On Monday, October 2 at 11:18 a.m., Medford Police Officers responded to a report of a disorderly subject vandalizing property of a neighbor near a residence on the 400 block of King Street. While responding, Officers learned from the caller that the suspect, 43-year-old Timothy Tracy Russell, was armed with a black, semi-automatic rifle with a drum magazine.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with Russell as he was walking back to his residence. Russell refused to drop the rifle and fled into his residence while telling officers that he wanted them to shoot him. The house was contained and elements of MPD's SWAT team, detectives, and negotiators responded to assist.

After several hours of negotiation, Russell eventually exited the residence after officers deployed gas into it and was taken into custody. He resisted heavily and was hit with a less lethal 40-millimeter round. A K9 was also deployed. Once Russell is medically cleared, he will be lodged at the jail. 

UPDATE-

The Oregon State Police major crimes section is providing an update to the active officer involved shooting investigation in Polk County.

The suspect vehicle was occupied by the following:

              Isaac Ivan Ocegueda (18) of Carlton- Declared deceased at the scene.

              Jose Manuel Coral Zavala (20) of Salem

              Female Juvenile (17)

The Polk County Deputy has been identified as Deputy Mike Smith; an 8 year veteran of the agency, who has been placed on administrative leave per SB111 protocols.

During the investigation, limited information is available for release in order to preserve the investigation itself. 

OSP Investigating Officer Involved Shooting- Polk County

The Oregon State Police major crimes section is actively investigating an officer involved shooting at the request of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office- in accordance with SB111 protocols.

On Saturday, September 30, at approximately 1:30 A.M., an Independence Police Officer initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle fled.  The pursuit ended after officers deployed spike strips, disabling the vehicle, and the suspect fled on foot. Law enforcement officers responded to the area and located the suspect as he attempted to flee the area in another vehicle. The suspect opened fire on responding officers, striking a Polk County Deputy and law enforcement officers discharged their weapons in response. 

As a result of the gunfire exchange, one suspect is deceased, another is injured, and the original suspect has been arrested. 

There is no reason to believe there is any danger to the public at this time.

Due to the on-going investigation, further details are currently unavailable.  All future releases will come from the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

(Springfield, Ore.) Oct. 2, 2023-PacificSource Community Solutions, part of the PacificSource family of companies that provides Medicaid services, will pay out more than $72 million dollars to care providers in Central Oregon, the Columbia Gorge, Lane County, Marion County and Polk County. The payouts will support quality initiatives strategically aimed at improving the health of individuals within each region’s respective Coordinated Care Organizations (CCO). The funds were initially received by PacificSource Community Solutions in late 2023 as Quality Pool payments made by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to recognize the CCOs’ care providers’ quality performance during 2022. 

Each respective region’s payouts will be as follows:

• Central Oregon – $20,232,932 
• Columbia Gorge –$4,443,492
• Lane –$18,507,765
• Marion and Polk –$28,988,982 

Quality measures are used by the OHA to determine how successful CCOs and their provider networks have been at improving care, making quality care accessible, eliminating health disparities, and curbing the rising cost of healthcare for the populations they serve. PacificSource works with Health Councils in each region to determine the distribution of these funds.

“We are pleased to reinvest in our regional partners who consistently deliver high-quality care year-over-year,” said PacificSource Vice President of Medicaid Erin Fair Taylor. “Their tireless and ongoing efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of underserved communities deserves recognition and gratitude.”

Medicaid, which is government-funded health insurance for low-income individuals and families, currently covers approximately one in four residents in the four counties.

The OHA has published a Performance Report that includes all of Oregon’s CCOs. It can be found online at https://shorturl.at/fjqsF 

About PacificSource Community Solutions

PacificSource Community Solutions is part of the PacificSource family of companies that provides Medicaid services to Central Oregon and the Columbia Gorge, as well as Lane, Marion, and Polk Counties. PacificSource Health Plans is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource is based in Springfield, Oregon, with local offices throughout Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs over 1,500 people and serves more than 600,000 individuals throughout the Greater Northwest. For more information, visit PacificSource.com.

The Illinois Valley Fire District Board of Directors regular meeting has been rescheduled from October 9^th to October 16^th 2023, at the Administration Building, 681 Caves Hwy., Cave Junction, OR. 

(The Board reserves the right to hold an executive session at this meeting

under the authority of ORS 192.660.)

(The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.)

(Any comments or concerns must be submitted in writing.)

Salem, Ore. –  Oregonians have a chance to win the fourth largest Powerball jackpot in history with tonight’s drawing estimated at $1.04 billion.

A $50,000 winning Powerball ticket was purchased in Tillamook in Saturday’s drawing, but no one claimed the top prize. Since the current jackpot run up began on July 22, Oregon has seen 439,688 winners and more than $4.7 million in total Powerball game winnings. This is the first time two consecutive jackpot runs have produced billion dollar jackpots in the Powerball game.

In this latest run, the Oregon Lottery has sold $18.49 million in tickets. Approximately a third of sales from the game will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more. 

Retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. 

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The largest prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. 

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have a year to claim their prize. 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Frank Ali Abdul-Rahmaan, died the afternoon of September 30, 2023. Abdul-Rahmaan was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a local hospital while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Abdul-Rahmaan entered DOC custody on June 27, 1986, from Multnomah County with an earliest released date of September 30, 2043. Abdul-Rahmaan was 75 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 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.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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SALEM, Ore— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) proposes updates to rules for collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine reserves and marine protected areas (OAR 736-021-0090).

Updates to Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan earlier this year changed regulations and management practices in certain protected areas. The department’s proposed rule changes will allow for collection of marine plants and macroalgae in marine protected areas if allowed under management plans for the area. 

Proposed rules also eliminate outdated requirements for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon to seek a permit before collecting marine plants along the ocean shore. 

OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. Nov. 3, 2023, and they can be made online, at a public hearing, in writing or via email.

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
   
• Virtual Public hearing: Thursday, October 26, 2 PM: Registration required at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RVGhrw-KR9eYDdaTobepew 
   
• In writing: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn.: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
   
• Email: D.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

After reviewing public comments, agency staff plan to present a final amended rule for consideration by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission at its November 2023 business meeting.

The full text of the amendment to Oregon Administrative Rule 736-021-0090 is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx.

XXX

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Dept. of Forestry is now seeking nominations for its new Oregon Climate Smart Award. The award will recognize landowners, land managers, researchers, operators, or other forestry professionals who use climate change-adapted practices, or develop innovative methods for carbon capture, retention, or reduced carbon release. Nominations are due by Dec. 31, 2023.

“The goal of this award is to encourage, improve, and recognize climate and carbon practices,” says ODF State Forester Cal Mukumoto. 

In March 2020, Governor Brown signed an executive order that highlighted that the state is experiencing an increase in frequency and severity of wildfires that endangers public health and safety and damage rural economies. The order directed agencies, including ODF, to prepare and plan for the impacts of climate change and to take actions to encourage carbon sequestration and storage. 

“From that executive order the Oregon Board of Forestry in the fall of 2021 adopted ODF’s Climate Change and Carbon Plan. The idea for an awards program arose in response to that plan,” says Mukumoto. 

Christine Buhl is a member of the selection committee that will review nominations. In her work as a forest entomologist she already sees signs of stress on trees in Oregon forests from extreme heat waves and prolonged droughts. She said, “With these awards, we hope to encourage reductions in emissions and help forests and communities adapt and become more climate resilient.”

Buhl said specific actions that will be considered for recognition under the award program include:

• Efforts to improve the climate resilience of forestlands and restore ecological functions
• Climate Smart forestry practices in growing and maintaining trees
• Wildfire management, response, and fire or smoke adaptation
• Carbon reduction or capture in forest operations, such as logging or thinning
• Innovative research or products that reduce emissions or increase climate resilience

Buhl’s co-lead on the selection committee is ODF Monitoring Specialist Emily Martin. Martin said nominees may include universities, educators, consulting and research agencies, fabricators, forest operators, and private industry firms working on non-federal lands across the state. “Anyone can be nominated who’s doing climate-related mitigation and adaptation work or research, and anyone can nominate them.”

Find details and the nomination form here.

                                                                  # # #

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comment now on a proposed rule change that would remove the description of ATV classes from the rule due to frequent updates to that information, which require a rule change process for each change. 

Instead of describing each class in OAR 736-004-0015, the rule would refer to the definition of ATV (All-Terrain Vehicles) in the Oregon Vehicle Code. The definitions are listed under ORS.801.190; ORS.801.193 and ORS.801.194.

The proposed change would allow the agency to maintain a greater level of accuracy in its rules. It was also inspired by the most recent change in ATV definitions adopted by the Legislature in Senate Bill 899.

Public comments will be accepted now through 5 p.m. November 3, 2023, and can be submitted:

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

There will be no public hearing. Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in November for possible adoption.

SALEM, Ore. – As we usher in fall, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon fire service want to remind everyone of the importance of fire safety when cooking. Each year, October is designated as Fire Prevention Month in Oregon, with four weeks dedicated to learning about fire safety. 

This year's theme for Fire Prevention Month is "Cooking Safety Starts with You. Pay Attention to Fire Prevention."

The importance of cooking fire safety for all Oregonians should be top of mind. It's the number one cause of home fires in our state. In 2022, of the 2,924 reported residential fires in Oregon, 537 were connected to cooking. 

"In Oregon, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and causes on average $5.4 million in losses to homeowners annually," Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. "This October, we're raising awareness and asking Oregonians to take action to prevent kitchen disasters."

There are a few simple steps home chefs can take to keep their food edible and avoid a kitchen fire: 

• Keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. 
• Never leave cooking unattended. 
• Clear the cooking area of things that can burn, like dish towels, food packaging, oven mitts, etc. 
• Create a three-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the cooking area. 
• Have a lid or cookie sheet within reach while cooking (to smother flames) in case of a fire. 
• Don’t put water on a grease fire. 

For more information about Fire Prevention Month and cooking safety resources, visit our website. 

UPDATE: This release includes updated information about where they are believed to be. They are now to be in the Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; or Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Salem) – Declan Colby Duckett, a newborn, went missing with his mother Markishia Duckett and her partner Declan Harris from Portland on Sept. 5. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division still believes that he may be at risk and is searching for Declan Colby Duckett to assess his safety.

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

They are believed to be in the Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; or Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Name: Declan Colby Duckett
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Aug. 31, 2023
Height: 20 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Hair: Black
Eye color: Brown
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2000188

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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JCSO Cases 23-1656, 22-7462, 22-0731, 22-1482, 22-4223

ROGUE VALLEY, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force arrested five separate suspects today on 42 encouraging child sexual abuse felony charges. Investigations led the task force throughout the Rogue Valley including addresses in Medford, Central Point, and Grants Pass. Although the cases are not connected, total felony charges included 32 counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, 10 counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, 16 counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy, and a felon in possession of a firearm.

Six local and federal law enforcement agencies assisted SOCET with today’s arrests including Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF), Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF). 

Each investigation began when SOCET received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led to subpoenas, followed by search warrants at the respective residences. Investigators seized digital devices during the searches and applied for additional warrants to examine the devices. Once the additional search warrants were signed, SOHTCTF forensically examined the devices for further evidence of child exploitation. At that point SOCET took each case through a Grand Jury hearing and the courts issued warrants for each suspect’s arrest. 

The first arrest came when SOCET received a tip that a suspect was leaving his residence in the 60 block of Jeanette Avenue in Medford. The task force located and arrested Steven Wesley Rambo, 60, of Medford, on nine felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Investigators have reason to believe Rambo may have other child victims. If you have any information on the suspect, contact investigators through the Sheriff’s App “Submit a Tip” feature. Download the App here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a72997501. You can also call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 22-7462.

Next, the task force located a suspect’s vehicle near his residence in the 20 block of Washington Street in Medford. The task force arrested Michael David Robertson, 45, of Medford, for three felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and 16 counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to serve a search warrant at Robertson’s former residence in the 800 block of Forest Glen Drive in Central Point where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. During the search warrant investigators discovered a hidden camera in the bathroom of the residence which led to the invasion of personal privacy charges. During the course of the investigation there are still two unidentified victims. If you have any information about the suspect or victims, submit a tip on the Sheriff’s App or call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 23-1656.

The task force then located and arrested David Anthony Price, 40, at his residence in the 1000 block of Morgan Lane in Grants Pass, for 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to his former residence in the 700 block of North River Road in Rogue River where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail.

The next arrest came when Mark Joseph Harding, 37, of Central Point, turned himself in at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Central Point. Harding is charged with 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to his residence in the 800 block of South Haskell Street in Central Point where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail.

The final arrest for the sweep came when investigators contacted David Michael Painter, 62, at his residence in the 2500 block of Rabun Way in Central Point. Painter is charged with 10 felony counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO and HSI; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, at approximately 8:00 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a crash involving two commercial motor vehicles on Interstate-84, near milepost 226, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Ruslan Basarab (49) of Renton (WA), was traveling in the slow lane when it struck the rear-end of Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Francisco Rivera Atilano Jr. (20) of Hermiston.  

The primary commercial motor vehicle caught fire as a result of the collision and burned so badly it was unidentifiable. The operator was removed from the vehicle and later declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital. 

The operator of the Peterbilt was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, and ODOT.

SALEM, Ore. – Sept. 29, 2023 – Today, the Oregon Senate confirmed Erin McMahon as Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM). McMahon was appointed to the position by Governor Kotek in August.

A retired general officer for the Oregon National Guard and retired brigadier general for the U.S. Army, McMahon has two dozen years of experience advising state and national leaders on emergent and active emergencies requiring operational and civilian support. At the National Guard Bureau and the Oregon National Guard, she coordinated with other military and federal departments while working directly with all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia to provide military support when requested in support of declared emergencies and disasters.

McMahon's team supported every major disaster and national incident that impacted the nation – from wildfires to the pandemic to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. Throughout that time, she progressed from an action officer to a division chief to the chief of staff, culminating as the principal deputy general counsel for the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

“My experiences these past 24 years have culminated in this moment, with this opportunity to take OEM to the next level of efficiency and excellence; a level that captures our team’s experience and commitment and better integrates it with the expertise provided by our local, city, county and tribal partners,” said McMahon. “Together, we’ll advance our networks, update our systems, improve our preparedness and strengthen our lines of communication. My top priority is to continue supporting OEM’s mission to help the state better serve all Oregonians as emergencies become more frequent and destructive.”

One of McMahon’s first actions was onboarding Patence Winningham as OEM’s new deputy director. Winningham previously served as Lane County Emergency Manager since 2019 after having worked with the City of Eugene as an emergency management specialist for more than a decade. She has extensive experience in disaster preparedness, including leading Lane County’s response and communication with the state Emergency Coordination Center during a historic winter storm, flooding, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire and the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. She has also supported emergency planning efforts for multiple Olympic Trials and the World Athletics Championship.

“I’m honored to serve in this position at an agency I’ve worked so closely with on many emergencies,” said Winningham. “I believe my passion for helping the community and connecting with individuals and partners will help fulfill OEM’s mission and increase Oregon’s readiness and resiliency.”

Deputy Director Winningham’s extensive local knowledge will complement Director McMahon’s federal experience, providing the relatively new department with a strong executive leadership team. OEM transitioned from a division of the Oregon Military Department to a stand-alone cabinet-level department reporting directly to the governor in July 2022.

“Patence will be critical in supporting me as we work together to improve partnerships to enhance coordination for the delivery of essential services across the state in times of crisis and in preparation for our worst days,” said McMahon. “She is a capable and experienced leader, communicator, problem-solver and collaborator who has earned the respect of other emergency managers statewide. She’s also a tireless activist for disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation and other initiatives to reduce risk across the state.”

A portrait of Director McMahon can be viewed and downloaded here; Deputy Director Winningham’s portrait can be viewed and downloaded here. Learn more about OEM at www.oregon.gov/oem.
 

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Photo Captions
Oregon Emergency Management Logo
Erin McMahon is confirmed by the Oregon Senate as OEM Director.
Patence Winningham is appointed OEM Deputy Director.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Media Hotline: 503-813-5050 

Tips for a safe fall season at home

PORTLAND, Ore. (September 29, 2023) — Fall season brings on the return of pumpkin spice-everything while the leaves change across the Pacific Northwest.  Many of us consider fall the start of the holiday season. And the holidays often bring an increase in outdoor activity, whether it be from trick-or-treaters skipping up the porch steps or relatives stopping by for a Thanksgiving dinner. That’s why we should take extra care and precaution when maintaining the structures and landscaping around our home. 

“Now is a great time to prune any trees that could cause trouble once the storms start coming in,” said Joe Cissna, Pacific Power’s health and safety manager. “Winter storms bringing down branches are a big cause of power outages. Check around your property to see if any trees or branches could harm power lines if they fell. Some preventive work now could save more headaches and power outages later.

“Use caution when pruning trees. Don't use pruning tools or ladders near power lines. Always keep yourself and anything you're handling at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Never try to remove a branch that is tangled or lying across a power line. Instead, call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070. We'll be happy to remove it for you.

Some additional tips for fall safety:

• Treat all electric lines with caution.
• Use only wooden and fiberglass ladders. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Never use electrical equipment or tools near a pool or other wet areas. Additionally, make sure outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, designed to automatically disconnect if the tool comes into contact with water.
• Be aware and steer clear of overhead electrical wires when installing, removing, cleaning or repairing gutters.
• Have help when installing or adjusting a satellite dish or antenna. Make sure you’re working at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Plant trees and shrubs away from meters, switching cabinets and boxed transformers. Vegetation that blocks electrical equipment makes repairs and maintenance challenging and sometimes dangerous for utility workers.
• Underground power lines are just as dangerous as overhead ones. If your project involves digging, make sure the locations of underground power lines are marked. Call 811 to have underground utilities located and marked for free.

For more safety tips or to order free Pacific Power safety materials, call toll free at 800-375-7085 or visit pacificpower.net/safety.

SALEM, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is closing some campground operations on the Clatsop, Tillamook, and Santiam state forests as it does each year as part of its transition to winter operations. On Oct. 2 all seasonal developed campgrounds will be closing, followed by the closure of all seasonal Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) campgrounds on Oct. 31. One exception to the closure plan will be Northrup Creek Horse Camp Campground in the Clatsop State Forest, which will remain open until Dec. 1. 

The closures are primarily done for public safety and are impacted by seasonal staffing levels. “As we move into fall, keeping Oregonians safe in the forest is important. With snowfall, high winds, and heavy rainfall it’s essential that we close some campgrounds as conditions change and many become inaccessible,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Operations Manager.

Even with the closures, some camping opportunities will remain open and available through the winter months.

Tillamook State Forest

• Closing Oct. 2
  • Jones Creek Campground
  • Nehalem Falls Campground
  • Morrison Eddy Campground
  • Gales Creek Campground
  • Reehers Camp Campground
• Closing Oct. 31
  • Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground
  • Jordan Creek OHV Campground
• Open Year-Round
  • Keenig Creek Campground
  • Elk Creek Campground
  • Diamond Mill OHV Campground
  • Stagecoach Horse Campground

Clatsop State Forest

• Closing Oct. 2
  • Spruce Run Campground – Loops B & C
  • Beaver Eddy Campground
• Closing Dec. 1
  • Northrup Creek Horse Campground
• Open Year-Round Season
  • Spruce Run Campground – Loops A & D
  • Gnat Creek Campground
  • Viewpoint OHV Campground

Santiam State Forest

• Closing Oct. 2
  • Santiam Horse Camp
  • Rock Creek Campground

More information on recreation opportunities at State Forest campgrounds can be found on our website, ODF Campgrounds. 

EUGENE, Ore.—On September 28, 2023, a Baker County, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history, who fled from a traffic stop at more than 100 mph and threatened a shootout with police, was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms.

Zachary Charles Persicke, 38, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in late September 2021, as part of an investigation of Persicke for dealing drugs and illegally possessing firearms, Baker County law enforcement obtained a state search warrant for Persicke’s person and an associated residence. Law enforcement observed Persicke in a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. While fleeing from police and reaching speeds of more than 100 mph, Persicke called 911, told the dispatcher he had a weapon, and threatened to engage in a shootout. After driving over a spike strip placed by law enforcement, Persicke pulled over and surrendered without incident. In a search of Persicke’s vehicle, officers located and seized more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and an assault-style rifle.

On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Persicke with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On April 5, 2023, Persicke pleaded guilty to a two-count superseding criminal information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Baker City Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Oregon State Police and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on November 1, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Wright at (503) 378-2191.

The Telecommunications Policy Committee meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon/

Agenda Items

1. Introductions

2. Approve March 16, 2023, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

      Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

a. Renee Elizabeth Heidy; DPSST No. 43198

    Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Telecommunicator; Basic Emergency Medical Dispatcher; and Instructor Certifications

b. Teonna Johnson; DPSST No. 56804

    Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications

4. Applicant Review Committee Member Nominations

      Presented by Chris Brodniak

5. Program Manager Updates

6. Agency Updates

7. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: February 7, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Telecommunications Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: The earlier version of this press release erroneously mentioned that Medicare Advantage includes transportation benefits. That is incorrect and has been removed from the release below.

Members will see no disruption to care or coverage—Medicare Advantage plans will automatically renew for 2024 with no action required 

(Bend, Ore.) Sept. 29, 2023—Today, PacificSource announced it has worked out an agreement with St. Charles Health System to ensure that its Medicare Advantage plans will continue in Central Oregon with no disruption in care or coverage to members. PacificSource Medicare Advantage members will automatically be reenrolled for 2024 plans with no action required. 

While St. Charles Health System had previously stated it was reevaluating its ongoing participation in Medicare Advantage contracts, PacificSource worked with St. Charles to ensure continuity of coverage and services for PacificSource Medicare Advantage members through the entirety of 2024.

“This agreement is a positive result for our region’s Medicare-eligible seniors, and also some of its most vulnerable community members,” said Dr. John “Espi” Espinola, PacificSource’s president and CEO. “PacificSource will continue to advocate for our members to make certain that they can continue to access affordable, high-quality healthcare in Central Oregon. We are pleased to have secured this successful outcome with St. Charles and will continue to work with them to improve the Medicare Advantage experience for their patients.”

Medicare Advantage is for seniors and people with disabilities under 65 and offers more benefits than Original Medicare. PacificSource has 15,500 Medicare Advantage members of which 2500 are dual-eligible seniors, who qualify for extra benefits due to health, income or disability needs. People choose Medicare Advantage because these plans offer more benefits with less cost. PacificSource Medicare Advantage plans offer vision, dental, hearing, and gym membership benefits that would cost thousands more per year with Original Medicare. Dual-eligible members of PacificSource also qualify for essential benefits such as grocery stipends. 

“As a local nonprofit serving Central Oregon for more than 25 years, PacificSource is proud of our track record of creative problem-solving to improve the health systems in our community,” said Dr. Espinola. “We are always ready to work collaboratively with our partners and never lose sight of who is most important when we discuss care and coverage—our members and their families. Serving them will remain our priority.”

About PacificSource

PacificSource is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource has local offices throughout Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs more than 1,800 people and serves over 600,000 individuals throughout the Greater Northwest. For more information, visit PacificSource.com.

September 29, 2023

Media contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA seeks input on Oregon beaches to monitor in 2024 & 2025

Public comment on proposed beach locations welcome through October 13.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) invites public comment on a list of proposed beaches to monitor for health risks in 2024 and 2025.

The list was created based on established criteria such as high recreational use, nearby pollution hazards, previously measured high bacteria levels and public input.

OBMP is a multi-agency effort with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to monitor the waters along Oregon's coastline for the presence of fecal bacteria and report elevated levels to the public. Through this program, DEQ regularly samples marine water and freshwater at 20 beaches along Oregon’s 360 miles of coastline between May and September. To protect public health, OHA issues advisories at beaches where bacteria levels are high.

This year, DEQ used the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) environmental justice screening tool to assess the potential for the OBMP efforts to benefit vulnerable and underserved populations. With this in mind, OBMP is also asking for the public to comment on the extent to which information generated from the proposed beach monitoring would serve vulnerable and underserved communities.

OHA and DEQ routinely reevaluate beaches and sampling locations to direct available resources most effectively toward public health protection. The proposed list includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon, beaches where the program has previously found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns. Based on OBMP’s evaluation criteria and preliminary environmental justice screening, OHA and DEQ propose sampling the following beaches for the 2024/2025 monitoring season:

Clatsop County

• SEASIDE BEACH – Seaside
• CANNON BEACH  – Cannon Beach
• TOLOVANA SP BEACH – Cannon Beach

Coos County

• BASTENDORFF BEACH  –  Coos Bay
• SUNSET BAY SP BEACH  –  Coos Bay

Curry County

• HUBBARD CREEK BEACH – Port Orford
• HARRIS BEACH SP – Brookings
• MILL BEACH – Brookings
• CRISSEY FIELD RECREATION SITE – Brookings (new for 2024/2025)

Lane County

• HECETA BEACH  – Florence

Lincoln County

• D RIVER SP BEACH   – Lincoln City
• BEVERLY BEACH – Newport
• AGATE SP BEACH – Newport
• NYE BEACH – Newport
• SEAL ROCK SP BEACH – Seal Rock
• SILETZ BAY – Lincoln City (new for 2024/2025)
• ONA BEACH (Brian Booth – Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock (new for 2024/2025)

Tillamook County

• SHORT SAND SP BEACH – Arch Cape
• MANZANITA BEACH – Manzanita
• ROCKAWAY BEACH – Rockaway
• TWINS ROCKS BEACH– Twin Rocks
• OCEANSIDE – Oceanside
• CAPE KIWANDA – Pacific City
• NESKOWIN SP BEACH – Neskowin

Note: Beaches marked with ‘’ refer to those with potential environmental justice communities that may be likely to recreate at the beach.

To add beaches to the list and continue to operate within available OBMP resources, DEQ would need to reduce sampling locations at other beaches. If  locations are removed from the list, it would be only locations where historical data show low risk. The three beaches proposed for addition to OBMP, which are included in the list above, are:

• ONA BEACH
• CRISSEY FIELD RECREATION SITE
• SILETZ BAY

OBMP will accept public comments and suggestions on the proposed 2024/2025 beaches through Oct. 13. Contact OBMP by email at each.Health@oha.oregon.gov">Beach.Health@oha.oregon.gov or call 971-673-0400 to submit input.

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

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As National Recovery Month comes to a close, we are excited to share the beginning of a crucial partnership between the Grants Pass Police Department and Adapt Integrated Health Care. This collaboration in the City of Grants Pass aims to combat drug and alcohol addiction, prevent overdoses, and seamlessly connect individuals to substance use disorder services.

Here's how it works: When a 911 call is made for a suspected drug overdose, Adapt Integrated Health Care's "Recovery Mentors" will be alerted as police officers and medical personnel are dispatched. After ensuring the area is secure, Grants Pass Police Officers will attempt to facilitate a "warm handoff" to Adapt's Recovery Mentors. This approach underscores our commitment to supporting individuals battling substance use disorders by actively promoting access to addiction recovery services.

In 2022, Grants Pass Police, Fire and EMS responded to 96 overdose calls, with 11 resulting in suspected overdose deaths. This year, we have already addressed 137 overdoses, with 14 suspected overdose deaths, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this new partnership.

As we disseminate this information to the media, it’s essential to underscore the profound impact this partnership seeks to make in our community.  The coordination between the Grants Pass Police Department and Adapt Integrated Health Care epitomizes a unified front in addressing addiction and overdose crises head-on.  This collaborative initiative not only reflects our dedication to safeguarding and enhancing the well-being and health of our community, but also serves as a practical model for other cities grappling with similar challenges.

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Law enforcement agencies from throughout the region are participating in a joint saturation patrol on Highway 62 tomorrow (Friday, September 29) and Saturday. The coverage area will be primarily Hwy. 62 from the Big X intersection in Medford (Highways 62, 238, 99) to Shady Cove. So far this year, there have been 75 motor vehicle crashes on Hwy. 62 from the Big X to Shady Cove. These crashes led to 18 injuries and three fatalities. This joint operation is funded by a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

This joint operation will focus on the enforcement of OSP’s Fatal 5 - Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Usage, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving. These categories of traffic violations have been proven to be the primary contributors to serious injury and fatal crashes. The law enforcement agencies participating include Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police (OSP), as well as Medford, Central Point, Phoenix, and Eagle Point police departments.

Note: Contact PIO Aaron Lewis to schedule interviews, b-roll, police ride-along.

September 28, 2023

Media Contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Ross Island Lagoon Sept. 28

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Ross Island Lagoon in Multnomah County. As of today, there are no other advisories in place for the Willamette River.

OHA first issued the advisory for Ross Island Lagoon on Aug. 9.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in the Ross Island Lagoon are below recreational guideline values for people.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Be aware that only a fraction of waterbodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria Harmful Algae Bloom website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people and especially small children and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving behind the toxins released. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

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

(Salem) – Orange Shirt Day is a day for truth and reconciliation highlighting the effects of the Indian boarding school system. It opens the door for a global conversation about all aspects of the Indian boarding school system which caused Indigenous populations to lose their cultural identities through policies of forced assimilation. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the legacy of these schools on Indigenous communities.

On Sept. 29, staff at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will wear orange to honor the survivors and victims of the federal Indian boarding school system. Orange Shirt Day falls on the final day of the annual ODHS Tribal-State ICWA Conference in Grande Ronde. The conference, held from Sept. 27-29, focuses on training and education related to ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) and ORICWA (Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act).

ODHS’ commitment to dismantling all forms of systemic racism is led by reconciliation and collaboration with all Tribal communities within Oregon and is strengthened by our Equity North Star, which is our agency wide vision that leads to a more equitable Oregon for all.

“Orange Shirt Day represents a powerful Indigenous movement throughout the United States and Canada,” said Adam Becenti, ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs Director. “Orange Shirt Day is a call to action and awareness, but more importantly an opportunity to honor the lives taken and those who survived this atrocity.”

“We will be wearing orange to honor the survivors and victims of the Indian boarding school system and to recognize the trauma it caused for generations of Tribal families and children,” said Aprille Flint-Gerner, ODHS Child Welfare Director. “In Oregon, our Child Welfare Division’s Vision for Transformation commits us to doing the work of dismantling oppressive practices that contribute to disparate and disproportionate outcomes for Tribal children. Our commitment is to repair, improve and move forward in partnership with the Nine Tribes of Oregon.”

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s 2022 investigation report, between 1819 and 1969, the federal Indian boarding school system operated more than 400 schools across 37 states or then-territories. During this time thousands of Indigenous children were separated from their families and placed in the school system, many did not survive. The investigation identified marked and unmarked burial sites at approximately 53 different schools across the school system.

The federal Indian boarding school system deployed systematic militarized and identity-alteration methodologies in an attempt to assimilate American Indian and Alaska Native children through education, including but not limited to renaming Tribal children English names; cutting the hair of Tribal children; discouraging or preventing the use of Tribal languages, religions and cultural practices; and organizing children into units to perform military drills.

As early as 1874, a boarding school was built at Warm Springs in Oregon, and others were later constructed at Siletz, Grand Ronde, Klamath, and Umatilla. Today, Chemawa Indian School, located in Salem, Oregon is an accredited high school that serves American Indian and Alaska Native students. Chemawa is the oldest continuously operated off-reservation boarding school in the United States.

For Orange Shirt Day press kit materials and stories from Indigenous Oregonians, go to the ODHS Tribal Affairs web page. 

About the ODHS Office Tribal Affairs

The Office of Tribal Affairs within the ODHS Director’s Office is a team committed to all Oregon Tribal communities thriving mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Tribal Affairs works with all five ODHS programs to create and provide Tribally appropriate programming, services, policies and support. Through Tribal consultation with Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, ODHS ensures programming, services, and policies meet the needs of Oregon Tribal communities.
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September 28, 2023

Media contacts: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Tolovana State Park health advisory lifted Sept. 28

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Tolovana State Park, located in Clatsop County.

The health authority issued the advisory Sept. 26, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

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

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

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

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for summer 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each term an honor roll of undergraduate students who earn 12 or more credits which are not of a pass/no pass nature and who earn a grade point average of 3.50 or higher

The following Western students have been named to the Honor Roll List:

Mohammed Alaqlan

Zoya Altuhova  

Esmeralda Amescua

Christine Anders

Jessica Armfield

Lynzey Arp

Leela Ayres  

​​Adam Barnett                          

Yasmin Castaneda Benavides   

Larenda Bennett 

Abigail Bethke

Nicholas Beyer

Hailey Blue

Raymond Bourke

Breanne Bridge

Andrea Capellino

Alexis Chilcote

Jonathan Contreras

Christian Conway

Rachael Cox 

Parbata Dahal  

Elizabeth Doty

Johanna Easter

Sinikka Edelen

Jessie Eschweiler

Audrey Fasching

Measia Fenn

Yeudiel Alvarez Flores  

Cavan Fowler 

Aiden Grabill    

Avery Green    

Tayler Hart      

Candace Hastings

Amber Houghtaling

Ashley Hulse

Malino Jacinto 

Nora Jamal 

Megan Kaiser

Natalie Katon

Bailey Keator   

Muhammad Khan

Tyler Lane

Ashlie Lee        

Camryn Lien   

Regan Luoma  

Tia Mack

Savannah Manning    

Sydney Martin 

Maizie McCoy

Tessa McCoy

Laurel McGuigan

Christopher Means

Angela Mendoza 

Cameron Merritt

Alex Michaels  

Ririko Miyamoto

Charles Moody

Lisa Moya

Kayli Nagel

Ryan Naugle

Ashlynn Norton

Amanda Oliver 

Reyna Blaylock-Ortega 

Justice Presley

Thomas Segovia

Danielle Pastre 

Allison Peterson

Jaden Perez 

Anahi Ponce                                                                                                    

Sierra Porter    

Daniel Pruneda

Aubrey Rainville                      

Shelbie Reddick

Tyler Renfro

Dylan Renfro                                                                                                            

Elisabeth Robischon     

Mercedes Rodne

Yesenia Romero  

Katherine Russell 

Ammon Saboe  

Patricia Salinas                               

Noah Schnell

Jasmine Scott

Shyla Sell 

Brittany Smith

Lauren Smith

Jessica Smith 

Courtney Stalmann 

​​Samantha Stinson  

Grace Tallman 

Rachel Thijssen                          

Noa Thomas 

Lily Toma 

Amanda Vanderhoof  

Megan Van Krieken                                                                                                        

Kaylie Vaughan

​​Ylianna Veliz 

Amrit Virk

Hope Warrick   

Emily Webb                                                                                                                                                                                                                

James Wollenweber                                      

Macee Woods

Students from Oregon cities 

Albany

Jessica Armfield  

Yasmin Castaneda Benavides 

Alexis Chilcote  

Camryn Lien                                                                             

Tessa McCoy                         

Lisa Moya  

Reyna Blaylock-Ortega                                                                

Rachel Thijssen

Alsea

Shyla Sell

Aurora 

Breanne Bridge 

Beaverton

Jonathan Contreras

Muhammad Khan

Bend

Alex Michaels

Clatskanie

Natalie Katon                         

Grace Tallman

Corvallis 

Leela Ayres                           

Raymond Bourke                        

Rachael Johnson Cox                              

Elizabeth Doty                           

Megan Kaiser    

Cameron Merritt                   

Mercedes Rodne

Dallas 

Measia Fenn                            

Ashlie Lee                              

Allison Peterson                                  

Thomas Segovia                        

Courtney Stalmann

Lily Toma                         

Emily Webb     

Eugene

Sinikka Edelen                        

Cavan Fowler       

Falls City

Amber Houghtaling     

Forest Grove

Audrey Fasching

Avery Green

Gresham

Abigail Bethke

Hillsboro 

Christine Anders                     

Amanda Vanderhoof                             

Independence   

Lynzey Arp

Angela Mendoza                               

Elisabeth Robischon                                

Brittany Smith           

Keizer              

Christian Conway                       

Yesenia Romero     

​​Noah Schnell                        

Jasmine Scott              

Lebanon       

​​Zoya Altuhova               

Laurel McGuigan        

Monmouth

Esmeralda Amescua                                 

Parbata Dahal                          

Noa Thomas  

Myrtle Creek

Aubrey Rainville                 

Oregon City                 

Jessie Eschweiler   

Pendleton

Anahi Ponce                             

Salem              

Johanna Easter 

Yeudiel Flores 

Aiden Grabill                                                 

Nora Jamal                          

Regan Luoma

Maizie McCoy

Christopher Means 

Kayli Nagel

Jaden Perez  

Sierra Porter                          

Justice Presley                         

Katherine Russell                         

Patricia Salinas                         

Jessica Smith

Hope Warrick                          

James Wollenweber                           

Scio                 

Larenda Bennett  

Danielle Pastre 

Shedd

Kaylie Vaughan 

Sheridan

Shelbie Reddick                                 

Sherwood                    

Hailey Blue                            

Silverton                     

Adam Barnett 

Ammon Saboe       

Springfield

Ashlynn Norton                  

St. Helens                     

Nicholas Beyer   

Savannah Manning                       

Stayton            

Charles Moody      

Sutherlin

Candace Hastings    

Warren

Amanda Oliver 

Warrenton 

Tyler Lane            

Willamina                    

Andrea Capellino                                

Wilsonville                   

Megan Van Krieken                              

Woodburn                   

Ylianna Veliz

Yachats

Daniel Pruneda

Students from states other than Oregon

California 

Petaluma - Ryan Naugle

Temecula - Tyler Renfro

Temecula - Dylan Renfro

Hawaii

Lahaina - Malino Jacinto 

Wailuku - Bailey Keator 

Utah

Midvale - Lauren Smith 

Washington

Olympia - Tia Mack

Olympia - Tayler Hart

Renton - Samantha Stinson

Ridgefield - Sydney Martin 

Seattle - Amrit Virk

Vancouver - Ashley Hulse

Vancouver - Amalia Woods

International Students

Saudi Arabia

AL RASS - Mohammed Alaglan

Japan

TOKYO - Machida - Ririko Miyamoto 

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

SALEM, Ore.— The Small Forestland Grant Program received $2.5 million through House Bill 5020 to help reduce wildfire risks for owners of small forestland acreage and people can now apply for the grants.

“The Small Forestland Grant Program is offering funding for projects that reduce wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels (vegetation),” said Jenna Trentadue, Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) state initiatives grant coordinator.

The grant program is taking applications now through Nov. 3. Projects must support “small forestland owner(s)” defined as an individual, group or federally recognized Indian tribe in Oregon, who owns up to 160 acres west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains or up to 640 acres east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains.  The funding is a new allocation continuing work described in Section 24 of Senate Bill 762.

“The projects may treat multiple private ownerships as long as each owner receiving treatment meets the small forestland owner’s definition,” said Trentadue.  “It is beneficial to work together with other landowners or with a sponsor for the application, selection of a contractor, and final reporting requirements.”

Like all government grant submissions, eligibility requirements must be met for this program, here are some of the main ones:

• Projects must reduce the risk of high severity wildfire by treating hazardous fuels and at least 75 percent of project costs must go towards this.
• Total other expenses for the project, including indirect and service costs, are not to exceed 25 percent.
• Requested funding is more than $10,000 and up to $300,000.
• 25 percent leverage is strongly suggested. Sponsor in-kind expenses, landowner labor rates, fuels mitigation, and other state funds are eligible with the exception of the Landscape Resiliency Grant Program. 
• All project work would need to be completed by May, 2025.
• Project does not generate net revenue.
• Equipment costs (Equipment is considered a single item over $5,000) are applicable if it meets the intent of the grant to support small forestland owners in reducing wildfire risk through the restoration of landscape resiliency and the reduction of hazardous fuels on the owners’ property, prescribed fire equipment is applicable, however fire suppression equipment is not. 

For a complete application package and all requirements visit the ODF small forestland grant website.

“Projects covered by these grants are a major step toward protecting people, their homes, and natural resources in Oregon by making private forestland healthier and more resilient in the face of changing climate and wildfire environment,” said Trentadue. “I highly encourage people to apply and take advantage of this grant program.”

A special section of the Oregon Historical Society’s Oregon Historical Quarterly highlights sea otter history in the Pacific Northwest

Portland, OR — Oregon’s nearshore waters were once the homeland to thousands of sea otters, an iconic species in the history of what is now known as Oregon. Sea otters have held a special role in the cultural, spiritual, and economic life of coastal Native American communities, with oral traditions documenting the species’ significance. Their lustrous pelts brought great wealth in late eighteenth- and nineteenth-century China, motivating Euro-Americans to broker some of the earliest contact and trade between themselves and Native American people along the Oregon coast. Over a century of zealous hunting and trading of sea otters, by Native people and Euro-Americans, eliminated the species from Oregon’s coastal waters over 100 years ago.  

In a special section of the Fall 2023 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly (OHQ), “Sea Otters in Oregon,” local scholars explore the existence and significance of the species in the region, drawing on academic work, archival records, archaeological findings, and Native oral tradition to trace the history of this now-absent ecological and cultural keystone species. Although most accounts of the extirpation of sea otters from the Oregon coast focus on the well-documented international maritime fur trade of the late eighteenth and early twentieth centuries, the authors reveal historical records that demonstrate sea otters persisted much later. 

In “Glimpses of Oregon’s Sea Otters,” Cameron La Follette and Douglas Deur introduce the history of Oregon’s now-extinct sea otter population, describing the emergence of the Chinese market that created and sustained the hunt, the British discovery of potential profits of trading sea otter pelts, and the rise of American traders. 

Douglas Deur, Peter Hatch (Hanis Coos, Siuslaw), and Hannah Wellman explore the complimentary lines of evidence of sea otters’ significance among Native oral tradition and archaeological findings in “The House Full of Otters: Recalling Human-Sea Otter Relationships on an Indigenous Oregon Coast.” Native oral traditions recall a rich history of human encounters with sea otters and speak of the species’ ubiquity, significance, and sentience. Archaeological evidence of sea otter use, found on sites along the Oregon coast, further attest to this longstanding relationship. 

In “The Invisible Slaughter: Local Sea Otter Hunters on the Oregon Coast,” Cameron La Follette, Richard Ravalli, Peter Hatch, Douglas Deur, and Ryan Tucker Jones uncover a long-ignored history of sea otters continuing to inhabit the Oregon coast, although in diminishing numbers, much later than the early nineteenth century, when well-documented accounts associated with international maritime history place their drastic decline and regional extirpation. Their research suggests that sea otter extinction on the Oregon coast (and Washington and California as well) resulted from household-scale hunting by Native Americans and Euro-American settlers from the mid-nineteenth century until around 1910. 

Many of the authors of the special section are board members or advisors of the Elakha Alliance, a nonprofit organization with a mission to “restore a healthy population of sea otters to the Oregon coast and to thereby make Oregon’s marine and coastal ecosystem more robust and resilient.” Elakha (ee-LAK-uh), a Chinook word for sea otter, was resurrected in 2018 after some inactive years by tribal, nonprofit, and conservation leaders who are aware that the sea otter is considered a keystone species, and that Oregon’s nearshore marine ecosystem has suffered as a result of their absence. 

As the journal of record for Oregon history, the Oregon Historical Quarterly publishes well-researched, well-written history about Oregon and the Pacific Northwest for both scholars and general readers. Nearing its 125th volume year, OHQ amplifies knowledge and perspectives that traditional scholarship has often silenced and sparks relevant conversations about history.

The Fall 2023 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly is now available for purchase in the Oregon Historical Society’s Museum Store for $10, and a subscription to OHQ is a benefit of Oregon Historical Society membership. Abstracts for the articles featured in this special issue are available online. 

About the Oregon Historical Society

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

SALEM, Ore. – The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 in the John Day Unit office, 415 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Operator of the Year selection
• Review forest practices technical guidance – Working group debrief
• Division updates

The public may attend in-person or online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by emailing estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.

ST. PAUL, Ore. —As the J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard marks its 50th anniversary, its impressive history of forest conservation and genetic mastery in Oregon's Willamette Valley is in the spotlight. 

Initially envisioned for a state prison, the 400-acre site near St. Paul was bought by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in 1973, becoming one of Oregon's main sources for tree seeds. Today, it aids in regrowing forests critical to the state's economy, environment, and societal well-being. 

Don Kaczmarek, ODF Geneticist, emphasized the orchard’s commitment to traditional breeding, stating, "Currently the orchard is in its third breeding cycle. The first cycle was from wild parent trees that are tested to determine which produce the best progeny, then placing them in the orchard. The second cycle crosses the best selected progenies from the first cycle. The third cycle is currently being monitored with in-place progeny tests and will be monitored for the next 10 years or so. Douglas-fir and Western hemlock are our two most advanced breeding programs." 

The orchard refrains from genetic modifications, focusing on natural traits like increased growth rates, widespread adaptability, and insect and disease resistance. Such efforts have addressed challenges like the Swiss needle cast, a disease notorious for defoliating Douglas-firs in their first and second years. 

From its inception, the seed orchard has thrived as a cooperative venture. Today, it boasts 38 separate seed orchards, with 70 percent of efforts going towards improved Douglas-fir. Each orchard is monitored and maintained for a diverse group of 28 cooperators, including federal agencies, ODF, tribes, and private companies. 

Over the last 20 years, 28,000 pounds of Douglas-fir seeds have been harvested, capable of reforesting around 1.3 million acres in the western regions of Oregon and Washington. "Roughly 95 percent of the Douglas-fir in these regions originates from improved seeds from orchards like ours," Kaczmarek said. 

Beyond seed production, the seed orchard aims to become the most cost-effective seed producer in the Pacific Northwest. Staff are refining techniques and collaborating with partners like Oregon State University to pinpoint the best genetic sources, ensuring the future of Oregon's forests remains green and resilient and is an invaluable asset to a sustainable timber industry in Oregon. 

J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard will host its 50th anniversary celebration in May 2024. The event will be hosted by Casara Nichols, J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard Manager, and seed orchard staff.

CURRY COUNTY, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management has extended the withdrawal of the Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest for another 20 years. This extension allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to continue managing the 334-acre site to support forest science research and to protect the region’s unique natural heritage, including the Research Natural Area’s rare plant and animal species. 

The Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area has been closed to mining development since 1983 to protect the site’s high-quality native ecosystems, which are home to rare species, including Oregon’s northernmost redwood trees. The Forest Service requested an extension of the withdrawal for an additional 20 years to continue these important protections. 

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest expects no changes to the Research Natural Area’s operations, policy, management practices, or allowable uses as a result of the withdrawal extension. 

The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for processing requests for Federal land withdrawals on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. Today’s action follows a Notice of Proposed Withdrawal Extension published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2023, which opened a 90-day comment period. Under the extension, the land remains withdrawn from location and entry under the United States mining laws, subject to valid existing rights.

– BLM – 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

UPDATED RELEASE 09/27/2023

On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, Michael Paul Scholes was contacted by authorities in Lane County, Oregon. He is safe and is no longer considered missing. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating him. 

ORIGINAL RELEASE 09/22/2023 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating 47-year-old Michael Paul Scholes who was reported missing on September 15, 2023. Associates report he hasn't been heard from since June 17, 2023. 

He was last known to be living in his Dodge Caravan with Oregon license plate 575BQM. There is a large white/grey roof mounted cargo bin on the vehicle. Scholes is believed to be accompanied by his adult female Blue Heeler dog. He has been known to frequent the Drain, Yoncalla, and Cottage Grove communities.

Scholes is described as 5'04", 125 lbs, with brown/gray hair and blue eyes. 

Anyone who has seen Scholes or his vehicle is requested to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4464 referencing DCSO Case #23-3658.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Peter and the Wolves, a beloved Hood to Coast Relay team, is proud to mark its 32nd year of participation in this iconic Oregon event. Founded in 1991 by Peter Courtney, the team has evolved over the years into a tight-knit group of runners with strong connections to Western Oregon University (WOU).

Peter Courtney’s journey with Hood to Coast began when he joined a random team as a last-minute runner. Instantly captivated by the experience, he went on to form his own team, consisting of runners connected to WOU, including staff, students, and alumni. Today, the team boasts a roster of eight alumni and one nearly retired staff member, all bound together by their shared passion for this extraordinary race.

The Hood to Coast Relay spans 200 miles from Timberline to Seaside, and each runner takes turns covering legs ranging from three to eight miles, with each participant completing a total of three legs before reaching the finish line on the beautiful Oregon coast.

This year, Sarah Lorenzen ‘98, a dedicated member who has also served as co-captain for several years, celebrates her 16th anniversary on the team. Despite being asked to join the team only one month before race day, Lorenzen enthusiastically accepted the challenge and has been an integral part of the group since 2007. 

“Our team may not be the fastest but we've cultivated the best team that supports each other on the crazy journey from Timberline to Seaside,” shares Lorenzen.

Alongside Lorenzen, the team includes fellow co-captain Ray Jones ‘06, Annie Reed ‘15, Spencer Walsh ‘06, Chris Reed ‘11, Laura Beckert ‘07, Jeremiah Beckert ‘06, Chris Campbell, and Darin Silbernagel, who currently serves as Western’s Treasurer. These dedicated individuals, all with their unique stories and backgrounds, come together each year to tackle the relay, embodying the true spirit of camaraderie and teamwork that defines Peter and the Wolves.

Peter and the Wolves look forward to yet another exhilarating Hood to Coast Relay and are excited to continue their tradition.

If you are interested in joining the team or becoming a substitute runner, please contact the Director of Alumni Engagement at alumni@wou.edu.

SALEM, Ore — Oregon State Parks offers prime viewing spots for the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse. Visitors to parks within the path of annularity will watch the moon partially cover the sun, which creates a ‘ring of fire’ because the moon appears slightly smaller as it passes.

“Our park staff are ready to help visitors safely view this phenomenon,” said JR Collier, deputy of Statewide Operations.

He added that a limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available at Oregon State Parks on the day of the event. 

He also emphasizes that safety is crucial while observing an eclipse. 

Use ISO 12312-2 certified solar filters, avoid damaged filters, and consider projection methods. The eclipse glasses from the 2017 event are expired and shouldn’t be used. 

Travelers coming to Oregon should prepare for potential traffic congestion, check local weather conditions, and pack essentials, including water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Whether you're an experienced eclipse enthusiast or a first-time observer, prioritize safety, and plan your trip to witness the ‘ring of fire’ against Oregon's breathtaking landscapes and clear skies. 

For more information and updates about viewing the eclipse from an Oregon state park, please visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=327.

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High Lakes Redmond Urgent Care Press Release: 

Bend, OR – High Lakes Urgent Care - Praxis Health is pleased to announce the grand opening of a new Urgent Care location that will expand our team and provide more high-quality healthcare services for our community. Beginning October 4th, 2023, the High Lakes Redmond Urgent Care location will share the same facilities as High Lakes Redmond located at 645 NW 4th St Redmond OR 97756 

This expansion marks the continued growth of Praxis Health (gopraxishealth.com), Oregon’s largest, independent medical group, recently voted Best Medical Group 2023 in Central Oregon for the sixth year in a row (The Source Weekly) and winner of The Community Choice Award of The Best Medical Group 2023 in Bend (The Bend Bulletin).  

High Lakes is focused on providing the highest possible level of compassionate, individualized care. As an organization that is family-owned and operated, we believe in the importance of delivering community-oriented care through accessible services that optimize the health and quality of life for all persons. We recognize that patients’ trust in their healthcare professionals is extremely valuable to clinical practice, ensuring that their personal needs are placed at the forefront. We are excited that this expansion will help provide on-site, team-based urgent care for all our patients. 

Praxis Health is rooted in our local communities and our goal is to remain connected to the people and places as we continue to grow. We promise to continue to deliver outstanding, personalized care to all of our patients while honoring the needs of each community that we serve. For more information about us, please visit our website at HighLakesHealthCare.com. 

Quote:

The addition of our Bend Urgent Care in 2018 has contributed to the positive experience of our primary care patients. We were able to increase access for our patients extending into the evenings and weekends; offer a lower cost option for care; and allow for seamless continuity of care and information between patients’ PCP and their immediate care services.  We are delighted to bring this same level of service to our Redmond community. We are pleased to now serve the Redmond, Sisters, and outlying areas so patients do not have to travel to Bend to receive the high level of care delivered at High Lakes Urgent Care. 

- Becca Mataya, Regional Administrator 

Sept. 27, 2023

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

Measure 110 data report show gains continued in clients served substance use treatment and other service and supports

SALEM, Ore. — Measure 110 providers reported continued increases in the number of clients served statewide in all seven network service areas, according to new program reports filed with Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Overdose prevention and peer support services accounted for the largest client gains in the quarterly reporting and over all three quarters. Substance use treatment providers reported 41 percent more clients in quarterly gains and 104 percent over the first three quarters.

The latest reporting encompasses activity from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2023 — the third quarterly reporting period since the Measure 110 networks were established.

Among the highlights:

• Over the three quarters, providers reported the largest percentage of client gains in supported employment and housing services at 365 percent and 190 percent respectively.
• Providers reported more than 7,000 people received substance use disorder treatment — a 104% increase over the three quarters.
• Providers reported more than 47,000 service encounters for people seeking substance use treatment — a 134% increase over all three quarters.

“It’s encouraging to see the reported client gains by Measure 110 service providers. It’s another sign that the statewide networks are taking hold and more people are getting treatment along with critically needed services and supports,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke.

Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) providers report the number of clients they serve, and the number of encounters they have with their clients as a measure of overall engagement. Some clients may receive multiple services within a network or within multiple service networks.

OHA has developed a comprehensive Measure 110 data reporting dashboard that includes quarterly data, expenditures, key demographic information, and aggregated narrative summaries for the 42 statewide service networks.

Also starting this reporting period, the dashboard will contain stories of how Measure 110 is working to save lives, support people in recovery, stabilize youth and families and help people find housing and employment.

The third quarter reporting shows that investments are trending away from the emphasis on capital expenditures and toward sustained treatment and recovery services.

The largest expenditures continued to be housing services at more than $8.7 million in the third quarter, representing the historic investment the Oversight and Accountability Council has made in building new recovery housing across the state.

Preliminary data also showed more client engagement among communities of color. Over the three quarters the number of people seeking substance use treatment increased by 126 percent for people identifying as Hispanic/Latino, Latina or Latinx, 49 percent for people identifying as Black/African American and 180 percent for people identifying as American Indian/Alaskan Native.

The Measure 110 program continues to refine service data collection for communities of color and other disproportionately affected communities, as the networks transition toward implementing Race Ethnicity and Language Disability (REALD) standards in their data collection.

More than one-third of the providers credited Measure 110 funding for enabling them to expand services and decrease wait times for accessing treatment, while nearly 40 percent cited staff retention and recruiting as an ongoing challenge.

One provider cited an example of decreased wait times: “Our transitional home was opened, and we had immediate placement of one family, including a mother and her infant.”

The deadline for the next round of reporting is Oct. 2 for expenditure data and Oct.16 for operational and will cover the time between April through June 30, 2023.

Background: In November 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act of 2020, which became effective Dec. 4, 2020, to better serve people actively using substances or diagnosed with a substance use disorder. In July 2021, the legislature passed SB 755, which amended the act and made it more feasible to implement.

People who provide drug treatment and recovery services and advocates for criminal justice reform wrote Measure 110 in response to the high rate of drug addiction and overdoses in Oregon, and the disproportionate impact of those outcomes on Oregon’s communities of color.

Their goal was to establish a more equitable health-based and effective approach to substance use disorder.

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September 27, 2023

Media contacts:

Erica Heartquist, Oregon Health Authority, ica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov">Erica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov, 503-871-8843

Jake Sunderland, Oregon Department of Human Services,  land@odhs.oregon.gov">Jake.Sunderland@odhs.oregon.gov, 503-877-0170

Latest monthly data continues to show more than 7 out of 10 Oregonians keeping medical benefits as state reviews eligibility

SALEM, Ore. – The latest renewal data continues to show that more than 7 out of 10 Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits. So far, around 1 in 8 people’s benefits are ending.  

Compared with other states, Oregon has the third lowest benefit closure rate in the nation among  completed renewals. Learn more about the steps Oregon is taking to expand access to health coverage.

OHP renewals after the pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government allowed states to keep people on Medicaid and did not require annual eligibility renewals. This ended when the public health emergency ended, and Oregon is currently making sure everyone on OHP is still eligible.

Everyone who has OHP or other Medicaid-funded services and supports will receive a renewal notice by mid-2024. The notice will explain whether the member needs to provide additional information or take action to keep their coverage.

Oregon can process many renewals automatically. Some members need to provide additional information so that we can determine if they are still eligible. Additional information requested from members may include documents such as paystubs or a renewal packet they are asked to review, sign and return.

OHP renewals so far

Between April and September 21, 2023, 807,765 people have come up for renewal. This represents 55.3% of all the OHP and Medicaid members whose eligibility will be reviewed.

• 522,613 people (70.1%) were renewed. Some of these members will also need to provide information to keep their benefits; these members will be recategorized in an upcoming update to our Medical Redeterminations Dashboard .
• 96,530 people (12.0%) were found ineligible and received 60-day notices of termination. Losses of coverage began at the end of June.
• 23,770 people (2.9%) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue our Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.
• We are currently awaiting responses from 12,262 people (1.5%).
• Renewals for 109,218 people (13.5%) are awaiting state action. For instance a member has responded to their renewals and the information needs to be reviewed.

September OHP renewal requests

In September, renewal letters were sent to an additional 142,934 people. 

• 102,700 of those people (71.9%) were renewed without any action needed.
• 30,922 people (21.6%) were asked to provide some information to renew. The most common requests are for income-related proof, like paystubs, or forms of identification, like a government identification or birth certificate.
• 11,231 people (7.9%) were asked to fill out a renewal form.
• 8,123 people (5.7%) had previously reported that they no longer met income limits or other requirements, so received a notice that their benefits will be ending in 60 days.

What to do if OHP is ending:

• First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted) or find other options to connect at benefits.oregon.gov. If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings here
• Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse, or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
• If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding Medicare options, go to OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA), or call SHIBA at 800-722-4134. SHIBA counselors and insurance can help you choose the right Medicare options if you’re losing OHP coverage.

If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up

• Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions and find out how much you can save and how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
• Need free local help figuring any of this out? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.

Act right away when it’s your turn to renew

Renewal notices are going out through mid-2024. If you have OHP or other Medicaid benefits, check your mail often for a letter from the state of Oregon. When receiving a letter, you should do what it asks right away to protect your benefits.

The large number of OHP renewals, along with renewals of long-term services and supports, may cause greater wait times, delays, and possible interruptions to people’s OHP benefits. OHP members are encouraged to respond as quickly as possible after they receive a request for information to avoid any possible delays. The fastest way members can provide an update is by going to benefits.oregon.gov and logging into their ONE online account. 

Find help for renewing your benefits

1. Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
2. Call the ONE Customer Service Center: 800-699-9075 (all relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages).
3. Stop by or call a local office. People can find their local office at:  https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx
4. Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians as the agencies continue to track the state's progress in renewing eligibility for medical programs.To learn more about the marketplace, visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).To sign up for Medicare, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or go to ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up

Home to Herman the Sturgeon, the Center is showing its age 

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore., September 27, 2023—Today marks 25 years since Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF) formally dedicated the Sturgeon Interpretive and Viewing Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, home to Herman the Sturgeon. The Center was built at the hatchery to provide a safe and comfortable habitat for Herman and serve as a venue through which hatchery visitors can learn about this unique and long-lived fish species.  

OWF raised more than $350,000 to construct the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, partly thanks to a grant from ODFW’s Restoration and Enhancement Program.  The Sturgeon Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery is one of Oregon’s top visitor attractions and a “must-see” for people visiting the Columbia River Gorge.  

“Construction of the Sturgeon Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery served the important purpose of giving Herman a safe and permanent home. Its mission to provide visitors with information about white sturgeon and their conservation continues,” said Tim Greseth, Executive Director of Oregon Wildlife Foundation. 

The Center has served its purpose and mission well for 25 years, but prolonged exposure to Columbia River Gorge weather has taken a toll on the building and the interpretive signage within it needs to speak to a present-day audience. This appraisal, on the anniversary of the Center, spurred the Foundation into action. OWF is readying a fundraising campaign to make essential repairs to the building, improvements within the pond, updated messaging regarding white sturgeon and their conservation, and improved wayfinding for people visiting the hatchery. 

“We want to ensure that the Sturgeon Interpretive Center will continue fulfilling its purpose and mission for another 25 years,” said Greseth. The Foundation, as part of its fundraising campaign, will make an appeal for public support in the near future. “We’re getting organized and hope that Herman’s fans will help us when it’s time,” said Greseth.  

Bonneville Hatchery and Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center 

The Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center is located at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, 70543 NE Herman Loop, in Cascade Locks. From I-84, take Exit 40 to Bonneville Dam/Fish Hatchery. Follow the signs to the hatchery and park in the parking lot. For more information on the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, visit www.myodfw.com/bonneville-hatchery-visitors-guide. 

Oregon Wildlife Foundation 

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information visit www.myowf.org. 

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SALEM, Ore. – New rule changes aimed at providing regulatory certainty for harvesting timber and to better protect fish and wildlife will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The changes came about from legislation that supported the landmark Private Forest Accord which was an agreement between the timber industry, small forest landowners, and conservation groups.   

“These are the most sweeping changes to the Forest Practices Act (FPA) since it was enacted in 1973,” said Jennifer Ward, Forest Resources Division training coordinator.  We are providing several training opportunities to help people better understand the changes and the possible impacts on their land. 

The main overview training is titled:  Forest Practices Act changes—streams, roads and more.

 “The largest changes to the FPA are with stream buffers and the construction, maintenance and inventory of forest roads,” said Ward. “We will present these new rules and more importantly take the time to answer questions related to the rule changes.”

The “other” part of the training will focus on programs specifically designed to help the owners of small acreage forestlands. 

“We will have our experts talk about the Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) grant program,” said Ward.  “SFISH helps fund projects that improve fish habitat and reduce risks to natural resources from active or abandoned forest roads. The program provides up to 100 percent of the cost for these projects.”

The training will also provide updates on the new Forest Conservation Tax Credit Program (FCTC). FCTC provides financial benefit to small forestland owners who support conservation and habitat protection by leaving a larger unharvested area next to streams as a conservation area for the protection of wildlife habitat.

“This training is geared toward landowners and operators, including small forest landowners. Anyone is welcome to attend and learn more about these new rules,” said Ward.

The FPA changes—streams, roads and more class will be held 9 a.m. to noon on the following dates and locations:

Oct. 18—Coos Bay/North Bend, The Mill Casino/Salmon Room West, 3201 Tremont Ave, North Bend.

Oct. 26—Baker City, Best Western Sunridge Inn, 1 Sunridge Lane (City center exit 304 off I-84). 

Oct. 26—Klamath Falls, Klamath County Events Center, 3531 South 6^th Street.

Nov. 7—Wilsonville, Wilsonville Holiday Inn, 25425 SW 95th Ave

Registration is available on the ODF website.

e-Notification System (FERNS) New Changes will be held virtually. 

This class is designed to help landowners and operators better understand how to file notices to harvest timber on their land.  The class will discuss new changes to the system, including how to self-certify, road requirements, after harvest completion notices, and more. The class will cover changes for all notifiers first, then will focus on small forest landowner notifications.  

The e-Notification System (FERNS) New Changes class will be held Nov. 16 at two different times.  The first class is 9 a.m.-noon, use this Zoom link.  The second class, with the same content as the first will be held 1-4 p.m., use this Zoom link.  (No registration is required).

September 27, 2023

Media contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology and Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians seeking public comment about proposed rule changes

What: Oregon’s Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Cosmetology (COS) and Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians (CAE) are currently seeking public comment about proposed rule changes related to esthetics and advanced esthetic devices, including cross-over devices and prohibited devices.

The public comment period allows external experts, individuals, entities, advocates, and communities likely to be affected by rule changes to have their voices heard by HLO, COS and CAE during the rulemaking process.

When: Sept. 1 – Oct. 9 at noon.

Background: In 2021, the Legislature passed HB 2970, changing the scope of practice for estheticians and advanced estheticians relating to the use of certain devices. The Legislature also charged both COS and CAE to work together on defining the term “device” within both the esthetics and advanced esthetics profession.

Under HLO, the following boards filed proposed rules with the Oregon Secretary of State, both of which are published in September’s Oregon Bulletin:

• The Board of Cosmetology’s proposed rules
• The Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians proposed rules

How to comment: Reach out to Samie Patnode at Samie.Patnode@oha.oregon.gov or Carrie Edwards at rie.Edwards@oha.oregon.gov">Carrie.Edwards@oha.oregon.gov. Comments can also be submitted via regular mail to:

Health Licensing Office, Attn: Samie Patnode, 1430 Tandem Ave. NE, Suite 180, Salem, OR 97301-2192

CITY of GRANTS PASS, Ore. (September 27, 2023) The fire danger level within the City of Grants Pass will decrease to “LOW” (green) on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 09:00 a.m.

Due to the widespread rains received conditions have improved allowing the Fire Marshal for the City of Grants Pass to lower the fire danger level to low (green). While conditions have improved, it is important to remember we must remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent fire.

The primary change to fire prevention regulations now in effect is to allow unrestricted use of power-driven machinery, use of power saws, mowing of dry grass, and the cutting, grinding, and welding of metal. 

Outdoor burning and wood-fueled firepits remain prohibited.

For more information about the City of Grants Pass Fire Season regulations, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-450-6200

Sept. 27, 2023

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459,

timothy.heider@oha.oregon.gov

New supportive and residential housing investments head toward completion throughout Oregon

SALEM, Ore. —More than 1,000 new residential and supportive housing units and beds are expected to come available by July 2025, filling a critical need in communities throughout the state, according to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) estimates.

Once completed, OHA expects the new projects to increase the state’s behavioral health housing capacity by about 20 percent.

The emerging capacity springs from more than $220 million in behavioral health investments made by the 2021 Oregon Legislature. OHA has distributed these funds to housing providers over the past two years to bolster residential treatment capacity throughout the state.

“We are seeing the results of this investment bearing fruit,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke. “These investments are a giant step toward closing the residential housing gap and will add much-needed capacity during a time of great need.”

OHA is creating a comprehensive and robust dashboard providing details of the investments by county and by program, along with an estimated occupancy timeline. The dashboard is scheduled to go live this fall.

According to the dashboard approximately $100 million grants awarded in 2021 to Oregon counties will yield 712 new units and beds. Another $123 million awarded to social service providers will boost capacity by 382. An additional 42 youth residential beds are also in development.

Timelines for such projects can typically take years to complete due to logistical considerations. The calculations include development costs such as purchasing real estate, facility renovations, not operating revenues.

There have been three completed projects to date.

• Columbia Care Twin Pines in Central Point renovated 8 new beds. The project was completed May 2022 and serves people with mental illness.
• Sequoia Mental Health Inc. renovated 5 new beds in Hillsboro. The project serves people with psychiatric disabilities.
• Shangri-La Harlow House in Eugene created 5 beds for people with serious and persistent mental illness. The project was completed in November 2022.

The dashboard shows a total capacity in all forms of residential housing of 4,908 beds and supportive housing units and a cumulative cost of more than $316 million. The largest total is in supportive housing, followed by rental assistance. More than 1,000 beds are classified as supportive housing.

The dashboard content does not yet include housing supports and services funded through Measure 110.

To date, Measure 110 providers have funded 38 supportive and transitional housing projects and have created 188 new service units and beds. Most are single-family residences or renovations that were converted into supportive housing.

OHA is currently conducting a study to determine residential mental health and substance use treatment capacity throughout the state, identify gaps and guide investments. OHA expects to complete the study by the end of the year. It will inform the state’s five-year plan to expand behavioral health treatment in Oregon.

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The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission voted to allow beach driving to continue in fall, winter, and spring at one access point in Lincoln City and to prohibit it year-round at the other starting Oct. 1 due to ongoing safety issues. 

The new rules were adopted September 20 in cooperation with Lincoln City Council, which voted earlier to support the proposal based on its staff recommendations. Fire and rescue crews encouraged the city and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to make the changes for public safety. 

“I’m grateful for our partners in Lincoln City and around Oregon who voiced their concerns and helped find a solution that balances the needs of our visitors at the Oregon Coast. This rule change provides a safer experience at the beach access points in Lincoln City,” said Central Coast District Manager Preson Phillips.

Motor vehicles will be allowed to access the ocean shore at NW 15^th Street, and drive 150 feet in either direction from Oct. 1 to April 30. Motor vehicles are prohibited at all other times except for emergency vehicles.

Motor vehicles will be prohibited year-round from driving on the ocean shore at NW 34^th Street in Lincoln City. Safety concerns included crowding, a lack of separation of pedestrians and vehicles and the risk of injury to visitors playing in the stream directly below the access point. 

OPRD will install signs that communicate the rule changes to the public. It will also work to improve signage and communication around both access locations regarding where individuals with disabilities can access the ocean shore.