Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed two strike teams with equipment and personnel to assist in suppression efforts for the devastating wildfires in California. This deployment was coordinated with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

Using the EMAC system, California fire officials originally requested additional resources to support suppression efforts in the southern portion of the state. The two ODF strike teams, consisting of five Type 6 engines each, two strike team leaders and an agency representative, departed early Sunday morning. In addition to ODF districts in eastern and southern Oregon, resources include engines and personnel from the Douglas Forest Protection Association.

While en route, the ODF teams received new orders to divert to the Camp Fire near Chico, CA due to the evolving and emergent situation. Both strike teams arrived at the Camp Incident Command Post Sunday evening and will be joining suppression efforts on the front line Monday morning. 

“Oregon and California have a long-standing relationship of mutual aid wherever suppression resources are needed,” said Oregon’s State Forester, Peter Daugherty. “California has come to our aid during our challenging fire seasons and Oregon is now able to help California during this tragic time of need.”

At the time of arrival, the Camp Fire was reported at 111,000 acres and 25 percent containment, with approximately 6,453 residences destroyed and an additional 15,000 structures threatened. An estimated 31 people have lost their lives and an additional 200 are listed as missing.

The ODF teams will join their Oregon State Fire Marshal counterparts, adding to the growing number of out of state resources joining suppression efforts during these devastating wildfires impacting much of the state. The team anticipates a full 14-day deployment.

###

Beaverton School Board member Anne Bryan’s passion for public education has earned her the first Oregon School Board Member of the Year award.

Bryan was recognized Saturday at the Oregon School Boards Association’s 72nd Annual Convention in downtown Portland. OSBA launched the Oregon School Board Member of the Year (http://www.osba.org/About-OSBA/OregonSchoolBoardMemberOfTheYear.aspx) award this year to recognize outstanding volunteers who make a difference in their communities.

"Through her dedication she epitomizes what a school board member should be," said OSBA Executive Director Jim Green. 

Bryan joined the Beaverton board in 2013 and became board chair in 2015.

“She models for all of us what a school board member looks like,” said Becky Tymchuk, who took over the Beaverton chair position in July.

Bryan has been instrumental in aligning board work with strategic objectives and long-range planning, creating a district rainy-day fund, increasing community engagement, expanding course offerings, and shepherding the 2014 passage of Beaverton’s $680 million construction bond.

Tymchuk said Bryan made sure the board received proper training and resources and she helped keep the board working together. She described Bryan as a great collaborator and a tough act to follow.

“She provides leadership in a way that you want to follow,” Tymchuk said.

Bryan says it’s a team effort. She said she takes pride in knowing the community believes the school board is working together on behalf of students. She credits community support, district staff and her fellow board members for the school board’s successes. 

Bryan graduated from Stanford with degrees in history and math and computational sciences. She is chief of staff at Circle Media and volunteers with a half-dozen school-related organizations. Bryan’s husband, John, works at Intel, and she is a mother of four: Peter, 23; Tom, 21; James, 18; and Matthew, 15. The three oldest graduated from Beaverton’s Westview High, and Matthew is a sophomore there.

Although her four sons have certainly influenced her desire to serve on the school board, Bryan said her passion for public education predates becoming a parent.

“I have a fundamental belief in the power of public schools and that board work is important and that it can make a difference,” she said.

Beaverton Superintendent Don Grotting said the board’s character under Bryan’s leadership helped persuade him to take the job in 2016. The board’s engagement and personal touch with the community impressed him.

Grotting pointed to Beaverton’s 86 percent graduation rate and narrowing achievement gap as well as equity programs as proof of Bryan’s leadership. Bryan follows current education trends and issues and she does her homework, he said.

“Her tremendous work ethic and her heart and compassion for education are among the biggest I’ve ever seen,” he said.

Nominees for the new statewide award were considered for their advocacy efforts, leadership and support for student achievement.

A panel of out-of-state school board association executive directors chose Bryan from among four finalists. Bryan’s name will be placed on the OSBA website and engraved on a plaque in OSBA’s Salem office. Bryan also will be able to register for OSBA events free for a year.

Green reminded school board members to keep an eye out for fellow members’ accomplishments and begin considering nominations when they open in January 2019.

OSBA is a non-profit member services agency for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges.

 

181110-Z-FS713-004: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, perform a Howitzer salute during the annual Veterans Memorial Service, November 10, 2018, at Timber Linn Memorial Park in Albany, Oregon. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181110-Z-OT568-001: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with the 234th Army Band pose for a photo with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden at the annual Veterans Memorial Service, November 10, 2018, at Timber Linn Memorial Park in Albany, Oregon. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181110-Z-FS713-001: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with the 82nd Brigade Troop Command march along the parade route during the annual Albany Veterans Day Parade, November 10, 2018, in Albany, Oregon. The event is the largest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi River. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181110-Z-OT568-019: Oregon Air National Guard Airmen march along the parade route during the annual Albany Veterans Day Parade, November 10, 2018, in Albany, Oregon. The event is the largest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi River. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181110-Z-FS713-006: Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel (right), Adjutant General, Oregon, and Oregon Army National Guard Brig. Gen. William Edwards, the Deputy Commanding General – Operations, First U.S. Army Training Support Division (West), observe the annual Albany Veterans Day Parade from the reviewing stand, November 10, 2018, in Albany, Oregon. The Oregon National Guard participated with a joint color guard, marching units, vehicles and equipment, the 234th Army Band, and an F-15 flyover. The event is the largest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi River. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181110-Z-CH590-021: U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Willard Burleson III (left), commander 7th Infantry Division, assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Brig. Gen. Donna Prigmore (center), Oregon National Guard Assistant Adjutant General-Air, render a hand salute as the American Flag passes by during the Fort Vancouver Veterans Day Parade, Vancouver, Wash., Nov. 10, 2018. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department) 

181110-Z-PL933-0016: Mr. Steele Clayton, a Vietnam War helicopter pilot, guides in an Oregon Army National Guard HH-60M Blackhawk helicopter during its landing at the Linfield College baseball field as part of a Veterans Day celebration, Nov. 10, 2018, in McMinnville, Oregon. Clayton served with the active duty U.S. Army for more than 30 years and flew helicopters in Vietnam from 1970 through 1971. (Photo by Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181111-Z-LM216-004: Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast, Land Component Commander, Oregon National Guard, addresses the audience as the keynote speaker at the annual Washington County Veterans Day ceremony, Nov. 11, 2018, in Hillsboro, Oregon. This year's event included a commemoration for the service, valor, and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans, and was sponsored by Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services, in partnership with Memorial Fund for Veterans of Washington County, VFW Post 2666, and American Legion Post 6. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs) 

On Friday, November 9, 2018 the Oregon State Police responded to the Crissey Field State Recreation Center for an assault.

Investigation reveals that at approximately 1:30 PM an adult female was hiking on trails in the park when she was attacked. The attacker had been hiding in the brush adjacent to the trail.  The victim was able to fight off the suspect and flee the area.  She called 911 and Oregon State Police Troopers and Curry County Sheriff’s Deputies responded and checked the area.

The suspect is still outstanding and is described as a white male adult, early 40’s, with stringy chin length dark hair, and a medium length beard.  He was wearing blue and gray plaid jacket, dark dirty jeans, and black boots.

Anyone with information is requested to call the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-776-6111 or OSP from your mobile device.

Investigation is continuing no further information is available at this time.

SALEM, Ore.— It’s never safe to let down your guard, warns the Oregon Department of Revenue. Scam tactics are always evolving and becoming more effective.

Recently, an Oregon taxpayer visited the department’s Medford office because they received a letter—supposedly from Jackson County—demanding tens of thousands of dollars to resolve their “debt.” At first glance, the letter appeared official, but it turned out to be another tactic scammers are using to trick people into giving them money or personal information.

The best way for taxpayers to make payments directly to the Department of Revenue is through Revenue Online. It’s secure and includes all the information necessary to ensure the payment is properly applied to the correct account. Go directly to oregon.gov/dor to find Revenue Online. Payment providers may provide links that appear to take you to the government site, but just end up taking you to another area of the provider’s site.

Scams mainly come in the form of a phone call, email, or standard mail. Here are some tips to help you identify scam attempts.

• Scammers make unsolicited calls. Thieves call taxpayers claiming to be representatives of the Oregon Department of Revenue or other tax officials. They demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill and may use threats or a sense of urgency to con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. The Department of Revenue never uses methods like these when making calls. Hang up on suspicious phone calls. No matter how urgent a message makes a situation sound, you can always hang up, call the Department of Revenue at their published phone numbers [(503) 378-4988 or (800) 356-4222 (toll-free)], and know that you’re dealing with an actual government employee.

• Scammers send letters. Letters often contain legitimate logos, addresses, and phone numbers to fool you. Sometimes, these letters expose themselves as scams through blurry logos, misspellings, and poor grammar. Letters are usually in the form of a fake tax bill or claiming an error with your account. Letters from the Department of Revenue will have information that is verifiable through our website and every letter is printed with an identification number in the upper right corner.
• Scammers set up fake websites. Some scams that start as unsolicited calls or letters may also try to send you to fake websites. These websites are designed to look like and official federal or state agency site. Remember that the Oregon Department of Revenue’s web address will always begin with an “https://” designation and be from the “.gov” extension. Look for these in the web address when entering financial information to make sure you’re dealing with us directly.

For more information on protecting yourself or what to do if you’re a victim of identity theft, visit:

• www.irs.gov
• www.consumer.ftc.gov
• www.identitytheft.gov

You can visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get forms, check the status of your refund, or make payments. You can call (503) 378-4988 or (800) 356-4222 (toll-free) or email questions.dor@oregon.gov for additional assistance. For TTY for hearing- or speech-impaired, call (800) 886-7204.

The Oregon Air National Guard is scheduled to conduct Veterans Day flyovers at various locations throughout Oregon.

F-15 Eagle fighter jets from both the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and the 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, Oregon, are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the following community locations at or near the designated times:

The 142nd Fighter Wing is scheduled to conduct the following flyovers on Saturday, Nov. 10:

11:45 a.m., Albany Veterans Day Parade, Albany, Oregon.

12:00 p.m., Willamette Lutheran Homes, Keizer, Oregon.

12:50 p.m., Linfield College Honors Veterans, McMinnville, Oregon.

 

The 173rd Fighter Wing is scheduled to conduct the following flyovers on Monday, Nov. 12:

11:00 a.m., Veterans Day Parade, Klamath Falls, Oregon.

11:45 a.m., Veterans Day Parade, The Dalles, Oregon.

All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 400 mph airspeed. Flights could be canceled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.

The Oregon Air National Guard has been an integral part of the nation's air defense since 1941. The 142nd Fighter Wing guards the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border, on 24-hour alert as part of the North American Air Defense system. The 173rd Fighter Wing is home to the premier F-15 pilot training facility for the U.S. Air Force.

PHOTO CAPTION: Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle fighter jets from both the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and the 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, Oregon, are scheduled to conduct Veterans Day flyovers for ceremonies at locations throughout Oregon. (Courtesy photo by Scott Wolff of FighterSweep.com)

Using its emergency mobilization plan, through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has activated its Agency Operations Center and is in the process of mobilizing 15 strike teams with equipment and personnel to assist with the Camp Fire in California.  

 

The OSFM is sending structural task forces from the following counties: Rouge Valley, Klamath, Douglas, Lane, Marion, Linn, Benton, Lincoln, Polk, Washington, Multnomah, Clatsop, Columbia, Clackamas, and Yamhill.

 

“Once again, our neighbors in California are in need of support, and even though Oregon had a very long fire season, our Oregon Fire Service has stepped up humbly to help the state of California,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. 

 

California made the request through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact a national state-to-state mutual aid system. The EMAC request is sent directly to Oregon Emergency Management who contact and coordinate with the appropriate Oregon agency to fulfill the requests.

OTHELLO, WA – Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, front?yard book exchanges number 60,000 around the world in 80 countries.  Now, thanks to a school-wide Project Based Learning experience at Desert Oasis High School in Othello, six new Little Free Libraries will be unveiled at a dedication assembly on Tuesday, November 13th.

In an effort to meet the district’s goal to engage 25% of every Othello school in Project Based Learning (PBL), Desert Oasis High School embarked on the district’s first, school-wide PBL experience.  DOHS Principal Joshua Tovar decided that his school’s smaller student enrollment was no excuse for small-scale participation.

“All project based learning is supposed to begin with a driving question,” says Principal Tovar.  “Ours was: how can we design a project that will increase the literacy rate in our community?”

The answer came through the process of building a Little Library.  First established in 2009, Little Free Libraries are a neighborhood book exchange that invites community members to take and/or leave a book inside a small structure, oftentimes a small wooden box.  The intent is to inspire readers and strengthen communities. (Read the full story on DOHS’ Little Libraries construction online at https://bit.ly/2RR5cWv.)

Othello community members are invited to attend the Little Libraries Assembly at 2:15 PM on Tuesday, November 13 at 825 E. Ash in Othello.  During the assembly, each advisory class will present on their work, while thanking the many local donors, partners, and clients who came together to make the project a success.

For more information, contact Joshua Tovar at 509.488.4534 or joshtovar@othelloschools.org.

Othello School District would like to thank the local donors who made the Little Free Libraries a success:  Builders First Choice Lumber, ACE Hardware Paint, Johnson’s Glass-Plexi Glass, and the district maintenance department. To learn more about Little Free Libraries, visit littlefreelibrary.org.

(Salem, Ore.) -The Governor’s Commission on Senior Services (GCSS) will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, at the Department of Human Services’ Office, 500 Summer St. N.E., Room 165, Salem, Oregon, 97305.

The meeting is open to the public. Agenda items include regular GCSS business, updates on the legislative committee, future meeting dates and hosting a panel as well as setting the agenda for the Dec. 13, 2018, full commission meeting. Those who can’t attend in person may call into the meeting using this conference line and access code: (888) 808-6929, 4517555.

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Lori Watt at Lori.C.Watt@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. For questions about the meeting, please contact: Deb McCuin, program analyst at Debbie.Mccuin@state.or.us.

About the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services

The Governor’s Commission on Senior Services is dedicated to enhancing and protecting the quality of life for all older Oregonians. Through cooperation with other organizations, and advocacy, the commission works to ensure that seniors have access to services that provide, choice, independence, and dignity.

 

                                                                                                 # # #

The next meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Hall of Heroes, 4190 Aumsville Road in Salem. The public is invited to attend and participate.

The committee is made up of veterans appointed by the governor to provide counsel on veteran issues and represent veteran concerns across Oregon. Its nine members serve in a vital advisory role to the director and staff of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The advisory committee’s meetings are normally held on the first Wednesday in March, June, September and December. Registration is encouraged, but not required. If you plan on attending, please RSVP online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/VAACDec2018

More information can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Pages/advisory.aspx or to contact the Advisory Committee, please email vaac@odva.state.or.us.

November 8, 2018

Contacts: Janet Zeyen-Hall, 503-945-6938, janet.l.zeyen-hall@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

OHA to hold technical forum on CCO 2.0 rates, risk adjustment, member enrollment

As the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) works to develop contracts for the next five years of the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and coordinated care, the agency is seeking public comment on member enrollment, the risk adjustment process, and rate setting methodology.

OHA is using a request for application or RFA process to award coordinated care organization (CCO) contracts for 2020-2024. In an RFA, all qualified candidates are awarded a contract, meaning there is not a target number of coordinated care organizations (CCOs) the state is aiming to contract with. Because OHA has not set a target number of CCOs, members may find multiple CCOs serving their area where previously only one was available. Similarly, members currently enrolled in a CCO may find that their CCO has not applied for or been awarded a contract during the 2020 cycle.

Potential changes in CCO membership affect capitation rates paid to CCOs (which is the amount paid to CCOs per member per month), and potentially the CCO’s risk profile. The risk profile changes may result in a CCO having a different mix of members with different diseases, which would result in higher needs or lower needs depending on the changes.

The combination of an unknown number of CCOs and the potential for shifts in membership between CCOs means that OHA must develop an approach for member enrollment and rate development that takes these scenarios into consideration.

Values guiding OHA’s decision-making include: maintaining continuity of care for OHP members, allowing member choice, equitable opportunity for procurement, and CCO financial viability.

Member enrollment

OHA will discuss why an enrollment policy is needed for CCO 2.0 and the factors affecting member enrollment and will seek public comment on the approach currently under consideration to address multiple procurement scenarios.

This approach includes offering open enrollment in areas of the state where there is a change in CCO availability and adjusting the auto-assignment process for members who do not select a plan when multiple plans exist in their service area.

Risk adjustment and rate setting

OHA will seek public comment on how to set capitation rates used to build global budgets for the new contracts that meet actuarial requirements and achieve the goal of a sustainable rate of growth. OHA will share draft rate methodology adjustments to the current rate development process.

OHA also will share how it aims to apply health-based risk adjustment to the CCO capitation rates in a fair manner when shifts in membership occur. The approach currently under consideration is a risk corridor option. A risk corridor protects the CCO and OHA from over- and under-paying for services when membership changes.

What: OHA public meeting to seek public comment on member enrollment approaches, rates and risk adjustment for the 2020-2024 CCO contracts

When: Monday, November 19, 8-11 a.m.

Where: Department of Consumer and Business Services meeting room 260, Labor and Industries Building, 350 Winter St NE, Salem

The public can also join remotely through a telephone conference line at 888-251-2909, participant code 2450162; or by joining a live-stream of the meeting at https://join-noam.broadcast.skype.com/dhsoha.state.or.us/e9ace54942c648c083e7e2324a96ecc3/en-US/.

Public comment: Public comment will be taken at specified times during the meeting. Those unable to attend the meeting can submit public comment to OHA at CCO2.0@dhsoha.state.or.us until November 28.

Agenda:

• 8-9 a.m.: Welcome; presentation of member enrollment approach; public comment.
• 9-11 a.m.: Presentation of rate and risk adjustment approaches; public comment; adjourn.

OHA will post supplemental materials for the meeting on November 14 on the CCO 2.0 page on the OHA website.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Janet Zeyen-Hall at 503-945-6938, 711 TTY, janet.l.zeyen-hall@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2JQ2dui

Creative minds at 121 Oregon arts organizations will be empowered by $1,031,593 in fiscal year 2019 Operating Support Grants from the Oregon Arts Commission.

Ranging from $3,000 to $ 29,750, the grants are available to nonprofit organizations with arts at the core of their mission and budgets over $150,000.

“We often hear that these are the most important grants we award,” said Arts Commission Chair Christopher Acebo. “They alleviate some of the economic pressure and allow Oregon arts organizations to focus on their missions.”

Organizations with budgets under $150,000 are eligible to apply for Small Operating Grants.

Fiscal year 2019 Operating Support Grants were awarded to:

Central Oregon

BendFillm, Bend: $4,510

High Desert Chamber Music, Bend: $3,000

PLAYA, Summer Lake:  $6,590

Sisters Folk Festival, Inc., Sisters: $6,682

Sunriver Music Festival, Sunriver: $4,473

The High Desert Museum, Bend: $19,021

Tower Theatre Foundation, Inc., Bend: $3,500

Coast

Artula Institute for Art and Environmental Education, Bandon: $3,000

Astoria Music Festival Inc, Astoria: $5,914

Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay:  $5,974

Liberty Restoration Inc, Astoria: $3,000

Lincoln City Cultural Center, Lincoln City: $4,257

Newport Symphony Orchestra, Newport : $3,691

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Newport: $12,914

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis: $7,856

Gorge/Eastern Oregon

Arts Council of Pendleton, Pendleton: $11,882

Columbia Arts, Hood River : $7,192

Eastern Oregon Regional Arts Council, La Grande: $3,000

Fishtrap Inc, Enterprise: $7,553

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $3,000

Oregon East Symphony, Pendleton: $3,057

Portland Metro

Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Tigard: $10,074.00

Youth Music Project , West Linn: $7,229

All Classical Public Media Inc, Portland: $11,402

Artichoke Community Music, Portland: $5,271

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland: $7,935

August Wilson Red Door Project, Portland: $6,264

BodyVox Inc., Portland: $14,692

Caldera, Portland: $13,008

Cappella Romana Inc, Portland: $8,690

Chamber Music Northwest, Portland: $14,193

Children's Healing Art Project Inc, Portland $3,000

Clackamas County Arts Alliance, Oregon City: $9,084

Clackamas Repertory Theatre, Oregon City: $3,000

CoHo Productions Ltd, Portland: $4,055

Disjecta Contemporary Art Center Inc, Portland: $11,964

Echo Theater Company, Portland: $5,229

Ethos Inc, Portland  $6,048

Friends of Chamber Music, Portland: $8,480

Hollywood Theatre, Portland: $7,372

Imago the Theatre Mask Ensemble, Portland: $4,565

Independent Publishing Resource Center, Portland: $7,965

Lakewood Center for the Arts, Lake Oswego: $11,051

Literary Arts Inc, Portland: $15,028

Live Wire Radio, Portland: $9,459

Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland: $8,877

My Voice Music, Portland: $4,852

Northwest Children's Theater & School, Portland: $9,981

Northwest Professional Dance Project, Portland: $9,731

Old Church Society, Inc, Portland : $6,021

Open Signal, Portland: $17,132

Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland: $10,642

Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras, Portland: $8,108

Oregon Children's Theatre Company, Portland: $16,069

Oregon College of Art and Craft, Portland: $4,558

Oregon Repertory Singers, Portland: $3,500

Oregon Symphony, Portland: $27,913

Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland: $7,896

Pacific Youth Choir, Portland: $7,194

Phame Academy, Portland: $7,812

PlayWrite, Portland: $7,262

Polaris Dance Company, Portland: $7,282

Portland Art Museum, Portland: $28,254

Portland Baroque Orchestra, Portland:$10,406

Portland Center Stage at The Armory, Portland: $19,215

Portland Children's Museum, Portland: $13,473

Portland Columbia Symphony, Portland: $3,000

Portland Gay Men's Chorus, Portland: $7,361

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland: $14,475

Portland Opera Association, Portland: $23,939

Portland Piano International, Portland: $5,658

Portland Playhouse, Portland: $9,892

Portland Symphonic Choir, Portland: $4,722

Portland Youth Philharmonic Association, Portland: $4,911

Profile Theatre Project, Portland: $5,899

Regional Arts & Culture Council, Portland: $29,642

The Circus Project, Portland: $7,517

The Portland Ballet, Portland: $7,266

Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Inc., Portland: $4,838

Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Portland: $9,358

Triangle Productions, Portland: $6,714

Western Alliance of Arts Administrators Foundation, Portland: $5,500

White Bird, Portland: $9,947

WOL Dance Collective, Inc, Clackamas: $4,698

Write Around Portland, Portland: $10,673

Young Audiences of Oregon Inc, Portland: $6,444

Young Musicians & Artists, Inc, Portland: $4,461

YU Contemporary Inc, Portland: $5,095

Southern Oregon

Chamber Music Concerts, Ashland: $5,120

Oregon Shakespeare Festival Association, Ashland: $29,750

Rogue Valley Art Association, Medford: $6,856

Rogue Valley Chorale Association, Medford: $3,000

Ross Ragland Theater, Klamath Falls: $13,077

Southern Oregon Film Society, Ashland: $4,584

Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, Ashland: $3,993

Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, Medford: $4,844

Willamette Valley

Corvallis Arts Center Inc, Corvallis: $7,334

Corvallis Youth Symphony Association, Corvallis: $4,308

Cottage Theatre, Cottage Grove: $3,357

Ballet Fantastique, Eugene: $4,039

Enlightened Theatrics, Salem: $7,627

Eugene Ballet, Eugene: $11,179

Eugene Concert Choir Inc, Eugene: $6,888

Eugene Opera, Eugene: $5,681

Eugene Symphony Association, Eugene: $19,328

Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestras, Eugene: $5,098

Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Salem: $7,587

Historic Elsinore Theatre Inc, Salem: $3,000

Joint Forces Dance Company, Eugene: $5,753

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Eugene: $10,885

Lane Arts Council, Eugene: $14,442

Lord Leebrick Theatre Company, Eugene: $4,612

Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene: $17,474

Oregon Folklife Network/University of Oregon, Eugene: $4,959

Oregon Mozart Players, Eugene: $4,400

Pentacle Theatre Inc, Salem: $5,528

Salem Art Association, Salem: $12,796

Salem Multicultural Institute, Salem: $7,079

Shedd Institute for the Arts, The John G, Eugene: $13,237

Umpqua Valley Arts Association, Roseburg: $6,953

                   

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

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

SALEM, Ore. – Autumn rains may have ended Oregon’s wildfire season but not the risk of floods and debris flows following in their wake. That is why a working group of state and federal agencies have  released a new playbook. The playbook will aid local officials in finding resources to help prevent or cope with potentially catastrophic wildfire after-effects.

Wildfires burned more than 856,000 acres this year across all of Oregon, well above the 10-year average of approximately 500,000 acres, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Chief of Fire Protection Doug Grafe.

“High intensity wildfires can destroy protective vegetation and alter soil so it is less able to absorb rainfall and snowmelt,” said Grafe. “After such fires, there can be an increased risk of flooding or debris flows.”

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, landslides (also known as debris flows) cause about $3.5 billion (in 2001 dollars) in damage in the U.S. each year, and claim between 25 to 50 lives. A prime example is the debris flow that hit Montecito in Southern California in January of this year. Just weeks after the Thomas Fire burned the hills above the town of about 9,000, a debris flow swept through, killing more than 20 people.

Ryan Cahill, hydraulic engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said his agency worked with several partners to compile and complete the guide, including:

• Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Oregon Department of Forestry
• Oregon Emergency Management
• Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development
• U.S. Forest Service
• U.S. Geological Survey

“Federal and state partners already work together to suppress wildfires, so it was natural for us to come together to prepare a guide for community leaders on what to do after wildfires,” said Cahill. “The playbook we produced explains what to do to reduce the risk from floods and debris flows, identifies the resources available to help do that, and where to find those resources,” said Cahill.

Among steps Cahill said at-risk communities can take, one is designating in advance where evacuation centers will be, including animal-friendly locations where pets and livestock can receive care. Alert systems, such as reverse 9-1-1 calls, should also be organized and periodically tested.

All government entities and critical emergency organizations, such as hospitals, utilities, food banks and schools, should know their roles in a community flood or debris flow emergency. Then be equipped and prepared to carry out those plans.

Although the playbook is intended for elected local officials and emergency managers, individuals can help protect themselves as well.

“Property owners and those living and working near rivers where catastrophic fires have occurred should be aware of their level of risk and take appropriate preparedness actions,” said Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps. “This includes having ‘two-weeks ready’ preparedness supplies handy, signing up for emergency notification systems where you live, and reviewing insurance coverage to make sure your home is protected for hazards like flooding and landslides.”   

The playbook can be accessed at:

https://silverjackets.nfrmp.us/Portals/0/doc/Oregon/PostFireFloodPlaybook_2018-09-30.pdf?ver=2018-10-04-203119-453

                                                                                            # # #

In accordance with their duties to review the 2018 Bond program, a meeting of the WWPS Bond Oversight Committee will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in the WWPS Administration Building Anne Golden Boardroom. 

Details are available via the following link:  http://www.wwps.org/bond/bond-oversight-committee

Narcotic seizures are among the largest in District of Oregon history

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that since the beginning of May 2018, federal law enforcement authorities and their task force partners have prosecuted cases resulting in the seizure of 158 pounds of heroin, 600 grams of oxycodone, and half a pound of fentanyl.

Combined, the seizures remove nearly three million individual user doses from statewide distribution networks. The enforcement effort has already netted 19 arrests, 17 guilty pleas and nine criminal sentencings of active drug traffickers with numerous cases still pending.

“The opioid addiction crisis continues to impact millions of Americans every year, many of whom have lost loved ones or continue to watch as their friends or family members struggle with addiction,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Bringing this crisis to an end requires all Americans—law enforcement and public health officials as well as ordinary citizens—to take action. Visit www.linesforlife.org or another addiction support organization to learn how you can make a difference in your community.”

“The numbers are heart wrenching,” said Keith Weis, DEA Special Agent in Charge for the Pacific Northwest. “In a time of unprecedented health risks facing our society, we must respond aggressively head-on in a multi-faceted, community-based strategy that includes law enforcement, prevention and treatment specialists all working hand in hand to help our most vulnerable members facing life or death struggles against addiction. Every person lost in this opioid crisis is one too many.”

“Opioid abuse in Oregon involves a dangerous cocktail of street drugs (such as heroin and fentanyl) and prescription meds (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine). Whether a person starts down the path to addiction on the street or in a doctor's office, the result is equally devastating to the victim's family and community. Because the impact is so significant, the FBI and our partners are prioritizing our work to identify the dealers and doctors who are driving this epidemic,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdoses killed a record 72,000 Americans in 2017. In 2016, 66% of the more than 66,000 overdose deaths involved an opioid. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2017, the CDC estimated the national economic burden of prescription opioid overdose, abuse, and dependence at $78.5 billion annually.

In Oregon, the total number of deaths related to drug use increased 11 percent from 2013 to 2017, with 546 drug related deaths in 2017 alone. The use of prescription opioids in Oregon continues to grow dramatically. Nearly half of the prescriptions filled at Oregon retail pharmacies in 2017 were for opioids. As a result, Oregon has one of the highest rates of prescription opioid misuse in the country, with an average of three deaths every week from prescription opioid overdose.

On November 2, 2018, DEA released its 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment. The report paints a bleak picture of the state of drug abuse in the U.S. According to the report, controlled prescription drugs are responsible for the largest number of overdose deaths of any illicit drug class and have been since 2011. Between 2013 and 2016, heroin deaths nearly doubled, exacerbated by the increased adulteration of heroin with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Of all opioids, the abuse of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids has led to the greatest number of deaths.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon works in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute drug trafficking cases involving opioids. Recent prosecutions include:

U.S. v. Brett Allen McNeal

Brett Allen McNeal was the final Oregon defendant sentenced for distributing oxycodone as part of a large, interstate opioid-trafficking organization. He was sentenced to three months in federal prison on October 2, 2018.

The organization was structured around Daniel Cham, a doctor practicing in La Puente, California, who would illegally provide prescriptions for oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other powerful medications in exchange money orders and cash. The narcotics were moved from Southern California through a network of redistributors for eventual sale in Oregon.

Cham would write prescriptions to individuals both known and unknown to him and to others he knew to be prolific drug dealers and addicts. He regularly sold prescriptions to John Bryden, an Oregon resident, who in turn would sell them to other co-conspirators, including Kevin Grimes, Marcela Cooper, and Austin Alderete, for distribution across Oregon.

McNeal purchased oxycodone from Alderete and sold it for a profit to end users. One of those end users, Jessica Morretti, died of an overdose on April 13, 2012. According to text messages on Moretti’s cell phone from the evening she overdosed, McNeal had provided her with five 30mg oxycodone pills the same day.

Cham was sentenced on March 14, 2018 in the Central District of California to more than 13 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI.

Read More

U.S. v. Christian Jensel Chaidez

Christian Jensel Chaidez was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on September 4, 2018 for trafficking heroin and other narcotics into Oregon for distribution in the Salem, Oregon metropolitan area. Chaidez was a local affiliate of a Los Angeles, California-based drug trafficking network.

Using intercepted wire calls, investigators learned that a co-defendant would provide Chaidez with quantities of heroin that Chaidez would, in turn, sell in and around Salem. In November and December 2016 investigators used an undercover informant to purchase one half pound of methamphetamine from Chaidez on two different occasions.

By June 2017, when federal prosecutors unsealed a 12-person indictment, the network, which began primarily as a methamphetamine and cocaine distribution organization, was rapidly expanding into the heroin market. The arrests of Chaidez and others have significantly disrupted the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, and other narcotics in the Salem area.

This case was investigated by DEA.

Read More

U.S. v. Christopher James Fleet

On September 4, 2018, Christopher James Fleet, 23, of Portland, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for possessing distribution quantities of methamphetamine and two firearms.

On August 23, 2017, deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Special Investigation Unit were conducting surveillance at a known drug and gang house in Portland. They observed a vehicle parked in front of the house they believed was connected with Fleet, a drug dealer with an outstanding arrest warrant. Upon leaving the house and attempting to drive away, deputies blocked Fleet using unmarked vehicles and approached him wearing marked law enforcement raid vests. After initially refusing to comply with the deputy’s commands to raise his hands and failing to find an escape route, Fleet surrendered.

During the arrest, deputies found a Kel Tec 9mm firearm and distribution quantities of heroin and methamphetamine on Fleet’s person. They also found a locked backpack in Fleet’s vehicle. The backpack was later found to contain .40 caliber Sig Sauer pistol, drug records, and a digital scale.

This case was investigated by the MCSO Special Investigation Unit.

Read More

The Department of Justice has been resolute in its fight to end the opioid addiction crisis. All 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices have an opioid action plan with strategies specific to their districts. The department has assigned more than 300 federal prosecutors to U.S. Attorney’s Offices and hired more than 400 DEA task force officers.

In July 2018, the department announced the formation of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S) that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas. In August 2018, the department and DEA proposed decreases in manufacturing quotas for the six most frequently misused opioids for 2019. In October 2018, the department announced grant awards totaling more than $320 million dollars to help those most impacted by the opioid crisis including crime victims, children, families and first responders.

# # #

November 8, 2018

Contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@state.or.us (media inquiries)

Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

CCO Metrics Technical Advisory Workgroup meets November 15

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics Technical Advisory Workgroup

When: Thursday, November 15, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Five Oak (formerly Lincoln Building), Suite 850 Mary Conference Room, 421 SW Oak St., Portland. Attendees can also join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8490046551954092803. Conference line: 888-398-2342, participant code 5731389.

Agenda: Welcome and introductions; updates; extended eCQM/CQMR update; review smoking cessation survey; TAG input on oral health measures; Metrics & Scoring Committee workplan – where TAG can impact; adjourn.

For more information, please visit the committee's website at http://www.oregon.gov/OHA/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/Metrics-Technical-Advisory-Group.aspx.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Salem, OR – Due to the extensive destruction caused by Hurricane Michael, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has requested additional Incident Management Teams. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is filling this request, working with Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and sending a third team to assist with relief and recovery efforts.  

As with recent deployments, this request was coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The EMAC provides mutual assistance among states and territories during any governor-declared state of emergency through a responsive system. This structure allows states to send personnel, equipment, and supplies to assist with response and relief efforts in other states.

This ODF Team, led by Incident Commander Link Smith, arrived in Tallahassee, Fla. late Tuesday, Nov. 6, where they received an in-briefing from the Florida National Guard at the Tallahassee Base Camp. Their current mission is to assist with oversight of the Base Camp located in Marianna, Fla., in the heart of the destruction zone. Their assignment includes ensuring the safety and welfare of Base Camp and coordination of communication efforts. All ODF Team members are in good health and spirits, and look forward to helping improve the situation.

ODF Agency Representative Dennis Lee mobilized with the team to oversee coordination of both of the ODF teams currently deployed in Florida. “The magnitude of destruction here is difficult to convey for those back at home,” Lee said. “Along with the devastation of so many homes and buildings, the sheer volume of what I would refer to as near-deforestation is somewhat unreal. Despite all of this, life goes on for everyone here and the resiliency of the local residents is truly inspiring. We are honored to be here to do our part in helping our Florida friends put the pieces back together.”

While ODF utilizes the EMAC most often during fire season, agency Incident Management Teams maintain All-Hazard qualifications to ensure capacity for potential disaster relief needs. ODF’s complete and coordinated fire suppression system relies on strong partnerships with other agencies, states and even countries, offering reciprocal assistance in times of need.

###

November 8, 2018

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@state.or.us

Health advisory for water contact at Sunset Bay State Park Beach lifted November 8

Testing shows fecal bacteria levels have subsided

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with marine water at Sunset Bay State Park Beach located in Coos County. The health authority issued the advisory November 7, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

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

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

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

# # #

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Capitol’s Christmas tree will be arriving from the Tillamook State Forest on Thursday, Nov. 15, donated by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The 30-foot Noble fir tree will be cut and delivered by ODF staff. The tree arrives Thursday morning, with unloading and setup scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. and continue until approximately 10 a.m.

“The Oregon Department of Forestry is very excited to contribute to Holidays at the Capitol,” South Fork Forest Camp Manager Dave Luttrell said. “Our employees take a lot of pride in being part of this Oregon tradition.”

The tree lighting event is set for Tuesday, Nov. 27, with a choral performance by South Salem High School at 5 p.m., and the lighting program beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Holidays at the Capitol is made possible through generous donations by organizations, businesses and individuals throughout the state and the Capitol’s volunteers. More than 10,000 people visit the Capitol every year during the holiday season. To learn more, visit www.oregoncapitol.com.

Investigation shows that dispatch received and was receiving calls of a person standing in the roadway.  Before emergency personnel could arrive the pedestrian, identified as Brian Caine (50) of Bellevue, WA, was struck by multiple vehicles. 

All lanes of Interstate 5 are now open.  Drivers should expect delays in the area while the backup is cleared.

On November 7, 2018 at approximately 4:30 AM. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Interstate 5 near milepost 274 - southbound lanes.

The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Investigation is ongoing - expect delays in the area.  

The Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board will meet from 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 14, at the Oregon State Library (Conference Room 103), located at 250 Winter St. NE in Salem. The meeting is open to the public, and may be attended in person or via the web; public comments will be taken from those attending in person and online. To join the meeting virtually, please see the instructions: www.oregon.gov/epab/Documents/EPAB_Internet_Public_Attendee_Instructions.pdf.

The legislature established the advisory board with enactment of ORS 276A.270-276. The board advises the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) on key decisions and strategic choices about how the state CIO manages and operates the state’s web portal services.

The Oregon.gov portal is the connection point for citizens to access state agency services and information on the internet. The board provides oversight of specific websites, services and online payments where agencies choose to utilize the state CIO’s E-Government Program as their service provider. With the board’s advice, the state CIO wants to make Oregon.gov web portal services and their operation as effective as they can be for citizens to interact with state government. 

The agenda and handouts will be posted on the advisory board’s website seven days prior to the meeting: www.oregon.gov/epab/Pages/agenda_minutes_handouts.aspx.

####

WASHINGTON—Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein today named Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, chair of the Attorney General’s Marijuana Working Group. The working group is part of the Attorney General Advisory Committee’s (AGAC) Controlled Substances Subcommittee.

“I am honored to be named chair of the Marijuana Working Group and look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein and my fellow U.S. Attorneys on this important policy area,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “From our statewide summit in February to the release of our district enforcement strategy this summer, we’ve learned a lot from stakeholders representing many diverse interests. There is one thing everyone agrees on: a broad need for stronger regulation. This working group provides a valuable forum for sharing ideas and learning from the experiences of others in an effort to develop innovative, multi-district enforcement strategies to address the many impacts of a nascent industry.”

The AGAC was created in 1973 and reports to the Attorney General through the Deputy Attorney General. The AGAC represents the nation’s U.S. Attorneys and provides advice and counsel to the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys.

# # #

November 7, 2018

Media contact: Delia Hernández, Oregon Health Authority, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@state.or.us

Health advisory issued November 7 for water contact at Sunset Bay State Park Beach

The Oregon Health Authority issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Sunset Bay State Park Beach, located in Coos County.

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

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

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

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

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

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

# # #

If you want to tell a story about some great things happening in public education in Yakima, you can now go straight to https://www.yakimaschools.org/YSDStories and take your pick!

Launched this school year, YSD teachers, staff, parents, community partners - anyone - can write a YSD Story.  Go to the webpage above and you will see that stories have started to pile in.

Having this centralized system of story submission streamlines efforts to get the word out. The Yakima School District is large - with 22 schools and 16,000 students. Now the district can more easily spread YSD Stories far and wide via communications channels such as social media posts, newsletters, school websites and of course, press releases - like this one!

To cover a YSD Story, simply express your interest (tell us which story you want to cover) via our media inquiry form at https://www.yakimaschools.org/media

Sincerely,

Kirsten Fitterer

NOTE: Kirsten will be out of the office returning November 14 but if you submit your inquiry via https://www.yakimaschools.org/media someone else will get back to you, or Kirsten can work with you on the 14th. Just a reminder that there is no school on November 12th.

The Oregon State Marine Board mailed approximately 75,000 boat registration renewal notices to boaters whose boat registration expires on December 31, 2018.  Each renewal notice is unique to the owner and their boat.      

Boaters have three options to renew.  The fastest option is online using the Marine Board’s online store.  After completing the transaction, boaters can print a temporary permit and go boating right away.  There is no transaction fee when using a credit or debit card online.  Other options include mailing the payment and coupon to the Marine Board or visiting a local registration agent, who will issue a temporary permit for an additional fee.

Other online services include:

• Apply for a Boater Education Card or Replacement Card
• Purchase Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Permits for nonmotorized boats
• Apply for the boat’s Certificate of Title or a Replacement Title
• Register a new boat
• Register or renew as an Outfitter or Guide
• Apply for a Charter Boat license

The cost to register a motorboat or sailboat 12 feet or longer is $4.50 per foot, rounded to the highest foot, plus a $5 aquatic invasive species fee.  The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention fund pays for inspection stations, decontamination equipment, inspectors, signage, and education materials.  The average boat length in Oregon is 16 feet, so the two-year registration costs $77 (including AIS fee).   

The Marine Board is funded entirely by motorized boat and sailboat registrations, motorboat fuel tax and receives federal funding to support services to boaters.  Nearly eighty-six cents of every dollar are returned to boaters in the form of law enforcement services, boat ramps, restrooms (floating and land-based), parking, boarding floats, facilities engineering/design services, and boating education outreach.

Access the online store directly at www.boatoregon.com/store.

###

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites the public to weigh in on long-term planning for Smith Rock State Park as part of the process of updating the park’s Master Plan. The plan, last updated in 1991, will guide recreation use and resource management for the next 20 years.

The Master Plan update process is currently near the end of the “Concept Development Plan” stage, which outlines infrastructure changes for Smith Rock. OPRD invites park users and community members to review the Concept Development Plan online at smithrockparkplan.com and submit their comments.

• Online: submit comments at smithrockparkplan.com.
• Email: submit comments to Robin Wilcox, OPRD planner, at obin.wilcox@oregon.gov">robin.wilcox@oregon.gov
• Mail: submit comments to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Attn. Robin Wilcox, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301. 

Comments will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2018.

The Concept Development Plan is based on feedback received from stakeholders during public meetings held in 2017 and reflects site preservation priorities, parking, trails, facilities and other park amenities improvements. Meeting notes and materials from past public meetings are available online at smithrockparkplan.com.

Comments will be collected and incorporated into the draft Master Plan to be presented summer 2019. A final round of public meetings will be held when the draft plan is released.

November 6, 2018 - WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools’ $65.6 million Replacement Bond is passing on election night with a 70.95% yes vote. More votes are expected to trickle in over the next few days. The remaining ballots are not expected to change the final outcome. The election will be certified by the Walla Walla County Elections Office Nov. 27 The approval requirement for this bond was a supermajority, 60 percent yes vote.

Statement from Superintendent Wade Smith:

Tonight will be remembered as one of the more significant moments in our district’s glorious 161-year history. On this historic day voters overwhelmingly supported a $65.6M bond to renovate Walla Walla High School, Pioneer Middle School, Lincoln High School, and fund other district-wide safety and infrastructure improvements. Eligible for nearly $53M in state match, this $118M investment will impact the lives of thousands of students and hundreds of staff for decades to come.

This vote of confidence further inspires our team of passionate educators and support staff in their collective endeavor to educate, inspire, and engage all of Walla Walla’s youth. I want to thank our dedicated Board of Directors who developed the inclusive and informed process. They empowered a community-led Facilities Task Force who spent exhaustive time and attention prioritizing facility preservation needs. In the end, our Board unanimously endorsed the conservative plan recommended that balanced building preservation needs, all while maintaining one of the region’s lowest school bond rates.

Understanding our work has just began, and the awesome responsibility and trust voters have provided, an 11-member independent Bond Oversight Committee has been formed to add an unprecedented layer of transparency and accountability. We will keep our promise; to deliver on the facility renovation and safety improvements, to invest state match funds only on the voter-approved projects, and to return any excess funds remaining upon completion.

Thank you again for investing in Walla Walla’s children as we work collectively to provide the facilities necessary to support our vision of “Developing Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates.”

###

November 6, 2018

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Public Health Advisory Board meets November 15 in Portland

What: The regular public meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board

Agenda: Review PHAB membership, leadership; review PHAB committee membership; hear updates on state health improvement planning; implementation of public health modernization by local public health authorities; legislative issues; review Oregon’s public health response to opioids.

When: Thursday, November 15, 2-5 p.m. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Conference Room 1B, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. The meeting is also available remotely by webinar at https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4888122320415752707, or by telephone at 877-873-8017, access code 767068#.

Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Kati Moseley at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY or ina.moseley@state.or.us">katarina.moseley@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

November 6, 2018

Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@state.or.us

HERC Health Technology Assessment Subcommittee meets November 15 in Wilsonville

What: A public meeting of the Health Evidence Review Commission’s Health Technology Assessment Subcommittee

When: November 15, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center, Rooms 111-112, 29353 SW Town Center Loop E, Wilsonville. The public also may attend via a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/66781424960174850, or by a listen-only conference line at 1-888-204-5984, participant code 801373.

Agenda includes: Review of public comments on newer interventional procedures for GERD; extended stay centers: Patient characteristics and appropriate procedures -- the initial evidence review will discuss specific types of surgeries including total knee replacement, mastectomy, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), hysterectomy, and bariatric surgery (laparoscopic banding, sleeve gastrectomy). For the extended stay center topic no final conclusions will be drawn about these procedures as the subcommittee plans further discussion in February.

For more information about the meeting, visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/DSI-HERC/Pages/Meetings-Public.aspx. The meeting agenda and materials will be available one week before the meeting. 

# # #

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

•         Sign language and spoken language interpreters

•         Written materials in other languages

•         Braille

•         Large print

•         Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Daphne Peck at 503-373-1985, 711 TTY or c.info@state.or.us">herc.info@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the event. Written comments are also welcome at C.info@state.or.us">herc.info@state.or.us.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Pamela S. Hediger, 55, of Corvallis, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count each of attempting to evade or defeat taxes and engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specified unlawful activity.

“Pamela Hediger used her position of trust to steal large sums of money from her business associates, clients and investors. Her lavish lifestyle and spending reflected her complete disregard for the interests of those she stole from,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Not only did Hediger steal from those she knew, she stole from the U.S. Treasury and her fellow citizens by shamelessly evading her tax obligations.”

“No matter what the source of income, including embezzlement, all income is taxable,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy Burrus. “Pamela Hediger’s failure to file income tax returns and evading her tax liability is not a victimless crime since all Americans pay when others swindle the government.”

According to court documents, between 2010 and 2017, Hediger was an attorney, president, and managing shareholder of a law firm in Corvallis. Hediger focused on personal injury cases and independently managed her own client relationships. During her association with the firm, Hediger systematically embezzled funds from the firm’s client trust and business operating accounts, both of which she had signing authority over. The embezzled funds came from insurance proceeds payable to Hediger’s clients.

During 2011, 2012, and 2014, Hediger also knowingly devised a material scheme to defraud two investors in shopping center projects in Seaside, Oregon and Astoria, Oregon. Hediger falsely promised high rates of return and short terms in exchange for their investments. Rather than invest the money as promised, Hediger converted the investment funds to her own use in order to support her lavish lifestyle.

Hediger used the stolen funds for a variety of purposes, including: to pay her mortgage, to fund construction and landscaping projects at her home, to repay individuals who had loaned her money to purchase her share of the law firm and to fund lavish vacations, a timeshare, plastic surgery, automobile expenses and a Hawaiian band for a party. Stolen funds were even used to pay credit card accounts Hediger had opened in the names of relatives and an unsuspecting associate.

To conceal her schemes, Hediger falsified the law firm’s accounting records by mischaracterizing the identity of payees and the purpose of payments, submitted false documentation to support the expenditures and lied to firm employees when questioned about expenditures.

Hediger failed to file income tax returns on nearly $2.2 million between 2011 and 2017, evading more than $471,000 in taxes due.

Hediger faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $500,000 fine and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on January 10, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Anna J. Brown.

This case was investigated by IRS-CI. It is being prosecuted by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Oregon Heritage of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is offering grants for the construction or restoration of veterans and war memorials.

 

Local governments and federally recognized Tribes are eligible to apply for work on monuments on public owned properties.

 

New monuments should acknowledge veterans and wars not already recognized in the community.  Grants for restoration may be used for broken monuments, missing elements of monuments, or the related design elements of monuments for veterans or wars. Grants may also fund the addition of elements to existing monuments.

 

Projects must include the active participation of a veteran organization.

 

Past funded projects include repair to the Doughboy monument in Astoria, a new monument in Warrenton, and additions to the large memorial in Washington County.

 

For more information about the Veterans and War Memorials grant and other grant programs, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

# # #

The deceased has been identified as Richard James Ocoyne (46) from Cave Junction.

The homeowner is cooperating with the investigation. 

Investigation is continuing and any further information will be released in cooperation with the Josephine County DA's office.

 

On Friday, November 2, 2018 at approximately 8:00 AM. Oregon State Police Troopers and Josephine County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the report of a shooting in Cave Junction.

Investigation has revealed that a male drove up to a house on Kenrose Lane and began shooting at the residence.  One of the occupants of the residence shot back at the vehicle.  The male suspect in the vehicle was shot and was pronounced deceased at the scene,

The Oregon State Police Major Crimes Team will continue the investigation.  

No further information will be released at this time. 

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: Building a digital defense for our veterans.

Next week we honor the work and sacrifices that members of the U.S. military have made on behalf of all Americans with our Veterans Day celebrations. With that upcoming recognition, we thought it would also be a good time to warn our vets about those who might want to profit off your service.

To that end, we have some information to share courtesy of our partners at the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The education benefits that you receive as a veteran can be a big help as you transition from your time in service to life outside the military. That ability to pay for tuition, housing and books can mean the world to someone who has served. Traditional college, on-the-job and apprentice training, correspondence courses and even tutoring assistance are all possible based on time in service and other factors.

Be warned though – there are some for-profit schools and outside programs that are looking to cash in on your benefits by overstating their success rates while overcharging you for the education you are receiving. Of particular concern are those schools or programs that:

• Exaggerate their job placement rates and their transfer credit rates.
• Pressure you to signing up for classes that you don’t need.
• Encourage you to take out big loans to cover additional expenses, leaving you with a pile of extra debt.

If you are a veteran who is looking to take advantage of this important benefit, here are a few things to help keep you safe:

• Don’t let a college or program recruiter rush you into a decision.
• Do your research and ask lots of questions.
• Use the Department of Education’s College Navigator program (https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/) to check out a particular college’s profit/non-profit status as well as details about their accreditation, student loan rates, student default rates and graduation rates.

If in doubt, check with the FTC or the VA to learn more.

Next week, we will continue our discussion of how to protect older veterans from scams targeting their pensions and more.

As always, if you have been victimized by a cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your local FBI office.