Coos County, Ore 19 Nov 24- On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:57 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 255, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound GMC Sierra, operated by Nickolos Hastings Barker (40) of Bandon, crossed the center line for unknown reasons and struck a southbound Ford F-250 and trailer, operated by Michael Guarino (49) of Bandon, head-on.

The operator of the Ford (Guarino) was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the GMC (Barker) was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Bandon Police Department, Bandon Fire Department, Coquille Police Department, Coos County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Results for America recognized Oregon as an Honorable Mention in its 2024 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence for its use of evidence and data to drive taxpayer dollars toward proven solutions. The announcement was made during an event with the National Governors Association.

“One of my key priorities as Governor is making sure our state government uses its resources wisely and focuses on providing the best outcomes to support the health, happiness and economic prosperity of all Oregonians. The Results for America recognition illustrates that Oregon continues to lead and mature in our use of data-informed decision making and in managing for results. I look forward to seeing agencies continue to strengthen their practices to deliver valuable services to Oregonians.” -Governor Tina Kotek.

Some highlights include: 

• Oregon’s  Key Performance Measures system is a leading example of performance management. Agencies use this system to report regular progress on identified measures to the legislature and the Governor's Office.
• In a 2022 report to the legislature, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Youth Development Division invested in local programs that meet evidence-based practice criteria.
• The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) maintains an ongoing inventory of approved evidence-based practices in behavioral health, including culturally relevant services. OHA has also established the Health Evidence Review Commission to continually review and update an ongoing inventory of evidence-based practices at work within OHA.

Results for America’s 2024 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence evaluates all states against 12 criteria that measure how they are leveraging their budgeting, grantmaking and direct services authority to invest in what works and deliver better results for their residents faster.

Links:

• 2024 Results for America: https://2024state.results4america.org/
• Oregon State Legislature Key Performance Measures: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lfo/Pages/KPM
• Progress Report on SB267: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Reports
• Youth Development Division Report: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Reports

Kennewick, WA, November 18, 2024

Join Us for a Life-Saving Suicide Prevention Training Workshop!

WorkSource Columbia Basin and the Washington Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA) invite, you to participate in a vital Suicide Prevention Training workshop on Tuesday December 3rd, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at WorkSource Columbia Basin, 815 N. Kellogg St. Suite D, Kennewick, WA 99336.

The LEARN Saves Lives: Suicide Prevention Training equips attendees with essential skills to recognize the warning signs of suicide and take meaningful action to prevent it. Developed by Forefront Suicide Prevention, a Center of Excellence at the University of Washington, this workshop empowers individuals to identify, understand, and support those at risk.

Training Highlights:

· LEARN Model: Look for signs, Empathize and listen, Ask about suicide, Reduce the danger, and Next steps.

· Public Health Insight: Understand suicide as a public health issue, including common misconceptions and risk factors.

· Practical Steps: Learn how to connect with those struggling, reduce access to lethal means, and create safe environments.

· Interactive Scenarios: Practice the LEARN steps through interactive exercises, building confidence in handling difficult conversations about mental health.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the Public Health Issue of Suicide: Gain insights into why people consider suicide and common risk factors.

2. Identify and Support Someone at Risk: Recognize warning signs and offer support through empathetic listening and direct conversations.

3. Apply the LEARN Model: Gain practical experience in taking steps to reduce danger and connect individuals with appropriate resources.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to acquire life-saving skills and support your family, friends, and community. Reserve your spot now – seats are limited, so act fast!

For questions, please contact us!

Brandon Kapp

By phone: (360) 649-0926 By email: Brandon.Kapp@dva.wa.gov

Salem, Ore. – As winter storms and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages. Heavy snow, ice, and high winds can damage power lines and disrupt electricity, sometimes leading to extended outages. Weather conditions in specific geographies may also cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent or longer outages. 

Be Prepared in Advance 

Prepare your home and business in case a winter storm leads to a power outage: 

• Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, and other essentials needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. Learn more about what supplies to consider.  
• Register for a Medical Certificate – If you have a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps ensure your needs are met during an outage. 
• Update your contact information – Ensure your utility service provider has your current contact information to receive notifications. If uncertain which electric utility serves your area, visit Find Your Utility. 
• Charge your devices – Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car charger for phones and other electronic devices. 
• Plan for livestock and well water needs – Ensure you have a plan for providing water to livestock in case well pumps lose power. 
• Consider alternative power sources – If possible, invest in a backup generator or identify an alternative location to meet power needs. 
• Documentation back-up – Capture clear images of vital papers and send them to your email, organizing them in a dedicated folder for quick access during emergencies (passports, driver’s license, car title, rental agreements, insurance policies, property titles, wills or power of attorney documents). 

During a Power Outage 

• Avoid downed power lines – Stay away from downed lines and anything near them. Report them to your utility provider immediately. 
• Be cautious around crews – Give space to utility workers and emergency responders as they work to restore service and clear hazards. 
• Use emergency lighting – Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for light. Avoid candles or other open flames. 
• Reduce power surges – Turn off lights and unplug electric appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. Leave one light on to know when power is restored. 
• Use generators safely – Never operate a generator inside your home or garage, or near windows or vents, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn more about safe generator use. 
• Check on vulnerable neighbors – Offer assistance to elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who may require additional help. 
• Report outages – Call your electricity service provider to report an outage. Report non-emergency issues to your utility provider – Contact your electricity or utility company directly for outage reports or other non-urgent concerns to help keep 911 lines open for those in critical need. 
• Call 911 only for true emergencies – During major events like power outages or severe weather, 911 call centers (PSAPs) may experience high call volumes, which can delay emergency response times. 
• Invest in an emergency radio with AM/FM/SW and NOAA capabilities- Weather radios are available for under $40. Many models feature solar panels, hand-crank or battery backup, and double as flashlights and power banks for your cell phone. 

Natural Gas Tips 

• If you need to evacuate, there’s no need to shut off natural gas. 
• If natural gas appliances don’t work properly after electricity is restored, contact your gas service provider. 
• Do not turn on natural gas service yourself; always call your gas provider for assistance. 
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911. 

Stay Informed 

• Sign up for alerts – Contact your electricity provider to ensure your contact information is current and sign up for local emergency alerts through ORalert.gov. 
• Check road conditions – Before traveling, visit Trip Check for road closures and weather updates. 
• Call 211 for information on resources available in your community.

Winter storms can disrupt daily life, but with preparation and safety precautions, you can minimize their impact on your household and community. 

###

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.

November 20, 2024 

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, timothy.heider@oha.oregon.gov  

New data shows Behavioral Health Resource Networks are reaching more clients as Measure 110 changes begin to take effect 

SALEM, Ore.— Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) across the state continue to connect more substance users with services and treatment, according to the most recent quarterly report that ended June 30, 2024.

The newly reported data were collected after legislative reforms to Measure 110 were passed but have yet to be fully implemented. 

“BHRNs are helping Oregonians engage and stay in treatment,” said Measure 110 Executive Director Abbey Stamp. “Following legislative changes to Measure 110, it’s encouraging to see that providers, law enforcement and the communities are continuing to connect more substance users to care.”

Stamp started her role as the state’s Measure 110 program director October 15.  

Measure 110 established and funds BHRNs. The networks provide substance use disorder services in seven specified areas regardless of a client's ability to pay. There are BHRNs in all 36 Oregon counties, and more than one in some counties. 

The Oversight and Accountability Council, which governs Measure 110 funding, is presently considering a new round of grant applications for services that will begin on July 1, 2025.  

Each BHRN is responsive to its community’s needs by providing screening, assessments, treatment, peer support services, harm reduction, housing, and supported employment. 

The latest quarterly data shows several notable and evolving trends: 

• Since the establishment of BHRNs, client contact has increased steadily. Overall client encounters over the most recent quarter grew from 248,651 to 299,662 – a 20 percent increase.
• Supported employment, peer services and housing supports have more than tripled in the 21 months of operation.
• In the most recent quarter, capital expenditures have dropped to 10 percent compared to almost 50 percent during the first quarterly review period, from July through September 2022. The steady evolution from capital costs to service expenditures shows BHRN infrastructure is firmly established, and substance use disorder services continue to increase.

BHRN provider feedback showed the needs of communities across the state and endorsed the value of Measure 110 investments: 

• “We have seen many successes with our BHRN funding. Client outcomes are improving through the removal of barriers. Housing stability and employment services are the two main areas where we really see barrier removal making an impact. With fewer setbacks, individuals are able to focus on their treatment and make progress.”
• “The recruitment for hiring more community-based peer specialists has been challenging due to the high level of need in the community and staffing shortages. With the new employees, we once again work towards onboarding and stabilizing.”

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) maintains a comprehensive online dashboard that includes quarterly data, expenditures, key demographic information, and aggregated narrative summaries for the 42 service networks statewide.  

The dashboard contains a new feature summarizing community engagement work, a key component of Measure 110’s strategic data plan.

The work included collecting feedback from culturally specific providers to better understand their programs and how to improve evaluation measures.   

To learn more, visit OHA’s Measure 110 webpage.  

### 

Salem, Ore. – As winter storms and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages. Heavy snow, ice, and high winds can damage power lines and disrupt electricity, sometimes leading to extended outages. Weather conditions in specific geographies may also cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent or longer outages. 

Be Prepared in Advance 

Prepare your home and business in case a winter storm leads to a power outage: 

• Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, and other essentials needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. Learn more about what supplies to consider. 
• Register for a Medical Certificate – If you have a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps ensure your needs are met during an outage. 
• Update your contact information – Ensure your utility service provider has your current contact information to receive notifications. If uncertain about which electric utility serves your area, visit Find Your Utility. 
• Charge your devices – Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car charger for phones and other electronic devices. 
• Plan for livestock and well water needs – Ensure you have a plan for providing water to livestock in case well pumps lose power. 
• Consider alternative power sources – If possible, invest in a backup generator or identify an alternative location to meet power needs. 
• Documentation back-up – Capture clear images of vital papers and send them to your email, organizing them in a dedicated folder for quick access during emergencies (passports, drivers license, car title, rental agreements, insurance policies, property titles, wills or power of attorney documents). 

During a Power Outage 

• Avoid downed power lines – Stay away from downed lines and anything near them. Report them to your utility provider immediately. 
• Be cautious around crews – Give space to utility workers and emergency responders as they work to restore service and clear hazards. 
• Use emergency lighting – Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for light. Avoid candles or other open flames. 
• Reduce power surges – Turn off lights and unplug electric appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. Leave one light on to know when power is restored. 
• Use generators safely – Never operate a generator inside your home or garage, or near windows or vents, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn more about safe generator use. 
• Check on vulnerable neighbors – Offer assistance to elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who may require additional help. 
• Report outages – Call your electricity service provider to report an outage. Report non-emergency issues to your utility provider – Contact your electricity or utility company directly for outage reports or other non-urgent concerns to help keep 911 lines open for those in critical need. 
• Call 911 only for true emergencies – During major events like power outages or severe weather, 911 call centers (PSAPs) may experience high call volumes, which can delay emergency response times. 
• Invest in an emergency radio with AM/FM/SW and NOAA capabilities- Weather radios are available for under $40. Many models feature solar panels, hand-crank or battery backup, and double as flashlights and power banks for your cell phone. 

Natural Gas Tips 

• If you need to evacuate, there’s no need to shut off natural gas. 
• If natural gas appliances don’t work properly after electricity is restored, contact your gas service provider. 
• Do not turn on natural gas service yourself; always call your gas provider for assistance. 
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911. 

Stay Informed 

• Sign up for alerts – Contact your electricity provider to ensure your contact information is current and sign up for local emergency alerts through ORalert.gov. 
• Check road conditions – Before traveling, visit Trip Check for road closures and weather updates. 

Winter storms can disrupt daily life, but with preparation and safety precautions, you can minimize their impact on your household and community. 

#### 

The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc. 
 
It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times of crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. 

November 20, 2024

Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon Health Plan members, providers, advocates encouraged to share experiences at virtual town hall

Portland, Ore. – The Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) will host a virtual town hall Dec. 3 to hear about Oregon Health Plan (OHP) member successes, challenges and experiences with coordinated care organizations (CCOs). Stories shared at the town hall will inform the board’s recommendations about the CCO model to Oregon Health Authority and the Governor’s office.

OHPB is looking for stories from health care providers, caregivers, community-based organizations (CBOs) and OHP members. They are particularly interested to know more about CCO efforts regarding health care for children, care that goes beyond medical appointments to support social and environmental development (such as information about, or access to, air conditioning or housing programs), or behavioral health referrals or partnerships.

The town hall will take place online Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. People who wish to share during the meeting should register no later than 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 2. Anyone who wishes to share their experiences will have approximately three to five minutes to speak; timeframes may need be updated if there is an overwhelming number of participants. There will also be time at the January 7 OHPB meeting to provide feedback.

Stories can also be shared in writing only. Written submissions will be compiled and shared with OHPB members, then posted to the web site. People do not need to be present during the town hall to submit their stories via email.

OHPB will host a separate event in early 2025 for CCO staff to share their experiences. The December town hall is meant for OHP members, providers, CBOs, and members of the public.

If you have any questions or request assistance, please contact Suzanne Cross at oss@oha.oregon.gov">suzanne.l.cross@oha.oregon.gov or (541) 640-2994. Additional information is available on the OHPB web site or by subscribing to OHPB updates.

###

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that on November 7, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Taylor Jashaun Kendall, age 26, of Spokane, Washington, and Michael Tyriq Allen, age 26, of Gainesville, Georgia, with a dozen counts of fraud as part of a scheme to obtain COVID-19 relief funding. 

On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) program, offered forgivable loans to eligible small businesses in order to retain or rehire employees who lost their jobs, or were in danger of doing so, due to the pandemic.  Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which has not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington.

According to the indictment, between June 2020 and May 2021, Kendall and Allen fraudulently obtained at least $300,000 in CARES act funding through the EIDL and PPP programs. Both Kendall and Allen are former U.S. Airforce Airmen.  Kendall was an Airman stationed at Fairchild Airforce Base during the timeframe alleged in the Indictment. 

As alleged in the indictment, between June 18, 2020, and June 24, 2020, Kendall and Allen submitted three separate applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans using false and fraudulent information. In each of the applications, Kendall and Allen claimed their business was engaged in agriculture, had 10 employees, and monthly revenue of $4,625.00. Two of the three applications were approved, and Kendall and Allen allegedly received $20,000 in EIDL funds. 

The indictment alleges that in March 2021, Kendall and Allen submitted two separate applications for Payroll Protection Program loans using false and fraudulent information. Then in April 2021, Kendall and Allen, submitted a Second Draw PPP application. The indictment alleges all three PPP applications were approved and Kendall and Allan received more than $61,000 in PPP funds. 

The indictment further alleges that Kendall and Allan also submitted false and fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of other individuals using false information.  Individuals who received these funds then sent a portion of the money back to Kendall and Allen. In total, Kendall and Allen submitted fraudulent applications resulting in the disbursement of at least $80,000 in EIDL advances and $269,900 in PPP loan funds. 

Three other former Airmen have entered into criminal diversion agreements with the United States in relation to their participation in the scheme:  Julius Dixon (2:23-cr-00086), Roderick Smith (2:24-cr-00109), and Richard Rosales (2:23-cr-00118). 

“COVID-19 relief programs were designed to lift up our community during crisis. Due to the number of people and businesses that requested funding, some deserving small businesses did not receive critical funding to keep their doors open through the pandemic, which impacted their employees, their families, and our local economy.” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We created the COVID Fraud Strike Force to ensure that those who misused COVID-19 relief funding are held accountable and to protect the strength and safety of our vital small business community.”

The fraud charges against Kendall and Allen carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison. 

This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force, the Small Business Administration, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

2:24-cr-00154-TOR 

Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) and Densho are excited to announce a significant grant award from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) for Citizen(s) Yasui: Illuminating the Japanese American Experience through the Yasui Family Collections. This two-year collaborative digitization project will create over 17,000 digital files from the Yasui family papers, Yasui Brothers business records, and Yabe family papers collections preserved in OHS’s research library. 

This grant award is part of CLIR’s Digitizing Hidden Collections: Amplifying Unheard Voices program, designed to support efforts to digitize materials that deepen public understanding of the histories of people of color and other communities and populations whose work, experiences, and perspectives have been insufficiently recognized or unattended. Citizen(s) Yasui is one of 18 funded projects that, through archival digitization efforts, ensures that new generations can engage with and learn from the stories, contributions, and cultural heritage of underrepresented groups.

“Public discourse requires an honest and rigorous understanding of our past; it is imperative that we expand access to these vital materials to foster scholarship and enrich our collective knowledge,” said CLIR president Charles Henry noted in a press release announcing the grant awardees. 

Building on the successes of recent projects highlighting and translating a selection of Japanese language materials, Citizen(s) Yasui will cover a much larger sample of these historically significant collection materials. Rare among archival collections in size and content, these three collections document early twentieth century immigration, business, farming, family, and community life in Oregon; Japanese American incarceration and separation during World War II; the work of later generations to rebuild in post-WWII America; and decades of activism to acknowledge incarceration and seek justice.

This project will enable free online access to these primary source materials documenting the Japanese American experience through OHS Digital Collections (digitalcollections.ohs.org), Densho Digital Repository (ddr.densho.org), and the Digital Public Library of America (dp.la). 

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of photographs, books, maps, manuscript materials, films, oral histories, objects, and belongings. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history available to all. We preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to everyone in ways that advance knowledge and inspire curiosity about all the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon. 

About Densho

Densho is a nonprofit organization started in 1996, with the initial goal of documenting oral histories from Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II. This evolved into a mission to educate, preserve, collaborate, and inspire action for equity. Densho uses digital technology to preserve and make accessible primary source materials on the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans and presents these materials and related resources for their historic value and as a means of exploring issues of democracy, intolerance, wartime hysteria, civil rights and the responsibilities of citizenship in our increasingly global society. 

With changes in the national economic outlook, Oregon is moving toward a soft landing.

Salem, OR – Carl Riccadonna, state chief economist at the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and head of the Office of Economic Analysis (OEA), presented the latest revenue forecast to a joint meeting of the Oregon Legislative Revenue Committees. The quarterly revenue forecasts serve to open the revenue forecasting process to public review and is the basis for much of the Oregon state government budgeting process. 

The Office of Economic Analysis provides quarterly forecasts for the State of Oregon’s major revenue sources, including all sources contributing to the General Fund (Personal and Corporate Income Tax, etc.), Lottery and the Corporate Activity Tax. In May of odd years, OEA’s revenue forecast establishes the resource levels for the next biennium’s adopted budget.

What is different about this forecast?

The revenue forecast presented in today’s committee begins with a modified analytical approach. Carl Riccadonna and his team reviewed the methodology and outcomes of the revenue forecast over several recent biennia to identify potential sources of error. The past forecasts ultimately deviated significantly from actual tax collections, as shown in figure 1. 

The Nov. 20 forecast reflects methodological adjustments that result in immediate increases to the forecast. The reason for these methodology changes is because the historic forecast errors have increased in magnitude and shown a persistent bias since 2009. OEA’s adjustments are expected to address these issues. 

The Office of Economic Analysis has made two main adjustments:

1. Reconstruction of the Personal Income Tax model to reflect true tax liability and collections. As part of this change, modeling of the kicker impact was more intrinsically incorporated into the model. This will eliminate a false signal of weakness in current tax year collections 
2. Tighter alignment between the Oregon revenue forecast assumptions and the larger, national economic trends.

The intent of these changes is to reduce future forecast error and align income tax forecasts with economic assumptions. 

The results

The December revenue forecast projects the 2023-25 General Fund ending balance to be $2.79 billion, with revenues increasing by $945 million since the September forecast. 

In the 2025-27 biennium, General Fund available resources are forecast to increase by $2.27 billion, and revenues increasing by $1.3 billion from the September forecast. This results in a total of $37.8 billion projected available resources. 

About the Office of Economic Analysis

The state chief economist oversees the Office of Economic Analysis within the Department of Administrative Services and provides objective forecasts of the state’s economy, revenue, populations, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used across state government, and by the public for a variety of reasons, notably to inform the state budgeting process. For more information about the Office of Economic Analysis and recent forecasts visit https://www.oregon.gov/das/oea/pages/index.aspx. 

###

LYONS, Ore.—The four-year effort by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to reforest the Santiam State Forest after the 2020 wildfires hit an important milestone this month when the last of more than 2.3 million trees were planted. 

“This was a huge, challenging, and long-term project for ODF,” said John Walter, ODF’s State Forests Silviculturist. “We planted about ten times what we normally would in that time, with no additional staff being hired. The replanting was in steep, rocky, and difficult terrain along with high-altitude snowy conditions for much of the prime planting season. These safety concerns limited the time crews could plant the seedlings. Additionally, we did not have the budget to purchase that number of trees for the 5,600 acres that were scorched in the state forest from those 2020 fires. Even with all those hurdles, the ODF team worked together to make this happen quickly and effectively.” 

And those were just the challenges of replanting, to get to the areas that needed to be reforested, more than 200 miles of roads had to be repaired; and burnt, dangerous trees along those roads had to be removed so crews could safely get to the areas. 

The fastest and most cost-effective way to remove the dead trees and get the roads fixed was through special salvage logging timber sales. 

“This was a gigantic work effort,” said Kyle Kaupp, Santiam Unit Forester for ODF’s North Cascade District. “We typically have a team of one unit manager and five foresters to set up our four-to-six sales for the year. In 2021, we had foresters come in from every district with State Forest ownership to help set up 18 salvage sales, develop road repair contracts, assist with reforestation, and help us through the planning process.” 

Speed is critical for after fire timber salvage sales since the standing timber is only good for about three years before it is unusable. 

“We had advertised timber volume of 50.5 million board feet for the sales which gave us net receivables of roughly $20.25 million,” said Kaupp.   

This revenue would not have been recovered if not for the quick actions of the ODF team. The revenue from all state forests sales is split with approximately two thirds going to the county where the timber was harvested and one third going to ODF to manage state forests. 

“Clackamas, Marion, and Linn counties all received more than typical years of regular harvests. The additional revenue was timely in that it helped the counties in their already monumental efforts to recover from those 2020 fires,” said Kaupp. 

To access the sales areas and to get the salvaged timber out the roads needed to be inspected and repaired. “Many of our smaller road culverts, typically18-inches, are made from plastic and some of these melted from the intense heat of the wildfires,” said Kaupp. “If you don’t evaluate and replace the damaged ones you could get dangerous sinkholes in your roads. The roads are also critical to get to future wildfire starts to put them out quickly and to minimize future losses from fires.” 

As the salvage logging was underway and roads repaired and improved, tree planting was taking place. However, there was still the challenge of paying for seedlings and crews to plant them. 

“We received more than $1million from the non-profit American Forests,” said Walter. “All that funding went toward seedlings costs—we typically plant 360 seedlings per acre and then go back and replant if we do not have at least 200 trees per acre survive.” 

Because of the rough terrain and lack of roads in some areas of the state forest the department also used a helicopter to aerial seed some nearly inaccessible parts of the forest.  

“The challenge with that method is determining how effective your efforts are after a few years since those small seedlings can’t be seen through the other vegetation from our typical aerial surveys,” said Walter. “Our small on the ground sampling in areas we could get to saw a good survival rate considering the conditions.” 

State forests are not just managed for economic benefits, but a concept called greatest permanent value. This takes into account economic, environmental, and social benefits to all Oregonians.  

The social value of the Santiam was greatly reduced right after the fire as most trails and recreation areas were closed due to those dangerous hazard trees and road safety concerns.   

“At the popular Shellburg Falls recreation area bridges, wooden steps and other infrastructure and the trees around the falls were wiped out by the fires,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Manager for State Forests. “For the safety of our staff, we had to wait for the salvage logging and road repairs to finish before beginning work on recreation restoration projects.” 

Once again there were no additional personnel or funding to get recreation sites useable again. 

“We relied heavily on volunteer groups and adults in custody work crews from the Department of Corrections to rebuild and realign trails and build new structures,” said Offer.  

Thanks to those cooperative efforts, the popular Butte Creek Falls and Shellburg Falls recreation areas opened this year providing access into some of the forest’s most loved facilities and trails. 

“The only areas that are still closed for safety reasons are the Sardine Creek and Rhody Lake areas. However, we’re working diligently to open both in the near future,” said Offer. 

On the environmental side the 2020 burns impacted wildlife and their habitat. 

“Many people do not realize that the landscape after a wildfire is not a monolithic black completely burned area,” said Mike Davis, state forests Wildlife Biologist. “It’s more of a patchwork type of landscape depending on the severity of the fire in each area. There might be completely a burned area, then a small stand of healthy trees that survived, then trees that look alive but die in a few years.” 

In the middle of that patchwork the biologists were excited to see the first northern spotted owl in the area since 2020. The spotted owl is a threatened species the department monitors throughout all the state forests in western Oregon and Sun Pass State Forest in eastern Oregon. 

“We first saw the owl in 2023 and worked with our contract surveyors to capture and put leg bands on the female owl. It was found again this year but doesn’t appear to be nesting,” said Davis.   

Nearly half of the Santiam was burned by the fires including critical habitat areas for owls.  

“We were excited to see the owl make a return—even if only one. Our hope is it will find a mate and nest next year,” said Davis. 

Under the future state forests habitat conservation plan (HCP) the department is in the process of applying for with federal agencies to ensure both continued timber harvest and protection of threatened and endangered species for the next 70 years, the Santiam will provide a unique research opportunity. 

As part of the HCP, the department will develop and manage habitat conservation areas (HCAs) to maintain and improve habitats of key fish and wildlife species. 

“We'll be implementing landscape-level passive acoustic monitoring to document changes in northern spotted owl use throughout our habitat conservation areas on Santiam State Forest,” said Vanessa Petro, state forests Lead Wildlife Biologist.   

This process uses remote recording devices to capture wildlife vocalizations to more accurately determine what species are in an area. 

“Conducting this type of survey in the Santiam will allow us to document differences in spotted owl occupancy relative to the burn severity patterns within the Beachie Creek fire perimeter. It will also help us better understand how wildlife species are responding to habitat treatments such as thinning that will accelerate the development of late-seral forest characteristics we desire in the HCAs such as large diameter snags and down wood, in addition to a multi-layered forest canopy.  

Another species ODF will be studying is the Oregon slender salamander, which is a federal species of concern found only in the Cascade Range in Oregon. 

“We will also be conducting Oregon slender salamander surveys to better understand their distribution and occurrence on the Santiam,” said Petro “Our long-term monitoring will provide us a better understanding on how their occupancy and abundance is influenced by existing habitat conditions and our forest management activities.” 

Wildfires like the ones in 2020 fueled by strong East winds can move very fast and inflict their damage in a few hours; however, recovery can take years. 

“I want to thank all the staff, volunteers, contractors, partners and community members for their hard work and patience while we worked to restore their forest these last four years,” said Mike Wilson, ODF’s State Forest Division Chief. “This replanting is an important milestone, but we still have more work to do to make sure the Santiam State Forest recovers and remains accessible to all Oregonians.” 

Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced the creation of a new, interagency Environmental Task Force to protect public health and safety, to ensure that everyone enjoys equal protection from environmental and health hazards, and to combat criminal conspiracies that attempt to profit from pollution.   

“Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws supports a thriving community for all families,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Environmental and financial crimes are often linked, when individuals and businesses seek to profit by evading laws designed to protect our air, water, and land,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Our Environmental Task Force brings key stakeholders together to focus on enforcement that matters the most to our community.” 

On March 28, 2024, U.S. Attorney Waldref and her team, working with law enforcement agencies as well as federal, state, and local partners launched the Environmental Task Force. The Task Force leverages partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies to effectively investigate and prosecute environmental crimes and cases that impact our public health and safety. The Task Force consists of agency representatives from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s Environmental Protection Unit,  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, EPA Office of the Inspector General (OIG), EPA Region 10, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce OIG, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) OIG, Department of Energy (DOE) OIG, Washington State Department of Ecology, U.S. Department of the Interior OIG, U.S. Forest Service, United States Park Police, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), IRS-Criminal Investigations, Spokane Clean Air Agency, the Benton Clean Air Agency, and others. 

“I am grateful for the large number of federal, state, and local partners that have joined with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the critical mission of securing public health and environmental protection for all communities,” continued U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Working together, we can protect our natural resources to ensure a healthy, high quality of life and make our region safe and strong.” 

Significant environmental protection cases filed or pending in the Eastern District of Washington include: 

• In November 2024, four business owners and five companies were federally indicted for smuggling and illegally importing tens of millions of dollars in emission defeat devices from Canada into Eastern Washington. As alleged in the indictment, these illegal devices were sold and distributed to customers throughout the United States, resulting in defendants receiving more than 74 million dollars in revenue through their online sales.

• In October 2024, a Florida business owner, who created and sold illegal software designed to defeat and disable emission controls on diesel trucks, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act. 

• In October 2024, the Department of Justice filed a complaint against a utility company to recover response costs and damages for destroying cultural resources, including archaeological features and Tribal artifacts, when replacing a power pole in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. United States v. Avista Corporation, 2:24-cv-00358.

• In June 2024, the Department of Justice and EPA filed a lawsuit under the Safe Drinking Water Act against several Lower Yakima Valley dairies for manure practices that endanger neighboring residents who rely on private wells for drinking water. The complaint and July 2024 motion for preliminary injunction alleges the dairies failed to adequately control nitrate contamination from their operations. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can be harmful, especially for infants, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions. The injunctive relief was sought to immediately protect downgradient community members with nitrate contaminated well water by requiring the dairies to test the wells and provide alternative drinking water.

• In May 2024, two men and their companies were indicted for a scheme to tamper with pollution control systems in violation of the Clean Air Act. 

• In January 2024, the United States filed a complaint in federal district court alleging a government contractor, responsible for fire protection at the Hanford site, was involved in fraudulent overcharging and failed to complete critical fire protection work necessary to protect the public, workers at the site, and the environment from fire hazards. 

• In June 2023, a business-owner was sentenced for criminal violations of the Clean Air Act in connection with improper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing material, and for lying to federal and state regulators, resulting in potential exposure to workers and the public.

• In September 2022, a Grand Jury indicted a Yakima-area juice manufacturing company and its owner for violating FDA regulations that resulted in improper levels of arsenic, patulin, and other environmental and health hazards into fruit juice sold to school lunch programs.   

As part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office commitment to effective and responsive environmental enforcement, U.S. Attorney Waldref frequently speaks to community leaders and members about pressing public health and safety concerns in Eastern Washington.

In February of 2024, the Office held an Environmental Justice listening session in Spokane with community leaders engaged in conservation, public health and environmental remediation work. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Network and Gonzaga University’s Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment shared information about accessing funding to support environmental protection. Members of the community highlighted concerns and priority areas to ensure compliance and enforcement to protect the environment and the health and safety of our residents.

In April of 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office; Gonzaga University’s Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment; and the Gonzaga Law School; celebrated the anniversary of Expo ’74 by co-hosting a conference that included panels focusing on protecting the Spokane River and environmental enforcement. Tribal leaders, community advocates, and state and federal enforcement authorities, discussed how to work together more effectively to prioritize public health and safety. 

“I am proud to raise my family in a place where we enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate the beauty of our mountains, trees, lakes, and rivers. Indigenous people first lived on these lands, cultivating these resources for future generations,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We work closely with Tribal leaders and law enforcement to protect Tribal Homelands from harm and criminal conduct.”

In June of 2024, U.S Attorney Waldref took part in the Lands Council Legislative Summit. In her remarks, U.S. Attorney Waldref spoke about the successes in environmental protection in the 50 years since Expo ’74, as well as the ongoing environmental challenges facing the region and the Environmental Task Force’s coordinated efforts to keep our community healthy and safe. 

In August of 2024, the Environmental Task Force held a meeting in Spokane to discuss ongoing environmental protection efforts and developed plans to increase and improve collaboration to support cleaner and healthier air quality.

Since 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref has chaired the Environmental Justice & Environmental Issues Subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, where she provides critical insight to Department of Justice leadership on the prosecution and litigation of environmental and public health matters throughout the United States. In this role, she has been a leader in training Department of Justice attorneys to identify the nexus between financial and environmental crimes and violations and hold companies accountable who seek to profit from pollution and evade laws designed to protect vulnerable members of the community. U.S. Attorney Waldref and her team are committed to protecting and improving the public’s well-being, health, and safety, now and into the future. 

Community members who have environmental concerns can share with them with the U.S. Attorney’s Office by emailing oment@usdoj.gov">USAWAE.Enviroment@usdoj.gov. To submit a concern by telephone, please call (509) 835-6306. 

A press conference detailing announcement can be viewed here. 

SALEM, OR – November 19, 2024 – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all Oregonians to participate in shaping the future of emergency management across the state. On February 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., OEM is hosting its second annual town hall where community members and partners from all backgrounds can provide input and feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan and the OEM Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan.

The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for OEM’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and building resilience within Oregon’s communities. The IDEA plan guides emergency management practices that address the needs of all communities, fostering equitable outcomes and inclusive resilience statewide.  Feedback from this town hall will help guide OEM’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness, response and recovery in ways that serve every community across the state—before, during and after a disaster.

The town hall is open to everyone, and no prior emergency management experience is required. Closed captioning will be available, and a video and audio transcript of the event will be accessible upon request after the event.

Event Details:

Event: Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s second annual strategic planning and IDEA town hall
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting will be virtual; link will be sent as event nears.  

Your feedback is critical in helping OEM serve Oregon’s diverse communities better and to foster an inclusive approach to emergency preparedness and resilience. We look forward to hearing from you at this important event.

For more information or questions, please contact Bobbi McAllister at obbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov">bobbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov. 

PR 22-24

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 
CONTACT: Maryam Habibi, BPA, 503-230-4413

BPA selects Chris Wilk as chief information officer

Wilk will take over the role and join BPA’s executive team on Dec. 1, 2024 

Portland, Oregon – The Bonneville Power Administration has named Chris Wilk as its chief information officer and executive vice president of Information Technology. Wilk will take over the role on Dec. 1. 

Wilk comes to BPA from the Southeastern Power Administration, where he served as CIO for three years. He also served as BPA's acting CIO during the first half of 2024. 

“Chris brings to BPA a depth of experience in civil service, industry and the military that gives him a uniquely well-rounded perspective and the ability to create connections, collaborate and build coalitions across diverse groups at all levels," said Chief Administrative Officer Robin Furrer. 

The CIO and executive vice president of Information Technology is responsible for developing and supporting BPA-wide technology systems and providing governance and planning to meet BPA's mission and objectives. In this position, Wilk will have overall responsibility, oversight, direction and accountability for BPA information and operational technology-related programs.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado, Wilk was commissioned through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. While on active duty, he served with the storied 10th Mountain Division as part of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as with the 15th Signal Brigade and U. S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence. 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as BPA's chief information officer," said Wilk. “Technology is a key partner and enabler, supporting nearly all aspects of our agency's mission. I look forward to working with BPA’s workforce as we help move the agency forward during a time of critical transformation."

You can read more about Wilk’s qualifications and responsibilities in BPA’s newsroom. 

About BPA: BPA is a federal non-profit power marketing administration that delivers reliable, affordable and carbon-free hydropower produced in the Columbia River Basin to communities across the Northwest. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage transmission lines and administers one of the largest, most comprehensive fish and wildlife conservation programs in the United States. More information about these and other activities is available on our Media Relations page.

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SALEM, Oregon — Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comments on proposed general park area rule updates that refine definitions, reflect agency practice, make rules easier to understand and provide more flexibility when possible.

Park area rules help guide public use of park properties and cover everything from the use of motor vehicles, bicycles and boats to day use and campground use. Proposed changes would address issues that staff face as visitation grows, make rules and penalties clearer and provide more flexibility for public services.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed updates now through 5 p.m. Jan. 17, 2025: 

• Submit comments online on the rules webpage 
• Attend a public hearing Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 PM
  • Registration required to provide public comment: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V89ta-sURvamrsaBaOnz0g
  • Watch the hearing: https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams

Two internal workgroups developed the proposed updates. The last group reviewed the rules with an inclusionary lens and sought external feedback to help remove possible barriers to park use. 

A Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) met three times last summer to suggest changes to the proposed rule updates developed by the two internal workgroups. RAC Members included mental health practitioners, representatives from the disability community, equestrian community and diversity and environmental conservationists. The committee included diverse stakeholders who currently use state parks and those who have faced barriers. Those meetings are posted online at https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams

One proposed update creates a clearer definition of the overnight campground stay limit. Currently, visitors can stay no more than 14 consecutive days in a 17-day period. This definition has caused confusion for visitors and staff. The proposed update defines the stay limit as no more than 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period to match most national parks. Another update includes language about traditional use for members of a federally recognized Oregon tribe. 

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

WHAT: On Thursday, November 21 the Coquille Indian Tribe is hosting state legislators and other leaders as the Oregon Department of Human Services' Office of Resilience and Emergency Management conducts an emergency preparedness exercise and installs evacuation assembly point (EAP) equipment.

Members of the media are invited to tour the EAP equipment and attend a news conference. 

WHERE: Coquille Indian Tribe Plank House. Media parking at 1050 Plankhouse Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420.

WHEN: Thursday, November 21, 2024

• Members of the media may come and go anytime 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Key events:
  • 12:45 p.m. news conference
  • Speakers from the Coquille Indian Tribe, Oregon Legislature, Oregon Department of Human Services
  • 1:15 p.m. mass care demonstrations: 
    • United States Coast Guard demonstrating medical extraction and search and rescue.
    • CERFP demonstrating mass care triage capability.
    • Scappoose Fire demonstrating an unmanned aircraft system (aka drone).
  • 2:30 p.m. demonstrations end
• Video and still images of the exercise will be sent to media by 3:00 p.m. on November 21.

WHO: Leaders from the Coquille Indian Tribe, State legislators and leaders from Coos County and the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management

WHY: The Coquille Indian Tribe agreed to host the EAP supplies provided by OREM. The supplies are housed in metal shipping containers that store food, water, tents and medical supplies to support 100 people at the evacuation assembly point (EAP) for two weeks in the event of an emergency. Evacuation assembly points are short-term locations for people to gather while emergency responders work to access the impacted area, and stage people for evacuation. 

This is the third set of EAP equipment that OREM has placed on the Oregon Coast. Others are located at the Tillamook Municipal Airport and Newport Airport. These are pre-planned locations for people to be transported out of the immediate disaster area.

OREM is the lead state agency for mass care (e.g., shelter, food and water). Along with partners like the Coquille Indian Tribe, OREM has staged these supplies in coastal communities because they will be isolated from responders in the immediate aftermath of the Cascadia earthquake. 

HOW: For interviews or additional information please contact: 

• Sara Campos, ODHS OREM Public Information Officer, 971-208-1947 a.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov">sara.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov
• Tim Novotny, Coquille Indian Tribe Communications Director, 541-751-7491 timnovotny@coquilletribe.org

The City of Richland would like to inform the community of an upcoming power outage related to the Dallas Road & Trowbridge Blvd. roundabout project. Starting at 8:00 p.m. on November 19th, 2024, contractor crews, with support from City staff, will be performing a power conduit crossing in the area.

During this time, businesses in the vicinity of Dallas Rd. and Trowbridge Blvd. will experience a temporary power outage of approximately 10 hours. Please note that residential homes will not be impacted by this outage.

The City appreciates the patience and understanding of those affected as this essential work is carried out. The project is part of the ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and safety in the area.

For further updates or information, please visit the City of Richland's website or contact the Public Works Department at (509) 942-7500.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Robert Gary Gammell, died November 11, 2024. Gammell was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Gammell entered DOC custody on July 7, 2020, from Marion County with an earliest release date of November 3, 2028. Gammell was 68 years old. 

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

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

Please note - the delay in public notification is due to a technical difficulty with the messaging platform DOC uses.

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The City of Richland is notifying residents and commuters of upcoming signal modification night work at the intersection of Queensgate Drive and Keene Road, starting at 8:00 p.m. on the evening of November 19, 2024.

As part of the signal modification for the Queensgate Drive extension, which is associated with Phase 1 of the Terraces at Queensgate project, all legs of the Queensgate Drive & Keene Road intersection will be reduced to one lane and flagged. 

This work is expected to continue overnight and may cause temporary disruptions to traffic flow. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when approaching the intersection, follow flagger instructions, and expect delays. The work is expected to be completed prior to the morning commute on November 20, 2024. 

The City of Richland appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this important phase of construction. The improvements are part of the ongoing development of the Queensgate Drive extension, which will enhance traffic flow and accessibility for the growing area.

For more information on the project or updates on the traffic impact, please visit the City of Richland's website at www.ci.richland.wa.us or follow the City’s social media channels.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power Foundation announces new grants to organizations focused on community enhancement and the environment

PORTLAND, Ore. (Nov 18) — Community-serving organizations in Oregon, Washington and California transform hope into action every day by showing up to care for their neighbors and the environment. The Pacific Power Foundation is supporting this important work with a new round of grants to local organizations that are committed to fostering resilient cities, towns and natural areas in our region.

The foundation is donating a total of $175,000 in grants across the three states to underwrite a diverse range of programs and projects, from affordable housing access, job training and rural economic development to ecosystem preservation, trail restoration and nature-based education.

“These organizations lift up our communities and protect our natural surroundings for future generations,” said Ryan Flynn, director of the Pacific Power Foundation and president of Pacific Power. “It is an honor to support their inspiring work and help build communities where everyone can flourish.”

This round of grants, focused on community enhancement and environmental respect, is one of four grant cycles offered by the foundation annually. A total of 63 grants were given to local Oregon, Washington and California organizations. Sample grants include:

Washington-based Organizations: 

Columbia County Washington

Washington Water Trust

Zillah Scouts BSA 555

Canyon Blooms Petals for Patients

Yakima Greenway Foundation

Yakima Valley College

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About the Pacific Power Foundation: 

The PacifiCorp Foundation, doing business as the Pacific Power Foundation in Oregon, Washington and California, is one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an energy company that serves over 2 million customers across a diverse six-state region in the West as Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California) and Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power. Since it started in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $77 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit PacificPower.net/Foundation.

Lake Oswego, Ore. – The Hospital Association of Oregon Board of Trustees has elected Joe Ness, interim executive vice president and interim CEO of OHSU Health, and Tom Gessel, president and CEO of Asante, to serve as member trustees on the board of trustees. Both were elected to fill vacancies on the board.  

“We are excited to have these two outstanding leaders join the board,” said Hospital Association of Oregon President and CEO Becky Hultberg. “Both Joe and Tom have spent their careers improving the health care system, and each brings a wealth of leadership experience. They will make great additions to the board at this critical time for hospitals and the communities they serve.” 

Since 2018, Ness has also been a senior vice president and the chief operating officer at OHSU Health, where he has executive leadership responsibilities for OHSU Healthcare (OHSU Hospital and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital), including professional and support services, perioperative services, Knight Cancer Institute’s clinical oncology services, organ procurement organization, and major capital construction initiatives. Ness earned a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Washington.  

Gessel joined Asante in 2023 and serves as president and CEO.  He brings 25 years of executive experience, with 20 years at the president and CEO level. Gessel previously served as group president for a 20-hospital system in Colorado and has led a variety of hospitals throughout his career. He holds a master’s degree in health administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.  

About the Hospital Association of Oregon 
Founded in 1934, the Hospital Association of Oregon is a mission-driven, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon’s 61 community hospitals. Together, hospitals are the sixth largest private employer statewide, employing more than 70,000 employees. Committed to fostering a stronger, safer, more equitable Oregon where all people have access to the care they need, the hospital association provides services to Oregon’s hospitals ensuring all are able to deliver dependable, comprehensive health care to their communities; educates government officials and the public on the state’s health landscape and works collaboratively with policymakers, community based organizations and the health care community to build consensus on and advance health care policy benefiting the state’s four million residents.   

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will once again offer free day-use parking the day after Thanksgiving to encourage Oregonians to enjoy the outdoors.

Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 29 this year, has become a tradition for many families. State parks will waive day-use parking fees in the 23 parks that are open and charge for parking. (Fall Creek and Nehalem Bay charge for parking but are closed.)

“We’re excited to continue this tradition and offer everyone the opportunity to get outside and explore,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. 

Parking is free year-round at almost all of Oregon’s approximately 250 state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge for parking. The current $5 daily fee is going up to $10 starting Jan. 2, 2025, but the prices for 12-month and 24-month permits are staying the same at $30 and $50, respectively. Learn more about the increasing fees on our website. 

The parks that charge parking fees include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. A complete list of the 25 parks that require day-use parking permits is available online.

The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 29, except at Shore Acres State Park where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. 

Use #OregonStateParks and #GreenFriday on social media to share your adventures. 

The day after Thanksgiving is one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day and Oregon State Parks Day the first Saturday in June, which also includes free camping. 

# # #

Spokane, Washington - On November 14, 2024, United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Antonio Feliciano Crawford, age 55, of Mead, Washington, to 45 months in federal prison on charges of bank fraud. Judge Rice also imposed 5 years of supervised release, restitution of $203,347.08, and forfeiture of $173,329.00 in cash seized during a search of Crawford’s home, and $13,642.00 in cash Crawford provided in lieu of forfeiture of his vehicle.

On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) program, offered forgivable loans to eligible small businesses in order to retain or rehire employees who lost their jobs, or were in danger of doing so, due to the pandemic.  Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which has not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington. 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Crawford filed false and fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications during 2020 and 2021 on behalf of four companies purportedly owned and operated by Crawford: Tann LLC, Crawford Entertainment, A&M Personal Training LLC, and a sole proprietorship doing business as “Antonio Crawford.”  Crawford submitted false and fraudulent information and documentation, including fraudulent and fictitious purported tax returns for the companies, in order to obtain for himself at least $186,971 in PPP and EIDL funding for which he was not eligible.

Crawford also facilitated the submission of false and fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications for numerous other individuals as well.  During a search of Crawford’s home, law enforcement seized a laptop that contained falsified tax documentation and applications for other persons. Investigation of those fraudulent documents identified an additional twenty-four PPP and EIDL payments, totaling $565,808.33.  Investigators also identified over $20,000 in payments those individuals made to Crawford following receipt of the funds.  In total, Crawford caused a loss of over $750,000 to the PPP and EIDL programs. 

“Fighting fraud strengthens our communities by protecting our small and local businesses and hard-working people who play by the rules. Mr. Crawford took advantage of programs designed to help businesses struggling during a global pandemic and used the funds to enrich himself and others,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref.  “My office has built strong relationships with our law enforcement partners through our COVID Fraud Strike Force to vigorously prosecute those who abuse and misuse pandemic relief funding.”

“When our nation and many employers were at their most desperate, Mr. Crawford defrauded those programs providing a lifeline to struggling businesses,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest.  “HSI will always work with our partners to prevent these types of schemes, safeguard our communities, and ensure relief funds never end up in the hands of criminals.”

In February 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) began working with federal law enforcement agencies to create and launch a COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force that would leverage partnerships between different agencies to aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud against COVID-19 relief programs in Eastern Washington. The Strike Force consists of agency representatives from the USAO, Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG, General Services Administration OIG, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) OIG, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Energy OIG, Department of Labor (DOL), and others.

This case was investigated by the HSI Spokane Field Office, TIGTA, SBA OIG, DOL, and the Department of Homeland Security OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Devin C. Curda.

2:24-CR-00010-TOR

Kennewick, WA, November 18, 2024

Make a Difference – Be the Difference! 

Join us for an Open House event at WorkSource Columbia Basin on Wednesday November 27th, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., and start your career at Two River Correctional Institution (TRCI). We are hiring several Correctional Officers and want you to be one of them!

Apply and chat with our staff. The recruitment team will be available to discuss the hiring process and assist with the online application process. Applicants will be provided with a voucher code to cover the NTN reactive test.

What you need

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment • High School Diploma or GED • U.S. Citizen or obtain within 1 yr. • Pass a criminal background check, health screening, drug screening and psychological evaluation

What to bring

• A valid photo ID

What you get

• $5,139/month • Health insurance • Paid holidays and leave • Retirement plan

This is an in-person event at WorkSource Columbia Basin – 815 N. Kellogg, Ste D, Kennewick, WA, 99336.

Questions about the event? Contact Officer Espinoza at 541-922-6161 or email maria.d.espinoza@doc.oregon.gov

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Cherie “Rene” Stewart, age 16, a child who went missing from Portland, Oregon on Nov. 2. ODHS believes that she may be at risk and is searching for her to assess her safety.

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

Rene is known to frequent the Northeast Portland area as well as the neighborhood of SW 19th Avenue and SW Davis Street in Portland. She may attempt to travel to Vancouver, Washington. It is possible that Rene is traveling with her mother Rebekah Blackburn.

Name: Cherie Rene Stewart (prefers Rene)
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Feb. 20, 2008
Height: 5-foot-1
Weight: 90 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Blue
Other identifying information: Prefers to go by “Rene,” and has recently shaved her head. 
Oregon Health & Science University Police Case #24-21392

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

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Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

Nov. 14, 2024

Media Contact: Delia Hernández                          

equests@hcs.oregon.gov">HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov 

Correction: Family Faith and Relationship Advocates (FARA), not the Phoenix School of Roseburg, was chosen to receive Youth Emergency Housing Assistance program funding.

OHCS invests $5 million to help youth experiencing homelessness in rural Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is investing $5 million to combat rural homelessness through the Youth Emergency Housing Assistance Program (YEHA). The $5 million will be disbursed to five different organizations in Coos, Klamath, Lincoln, Douglas, and Josephine Counties that help youth and their families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

“We are committed to ensuring every young person in Oregon has a safe place to call home,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “By investing in real solutions to address youth homelessness, we aim to bridge the funding and service gaps that rural communities often face. This investment will help create sustainable pathways to housing stability and increase opportunities for our youth to thrive.”

The YEHA project team analyzed data from both Oregon’s Emergency Homelessness Response and the Department of Education to identify which communities had the highest rate of youth experiencing homelessness to ensure these funds make the biggest possible impact. The YEHA project team chose the Coos County Office of Homelessness Response, Integral Youth Services in Klamath County, the Lincoln County Housing Authority, Family Faith and Relationship Advocates (FARA) in Douglas County, and the Maslow Project in Josephine County to receive funding.

"This funding will empower us to expand our outreach, enhance our support services, and build sustainable solutions for the unique challenges faced by our Josephine County community,” said Maslow Project Founder and Executive Director Mary Ferrell. “It’s a vital step toward ensuring that youth and families in our county can access safe and stable housing. We know that when stabilized, youth are far more likely to finish high school, improve their long-term outcomes, and end the cycle of homelessness.”

YEHA aims to provide housing-focused services to school-age children and their families to enhance family stability and school success. The organizations in these counties will establish and promote intentional collaboration between schools and housing providers to extend a reliable family support network and optimize the funding’s impact. These resources will help cover expenses such as rent, utilities, work and educational support, moving costs, transportation, furniture, household goods, and more.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Nov. 15, 2024

Media Contact:   
Rebeka Gipson-King
Communications@employ.oregon.gov 
 

Oregon Employment Department announces 
2025 rates for Unemployment Insurance 
and Paid Leave Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — Today, the Oregon Employment Department announced the 2025 contribution rate for Paid Leave Oregon and 2025 tax rate for Unemployment Insurance. The department is mailing each employer their annual notice of the new rates. 

2025 Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate 

The department uses a statutory formula to establish the annual tax rate for subject employers. Most Oregon employers pay taxes that go into the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund in Oregon, which is the source of Unemployment Insurance benefits for Oregon workers. Workers do not contribute to this fund or to their unemployment benefits. 

As a self-balancing fund, Oregon’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund was stable through the pandemic and remains one of the healthiest in the country. The trust fund balance also earns interest, which helps keep employers’ tax rates lower. The goal of the statutory formula is to reach a balance between revenue and expenditures, where the state takes in about the same amount of money in taxes as it pays out in Unemployment Insurance benefits. 

Oregon will remain in Tax Schedule 3 for 2025. For all subject employers, the taxable wage base will rise from $52,800 per employee for 2024 to $54,300 for the 2025 calendar year.

For new employers (those with less than 12 months of experience), the Unemployment Insurance payroll tax rate will remain at 2.4% for 2025. 

In addition to the tax rate schedule, federal law requires states to use experience ratings to calculate individual tax rates for subject employers with more than 12 months of experience. At a high level, experience ratings are based on how much a business’s employees access Unemployment Insurance benefits. 

In 2021, the Legislature passed HB 3389 to temporarily freeze employer experience ratings at 2020 levels. This was done to support Oregon businesses who were negatively affected during the pandemic. We estimate it will save Oregon employers subject to UI taxes a total $2.39 billion in tax contributions through 2029.

For 2025, we are returning to the standard rules that were in place before the pandemic to calculate UI experience ratings. Specifically, 2025 experience ratings will be based on wages and benefit charges from the third quarter of 2021 through the second quarter of 2024.

2025 Paid Leave Oregon Contribution Rate 

Both employers and employees pay contributions to the Paid Leave Oregon Trust Fund, which provides benefits for Oregon workers.  

The Paid Leave Oregon contribution rate for 2025 is 1% of employee wages and applies to up to $176,100 of wages. This is the Social Security taxable maximum wage amount for 2025. Contributions for Paid Leave Oregon are divided between employees and employers, with employees paying 60 percent of the rate and employers paying 40 percent. 

“We want to thank Oregon businesses for all they do to promote economic stability in Oregon, even during challenging times,” said Employment Department Director David Gerstenfeld. “We know employers have faced significant challenges the past several years, yet Oregon’s employers continue to focus on job growth, contributing to both our economy and our robust workforce.” 

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Need help?
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

¿Necesita ayuda?
El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024

Adams Elementary's Project 700 to Provide Winter Clothing for 260 Students Tomorrow

Yakima, WA — Tomorrow (Saturday, November 16, 2024), Adams Elementary School will continue its heartwarming tradition of Project 700, an initiative that equips students with essential winter clothing. Created and launched by the Salvation Army of Yakima, Project 700 has grown over the years with the goal of keeping children warm each winter. The project started as “Project 50,” serving just 50 elementary students, but has since expanded to support more than 700 children across the Yakima Valley, as more families face financial challenges.

This year, Adams Elementary, in partnership with community sponsors and volunteer shoppers, will provide winter essentials to 260 of its students. Starting at 6:30 a.m. on November 16, five buses will transport students from Adams Elementary to Old Navy. From approximately 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., each student, paired with a volunteer, will select winter clothing to keep them warm through the season. Upon returning to school, students will receive a new pair of winter boots, a winter coat, and enjoy snacks and treats.

“Project 700 is an event where we get to help our kids have their basic needs met and show our families we care.  Each year we partner with over thirty-five businesses and numerous community members to fundraise and make a fun event where we can show our support. We have grown this event each year for over a decade; this year we are shopping for 260 students. This is only possible through our community partnerships.  A special thank you to the Triumph Group for their fundraising and their help in organizing the event that makes shopping for over 200 students run smoothly. We are grateful for the legacy of this project and the impact it has for everyone that is involved, both big and small. It is so much fun to show our kids that we love them with this event!  We look forward to carrying on the tradition for many years to come." Elissa Russell, Adams Elementary Counselor

While the Salvation Army of Yakima is not providing direct funding to Adams Elementary’s event this year, the project’s origins and spirit remain rooted in their mission to help families in need. Since its inception, the Salvation Army has worked closely with schools and community members to identify students who need winter essentials, relying on partnerships and community contributions to cover the substantial costs, which can exceed $60,000 annually.

The success of this year’s Project 700 event at Adams Elementary is thanks to the generosity of numerous community sponsors, including Triumph, Marsh McLennan Agency, Northwestern Mutual, Old Navy, Coca-Cola, and many others who have stepped up to support Adams Elementary students. (A complete list of sponsors is attached.)

Media is invited to cover this meaningful event at Old Navy tomorrow morning. Due to the languages spoken by students and families, a bilingual reporter would be especially valuable in capturing and sharing their stories. For general media inquiries, please contact Elissa Russel or Kirsten Fitterer. For real-time information during the event, Elissa can be reached at 509-945-6076.

Contact:

Elissa Russell
Counselor, Adams Elementary School
Email: russel.elissa@ysd7.org
Phone: 509-945-6076 (for event-day inquiries)

Kirsten Fitterer
Chief Communications Officer, Yakima School District
Email: er.kirsten@ysd7.org">fitterer.kirsten@ysd7.org, 509-581-5607

About Project 700
Project 700, originally established by the Salvation Army of Yakima, aims to provide winter essentials to students in need, ensuring they have the basics to stay warm during the cold months. The initiative has become a cherished tradition in the Yakima community, supported by a network of sponsors, volunteers, and families, and is now sustained by schools like Adams Elementary in collaboration with community partners.

November 15, 2024

Media contacts:

• Jonathan Modie, OHA, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
• Todd Loggan, Clackamas County, PIO@clackamas.us

Oregon confirms first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza

Affected individual linked to commercial poultry operation in Clackamas County where Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed virus in 150,000 birds

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a person linked to a previously reported outbreak affecting birds at a commercial poultry operation in Clackamas County.

Health officials are not providing additional details about the individual, naming the operation, and will not be providing specific location information to protect privacy. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission and the risk to the public is low.

“Clackamas County Public Health Division has been closely monitoring people exposed to the animal outbreak, which is how this case was identified. The individual experienced only mild illness and has fully recovered,” said Clackamas County Public Health Officer Sarah Present, M.D. The person received treatment with the antiviral medication oseltamivir, and household contacts were prescribed oseltamivir prophylaxis.

Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority (OHA), said, “We continue to remind the public that people at increased risk of infection are those who have had close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals, or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals.”

OHA epidemiologists are working closely with their counterparts at local public health authorities, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and CDC to monitor individuals exposed to animals infected with H5N1 and respond promptly if new symptoms consistent with avian influenza develop, said Sidelinger.

When an outbreak in animals occurs, ODA provides personal protective equipment and training to affected farmworkers, and public health authorities provides symptom education and monitoring.

“This has proven an extremely effective approach to avian influenza outbreaks,” Sidelinger said. “While we cannot prevent every case, we know that we are preventing many.”

To reduce the risk of HPAI, people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds or animals, or their droppings or litter, and should not drink or eat unpasteurized or raw dairy products such as milk or cheese.

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Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Mid-Valley Hospital and Clinic in Omak, Washington, agreed to pay a $15,000 Controlled Substances Act penalty and to institute corrective actions in regard to its pharmacy and controlled substances policy and procedures. 

To protect the public, the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations place legal responsibilities on medical professionals to ensure that controlled substances are prescribed, dispensed, and used for medically-appropriate purposes and in a safe manner.  The responsibility for the proper prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances is upon the prescribing practitioner, but a corresponding responsibility rests with the pharmacist who fills the prescription to ensure that prescriptions are legitimate, safe, and medically appropriate.  This responsibility includes reviewing controlled substance override reports to make sure controlled substances are being administered correctly. 

In the settlement announced today, Mid-Valley Hospital admitted that beginning in late 2021 and ending in October 2023, nurse Eileen Lombardi regularly stole doses of the drug Dilaudid, which is a brand name for hydromorphone HC1, for her own personal use.  Lombardi would take left over medications after administering a patient’s dose for her personal use, rather than wasting the remaining medication as required.  Lombardi also entered overrides into automated medication dispensing systems to obtain additional doses of Dilaudid that she took for personal use. 

Mid-Valley admitted that it had not enacted sufficient controls to catch the Lombardi’s theft of controlled substances.  Specifically, while Mid-Valley pharmacy technicians regularly printed out controlled substance override reports for review by the Pharmacy Director, he routinely filed them away without reviewing them, which enabled Lombardi to continue diverting Dilaudid for two years.  Mid-Valley has subsequently engaged an outside consultant to review its pharmacy and controlled substance policies and procedures.

The Washington Department of Health has entered an agreement with Lombardi under which she will be required to be enrolled in the Washington Healthcare Provider Services program for one to five years, during which time she will not have direct access to controlled substances. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has entered into a criminal diversion agreement with Lombardi that matches the terms of the Washington Department of Health agreement, as well as a requirement that she does not seek a re-issue of her Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration until no earlier than November 2025 and recognizing that reinstatement will be entirely at the discretion of the DEA. 

“Nurses play a vital role in providing life-saving care. They have access to powerful drugs that can lead to crippling addiction. It is important that hospitals and pharmacies have proper checks and procedures in place to ensure these medications are accounted for and used appropriately and safely,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful that Mid-Valley Hospital quickly accepted responsibility and has taken steps to comply with its obligations going forward.” 

“The Drug Enforcement Administration ensures that medical providers and facilities follow established laws and procedures while dispensing controlled substances”, said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA holds medical professionals to a high standard to protect public safety and ensure accountability, and this settlement demonstrates DEA’s resolve to maintain these standards.”

The settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, DEA’s Seattle Field Division, Diversion Group and the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley handled this matter on behalf of the United States.

Spokane, Washington – On November 7, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Tawhnee Willow Colvin, of Davenport, Washington, with more than two dozen counts for allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from the Spokane Tribe of Indians. 

Between September 2019 and October 2023, Colvin was employed as Assistant Director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians’ Department of Health and Human Services and Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). 

As part of her position as Assistant Director of DCFS, Colvin had access to the Spokane Tribe of Indians bank account that held per capita funds for children who were in foster care. This DCFS bank account was maintained to ensure that guardians would receive these funds for the children in their care. According to the indictment, caregivers received funds by a check from the DCFS bank account or in cash. When caregivers accepted a cash payment, they signed a receipt to document the disbursement. Documentation of checks and cash receipts were to be maintained by the Spokane Tribe of Indians Department of Health and Human Services. 

As alleged in the indictment, between October 2019 and November 2023, Colvin made more than 50 fraudulent money transfers, totaling $50,880, from the DCFS bank account to her own personal bank account. The indictment further alleges that between September 2019 and April 2021, on at least 17 different days, Colvin made cash withdrawals totaling $49,950 for which DCFS has no documentation or receipts supporting that any of these funds were provided to caregivers. 

“Individuals in positions of trust have an obligation to protect the funds they oversee. This is all the more important for resources dedicated to vulnerable members of our community, such as children in foster care,” said United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “My office takes fraud seriously, and will continue to work with our federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement to expose and prosecute public corruption, self-dealing, and fraud.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref and Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter. 

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

2:24-cr-00148-TOR

Spokane, Washington – On November 14, 2024, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Nicholas Andrew Anardi, age 33, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 60 months in federal prison for setting off an explosive device. Chief Judge Bastian also imposed 3 years of supervised release. 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, When Anardi was in prison, someone robbed his garage. Anardi told investigators he, “had it out” for the person he thought committed the robbery, so he decided to build two explosive devices to, “scare them.” 

Anardi used a model rocket engine for one of the bombs and an aerial mortar round in the other. He wrapped metal wire and pennies, that would act as homemade shrapnel, around the explosives, held in place by black electrical tape. 

On September 11, 2021, Anardi rode his bike to an apartment where, the man who Anardi thought robbed him, lived. Anardi lit one bomb and thew it over the fence towards the apartment, but the bomb did not go off. Anardi then lit the second bomb and rolled it to the door of the apartment. The bomb exploded a few seconds later. 

A resident inside a nearby apartment reported hearing a loud bang, and something hitting her door. The resident described the noise as being like someone hitting the door with a sledgehammer. She opened the door, saw the bomb, and called 911. 

The Washington State Patrol Bomb squad (WSP) arrived and rendered the unexploded bomb safe. They collected several pieces of the exploded bomb, including one piece of the bomb that had been thrown 130 feet from the blast site. Investigators also found a coin and piece of metal wire embedded in the door of an apartment near where bomb exploded. 

“Mr. Anardi built two deadly bombs that included homemade shrapnel and attempted to detonate them in an apartment complex full of people. Thankfully, no one was hurt by Mr. Anaradi’s reckless and dangerous behavior,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and build safer and stronger communities.”

“The danger posed by explosives such as the ones Mr. Anardi built and used cannot be overstated,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Shrapnel from an explosion knows no difference between an intended target and an unintentional bystander, making this attempted attack that much more dangerous to the community. Because of this, we believe today’s prison sentence is well deserved.”

This case was investigated the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Timothy J. Ohms and Patrick J. Cashman. 

2:24-cr-00019-SAB

WALLA WALLA - Edison Elementary School has been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for outstanding achievement.  For years, the Washington School Recognition Program has honored K–12 public schools across the state for closing opportunity gaps and for students’ growth and academic achievement. For the 2021–22 and 2022–23 school years, 571 public schools in 178 school districts across Washington state have earned this recognition.

Edison Elementary was recognized in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years for outstanding efforts in promoting growth for one or more student groups.  This accolade highlights the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment that meets the needs of all its students.

"This recognition encompasses our specialists, Title and Learning Assistance Program teachers in collaboration with our classroom teachers and superstar para-educators that were hyper-focused on getting the student growth we seek every year," said Principal Jenny Foster. "These two years mark our efforts coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, giving the biggest effort we could to maximize student growth."

The Washington School Recognition Program is a collaborative initiative by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the State Board of Education (SBE), and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC). Schools are selected based on their performance as evaluated through the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF), which aligns with federal guidelines and uses a variety of data measures to identify areas needing improvement.

Schools recognized by the WSIF receive tailored support, including technical assistance, partnerships with education experts, and access to funding aimed at bolstering student achievement. For more information about the Washington School Recognition Program, visit OSPI’s official news release: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/news-center/news-releases/571-public-k-12-schools-receive-state-recognition-outstanding-achievement

Photo: Principal Jenny Foster.

WALLA WALLA - Pioneer Middle School has been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for outstanding achievement.  For years, the Washington School Recognition Program has honored K–12 public schools across the state for closing opportunity gaps and for students’ growth and academic achievement. For the 2021–22 and 2022–23 school years, 571 public schools in 178 school districts across Washington state have earned this recognition.

Pioneer Middle School was recognized in the 2022-2023 school year for closing gaps for one or more student groups. This accolade highlights the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment that meets the needs of all its students.

“It’s such an honor to get this recognition knowing the hard work our teachers and support staff are doing is making a difference,” said Pioneer Middle School Principal Kris Duncan. “We expect all of our students to achieve at high levels and are committed to preparing them for high school.”

The Washington School Recognition Program is a collaborative initiative by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the State Board of Education (SBE), and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC). Schools are selected based on their performance as evaluated through the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF), which aligns with federal guidelines and uses a variety of data measures to identify areas needing improvement.

Schools recognized by the WSIF receive tailored support, including technical assistance, partnerships with education experts, and access to funding aimed at bolstering student achievement.

For more information about the Washington School Recognition Program, visit OSPI’s official news release: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/news-center/news-releases/571-public-k-12-schools-receive-state-recognition-outstanding-achievement

Photo: L-R: Assistant Principal Lisa Franklin and Principal Kris Duncan