistance while they seek re-employment.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia were chosen to receive the new round of funds because their unemployment rates exceeded the national average for the last 12 months. Of the seventeen states, nine, including Oregon, received first or second round Hardest Hit funding.

Because the Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative (OHSI) -- four programs to implement the disbursal of $88 million – has already been approved, the state has a mechanism in place to manage these additional resources.

"There are many homeowners in Oregon who need a little help to keep their homes," said OHSI Administrator Michael Kaplan. "Although we wish our state didn't need this funding, we deeply appreciate U.S. Treasury's continued recognition of our challenges and look forward to helping even more homeowners."

OHSI expects to begin implementing programs by the end of the year. For program details and proposal, see: http://www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org/.

See more details on the U.S. Treasury announcement at http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/tg823.htm

Where to go for help
Homeowners who need help immediately should call 1-800-SAFE NET. (1-800-723-3638)

Any person who wants to receive updates about the state's foreclosure prevention activities can sign up for email alerts at http://o.hcs.state.or.us/eNews/signup_enews.html or call 1-800-453-5511.


# # #


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1810/37435/08-11-10-NewsRelease.pdf

Salem — In an effort to reach more Oregonians with the news about state government's next unpaid furlough day — Friday, September 17 — media outlets can now access public service announcements on the state website.

Radio stations can download mp3 files in English or Spanish, or print a script for announcers and immediately begin to use the spots.

The announcements serve as a reminder that most state offices will close on 10 dates during the current two-year budget period. Each day of closure will save the state approximately $2 million in personnel costs.

Visit the following website to listen to or download the mp3 files:
www.oregon.gov/furlough_closures.shtml.

-30-

Oregon Licensing Board disciplines five mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists

Salem—The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists has disciplined five counselors and family therapists for a range of infractions that include inappropriate relationships with clients and misrepresenting themselves as licensed therapists, the Board announced Friday.

Though Oregon law does not prevent them from practicing without a license, the discipline prohibits the five practitioners from calling themselves "licensed professional counselors" or "licensed marriage and family therapists," said Board Chair Ryan Melton.

Some counselors and therapists may practice without a license under Oregon law, Melton explained. Licensed counselors and therapists, however, must meet stringent requirements for education, experience, and competency.

"I encourage consumers to ask counselors or potential counselors about their education, experience and licensing requirements," Melton said. "The vast majority of counselors and therapists in Oregon are honest, caring people, but if you have questions or suspect your counselor of inappropriate or unethical behavior, please contact the Board."

The Board took disciplinary against the following licensees:

• David Bird of Corvallis has surrendered his license as a marriage and family therapist, and must pay $1,465 for serious misconduct. The Board found that Bird, while counseling a couple, developed an intimate relationship with the wife and disclosed confidential information.

• Lyle Bourcy of Ontario has lost his license as a professional counselor. He must pay $16,766 to reimburse the Oregon Board for the cost of his disciplinary process. The Board denied renewal of his license because of action against him by the Idaho State Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists for serious misconduct that included developing inappropriate relationships with a client and the mother of that client.

• Brett Prunty of Bend must pay $2,587 in civil penalties and disciplinary costs. The Board found that he falsely represented himself as a licensed professional counselor on Internet websites.

• Linda Simpson of Portland has surrendered her license as a professional counselor and has paid $918 of disciplinary costs after the Board found that she engaged in a personal relationship with her client.

• Judith Vergamini of Eugene has surrendered her licenses as a marriage and family therapist and as a professional counselor. The Board found that she failed to act in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and competence. She has paid $1,000 toward her disciplinary process costs.

"The primary purpose of Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists is to protect consumers of services provided by those licensed by the Board," Melton said. Information about licensed counselors and marriage and family therapists, including discipline, is available on the Board's website at: http://www.orgon.gov/oblpct

-30-

Salem—State Economist Tom Potiowsky told legislators today that the current economic recovery is one of the "slowest on record," and projected a decrease of $377.5 million in state revenues since the June 2010 forecast.

In his presentation of the September economic and revenue forecast to the legislature's revenue committees, Potiowsky said the overall forecast for the 2009-11 biennium is now $1.3 billion below the forecast issued at the close of the last legislative session. "The prolonged plunge in personal income taxes more than accounts for the decrease associated with this forecast," Potiowsky told legislators.

Last June's forecast triggered a transfer of money from the state's Rainy Day Fund, which brings the total available resources to $12.5 billion. Projected lottery earnings will reach $1.1 billion, an increase of $4.6 million from the previous forecast, Potiowsky said in his report. Lottery revenues have generally stabilized with growth returning after nearly 18 months of decreases.

The unemployment rate for Oregon sits at 10.6 percent for July, essentially unchanged for the past nine months. Potiowsky pointed out that the unemployment rate tends to be one of the last measurements to improve as the economy enters recovery.

Manufacturing jobs were flat, while increases occurred in wood product jobs and other durable goods. Losses occurred in other sectors, however. The service sector showed disappointing job losses in professional and business services, health services, financial activities and retail trade. Some gains did occur in other service-sector jobs.

"Depending on the outcome of further spending packages from the US Congress, we may see further large job cuts at the state and local government levels," Potiowsky reported. "The expected slowdown in US economic growth due to slowing stimulus spending and winding down of manufacturing inventory cycle is similarly impacting the Oregon economy. Given the rather lackluster employment picture, saying the recession is over gives little solace to those still looking for work."

Note: The full text of the September Economic and Revenue Forecast is available at:


http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/OEA/index.shtml


-30-

Salem, Oregon—State Economist Tom Potiowsky will issue the September Economic and Revenue Forecast on Thursday, August 26, 2010, in a presentation to the legislature's revenue committees. To access Legislative Media live video stream, see: http://www.leg.state.or.us/listn/


What: September Economic and Revenue Forecast. Tom Potiowsky and his staff will brief members of the legislative revenue committees and will answer their questions. He will also make himself available to reporters in the corridor after his presentation.

When: Thursday, August 26, 2010, at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Hearing Room A, Oregon State Capitol, in Salem, Oregon

Who: State Economist Tom Potiowsky and members of the legislature

State workers take unpaid day-off to save taxpayers about $2 million

Salem — Because of budget reductions for state agencies, most state offices will close on Friday, August 20, and 26,500 state employees will take mandatory unpaid furloughs on that day, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) announced Wednesday.

The closure on August 20 is the sixth of 10 closure dates the state has scheduled over the current two-year budget period. Each day of closure will save an estimated $2 million in personnel costs, said DAS Director Scott Harra. While the closures affect both management and non-management employees, many state workers will take up to four additional days of unpaid furlough on a floating basis over the remainder of the biennium.

"We apologize for any inconvenience these closures might cause to the public, and we look forward to restoration of a full work schedule for all state agencies when the economy returns to its normal strength," said DAS Director Scott Harra.

State agencies will do everything possible to minimize any hardship the closures might cause, Harra added. Customers can still do business with DMV and some other state agencies online, even though the offices are closed. Harra encouraged the public to check agencies' websites to find out whether online transactions are possible on the closure day.

Some workers will stay on the job
Harra emphasized that certain state employees who provide essential services in public safety will remain on the job as usual—State Police officers, corrections officers and certain state hospital workers, for example.

Unions, state negotiated which days to close
Last summer, the state's management team and the unions that represent state workers negotiated an agreement that specifies which days to designate as closure days. The negotiators took into account the need to minimize public inconvenience while keeping critical operations open and functioning.

State websites offer information on closures
The Oregon Department of Administrative Services has published information about Friday's closure and furloughs on the state's website (www.Oregon.gov), along with a schedule of the remaining closure days. Members of the public can also find out which state offices will remain open on the closure days. Harra urged the public to check individual agencies' websites for additional information.

The state has scheduled the following dates as closure days with mandatory unpaid furloughs (all are Fridays):

October 16, 2009
November 27, 2009
March 19, 2010
April 16, 2010
June 18, 2010
August 20, 2010
September 17, 2010
November 26, 2010
March 18, 2011
May 20, 2011

-30-

Salem—The state of Oregon has agreed to sell the site formerly used by the Oregon School for the Blind to Salem Hospital, the state Facilities Division announced on Tuesday.

Following a period of "due diligence," the hospital will pay the state $6 million for the 8.37-acre site, which is located at 700 Church Street in Salem.

State officials are pleased with the sale agreement. "We have worked hard to achieve the legislature's goal of finding the best use for this property and maximizing revenues that will benefit blind and deaf students," said Robin Harpster, administrator of the Oregon Facilities Division. "This solution does both. The agreement reflects the state's commitment to ensuring that blind and deaf students receive the support they need to receive a first-rate education."

In 2009, the Legislature enacted HB 2834, which called for closing the Oregon School for the Blind. The bill directed the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to work with the Oregon Department of Education to shut the school down and sell the property. A budget note required DAS to report to the Legislature in February 2010 and present a plan for disposition of the property. The sales agreement with Salem Hospital is the final outcome of that plan.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed a bill in March that divides net proceeds from the sale equally between a fund for the blind and the School for the Deaf. Half the money will go into Blind and Visually Impaired Fund, created in 2009, to provide resources and education services to visually impaired students across the state. The other half will go to support improvements, repairs and maintenance at the Oregon School for the Deaf, also in Salem.

Salem Hospital has a 60-day period of due diligence to investigate the property fully, which includes detailed engineering, survey, title, cost and other considerations to confirm that the property meets the hospital's needs. If the hospital finds the property suitable, the sale could become final as early as mid-October.

-30-

Travel Oregon Offers Chance to Win an Ultimate Foodie Experience


SALEM, Ore. – August 23, 2010 – Play. Catch. Eat. Travel Oregon invites culinary explorers to dig, gather and forage on an Oregon epicurean excursion across the state with ten of the state's top chefs as guides.

The Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast will send the chefs throughout the state -- video crew in tow --to experience one of the foodie passions they enjoy outside of the kitchen. The chefs' adventures will include fly fishing for steelhead on the Deschutes River, foraging the Oregon Trail for botanical ingredients, and milking a cow to make artisan cheese, among others. Short videos of their adventures will serve as the introduction to Travel Oregon's culinary travel planning website, which includes all of the "how-to" and "where-to" information needed to plan a foodie getaway to Oregon.

Win an Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast Contest
One lucky "epi-tourian" will win an exclusive four-day, three-night Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast. The winner will indulge in a five-course chef's table dinner at Le Pigeon Restaurant in Portland plus two of these options for their own Oregon Wanderfeast: head out on a pier and catch Dungeness crab, be an artisan cheese maker for a day, discover the wineries of the Columbia Gorge, create spring ales with a craft brewer, learn the art of mixology with artisan spirits or stalk a steelhead on a wild and scenic river.

To enter the Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast Contest, create an itinerary of your choosing from a variety of Oregon culinary destinations and submit in 25 words or less what makes Oregon the perfect place for your Wanderfeast. A winner, randomly selected from all submittals on Dec. 3, 2010, will have the opportunity to bring three friends or family members to accompany him or her on their culinary adventure, scheduled for April 7 - 10, 2011. The prize includes the chosen itinerary, airfare on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air and lodging by Best Western. For a complete list of celebration information, contest rules and to enter, visit www.Traveloregon.com/Bounty.

"The intimacy of our culinary scene is one of the incredible, relatively undiscovered aspects of Oregon," said Travel Oregon's Director of Brand Strategy, Holly Macfee. "It's one of the few states where you can eat or drink right alongside the producers that grow, make or cook the ingredients. Fall is one of the best times of year for Oregon foodie travel since many of the products are at their peak."

New Epicurean Travel Planning Website
Want to plan your own culinary retreat? Dishing about Oregon's secret spots, travel tips and favorite recipes designed to celebrate Oregon's bounty, the new www.TravelOregon.com/Bounty is chock full of videos with chefs at their favorite spots, downloadable recipes and chef recommendations, foodie festivals and events along with itineraries and travel packages. Eat like a local and follow along as we highlight a new ingredient each week. The Oregon Bounty recipe collection with selections from each participating Oregon Bounty chef will be available for download at http://budurl.com/Bounty.

About Oregon Bounty
Oregon Bounty is a statewide promotion that celebrates Oregon's culinary abundance and the fall harvest season. From August 23rd through November 30th, Oregon Bounty highlights unique travel experiences, fall events and the state's chefs, winemakers, brewers, farmers and culinary artisans. Oregon Bounty is produced by the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon), with support from Oregon's regional destination marketing organizations, with the goal of encouraging economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Oregon through a strengthened economic impact of tourism statewide. Travel Oregon collaborates extensively with local communities, industry associations, government agencies and private business, and is proud to grow the Oregon Bounty promotion as a key campaign in the state's $7.7 billion tourism industry, helping Oregon to be recognized as a not-to-be-missed culinary and travel destination. Visit www.TravelOregon.com/Bounty or call 1-800-547-7842 for more information.


Attached Media Files: Get Wanderfeast recipes at http://budurl.com/Bounty

KENNEWICK, WA – Did you know that an average of two youth between the ages of 15-24 die by suicide each week in the State of Washington? On Saturday, September 11, community members are invited to participate in a one-mile remembrance walk beginning at 10 AM in the Outback restaurant parking lot in Kennewick.

This year marks the second annual Walk About to Talk About Suicide Prevention walk in the Tri-Cities. The walk is sponsored by the Benton-Franklin Suicide Prevention Task Force and the Youth Suicide Prevention Program. This event endeavors to bring awareness to the community that suicide is a preventable community health problem. Walk About raises awareness, provides resources to the public, and remembers those we've lost.

According to information provided by the Benton/Franklin Suicide Prevention Task Force, "When suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved. There are services available in our community for the assessment and treatment of suicidal behaviors and their underlying causes."

Approximately 5 million people in the U.S. have been directly affected by a suicide. There is no cost for this event, and registration begins at 10 AM at the Outback restaurant on Canal Drive in Kennewick. Community members are encouraged to join in on the remembrance walk. Depression is a treatable illness and suicide is preventable. Together we can save lives!

###


Attached Media Files: Walk About Poster

RICHLAND, WA – Educational Service District (ESD) 123 and Richland School District are proud to announce their very first RTI Professional Learning Community Conference on August 24 and 25 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Richland High School.

"PLC's and RTI: Making the Connection" is a two-day, in-depth workshop that creates a compelling vision of what can be achieved when a school takes responsibility for the success of every child and responds collectively when students don't learn.

Response to Intervention, or RTI, is a multi-level state prevention system intended to maximize student achievement while reducing behavior problems. The program allows schools to identify students who are at risk for poor learning outcomes or have learning disabilities. Schools then monitor the progress of these students and provide evidence-based interventions.

ESD Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Bob Smart, describes the RTI Conference as "an exciting and very timely high quality, regional professional development opportunity."

Smart says, "We anticipate this being an excellent event each year, and it is emblematic of the partnering and collaborative efforts of professional development that we are including in not only our strategic priorities but also in the Richland School District's priorities as well."

For more information or to register for this workshop, please visit the ESD website at www.esd123.org.

###

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 Bruce Hawkins 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 60,000 Washington students. For more information about ESD 123, please call 509-544-5700 or 888-547-8441 or visit www.esd123.org.


Attached Media Files: Conference Flyer

Walla Walla School District Board Meeting - Sepember 7,, 2010 as per the attached agenda and media memo.


Attached Media Files: 2010-09/1288/38071/09.07.10_SB_00_AGENDA.pdf , 2010-09/1288/38071/09.07.10___00_MEDIA_MEMO.pdf

WALLA WALLA, Tuesday, Sept. 2 - Two Pioneer Middle School students were hit by a car today at approximately 7:20 a.m. in a crosswalk near Tausick Way and Alder Street while walking to meet their school bus. The students were transported to Providence St. Mary Medical Center where they were treated and released.

Superintendent Mick Miller accompanied the students to the hospital and met with family members as the students were being treated. Miller said the students had minor bumps and bruises but no serious injuries. Miller says we can all learn from this accident which could have been much more serious.

"We need to be extra cautious when driving near schools, especially in the hours before and after school," Miller said. "This accident could have easily resulted in tragedy. This time of the year the sun is very low in the sky as children are walking to school making visibility poor. We need to slow down, use extreme caution and observe posted speed limits to ensure the safety of our students."

Miller is also asking staff and parents to remind students to be cautious when walking to and from school to help in the prevention of accidents.

###

State test results a mixed bag for Spring 2010
Walla Walla High School test results above state average in three out of four areas

WALLA WALLA, Tuesday, August 31 – State testing scores from spring 2010 were mixed when compared to spring 2009, State Superintendent Randy Dorn said today at a news conference to announce results from the first year of the grades 3-8 Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) and the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE).

Dorn said he expected mixed results with the introduction of new state tests and online testing. However, he said the results also reflect two straight years of cuts to the K-12 education budget as many crucial services, such as after-school and summer-school programs intended to assist the most challenging students, have been cut or eliminated.

For Walla Walla Public Schools, the spring 2010 results mirrored the state's trend of some improvements and some declines. Reading remains the district's strongest subject, with 10th grade results consistently exceeding the state average. The district is above the state average in writing and science middle school and high school and finished below the state average in math at all grade levels. For a complete listing of all state test results, visit: http://www.k12.wa.us/

Walla Walla Public Schools remains in Step Two of District Improvement in relation to Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements, which is based on achievement marks in reading and math for students in grades 3-10. Walla Walla Public Schools has developed a districtwide improvement plan per AYP mandates.

"I would like to thank the students and staff in our district for their efforts in completing and administering these assessments last spring," Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Mick Miller said. "Our results are mixed.  There are areas where our students performed very well and there are other areas where we have work to do."

Miller says the state's testing program is just one of several measurements educators and the district uses to evaluate student achievement gains. 

"In our district we have a number of assessments that chronicle student growth," Miller said "Unlike the MSP/HSPE, these assessments are less formal and we receive results much more quickly and those results are used to tailor instruction to meet student needs." 

Miller said improved instructional strategies, aligned curriculum, professional collaboration and an experienced staff put Walla Walla Public Schools in a favorable position for making the necessary academic gains.

"As a system, we are committed to improving student learning," Miller said." One important measure is MSP/HSPE testing and we are committed to raising our scores.  Yet there are other measures as well and we will look forward to sharing those results in the future."

ATTACHMENTS:
- WWPS test results (PDF)
- OSPI Test Release Summary (PDF)
- AYP Summary (PDF)

###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1288/37963/UPDATED_WWPS_AYP_CELL_SUMMARY_2010.pdf , 2010-08/1288/37963/UPDATED_MSP_HSPE_School_Results_Spring_2010_with_HISTORY.pdf , 2010-08/1288/37963/MSP_HSPE_AYP_August2010.pdf

New Superintendent Mick Miller will be at the school district information booth at the Walla Walla Fair and Frontiers Day Education Building Thursday, Sept 2 and Friday, Sept. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet the district's new superintendent and let him hear your priorities for a quality school district. Mick Miller is excited to meet staff, parents, students and community members. Please join us in welcoming Mick Miller to Walla Walla. The Education Building will be open throughout the fair and will feature vast student work.


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1288/37928/Miller.jpg

Big Blue Weekend
Adult volunteers, donations and sponsorships needed to support event

Big Blue Weekend Program Chairs: Walla Walla High School teachers Kris Duncan & Carina Stillman
Event dates: October 1-3
Location: Washington Family Ranch - Antelope, OR
Student participation: 300 students
Cost: $75 (transportation, room and board and sweat shirt – NOTE: no district funds used for this event)

What is Big Blue Weekend?
Big Blue Weekend is a school-wide retreat aimed at building positive relationships between students and with staff members. Intentionally designed activities allow students to step outside of their comfort zones, break down social barriers, and develop skills that they can integrate into their lives.

Who can attend?
All Wa-Hi students are invited to attend Big Blue Weekend, with priority registration given to freshmen and sophomores.

What happens during the weekend?
• Large group activities meant to break down social barriers.
• General sessions with speakers on relational skills.
• Small group discussions and team-building activities led by student leaders and Wa-Hi staff.
• Free-time activities that allow students to take calculated risks and gain confidence by stepping out of their comfort zone, such as:
o Rock-Climbing
o Gym with Basketball/Volleyball Courts, Weight Room, and Pool Tables
o Indoor Skate Park
o Three-Person Swing
o Frisbee Golf
o Soccer Field
• Dorm-style housing with adult chaperones in every room.
• High-quality, family style meals prepared by property staff and served by volunteers from the Walla Walla community.

How are the costs of Big Blue Weekend paid?
Big Blue Weekend is covered completely by student registrations ($75 each), ASB fund-raising, community donations, and grants. No part of the weekend is paid by building or district funds.

Where is it held?
Big Blue Weekend is held at Washington Family Ranch, a first class facility in central Oregon, where students have access to a wide variety of free-time activities not offered by any other retreat location in our region. The resort-like atmosphere and facility promote excellence in all activities, and property staff provide meals, house-keeping services, and program support. WFR has the capacity to serve several hundred people at a time, allowing more students and staff to participate.

How can I get involved?
You can attend the weekend as a chaperone that stays in a cabin and participates with a small group of students, or you can volunteer to join the work crew that prepares and serves meals all weekend. You can also donate money to cover a portion of one student's registration fee, in order to provide scholarships to students who need financial help.

Walla Walla School District Board Meeting - August 17, 2010 as per the attached media memo and agenda.


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1288/37522/08.17.10_SB_00_AGENDA.pdf , 2010-08/1288/37522/08.17.10___00_MEDIA_MEMO.pdf

REMINDER! We look forward to seeing you. Please RSVP today...

Media Day Luncheon
Date: Friday, August 20, 2010
Time: 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Mill Creek Room - District Office: 364 S. Park St., Walla Walla, WA 99362
RVSP: Please RVSP by Friday, August 13 (Contact Mark Higgins to RSVP - contact information above)

Media Lunch Objectives
• Relationship building and networking
• Review district media procedures
• Develop a better understanding of media deadlines and organizational operations
• Discuss stories ideas for the upcoming school year

Media Lunch Agenda
11:45 a.m. - Lunch (soup and sandwiches) - All
12 noon - Welcome & introductions - Mark Higgins & Media Representatives
12:10 p.m. - Meet new Superintendent - Mick Miller, Superintendent
12:20 p.m. - District media procedures review - Mark Higgins
12:30 p.m. - Media deadlines and organizational operations - Media Representatives
12:40 p.m. - Discuss stories ideas and district projects - Mark Higgins
12:50 p.m. - Q & A - All
1 p.m. - Meeting concludes - Thank You!

###

Tidewater Awarded $1.3 million through Connect Oregon Grants Program

Vancouver, WA – Tidewater is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a $1.3 million award through the Connect Oregon III Grants Program. The grants were announced last Wednesday by Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski.

Grant funds will be used to expand Tidewater Terminal Company's storage capacity in Umatilla, OR, which will increase the supply of bio-diesel blended fuel in the Eastern Oregon region. The State of Oregon recently mandated bio-diesel blending and Tidewater's Umatilla terminal is a major source for bio-diesel blended fuel in the region. Funds will also be used for pipeline improvements and the addition of a two bay loading rack which will lessen truck loading times for agricultural customers.

Project summary:

● New two bay fertilizer load rack to improve truck loading time.
● New 30,000 barrel liquid storage tank to increase the availability of bio-diesel blended fuel in the region.
● Install new sections of pipeline to improve transfer rates and leak detection.
● Reconfigured petroleum truck loading rack which will improve personal safety and loading efficiencies.

Greg Zanavich, Tidewater Business Development Manager, said that Tidewater Terminal Company is honored to receive funding through the Connect Oregon III program. "The improvements we make will increase the quantity of products we handle and the efficiency and safety of terminal operations."

Tidewater Terminal Company's facility in Umatilla, OR, handles over 50 million gallons of petroleum and fertilizer each year for users and distributors throughout Eastern Oregon. These products are brought to Umatilla by barge and rail, stored at the terminal, and then transferred out by trucks and pipelines for regional delivery.

About Tidewater

Tidewater was founded in 1932 and has evolved from a barge line, primarily handling wheat, into Tidewater Holdings Inc., a multi-commodity transportation, terminal, and marine construction & repair company serving the diverse and evolving transportation needs of the Pacific Northwest. Headquartered in Vancouver, WA, with more than 300 employees in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, the company's operating area spans 465 miles on the Columbia and Snake River systems extending from the inland Port of Lewiston, Idaho, to the Port of Astoria, OR, on the Pacific Coast.

###

Sudden cardiac death affects nearly 100 students per year
By Joshua Leichman, MD, Salem CardioVascular Associates, PC

Sudden death in young athletes is a tragic event often due to undiagnosed heart disease. Because these events are so unexpected in well trained and physically fit individuals, they tend to become very high profile. When a sudden death occurs on the playing field it often generates the following questions: How could this have happened, could it have been prevented, and what should the community do now?
To answer these questions it's important to understand the frequency of these events, their underlying causes, and how the abnormalities that lead to sudden death are diagnosed.
It is estimated that sudden cardiac death occurs in 1 in 200,000 high school athletes, with over 5 million high school students participating in sports every year. In Dr. Barry Maron's registry of 1.4 million student athletes over 27 years, the athlete sudden death rate was estimated at less than 100 per year.
The most common cause of sudden death in the student athlete is a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. This thickening can lead to abnormal pumping of the heart at high heart rates, and to irregular heart rhythms that can cause sudden death. Other causes of sudden death include defects of the heart's arteries, problems with the heart's electrical system known as channelopathies, and other congenital defects of the heart muscle from varying causes.
Screening for the problems that can lead to sudden death involves tests such as electrocardiograms (EKG's) and ultrasounds of the heart. Even if the medical and technical resources were available to provide this level of screening to all of the middle school and high school athletes, the cost would be over 2 billion dollars each year to discover problems that occur in only 1:1000 people. In other words it would cost about $3.4 million to prevent each of the theoretical deaths. While no amount of money should be assigned to protecting a human life, the economic and procedural reality of performing such screening would be unsustainable.
So what is a parent, school, or community to do to help prevent sudden death in student athletes? The simplest and currently the only recommended screening is collecting a focused clinical history from the athlete and performing a specialized physical exam. The American Heart Association endorses a cardiovascular screening process for competitive athletes that focuses on three elements: 1. An individual history of symptoms and physical findings; 2. A family history of premature death and diagnoses of certain cardiac conditions; 3. A cardiac directed physical exam. If high risk factors emerge from this screening, the more thorough testing should be considered prior to allowing the athlete to participate in competition.
Unfortunately, pre-participation screening for young athletes is not an exact science. Some may fall through the cracks while others may be screened out with a false positive test result. Someday we may have tests that are more accurate, less expensive, and easier to administer. But until then, more pre-participation screening should be performed, with accurate reporting, so we can make positive strides in reducing the tragic occurrence of sudden cardiac death in our student athletes.

Dr. Joshua Leichman is a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist with Salem CardioVascular Associates, PC (SCVA). He serves as the Medical Director for Oregon Heartbeat Clinic, a Salem CardioVascular service for people with implanted cardiac devices and arrhythmias. www.SCVAcares.com.


Attached Media Files: Dr. Joshua Leichman , Dr. Joshua Leichman

Salem,OR — ABC's Emmy award winning hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has announced the recipients of the Salem, OR Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build project.

Tuesday afternoon, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition traveled to Salem's Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD). There the design team met the students of the residential school for deaf and hard of hearing students known throughout the state for its curriculum in American Sign Language. The students learned that OSD would be the recipient of a makeover during their back-to-school picnic when they saw an airplane pulling a 5,000 square foot banner overhead, greeting them with the message: "Good Morning, Oregon School for the Deaf!"

Funds from OSD's annual Nightmare Factory, a spine tingling haunted house held for two weeks leading up to and including Halloween night in the basement of the boys' dormitory, go a long way toward generating much-needed income for the 140 year-old financially-strapped school, a place which students consider their second home. The 12,000 square foot basement where the Nightmare Factory is usually held has become frightfully unsafe. The EMHE design team has just one week to make the OSD basement safe again and tricking it out in a scary and spectacular way for the annual Nightmare Factory. The improvements they make will surely help increase OSD's fundraising revenue for years to come. Along with re-doing the Nightmare Factory, a second building project is going on at the same location that will include dorm rooms and a living area.

Rich Duncan Construction is leading the build and is excited the project has finally begun. When asked how he felt going into "day one" of the project, Duncan said, "I am humbled to be a part of something so important in the lives of these kids. This project will have a lasting impact, not only on the current students, but on the lives of future students. My wife Shelly and I are grateful to be able to lead this build. We appreciate the support of the community."

The Starkey Hearing Foundation will sponsor over 100 students and parents on a trip to their facility in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, while Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paige Hemmis, Michael Maloney and Johnny Littlefield, along with Duncan's construction team and community volunteers, rebuild the structure.

The location of the build project is 999 Locust Street NE, Salem, OR 97303. Spectator hours are 8am-8pm beginning on Wednesday and will run through the day of reveal. Parking is at the Fairgrounds in the south parking lot. Shuttles will provide transportation from the fairgrounds to the build site. Please do not drive to the build site. Please visit the website for more information and details on spectator hours and details for parking and shuttles.

Any monetary contribution is more than welcome to help cover the costs of the project. To make donations and up to the minute information on the project, visit Rich Duncan Construction's website at www.richduncanconstruction.com.

ABOUT EMHE
The Emmy award winning reality program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," now entering its 8th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

Salem,OR — ABC's Emmy award winning hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has announced the celebrity design team coming to Salem next week!

The design team, led by Ty Pennington will spend the week designing rooms for a very worthy group of recipients. The instantly-recognizable Pennington has helped transform the lives of hundreds of people, while inspiring millions more as the as the host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Pennington won national attention as the charismatic carpenter on the home improvement series, Trading Spaces. Under Ty's leadership, the show has two Emmys and two People's Choice Awards. Ask Ty why he does what he does ad he'll tell you, "It's about the joy of doing things for others. Extreme Makeover is about family, America and about those random acts of kindness that can restore your faith in people."

Paige Hemmis found her way to Extreme Makeover via an audition she did for Monster House in order to win tools so she could remodel more homes. In 2001, Paige founded a real estate company that bought houses, renovated them and created an innovative rent-to-own solution for tenants who couldn't afford the steep down payments. Paige taught herself all aspects of construction, including drywall, cabinetry, electrical and plumbing. Paige considers her role on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition a true blessing and feels extremely fortunate to make her living helping others. "It's amazing that we get the opportunity to travel our country helping families redefine the place they call home. It's an honor to help, and my life will be forever changed by it."

Michael Moloney spent 10 successful years in the fashion business before he turned his design focus to homes in 1990. His fresh design approach has led to working with celebrities such as Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest. He has also worked on design projects for the Walt Disney Company and the NFL. Moloney's television credits include Good Morning America, The View, EXTRA!, Less than Perfect and more. Being part of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition makes Moloney feel extremely fortunate: "This show is truly amazing in that it gives people hope and a new lease on life. I am so grateful to be a part of something so special. My job as a designer is to make each home reflect these families' personalities and lifestyles. It is so rewarding to for me to use my design skills to make dreams come true for them," he says.

Playing many roles over the years, Johnny Littlefield has found his best role yet – himself! Having roles in Law & Order, NCIS and West Wing, Johnny remembers the leaner times, when he honed the skills learned from his dad as a do-it-yourself handyman and carpenter that led to a career hosting shows on the Discovery Channel and CMT. Johnny is thrilled as always to extend himself in humanitarian ways, be it onscreen or off, especially with the hardest working people in show business, his friends, and Ty and the design team.

Rich Duncan Construction has been chosen to lead the build project "We are thrilled that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has selected the Salem/Keizer area for this project and we are excited to not only make a difference in the lives of people, but to also play a part in inspiring the Salem/Keizer community for a great cause. I'm excited that it is finally here. This community has really stepped up to support the project and we are ready to go!" he said. Ty Pennington, team leader of the show, as well as his design team, will notify the recipients by showing up at the project site on September 6th.

For up to the minute information on the door knock, recipient announcement and more, visit Rich Duncan Construction's website at www.richduncanconstruction.com.

ABOUT EMHE
The Emmy award winning reality program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," now entering its 8th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release - Event Date: August 26, 2010 7:30pm

Rich Duncan Construction Hosts
Kick Off Rally for Extreme Makeover Volunteers

WHAT: A kick off rally will be held for all volunteers of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build.

WHO: Rich Duncan, owner of Rich Duncan Construction – selected lead for the week-long Extreme build; all designated volunteers, and a special appearance by Milan Vasic, executive producer of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 26, 2010. A private trades-only volunteer dinner
7:30 p.m. the event is open to all volunteers and the public. The media is invited to attend the dinner if a press pass is requested in advance.

WHERE: West Salem Foursquare Church
3094 Gehlar Rd NW, Salem, OR (on the corner of Doaks Ferry Rd. NW and Gehlar Rd NW)
www.wsfc.org

WHY: The event will rally all volunteers of Salem/Keizer's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition with a goal to inspire and to share information. The Extreme build has had a tremendous response from the Salem/Keizer community and has received more than 1,000 volunteer signups.
In addition to donations, the build is specifically seeking help from the following:
• Interior trim carpenters
• Cabinet installers
• Framers
• Exterior application installers (corrugated metal and tongue and groove wood)
• Blind installers
• Audio Visual company
• Custom closet organizers (melamine product)

To donate toward the Build Fund, to volunteer or to help with the items listed above, please visit www.richduncan-emhe.com

Build is scheduled to begin the week of September 6th – once the project begins, please go to www.richduncan-emhe.com for updates on the project.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Individual interviews with Rich Duncan Construction and special guests can be scheduled before and after the kick off rally. Please contact Shaney Starr or Mary Louise VanNatta to schedule interview times. Additionally, all video crews and photographers are welcome.

ABC's Emmy award winning hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has selected a worthy group of people to feature on its show that helps change people's lives and inspire remarkable community support.

While Rich Duncan Construction is leading the build, the project will rely on volunteers and Salem/Keizer is invited to join this project. Rich Duncan Construction will host a kick off on Thursday, August 26th beginning at 7:30pm at West Salem Foursquare Church, 3094 Gehlar Rd. NW, to recognize the volunteer effort needed to accomplish this amazing feat for such a deserving group of people. While the exact details of the build won't be released until after the door knock on or around September 6th, volunteers will now have over a week to sign up and get involved in this community event. Attendees will also get a chance to hear from members of the production team who will be present to talk about the show and how people can help.

Rich Duncan Construction is inviting volunteers from the community to provide their time, support and resources to help ensure the success of this life-altering project. Interested individuals or companies can find more information on how to volunteer time and/or resources at www.richduncan-emhe.com. Following the kick off, people can sign up to volunteer for the project, which will start about a week later.

In conjunction with the build project, a food drive for the Marion Polk Food Share will be held. Those attending Thursday's kick off are asked to bring canned or non-perishable food items.

Rich Duncan is amazed at being a part of this project. "We are thrilled that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has selected the Salem/Keizer area for their next project and we are excited to not only make a difference in the lives of people, but to also play a part in inspiring the Salem/Keizer community for a great cause. I'm excited to see how our community will step up to the plate to help," he said. Ty Pennington, team leader of the show, as well as his design team, will notify the recipients by showing up at the project site on September 6th.

For more information and to register for up to the minute information on the door knock, recipient announcement, and more, visit Rich Duncan Construction's website at www.richduncan-emhe.com and follow the links. Information and sign up forms on volunteering and donating can be found there.

ABOUT EMHE
The Emmy award winning reality program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," now entering its 8th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

Share how you're getting ready for an emergency on Twitter


This September, whether you shop for extra canned food, designate an out-of-area emergency contact or buy a battery-powered radio, any small step towards getting prepared for disasters could make you a big winner.

The Oregon Red Cross and Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness will host a "#just1thing" social media contest as part of National Preparedness Month. Oregonians who tweet one simple thing they're doing to get prepared will have a chance to win Red Cross emergency supplies, valued at approximately $100 per kit.

While anyone can share anything they're doing to get prepared at any time, each week of September will also have a special theme and corresponding prize:

Sept. 1-10: Children
Sept. 13-17: Families
Sept. 20-24: Workplace
Sept. 27-30: Pets

To participate, send a tweet to @RedCrossPDX (www.twitter.com/RedCrossPDX) and use the hashtag #just1thing. All participants are welcome, however only Oregon residents are eligible for prizes, to be awarded via random drawing. The contest is free and there are no requirements to purchase anything to participate. For details, visit www.oregonredcross.org/just1thing.

"National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort to encourage all of us to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in our homes, businesses and communities," said Mike Harryman, Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness Manager. "Since social media tools are increasingly used to respond to disasters, why not also use them to get prepared?" In Oregon, the most likely disasters and emergencies include floods, wildfires, extreme weather events and earthquakes.

Other activities are planned for National Preparedness Month in Oregon. For more information on preparedness, see the Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness web site (www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/preparedness/index.shtml), www.oregonredcross.org and www.ready.gov.

###

In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and the disabled; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.

Ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact. That's why the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross is now seeking nominations for local heroes to be honored at the 2011 Breakfast of Champions celebration. Entries are due by Friday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.

Award recipients are selected based on how their heroic acts save a life or positively impact lives; inspire the community; and exemplify the Red Cross mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies.

At past events, awards have been presented to children, adults, groups, organizations, businesses and even animals. Heroic actions include performing first aid or CPR to save a life; performing a water or wilderness rescue; and helping others escape a house fire, car accident or other life-threatening situation. Recipients are selected by a committee of Red Cross staff, volunteers, event sponsors and other community representatives.

For a complete list of guidelines or to nominate a local hero, visit www.oregonredcross.org/nominate. Heroes will be announced at the Oregon Trail Chapter's signature event, the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions, on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at the Oregon Convention Center.

###

In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and the disabled; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.

The American Red Cross has developed a new PSA campaign and fundraising drive in anticipation of a very active hurricane season that could be made even worse by the Gulf Coast oil spill. The Red Cross has already spent $30 million training and preparing volunteers and pre-positioning equipment and materials and is gearing up to provide 1 million meals a day, shelter for 350,000 people a day and deployment of 50,000 volunteers.

We hope you'll consider sharing these new TV, radio and print PSAs with your audience, as space allows. If you need additional information or customization, please contact Lise Harwin at 503-969-7474.

TELEVISION PSAs
Download broadcast-ready QuickTime files at:
http://www.oregonredcross.org/TVPSA

RADIO PSAs
Download MP3 files at:
http://www.oregonredcross.org/RadioPSA

PRINT PSAs
Download PDF files in a variety of sizes at:
http://www.oregonredcross.org/PrintPSA

###

In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and the disabled; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.

The American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region issued an urgent call for blood donors on September 2, 2010.

The Red Cross closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital need for blood products in order to meet ongoing and emergency patient care.

"There is a critical need for blood donors now," said Steve Stegeman, ceo for the Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. "This summer we have had a particularly difficult time recruiting enough blood donors to meet the requirements of our community's hospitals and the patients they serve."

Donors with all blood types are needed, but especially those with type O negative. Red Cross officials say type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage. That's because type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, and is most readily given to patients in emergency and trauma situations.

Every day, more than 39,000 pints of blood are needed for patients in the United States. Blood is used for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, premature babies, transplant recipients, trauma victims and more. Each whole blood donation can help save up to three lives.

"We urge people to make and keep an appointment to donate blood now," said Stegeman. "Chances are, someone is counting on you right now for their very life."



How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross
The Pacific Northwest Blood Region needs to collect about 1,000 units of blood a day to meet patient need in over 80 hospitals. In addition to supplying nearly half of the nation's blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. 08/10AP.


-END-

The American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region issued an urgent call for blood donors on September 2, 2010.

The Red Cross closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital need for blood products in order to meet ongoing and emergency patient care.

"There is a critical need for blood donors now," said Steve Stegeman, ceo for the Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. "This summer we have had a particularly difficult time recruiting enough blood donors to meet the requirements of our community's hospitals and the patients they serve."

Donors with all blood types are needed, but especially those with type O negative. Red Cross officials say type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage. That's because type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, and is most readily given to patients in emergency and trauma situations.

Every day, more than 39,000 pints of blood are needed for patients in the United States. Blood is used for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, premature babies, transplant recipients, trauma victims and more. Each whole blood donation can help save up to three lives.

"We urge people to make and keep an appointment to donate blood now," said Stegeman. "Chances are, someone is counting on you right now for their very life."



How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross
The Pacific Northwest Blood Region needs to collect about 1,000 units of blood a day to meet patient need in over 80 hospitals. In addition to supplying nearly half of the nation's blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. 08/10APxxxx.


-END-

Citizens' Initiative Review Slightly Favors Measure 74 Contact: Tyrone Reitman 541-999-5088


The Citizens' Initiative Review (CIR) of Ballot Measure 74 concluded Friday, Aug. 20, with the citizen panel voting 13-11 in favor of the measure.

Measure 74, if approved by voters, would establish a system of medical marijuana dispensaries.

The Citizens' Initiative Review is a reform to Oregon's initiative process meant to provide voters with clear and trustworthy evaluations of statewide ballot measures. The CIR is a project of Healthy Democracy Oregon, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening citizen ownership of, and integrity to, the ballot initiative process.

How the CIR worked:

A panel of 24 Oregon voters from around the state reviewed Measure 74 over the course of five days. The panel was randomly selected and demographically-balanced to fairly reflect the entire state electorate. The panelists participated in balanced hearings where advocates and policy experts presented arguments and information about the ballot measures.

After five days of testimony and deliberation, the panelists crafted a "Citizens' Statement" to be published in the Oregon Voter's Pamphlet which details the most important information and "key findings" about the measures and also reports the number of panelists who support or oppose the measures based on their evaluation.

"This was a great opportunity for the both the proponents and opponents to Measure 74 to engage the public in a meaningful conversation. The Citizens' Initiative Review is one of those rare opportunities in politics to really discuss the pros and cons of a ballot measure based upon sound information," said Tyrone Reitman, the Co-Director of Healthy Democracy Oregon. "We hope and expect the Citizens' Initiative Review process will be a valuable new tool for Oregon voters."

Oregon voters can learn more about Healthy Democracy Oregon and the Citizens' Initiative Review at: http://www.healthydemocracyoregon.org

Contact: Tyrone Reitman
541-999-5088


Second Citizens' Initiative Review Underway

The Citizens' Initiative Review (CIR) of Ballot Measure 74 begins Monday morning, Aug. 16, at the Salem Conference Center and concludes Friday, Aug. 20.

Measure 74, if approved by voters, would establish a system of medical marijuana dispensaries.

The Citizens' Initiative Review is a reform to Oregon's initiative process meant to provide voters with clear and trustworthy evaluations of statewide ballot measures. The CIR is a project of Healthy Democracy Oregon, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening citizen ownership of, and integrity to, the ballot initiative process.

How the CIR works:

A panel of 24 Oregon voters from around the state will review Measure 74 over the course of five days. The panel was randomly selected, and demographically-balanced to fairly reflect the entire state electorate. The panelists will participate in balanced hearings where advocates and policy experts present arguments and information about the ballot measures.

After five days of testimony and deliberation, the panelists will craft a "Citizens' Statement" to be published in the Oregon Voter's Pamphlet. The Statement will detail the most important information and "key findings" about the measures and will also report the number of panelists who support or oppose the measures based on their evaluation.

"This is a great opportunity for the both the proponents and opponents to Measure 74 to engage the public in a meaningful conversation. The Citizens' Initiative Review is one of those rare opportunities in politics to really discuss the pros and cons of a ballot measure based upon sound information," said Tyrone Reitman, the Co-Director of Healthy Democracy Oregon.

Oregon voters can learn more about Healthy Democracy Oregon and the Citizens' Initiative Review at: http://www.healthydemocracyoregon.org

# # #

First Citizens' Initiative Review Concludes Contact: Tyrone Reitman: 541-999-5088

The Citizens' Initiative Review (CIR) of Ballot Measure 73 at the Salem Conference Center concluded Friday, Aug. 13, with a "Citizens' Statement" (see below) that will appear in the Oregon Voter's Pamphlet.

Measure 73 requires increased minimum sentences for certain repeated sex crimes and incarceration for repeated driving under the influence.

The Citizens' Initiative Review is a reform to Oregon's initiative process meant to provide voters with clear and trustworthy evaluations of statewide ballot measures. The CIR is a project of Healthy Democracy Oregon, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening citizen ownership of, and integrity to, the ballot initiative process.

How the CIR worked:

A panel of 24 Oregon voters from around the state reviewed Measure 73 over the course of five days. The panel was randomly selected, and demographically-balanced to fairly reflect the entire state electorate. The panelists participated in balanced hearings where advocates and policy experts presented arguments and information about the ballot measures.

On the final day, the panelists crafted a "Citizens' Statement" to be published in the Oregon Voter's Pamphlet. The Statement details the most important information and "key findings" about the measures and also reports the number of panelists who support or oppose the measure based on their evaluation.

"Over five full days, this panel of 24 voters from across Oregon heard from advocates for and against the measure, called upon policy experts to have their questions answered, and deliberated over the merits of Measure 73. Oregonians should be proud of what this panel accomplished this week. It is without a doubt that these 24 Oregonians succeeded in thoughtfully, fairly, and rigorously evaluating this measure." said Tyrone Reitman, the Co-Director of Healthy Democracy Oregon.

A Review of Measure 74, which establishes a medical marijuana dispensary system, will occur Aug. 16-20, also at the Salem Conference Center.

Oregon voters can learn more about Healthy Democracy Oregon and the Citizens' Initiative Review at: http://www.healthydemocracyoregon.org

# # #



Citizen Statement of a Majority of the Panel:
Key Findings –The following are statements about the measure and the number of panelists who agree with each statement:

• M73 shifts the balance of power in court proceedings, giving the prosecution additional leverage in plea bargaining and limiting the judge's discretion in sentencing individual cases. (21 agree)
• Passed in 1994, Measure 11 (ORS 137.700) provides mandatory minimum sentencing of 70-300 months for the major felony sex crimes defined in Measure 73. (24 agree)
• Mandatory minimum sentencing has not proven a significant deterrent to future DUII or sex crimes. (21 agree)
• An unintended consequence of M73 is that juveniles aged 15 to 17 are subject to 25 year mandatory minimum sentences. (20 agree)
• Oregon spends over 10.9% of its general funds on corrections – a greater percentage than any other state. (19 agree)


Attached Media Files: Oregon Secretary of State Kate brown speaks to the citizen panel Friday, Aug. 13

Lake Oswego, Ore. (August 18, 2010) --- The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) honored its fourth recipient of the Ellen C. Lowe Community Advocate Award during its annual membership meeting. This is the association's highest honor for a community member. This year's recipient is Lynn Read from Salem, Oregon. The award was presented by Ellen C. Lowe, OAHHS community advocate and inaugural recipient.

"Lynn is not your typical community advocate," said Lowe. "Her community is the whole state. Her advocacy comes quietly through the questions she answers in a most factual, thoughtful way. As she answers, she may ask why the question is being asked and then in turn mention other possible routes to lower the barriers to health care."

Read joined DHS in 1979. She initially worked in the field helping Oregonians accessing Medicaid services. Other assignments included education coordinator for Medicaid providers and field staff, fiscal manager, program and policy manager, DMAP administrator, assistant DMAP administrator and project director for the design, development and 1994 implementation of the Oregon Health Plan. Her current title is the deputy administrator of the Division of Medical Assistance Programs.

"At each step in my career I moved a bit farther away from direct client interactions and yet was able to make more profound impacts on the health and well being of Oregonians," said Read in a recorded speech. "We are only three and a half years away from universal health care access under national health care reform. This is an exciting, rewarding time for those committed to health care reform in Oregon and in the nation, and I accept [the award] as a representative for all who have helped the Oregon Health Plan grow and serve Oregonians."

"Lynn's understanding of the exquisite complexities of health care has made her the mentor of all of us, no matter what our role," said Lowe. "We trust her; she merits that trust."
About the Award: Started in 2007, The Ellen C. Lowe Community Advocate Award honors a community member for his or her unique, unusual or continuous support of a hospital mission and/or the health of its community. The recipient possesses compassion, understanding, wisdom and a clear vision to see to the core of community issues. This is an award for a community member and not a hospital employee.

Past Recipients:
2007: Ellen C. Lowe, Inaugural Recipient
2008: Judie Foreman, Salem, Oregon
2009: Betty Johnson, Corvallis, Oregon

About OAHHS: Founded in 1934, OAHHS is a statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon's innovative health care delivery system.

OAHHS' current membership includes 58 acute care hospitals, 10 health systems and related health plans, 16 affiliated allied organizations and 32 associate members representing health care consulting and other professional service companies.

Portland, OR (August 18, 2010) – The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) has been named a finalist for a national award in the "50 States for Good" initiative by Tom's of Maine. It is one of two Oregon non-profits selected for the top 41 finalists list and winners will be decided in a public online vote now through September 10.

Your vote can make a difference in the lives of adults and children lacking access to preventative health care. The need for health screening in Oregon schools has never been greater. Over 640,000 Oregonians (18%) have no health insurance, 118,000 of them are children. OLSHF is the only agency in the state – outside of hospitals or clinics – that offers free health checks through their Mobile Health Screening Program (MHSP). The success of this program depends on collaboration with volunteers, local schools, health professionals, community organizations, and Lions Clubs to conduct free health screening events at schools and community events.

"OLSHF utilizes thousands of volunteers to screen the sight and hearing of 25,000 school children for free each year. We simply couldn't provide that service without our dedicated volunteers," stated Executive Director Glen Gilbert. More than 5,000 adults will also be screened for sight, hearing, high blood pressure, diabetes, and glaucoma. This statewide effort increases awareness of health conditions before they become a crisis.

OLSHF has the opportunity to receive a total of $100,000 or $20,000 to be awarded to each of the top five voting-receiving charities. It's up to you to help OLSHF be one of the winners! Please cast your vote TODAY and EVERYDAY at www.50statesforgood.com.

Your vote can help vulnerable Oregonians receive critical health solutions through free, preventative health screenings.


###