On Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 4:59 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-34, near milepost 1, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford Fusion, operated by Jimmie Eugene Beck Jr (19) of Newport, was westbound on Hwy-34 in the fast lane. The Ford left the fast lane, crossing the center turn lane and into the oncoming eastbound lane where it struck a silver Nissan Versa, operated by Jennifer Davina Gere (43) of Lebanon, head-on. 

The operator of the Nissan (Gere) was declared deceased, by responding medical personnel, at the scene. 

The operator of the Ford (Beck Jr) was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis with serious injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.  The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Benton County Sheriff's Department, Corvallis PD, and Corvallis Fire. 

Multi-Vehicle Crash - Interstate 84 - Umatilla County

On Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 12:35 PM, Oregon State Troopers from the Pendleton area command responded to a multi-vehicle crash, with at least one commercial motor vehicle fully engulfed in flames, on westbound I-84, near milepost 227. 

The Troopers arrived on scene and determined the crash involved at least seventeen separate vehicles. Three of the involved vehicles were completely destroyed by fire; including two Commercial Motor Vehicles and one passenger car. 

One motorist was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and life flighted to Kadlec hospital in Washington, while several other motorists suffered minor injuries. 

The interstate was closed for approximately 8 hours as the vehicles were removed and the area restored to allow safe travel. 

The preliminary investigation determined the contributing factors to the crash were limited visibility due to fog and vehicle speed.

OSP is encouraging motorists to driver slower when visibility is limited or roadway conditions merit reduced speeds.

OSP was assisted by CTUIR PD, Fire, and Ambulance, Pendleton Fire and Ambulance, the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Echo Fire Department, and ODOT. 

OSP Arrests Sexual Abuse Suspect- Asking Additional Victims to Report - Deschutes County

On Friday, July 14, 2023, Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section initiated an investigation involving sexual abuse occurring at the May Spa on Bellevue Drive within Bend Oregon and the Deschutes County area.  The victim reported she had been sexually assaulted by her masseuse during a routine session.  Through the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Jianming Tang.

On September 15, 2023, an undercover operation occurred with the assistance of the victim and during that investigation detectives established probable cause of the crime of Sexual Abuse in the 3^rd Degree.  Jianming Tang was arrested and lodged into the Deschutes County Jail.

The Oregon State Police would like to credit the victim for her bravery in participating in the undercover operation. OSP would also like to thank the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team for their assistance, along with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office. 

OSP understands there may be other victims who have not disclosed similar incidents.  To report any related or similar incidents involving the May Spa, please contact the Oregon State Dispatch Center at (541) 726-2525 or OSP and reference OSP case number SP23-216409.

Due to the on-going investigation and court proceedings, OSP does not have further information to release at this time.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at approximately 7:26 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 289, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Jeep Cherokee, operated by Marci Ann Maples (51) of Klamath Falls, attempted to turn north (left) onto Highway 97 from Keno Worden Road. The Jeep entered the path of a southbound Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Charles Lavern Owens (55) of Los Angeles (CA), and was struck in the driver's side door. The operator of the Dodge attempted to avoid the collision, but was unable to do so. 

The operator of the Jeep (Maples) was life flighted to Sky Lakes Medical Center and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The operator of the Dodge (Owens) was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center via ambulance with minor injuries. 

The highway was impacted for 2 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Keno Fire and ODOT.

September 22, 2023

Media contacts: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139,

PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Lake Ewauna Sept. 22

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today issued a recreational use health advisory today for Lake Ewauna due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure. The lake is in Klamath County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the lake where blooms are, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may develop a puffy, red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Lake Ewauna and enjoy activities such as catch-and-release fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact local health department with questions about water available at nearby day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. OHA advises people to use an alternative water source if they do not use a well or public water system, and draw in-home water directly from an affected area.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Be aware that dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention. Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. Pet owners should seek veterinary treatment as quickly as possible if their dog exhibits any of those symptoms.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those sites. Anyone who decides to eat the fish should remove its fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

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

ASTORIA, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) works with area schools and partner natural resource organizations to give Clatsop County sixth graders hands–on experience in possible careers related to the forest. The Clatsop County Forestry Days have been led by ODF since 1960 and bring together a group of local dedicated volunteers to share their professional expertise and enthusiasm.

“Our sole focus is on the students,” said Brad Catton, Operations Coordinator for ODF’s Astoria District. “We give them a hands-on taste of what type of careers they could have related to the forests.”

The two-day event held Sept. 20 and 21 at ODF’s Demonstration Forest and Arboretum adjacent to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds and ODF’s district offices features eight learning stations including: wildland firefighting, tree planting, wood products, wildlife rescue, fisheries, recreation, tree measurements and mushrooms.

“This is fantastic—getting the kids outside and to see the work people in their community do every day,” said O’Brien Starr-Hollow, a sixth-grade teacher in the Warrenton school district.  “Several of my students’ families make a living from the sea—so to have a fisheries station and then the other stations demonstrating how healthy forests support spawning salmon and other wildlife can really make an impact on them.”

That impact combines the physical actions of pushing on shovels to plant seedlings to pulling on a fire hose nozzle handle to put out a “wildfire” with the mental mindset that they can make a difference.

“We try to make it fun,” said Andres Lopez as he set up the cut out wooden flame the kids try to squirt and knock down with the water coming out of the fire hose.  Lopez, a Forest Officer for ODF’s Astoria district, also gave the students a hands-on demo of other common firefighting equipment.  “At the same time we talk about the hard work it takes to do these sorts of jobs well,” said Lopez.

“The hope is we get girls and boys interested in staying in their communities and finding careers they love based on everything the forest provides,” said Jenny Johnson, President of the local chapter of Oregon Women in Timber.    Johnson has a personal connection to Forestry Days since her next-door neighbor, John Christie an ODF forester, organized the first one.

“I knew John as a neighbor and attended this event when I was in sixth grade and it helped inspire me to get my Forestry Degree from Oregon State (University) and work in forestry,” said Johnson.  “John has passed away, but his vision and passion lives on through this event.”

Women in Timber have been one of the partners that make Forestry Days a success.

“This is truly a team effort,” said Catton.  “Women in Timber, Clatsop County Fisheries, Hampton Lumber, Coast Wildlife, ODF and many other organizations and people have contributed to the success of this program over the years, and we thank them for supporting our local students.”

Although this event is just two days the ODF Astoria Demonstration Forest is open year round and more information can be found in the Clatsop State Forest Guide.

Visit the Oregon Department of Forestry’s main website for more information on many forest related programs from recreation to timber harvesting to wildland firefighting.

Women in Timber provide free educational professionals to visit classroom by supporting the “Talk about Trees” program and many other outreach and education opportunities.  Visit their website for more information.

NOTE: Due to a technical issue, this press release was not sent, Thursday, September 21st via FlashAlert.

September 21, 2023

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

Health experts urge vaccinations as respiratory virus season kicks off

OHA, Kaiser physicians say new shots give hope for preventing another surge

PORTLAND, Ore. — As respiratory virus season gets under way, infectious disease experts are urging Oregonians to take advantage of newly available, updated vaccines to stave off another COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) wave that besieged hospitals last fall.

Paul Cieslak, M.D., of Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Katie Sharff, M.D., of Kaiser Permanente Northwest – speaking to reporters during a virtual media briefing today – say updated COVID-19 and flu shots and new RSV vaccines could help blunt the effect of a respiratory virus trifecta, when cases of all three viruses simultaneously increase, as happened in late 2022.

They also are reminding people that use of masks in health care settings where patients at highest risk of severe disease are cared for, such as nursing facilities and hospitals, is “strongly recommended.”

“The potential for another respiratory surge that swamps our hospitals and health care system still exists,” said Cieslak, OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations. “Even before COVID-19, influenza and RSV could overwhelm hospitals in some regions of the state.”

The media briefing can be viewed in English at this link and in Spanish at this link.

Cieslak noted Oregon has seen a steady increase in COVID-19 test positivity since late spring – from 4.3% on May 27 to around 15% by Sept. 16 – and a doubling of COVID-19 hospitalizations since June 21, when the daily count was at 106. And while flu and RSV activity remains low, cases are expected to rise, as typical, during fall months, with students back in school, and people heading indoors to escape colder temperatures and gather during the holidays.

“Straining of hospital capacity will be an issue nationwide, and perhaps more so in Oregon, where we are additionally challenged by the fact that we have relatively few hospital beds per-capita,” Cieslak said.

Sharff, Kaiser’s chief of infectious disease, said the Southern Hemisphere, which epidemiologists monitor for flu activity to help predict the coming season, had an early flu season that significantly affected unvaccinated children.

“I think the pattern of COVID-19 is still uncertain. We’re not quite sure if COVID is considered a seasonal virus, as we see surges both during summer and winter months,” Sharff said. “The important thing is if we see an increase in all three viruses at the same time, that is when we could potentially see it crushing our currently strained health care system.”

Both physicians say vaccination is the best way for people to protect themselves and those around them from infection and reduce the risk of severe illness – particularly for vulnerable individuals like older adults, and those who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions – that could lead to hospitalization or death.

On Sept. 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend updated, COVID-19 monoclonal vaccines for the 2023–2024 respiratory virus season. They are designed to protect against circulating mutations of the virus, including the XBB-based Omicron XBB subvariants that account for more than 95% of cases.

The new COVID-19 vaccines, along with an updated version of the seasonal flu vaccine, are now available at some pharmacies and clinics, with more doses expected to arrive in Oregon over the next several weeks. A new RSV monoclonal antibody immunization for babies and toddlers called nirsevimab – known commercially as Beyfortus – will be released later this fall, and a new RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older is now available on the commercial market.

The vaccines for all three viruses have been extensively tested and are considered safe and effective.

In addition to recommending vaccinations, Cieslak explained that, for the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season, OHA is “strongly recommending” people wear masks in health care settings caring for patients at highest risk for severe disease. Recommendations for masking as a tool to protect those most at risk when respiratory virus transmission is high is not itself new guidance, but it remains relevant and important for this respiratory season.

The agency stressed that individuals most at risk for severe disease include those with compromised immune systems; with underlying health conditions; and who are 65 and older.

As a physician, parent and community member, Sharff said she’s discouraged to see a health care system like Oregon’s become overwhelmed during respiratory season, since it can lead to delayed care, canceled surgeries and long wait times in clinics and emergency departments.

“I urge all Oregonians to consider the tools available to them to prevent respiratory infections this season,” she said.

People can get the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or federally qualified health center (FQHC). They can also search for a clinic by ZIP code by visiting vaccinefinder.org, or by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org.

###

I-84 remains closed westbound between Exit 265 (5 miles east of La Grande) and Exit 216 (6 miles east of Pendelton) due to a multiple vehicle crash near milepost 227. I-84 eastbound is also closed between Exit 265 and Exit 216. OR 204 (Tollgate Highway) and OR 245 are closed to non-local traffic, as they are not viable routes for I-84. The highway is expected to be closed for a couple of hours. Continue to visit TripCheck.com or call 511 / 800-977-6368 for updates. Outside Oregon call 503-588-2941.

OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the unlawful waste of Deer- Hood River County (Photo)

 

On September 3, 2023, at about 6:20 P.M., a Trooper responded to a call of a dead buck that was shot and left on Hood River County property not far from Odell, Oregon. A second doe deer, which was also shot and left, was reported that evening in the same area. No meat was salvaged from either deer.    

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-281043.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn in Poachers (TIP) program offers preference points or cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation, to a suspect, for the unlawful killing of wildlife, and or waste of big game. Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags, and for unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags. Learn more: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

PREFERENCE POINT REWARDS:

5 Points-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

 Oregon Hunters Association Cash Rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, and Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, and Wolf

$300 Habitat Destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

$200 Snagging/Attempting to Snag

$200 Game Fish and Shellfish

 Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

Birds

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

All other protected avian species: see category below for listed species

Mammals

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

$1,000 (e.g. wolf, wolverine, kit fox, red tree vole, Canada lynx, sea otter, Columbian white-tailed deer, California brown pelican, western snowy plover, California least tern, northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, short-tailed albatross, streaked horned lark, yellow-billed cuckoo, leatherback sea turtle, olive ridley sea turtle, Oregon spotted frog, green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle) 

[Yakima, Washington] Since the start of this year's farmers market season, Educational Service District 105 has hosted two free book giveaways for students, handing out more than 3,000 books to attendees. Supported by the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant which has provided nearly $4 million in funding stretched over five years, these book giveaways represent one unique way ESD 105 is encouraging families to engage with young learners at home through the love of reading. 

ESD 105 plans to hand out more free books next week during school visits at the ESD 105 led STEM Building at this year's Central Washington State Fair and has also announced dates for two more FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY open to all community members this season. We have prepared up to 3,000 books for giveaway at each of these events, showcasing book titles intentionally selected by our team of certified educators to reflect the diversity and cultures of our region. Families with children are invited to join the ESD 105 this Sunday, September 24th and again on Sunday, October 22, 2023! We will have a booth at the Downtown Yakima Farmers Market open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. 

 Books available for kids of all developmental levels from baby to high school
 Up to 3,000 books available at each giveaway
 Free bookmarks to help mark your spot!

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced today that it has joined a multi-state settlement with Robinhood Financial LLC, which will pay up to $10.2 million in penalties for operational and technical failures that harmed investors, including some in Oregon.

The settlement stems from an investigation spearheaded by state securities regulators in Alabama, Colorado, California, Delaware, New Jersey, South Dakota and Texas coordinated through the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) regarding Robinhood’s operational failures with respect to the retail market.

The investigation was sparked by Robinhood platform outages in March 2020, a time when hundreds of thousands of investors were relying on the Robinhood app to make trades. In addition, before to March 2021, there were deficiencies at Robinhood in its review and approval process for options and margin accounts, weaknesses in the firm’s monitoring and reporting tools, and insufficient customer service and escalation protocols that in some cases left Robinhood users unable to process trades even as the value of certain stocks was dropping.

“This multi-state settlement is another example of states working together to protect investors,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “DFR is committed to holding companies like Robinhood accountable when it failed to protect those who have entrusted them.”

The order sets out the following violations:

• Negligent dissemination of inaccurate information to customers, including regarding margin and risk associated with multi-leg option spreads.
• Failure to have a reasonably designed customer identification program.
• Failure to supervise technology critical to providing customers with core broker-dealer services.
• Failure to have a reasonably designed system for dealing with customer inquiries.
• Failure to exercise due diligence before approving certain option accounts.
• Failure to report all customer complaints to FINRA and state securities regulators, as may be required.

Robinhood neither admits nor denies the findings as set out in the orders. Robinhood will provide access to a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)-ordered compliance implementation report to settling states. Robinhood retained an independent compliance consultant who made recommendations for remediation, which Robinhood has generally implemented.

One year after the settlement date, Robinhood will attest to the lead state, Alabama, that it is in full compliance with the FINRA-ordered independent compliance consultant’s recommendations or has otherwise instituted measures that are more effective at addressing the recommendations.

If you have questions or concerns about your investments or financial professional, please contact DFR at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

###

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and  www.dcbs.oregon.gov.​​

In the early 1920s, Willard Ayers Eliot hired a well-known natural history artist, R. Bruce Horsfall, to paint 56 works to illustrate Eliot’s book Birds of the Pacific Coast. Published in 1923, this popular and enduring bird identification book saw at least five editions. Eliot was deeply involved with the Oregon Audubon Society (OAS) (now Portland Audubon), and in 1941, he donated the Horsfall paintings to OAS. Portland Audubon donated 55 of Horsfall’s vibrant illustrations to the Oregon Historical Society in 2019, keeping a single illustration for themselves — the Rufous Hummingbird. 

Now, 100 years after the original printing of Birds of the Pacific Coast, OHS is proud to display all 55 Horsfall illustrations preserved in our museum collection as well as the Rufous Hummingbird, on loan from Portland Audubon, alongside information about many of the birds depicted in these paintings. Visitors will also learn more about how to start birding in their own parks and neighborhoods so they can enjoy the beautiful creatures that Horsfall has preserved on paper. This original exhibition, Birds of the Pacific Coast: The Illustrations of R. Bruce Horsfall, is on view now at the Oregon Historical Society’s museum in downtown Portland through May 21, 2024.

R. Bruce Horsfall was born October 21, 1869, in Clinton, Iowa. As a child he took an interest in art and was especially captivated in his family’s pets and wildlife around his home. As a teenager and young adult, Horsfall studied art, first in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later abroad in Germany. During his artistic career, Horsfall would become internationally known by having his work featured in magazines and books and through his work with natural history museums.

Between 1914 to 1924, Horsfall, along with his wife, Carra Horsfall, and son, Robert Bruce Horsfall, Jr., lived in Oregon. He became involved with the Oregon Audubon Society, a connection that lasted even after moving away from Oregon. Alongside William Finley and others, Horsfall participated in a survey of wildlife in and around Klamath Lake. His artwork also featured in OAS publications, including Birds of the Pacific Coast and Bluebirds Seven, published in 1978.

For those unable to visit the exhibition in person, all 55 illustrations preserved at OHS can also be found online through the OHS Museum Collection Portal. Launched in 2022, the OHS Museum Collection Portal (museumcollection.ohs.org) is a public, online database highlighting a selection of the incredible objects in the museum’s care. OHS’s museum preserves over 75,000 objects that document the history of the region, which includes clothing and textiles, Native American belongings, artworks, vehicles, equipment, and everyday items. To date, the Portal makes approximately 12,000 of these items accessible, with more records being added regularly. 

The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week, Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 12pm–5pm. Admission is $10, with discounts for students, seniors, teachers, and youth. Admission is free every day for OHS members and Multnomah County residents. Learn more and plan your visit at ohs.org/visit.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all.We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

A follow-up meeting to share the latest draft of the Leslie Groves Park long-range plan is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leslie Groves Park Shelter #1.  

The updated draft plan includes citizen and stakeholder input from previous comment opportunities. Those unable to attend in person can view the plan and comment until October 22, 2023. 

The park is located at 40 Park Place in North Richland. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be moved to the Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive. 

For more information or to see the plan online, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/lesliegrovesparkplan or call 509-942-7501.

Benton County is inviting qualified firms throughout Oregon, nationally, and internationally to submit proposals for the development of a Sustainable Materials Management Plan. This initiative aims to comprehensively address the environmental impact of materials throughout their entire lifecycle, necessitating collaboration across jurisdictional and geographical boundaries.

“Key elements of the plan include extensive community engagement, analyses, and recommendations to address material lifecycle impacts, and strategies for funding and administration,” said Benton County Community Development Solid Waste & Water Quality Program Coordinator Daniel Reddick. “The specific scope of work will be determined in collaboration with the selected proposer during the initial phase of plan development.”

The primary objective is to engage a firm to create a local/regional Sustainable Materials Management Plan for Benton County.

Responses to the RFP will undergo a rigorous review process, scored, and ranked based on defined criteria within the solicitation document.

The Request for Proposal document is available for download on the Benton County website: https://www.co.benton.or.us/rfps, or printed copies can be obtained by contacting Benton County Community Development at 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, or by phone at (541) 766-6819, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

For project inquiries or clarifications, please contact: Daniel Redick, Solid Waste and Water Quality Program Coordinator Email: edick@bentoncountyor.gov">Daniel.Redick@bentoncountyor.gov Phone: (541) 766-6819

An optional Pre-Proposal meeting is scheduled for September 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. PST. The meeting will be conducted virtually, and registration details are as follows:

Pre-Proposal Meeting Information:

• Date: September 27, 2023
• Time: 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
• Register in advance for the meeting: Zoom Registration

Following registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with instructions on joining the virtual meeting.

All RFP responses must be sealed and clearly marked as "Benton County Sustainable Materials Management Plan Proposal." Submissions should be sent to Benton County Community Development Department, Attention: Daniel Redick, Solid Waste and Water Quality Program Coordinator, 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, by 2:00 p.m. local time on November 8th, 2023.

For further information, please contact: Benton County Community Development Department Phone: (541) 766-6819 Email: edick@bentoncountyor.gov">Daniel.Redick@bentoncountyor.gov Website: https://www.co.benton.or.us/rfps

###

Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@co.benton.or.us.

[Yakima, Washington] – Educational Service District 105 (ESD 105) is pleased to announce an innovative partnership with Astria Medical, a leading healthcare provider, aimed at furthering mental healthcare accessibility for students across the south central region of Washington State.
 

This new partnership allows ESD 105-employed mental healthcare clinicians to connect students with a licensed doctor at Astria who can prescribe necessary medication for mental health diagnoses, including ADHD, anxiety, and depression, to eligible students. Students across eight participating schools/districts under our service now have access to this essential mental health support, with three more districts anticipated to begin offering these services soon. 

The list of participating schools includes,  

• Franklin, Wilson, Lewis & Clark and Washington Middle Schools (Yakima Public Schools)
• Grandview Middle School
• Granger Middle School
• Naches Valley Middle & High Schools
• Highland Middle & High Schools
• Ellensburg High School
• Mabton High School
• Selah High School
• Mount Adams School District
• Schools that will soon benefit from these enhanced services include Wapato and Toppenish Middle Schools and Union Gap School. 

"Enhancing mental healthcare access for students is a top priority for ESD 105, and our partnership with Astria exemplifies our commitment to this crucial mission," stated Kevin Chase, Superintendent of Educational Service District 105. "By collaborating with Astria, we can offer comprehensive care to students facing mental health challenges, ensuring their well-being and educational success."
 

This strategic collaboration with Astria underscores ESD 105's dedication to providing mental health solutions for students, integrating comprehensive support to meet their behavioral health needs into their educational experience. "We are excited about this collaboration with Astria Medical to address the mental health needs of all students, especially those traditionally furthest from educational justice," said Emily Nelson, Executive Director of Student Support for ESD 105. "Together, we are leveraging our expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of students in the communities we serve."

You are invited to join our Student Support Team to learn more about this new service and a variety of other social-emotional, behavioral and mental health supports provided in our region at their Lunch & Learn Tour today, Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. at 401 S. 12th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902.  For members of the media who are able to join or for more information about this partnership or Educational Service District 105's initiatives: Please contact our agency's Public Relations & Marketing Department at brittany.kaple@esd105.org or call (509) 490-5520.
 

About ESD 105:

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